2012 Lexus RX350
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 167 |
| 2008 | 126 |
| 2009 | 97 |
| 2010 | 94 |
| 2011 | 30 |
| 2012 | 33 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2015 | 42 |
| 2016 | 58 |
| 2017 | 46 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
30% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 2012 LEXUS ON 5/1/13. I PULLED OUT OF A GAS STATION UNTO THE ROAD AND STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND A CAR CARRIER WHICH WAS STOPPED ALREADY. WHEN I STOPPED, MY CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT THE BACK OF THE TRUCK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130822
ON 6/25/2012- AT 7:10 AM, I WAS PULLING INTO THE PARKING SPOT FOR MY VEHICLE IN MY HOSPITAL PARKING LOT FOR A SCHEDULED SURGICAL CASE, WHERE I WORK AS AN OB/GYN PHYSICIAN/SURGEON .
NHTSA ODI report, 20120630
15% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2013 LEXUS RX350. ON AUGUST 14, 2019 AS I WAS PARKING MY CAR AND ROLLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, WITH MY FOOT ONLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191015
BOTH WHEELS ARE NOT STOPPING AT THE SAME TIME. THE CAR HAS A SLIGHT JUMP FORWARD WHEN YOU EXPECT TO BE TOTALLY STOPPED. THE CAR HAS NEW FRONT AND BACK BRAKES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190223
12% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I BOUGHT THE NEW CAR FROM A LEXUS DEALER IN NJ ON SATURDAY 12/03/2011. RIGHT AFTER THE CAR WAS DELIVERED TO ME AND AS I DROVE THE CAR OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP, I NOTICED THAT RPM SURGED WHENEVER GEAR UPSHIFTED SPECIALLY IN 15-40 MPH RANGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111216
12% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE12% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS TOLD THAT A CIRCUT BREAKER FAILED UNDER THE DASH ,AS TO THE CAUSE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND HAD SOME STRANGE ELECTRIAL ISSUES. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120322
SAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 14V054000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Lexus RX350 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V054000 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Lexus RX350 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Lexus RX350 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lexus RX350?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus RX350 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.