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 PER YEAR
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 | 76 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 47 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 46 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 59 |
| 2024 | 55 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
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, 20260914
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, 20231020
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and POWER TRAIN
3 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
2 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: tires.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Lexus RX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.