YearToAvoid

2012 Lexus RX350 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2012 Lexus RX350 has a Complaint Index of 72 and ranks 6th worst out of 19 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine complaints dominate at 42% of reports, often tied to sudden acceleration or lurching, with a median failure mileage of 17,439 miles. One brake-related recall covers this year.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
72/100
#6 of 19 RX350 years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
33
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
11
reported in complaints
Fires
2
Injuries
13
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2020
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
20.5
18 city / 24.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
13 / 0

Top 2012 Lexus RX350 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine14 (42%)
  2. Brakes8 (24%)
  3. Airbags4 (12%)
  4. Electrical System4 (12%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain4 (12%)
  6. Fuel System3 (9%)
  7. Seat Belts2 (6%)
  8. Structure & Body2 (6%)
  9. Steering1 (3%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners describe the vehicle lurching or accelerating unexpectedly at low speeds while parking or exiting a lot, sometimes causing a collision.
  • Some report the accelerator pedal not returning to its resting position after being pressed.
  • Brake pedal application sometimes produces a slight forward jump instead of a smooth stop, with front and rear wheels not stopping evenly.
  • A circuit breaker under the dash reportedly failed, causing electrical problems that led to a total loss of the vehicle.
  • In crash situations, some owners say the airbags failed to deploy and the seat belt did not restrain them despite a significant impact.
2012 Lexus RX350 complaints: complaints filed per month2Dec 2011Oct 2012Sep 2013Mar 2015Jan 2017Nov 2018Oct 2019
33 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2011 to Jul 2020; peak Dec 2011 (2).

2012 Lexus RX350 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 14V054000Feb 12, 2014Brakes261,114 vehicles

    Electronic stability control (esc)

    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.

    Risk: 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.

2012 Lexus RX350 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18 MPG
Highway
24.5 MPG
Combined
20.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,175
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
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 RX350 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Avoid10094120.5
2011Caution6130120.5
2012Caution7233120.5
2013Avoid7859121
2014Good2815021

All Lexus RX350 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Lexus RX350 reliable?
Compared to other RX350 model years, the 2012 carries a Complaint Index of 72 and ranks 6th worst out of 19 years tracked, earning a Caution verdict. Engine-related complaints, especially at a median mileage of 17,439 miles, are the biggest concern.
What is the main problem with the 2012 Lexus RX350?
Engine problems make up 42% of complaints for this year, the largest share of any category, followed by brakes at 24%.
Does the 2012 Lexus RX350 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one recall for the 2012 RX350, campaign 14V054000, covering a brake actuator issue addressed with a software update by Toyota and Lexus dealers.
How does the 2012 RX350 compare to other RX350 years?
The 2012 RX350's Complaint Index of 72 is lower than the worst years like 2010 (100) and 2007 (94), but higher than better years like 2020 (17) and 2014 (28), placing it in the Caution range.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Lexus RX350?
EPA rates the 2012 RX350 at 20.5 mpg combined (18 city / 24.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,175.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.