2012 Lexus ES350

▲ Better than typical

2012 Lexus ES350
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:42:30.758Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2012: 89 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	465
2008	255
2009	145
2010	137
2011	153
2012	89
2013	23
2014	16
2015	16
2016	21
2017	22
2018	5
2019	5
2020	5
2021	5
2022	2
2023	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 87%

87% of complaints: air bags — 77 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER SIDE KNEE AIRBAG CAUSED HEMATOMA, SECOND DEGREE BURN ON L. LEG, RESULTING IN 2 SURGERIES, USE OF WOUND VAC FOR 2 1/2 MONTHS, AND PERMANENT LYMPEDEMA AND SCARRING ON L. CALF.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180408

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2%

2% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS ES350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD UNUSUALLY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130125

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2%

2% of complaints: electrical system — 2 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS ES350. THE CONTACT STATED THE PERSON DRIVING SAW SMOKE STARTING TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT, AFTER THE SEAT HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150108

WHEELS 1%

1% of complaints: wheels — 1 distinct report on file.

STRUCTURE 1%

1% of complaints: structure — 1 distinct report on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20170201 — air bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever...

Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge.

Campaign 17V006000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190215 — air bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of...

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019.

Campaign 19V005000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20191120 — air bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,...

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.

Campaign 19V741000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Lexus ES350 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for air bags issues (77 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 17V006000 (air bags) has been completed.
Verify recall 19V005000 (air bags) has been completed.
Verify recall 19V741000 (air bags) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 2010 ● 2009 ● 2011

WORST YEARS

■ 2007 ◆ 2008 ● 2011

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2012 Lexus ES350 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Lexus ES350 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lexus ES350?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 87% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus ES350 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.