2012 Lexus RX350 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
85/100
#3 most-complained of 14 RX350 years
The 2012 Lexus RX350 ranks 3rd worst out of 14 model years, with a complaint index of 85 and 33 complaints. Engine problems dominate at 42% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 17,439 miles, making this year a relative Avoid compared to other RX350 years.
- Complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 11 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20.5
- 18 city / 24.5 hwy
Top 2012 Lexus RX350 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine14 (42%)
- Brakes8 (24%)
- Airbags4 (12%)
- Electrical System4 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (12%)
- Fuel System3 (9%)
- Seat Belts2 (6%)
- Structure & Body2 (6%)
- Steering1 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking at low speed, resulting in the vehicle lurching forward or backward into objects.
- Some report the accelerator pedal failing to return to its resting position after being pressed.
- Electrical system failures include a circuit breaker failing under the dash, in one case leading to a fire and total loss of the vehicle.
- Brake complaints describe uneven stopping between wheels and a forward jump when the driver expects the car to be fully stopped.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during rear-end and side-impact crashes, leaving occupants to hit the steering wheel or window.
- One fuel system complaint raised concern about a possible link between fuel delivery issues and sudden acceleration events.
2012 Lexus RX350 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Lexus RX350 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 33 complaints for the 2012 RX350 and a complaint index of 85, ranking it 3rd worst of 14 model years, so it is considered an Avoid year relative to other RX350 years.
- What is the main problem with the 2012 Lexus RX350?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, making up 42% of complaints (14 of 33), with a median failure mileage of 17,439 miles and 8 crashes linked to this category.
- Does the 2012 Lexus RX350 have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 14V054000) covers a brake system actuator issue affecting the Skid Control electronic control, requiring a software update from Toyota and Lexus dealers.
- How does the 2012 RX350 compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 85 is higher than 2011 (77) and 2014 (23), but lower than 2010 (100), placing 2012 among the worse years for the RX350 alongside 2010, 2011, and 2013.