2012 Lexus IS
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 18 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 10 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 122 |
| 2008 | 102 |
| 2009 | 40 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 18 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
8 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
I was rear ended by a car at a high rate of speed and pushed into the car in front of me. None of my air bags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-21
My Lexus 2012 IS 250 accelerated on its own, brakes did not engage after depressing them X2, and then I crashed into a truck. Air bag did not deploy. Reported to Lexus who assumed no responsibility for incident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-07-14
Also filed under Vehicle speed control and service brakes
Visibility/wiper
4 of 18 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
The dashboard (instrument panel) on this 2012 Lexus IS 250 has degraded and deteriorated, developing a shiny, reflective surface.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-06
The dashboard is sticky/melting causing it to be extremely shiny. It is available for inspection upon request. Due to the shininess of the dashboard, it causes a glare on the windshield during the daytime.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-10
Also filed under Structure
Structure
4 of 18 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2012 Lexus IS250 has sticky dashboard and door panels. The dash IS wet with a sticky like substance which also causes a glare and stains anything that touches the surface. The door panels are peeling horribly and extremely soft to touch.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-22
Vehicle speed control
2 of 18 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Service brakes
2 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes.
Safety 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 IS — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 4 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2012 Lexus IS reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lexus IS?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus IS 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.