2012 Lexus RX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2012 Lexus RX has 12 complaints and a complaint index of 0, ranking best of 21 model years with no recalls filed. It earns a Best verdict, with electrical system and engine issues each making up 25% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #21 of 21 RX years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 12
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 30 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 Lexus RX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (25%)
- Engine3 (25%)
- Brakes2 (17%)
- Other2 (17%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (17%)
- Airbags1 (8%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (8%)
- Steering1 (8%)
- Structure & Body1 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the alternator failing and draining the battery until the engine shuts off while driving, sometimes leaving the vehicle without steering power.
- Some describe the car powering off briefly while driving, along with flickering lights at night and heavy shaking when braking.
- The ABS warning light has illuminated at highway speed with the ABS seizing, though the vehicle could still be steered to the roadside.
- One owner reported the low tire pressure warning light coming on along with the vehicle pulling to the right at highway speed.
- An airbag warning light appeared with a front satellite sensor bus initialization error code.
- One owner reported peeling and cracking paint separating from metallic body surfaces, described as not typical wear.
2012 Lexus RX recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2012 Lexus RX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 30 MPG
- Highway
- 27.5 MPG
- Combined
- 28.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other RX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Lexus RX reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 RX ranks best among all 21 model years, with only 12 complaints, a complaint index of 0, and zero recalls.
- What is the top complaint area for the 2012 Lexus RX?
- Electrical System and Engine each account for 25% of complaints, followed by Brakes and Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 17% each.
- Does the 2012 Lexus RX have any recalls?
- No. NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2012 Lexus RX.
- How does the 2012 RX compare to other Lexus RX years?
- The 2012 RX has a complaint index of 0, the lowest of any RX year, while the worst years, 2021 and 2023, have complaint indexes of 100 and 90.
- What fuel economy does the 2012 Lexus RX get?
- The EPA rates the 2012 RX at 28.5 mpg combined (30 city / 27.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800.