VehicleVerdict

2012 Lexus Rx350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Lexus Rx350 sits mid-pack among Rx350 years: 46 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 40, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 22 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (10), electrical system (8), and brakes (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

46

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

22

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Rx350 years?

Rx350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted210 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 210 complaints2008: 160 complaints2009: 114 complaints2010: 123 complaints2011: 49 complaints2012: 46 complaints2013: 39 complaints2014: 22 complaints2015: 58 complaints2016: 78 complaints2017: 69 complaints2018: 30 complaints2019: 41 complaints2020: 9 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 11 complaints2023: 4 complaints
Rx350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rx350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Lexus Rx350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control1022%
Electrical System817%
Brakes613%
Airbags511%
Transmission49%
Engine49%
Fuel System37%
Seat Belts24%
Body & Structure24%
Steering12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2012 Lexus Rx350 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V054000Electrical SystemFebruary 12, 2014 · 261,114 units

Defect

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.

Consequence

If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AFTER EXITING A PARKING LOT BY BACKING OUT, LEXUS RX 350 DRIVER PRECEDED TO THE PARKING LOT EXIT. UPON MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN TOWARDS THE EXIT, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LURCHED FORWARD AND DESPITE THE DRIVERS ATTEMPT TO STOP THE CAR BY APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CAR HIT ANOTHER PARKED CAR. THE RX 350…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 5, 2013 · crash

“I WAS TOLD THAT A CIRCUT BREAKER FAILED UNDER THE DASH ,AS TO THE CAUSE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND HAD SOME STRANGE ELECTRIAL ISSUES. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 17, 2012 · fire

“BOTH WHEELS ARE NOT STOPPING AT THE SAME TIME. THE CAR HAS A SLIGHT JUMP FORWARD WHEN YOU EXPECT TO BE TOTALLY STOPPED. THE CAR HAS NEW FRONT AND BACK BRAKES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 10, 2018 · crash

“I WAS STOPPED TURNING RIGHT FORM ONE CITY STREET ONTO ANOTHER CITY STREET WHEN I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT STOP ME FROM CAREENING FORWARD IN THE SEAT CAUSING MY HEAD TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. I RECEIVED A CUT OVER MY RIGHT EYE FROM THE IMPACT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 22, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK AND POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE, SHE ATTEMPTED TO EXIT WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE ROLLED OVER HER BUTTOCKS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 2, 2015

2012 Lexus Rx350 — common questions

Is the 2012 Lexus Rx350 reliable?

It is close to typical for the Rx350: 46 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 Rx350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (10 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 2012 Lexus Rx350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Lexus Rx350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus Rx350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rx350 years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2010, 2009, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among Rx350 years belongs to 2006.

How safe is the 2012 Lexus Rx350?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Lexus Rx350 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.