2012 Lexus RX350: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (27% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 lexus rx330. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the ABS and brake system warning lights illuminated when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond. The vehicle was taken to audi pensacola located at 6303 pensacola blvd, pensacola, fl 32505, (844) 313-0046, and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 14v054000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control), however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2020
“I was broadsided on my drivers door and not 1 airbag went off. The officer said she was driving at least 40mph. I had left the stop sign to make my left hand turn when it occured. My car was totaled”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2019
“During driving in the highway suddenly the whole vehicle is shaking and reduced speed suddenly; all kind of engine warning lights are turned on as have to pull aside on the highway. Have to tow the car to the dealership and found that cylinder valve spring inside the engine has broken as the car only has about 65000 miles. This causing vehicle to misfire and vehicle is shaking. There are multiple recall of lexus model on valve spring and this obviously seems an manufacturer defect.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle current mileage is 32k apprx garage kept. Front passenger belt locks frequently. Also the steering got hard. No leaking of any sort of oil too. Currently the vehicle is being used but scared if steering motion would freeze.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2019
“While driving on I-15 near st. George on an overcast, but dry road, we heard a loud bang or thump on our vehicle. Traffic was light and no other vehicles were near. We could find no evidence of damage. While listening to a news report last evening, involving a problem with spontaneous shattering of sunroofs, I immediaely went to my garage to look at my sunroof and sure enough it was shattered.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2019
“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.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Sep 2018
“Front passenger seat occupancy sensor is not working, it lights up, standing, im motion all the time, I am afraid if I have a wife or love one on that seat”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2018
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 lexus rx350. The contact stated that the brakes felt abnormal and the traction control warning indicator illuminated. Two weeks later, while attempting to make a u turn, the brakes seized and the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14v054000 (electronic stability control, service brakes, hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2016
“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 required medical attention due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,450.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact RX350 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Lexus RX350 reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2012 Lexus RX350. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Lexus RX350 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 32,000 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Lexus RX350 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electronic stability control (esc). Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.