2012 Lexus RX350 problems & reliability
33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Lexus RX350, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
7 complaints report injuries (13 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control → | 10 | 30% |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 15% |
| Air Bags | 4 | 12% |
| Electrical System | 4 | 12% |
| Engine | 4 | 12% |
| Power Train | 4 | 12% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 3 | 9% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 6% |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 6% |
| Structure | 2 | 6% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 30,750 miles (middle 50% between 14,220 and 65,842 miles), based on 26 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Service Brakes · filed Jul 20, 2020
“The cfei (certified fire & explosion investigator) fire lieutenant/investigator with the city of ft. Lauderdale's fire dept, who also responded to my 911 call, had pointed out and explained to me the intensity of flame, heat and burn pattern in the engine and stated that this was caused by a mechanical engine…”
Electrical System · filed Jul 5, 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”
Air Bags · filed Jan 3, 2020
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
221 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Lexus RX350. The 10 most recent:
TI: 19LE05 Expired December 1, 2022
KLG Technical In · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2022
DP: Limited Service Campaign KLG expired December 01, 2022
KLG Dealer Packa · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2022
TI: 19LE05 Expired December 1, 2022
19LE05 Technical · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2022
DP: Customer Support Program 19LE05 expired December 1, 2022.
19LE05 Dealer Pa · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2022
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
Safety Recall 22 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 13, 2022
TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or…
L-SB-0006-22 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 9, 2022
TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address…
L-SB-0004-22 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 24, 2022
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be…
Lexus PRO19-02 - · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2022
OBSOLETE NOTICE July 26, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0024-21.
L-SB-0018-14 Obs · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 26, 2021
TSB: Some 2007 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC evaporator drain hose has become obstructed with an insect nest. An insect repellent drain hose tip…
L-SB-0024-21 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 26, 2021
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2012 Lexus RX350 has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2012 Lexus RX350?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 30,750 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.