BrakesDriver assistance
Filed May 26, 2026
failed Brake Actuator
- NHTSA ID
- 11739996
- Incident
- May 22, 2026
2012 Lexus RX
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
11
Latest May 26, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
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InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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Overview
Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Lexus RX, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and brakes categories. 33 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| May 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 2 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 3 |
| Apr 2025 | 2 | 5 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 6 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 7 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 8 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 9 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 10 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 11 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Driver assistance318.8%
- Electrical318.8%
- Brakes212.5%
- Engine212.5%
- Suspension16.3%
- Airbags16.3%
- Tires & wheels16.3%
- Body & structure16.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
No recalls in our database for this model year
That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Body & structure
Filed Apr 22, 2026
Pearl White (077) paint is delaminated from metallic car surfaces. The paint appears to be separating from the surface and peeling/cracking, not consistent with normal wear alone. I previously reported this concern to Lexus Corporate.
- NHTSA ID
- 11733008
- Incident
- Dec 31, 2022
Electrical
Filed Jan 2, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2012 Lexus RX350. The contact purchased the vehicle, and it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 127,832. The contact stated that at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 257,193.
- NHTSA ID
- 11708430
- Incident
- Jan 2, 2026
- Mileage
- 257,193 mi
Airbags
Filed Oct 16, 2025
Air bag issue light turn on, it said b1608 front satellite sensor bus initialization error LH code
- NHTSA ID
- 11693738
- Incident
- Oct 13, 2025
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that the four rear tires were replaced with Blackhawk Tires, Tire Line: Street HH11, Tire Size: 235/45/R18, DOT Number: 1YJEERYLY. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started pulling to the right. The contact started pumping the brake pedal and was able to pull over safely. The contact observed that the driver's side rear tire had a gash on the side wall. The contact stated that the tires were replaced on June 10, 2025. The contact stated that Roadside Assistance arrived at the scene and replaced the tire with the spare. The dealer was contacted and suggested that the vehicle be brought to their location. The contact was informed that the tire would have to be replaced out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 30,171. The tire failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11683882
- Incident
- Aug 26, 2025
- Mileage
- 30,171 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the ABS seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted and functioned as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V054000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11665369
- Incident
- Oct 6, 2022
ElectricalExterior lightingSuspension
Filed Apr 17, 2025
My car powers off while driving and then cuts back home within a second. It also has electrical issues the lights so flash during the night when you’re driving and then the front and shakes so bad that it shakes you just about off the road when you hit the brakes
- NHTSA ID
- 11655212
- Incident
- Mar 26, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 16, 2025
The engine shuts off for a second while driving
- NHTSA ID
- 11654908
- Incident
- Mar 27, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
L-SB-0030-24 Rev2
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
L-SB-0017-19 Rev1
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.
L-SB-0017-19 Rev1
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.
L-SB-0030-24 Rev1
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
L-SB-0030-24 Rev1
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
L-SB-0030-24
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 66.9 |
| 2024 | 54 | 4 | 0 | 58.2 |
| 2023 | 55 | 3 | 0 | 58.8 |
| 2022 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 50.5 |
| 2021 | 69 | 1 | 0 | 54.7 |
| 2020 | 44 | 1 | 0 | 54.9 |
| 2019 | 33 | 1 | 0 | 56.6 |
| 2018 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 45.5 |
| 2017 | 46 | 0 | 0 | 51.0 |
| 2016 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 42.2 |
| 2015 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 53.8 |
| 2014 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 50.6 |
| 2013 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 57.2 |
| 2012Viewing | 11 | 0 | 0 | 41.8 |
| 2011 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 55.4 |
| 2010 | 76 | 0 | 0 | 48.0 |
| 2009 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 40.9 |
| 2008 | 70 | 0 | 0 | 44.6 |
| 2007 | 58 | 0 | 1 | 40.6 |
| 2006 | 31 | 1 | 1 | 52.3 |
| 2005 | 27 | 1 | 1 | 57.4 |
| 2004 | 40 | 1 | 1 | 48.1 |
| 2003 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2002 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 52.3 |
| 2001 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 32.3 |
| 2000 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 34.1 |
| 1999 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 33.0 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.