2012 Lexus IS
Only 17 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 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 39 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 17 |
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 17 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20191021
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, 20150714
4 of 17 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20240610
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, 20191222
3 of 17 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20240610
2 of 17 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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, 20150714
2 of 17 total reports mention: service brakes.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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, 20150714
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Lexus IS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (3 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 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus IS have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.