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 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 32 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
60% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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
I HAD A 2012 LEXUS ES 350 AND HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I WAS PARKING. I WAS ANGLE PARKING AND HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE CAR JUMPED INTO A BRICK WALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150609
17% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAD A 2012 LEXUS ES 350 AND HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I WAS PARKING. I WAS ANGLE PARKING AND HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE CAR JUMPED INTO A BRICK WALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150609
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
10% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 3 distinct reports on file.
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
7% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.
3% 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 (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (3 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 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus ES have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.