2012 Lexus ES
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 23 |
| 2004 | 16 |
| 2005 | 58 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 46 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2013 | 33 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
61% of complaints: air bags — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2012 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle, causing the vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front, resulting in a three-vehicle crash.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260723
Airbag recall was replaced 8/02/2022. Car accident occurred 8/03/2022. Airbags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220808
CONSUMER WAS A PASSENGER IN A 2012 LEXUS ES340. SHE CLAIMS THAT THE PLASTIC SHROUD HOLDING THE AIR BAG CUT OPEN HER LEG, CAUSING VERY SERIOUS INJURIES AND PAIN. *BF THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A TWO-VEHICLE, SIDE IMPACT CRASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160720
16% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE HORN QUIT WORKING. FOUND IT WORKS ONLY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED CLOSE TO END OF CLOCKWISE AND COUNTERCLOCKWISE DIRECTION. DEEMED SAFETY HAZARD SINCE NO HORN SOUND TO ALERT PEDESTIANS, BICYCLISTS AND OTHER DRIVERS OF DANGER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191025
13% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing dashboard and body.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Driving down the interstate and out of the blue my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a gunshot and I was driving 80mph. I almost ran into another driver due to glass falling on me.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250121
Also filed under VISIBILITY/WIPER and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 3 distinct reports on file.
INJURY3% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 1 distinct report on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Lexus ES reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Lexus ES is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lexus ES?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus ES have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.