2012 Lexus RX
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 12 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 35 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 40 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 32 |
| 2007 | 58 |
| 2008 | 70 |
| 2009 | 34 |
| 2010 | 77 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 47 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 48 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2023 | 60 |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Known problem areas
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
3 of 12 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Alternator completely shut down on Sunday,XXX. Battery warning light came on out of the blue on Sat, XXX at 8:45 PM in Independence, MO in front of Walmart on [XXX], had to go autozone on [XXX] in [XXX]. Test came back showing Alternator failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-14
Also filed under Steering
October 20, '23 Our recent DEAD STOP! Whistle blower! Did you know that when the alternator goes out on a Lexus, that the car draws down energy from the battery to keep the car going? That's only for about a mile or so, then the car shuts down!
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-20
Also filed under Vehicle speed control and power train
Electrical system
3 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Service brakes
2 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Tires
1 of 12 total reports mentions: tires.
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 RX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Lexus RX 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 RX?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus RX 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.