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
- 31
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
None on file
None on file
61% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 31 complaints
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 | 60 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 46 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
61% · 19 reportsShow 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, 2026-07-23
Airbag recall was replaced 8/02/2022. Car accident occurred 8/03/2022. Airbags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-08-08
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, 2016-07-20
Electrical system
16% · 5 reportsShow 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, 2019-10-25
Structure
13% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing dashboard and body.
Show 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, 2025-01-21
Also filed under Visibility/wiper
Visibility/wiper
10% · 3 reportsVehicle speed control
3% · 1 reportSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 4 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.