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2012 Lexus RX problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Lexus RX is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical RX model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
88/100
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
33
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
20-29mpg

The worst 2012 Lexus RX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Acceleration
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Lexus RX 33

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 33 bulletins for the 2012 Lexus RX

2012 Lexus RX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cyl HybridFWD312829
3.5L 6‑cyl HybridAWD292728
3.5L 6‑cylAWD182420

What 2012 Lexus RX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Engine, Steering · KS

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. Now power steering is gone and prob battery too. All interior electric systems shut down also. Headlight bulbs became affected within 1 month of purchase from dealership on XXX. Replacement bulbs for dims done last week. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 26, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · FL

failed Brake Actuator

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Body · NC

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.

Filed Jan 2, 2026 · Electrical · 257,193 miles · IL

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.

Filed Oct 16, 2025 · Airbags · NE

Air bag issue light turn on, it said b1608 front satellite sensor bus initialization error LH code

Filed Aug 29, 2025 · Tires · 30,171 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Jun 6, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Apr 17, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · MS

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

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MS

The engine shuts off for a second while driving

Filed Oct 20, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

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! You can't steer and THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING and you have no power as you come to a dead stop, whether on the freeway, or one lane mountain pass road, where we would have been later. What would we have done? Scary! Luckily, our Lexus stalled on a city street nearing our on-ramp to the freeway. (needing to be towed.) Lexus has a serious engineering-defective-design-flaw that probably is responsible for accidents. Thanks, [XXX] . Pass it on please! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2012 Lexus RX before you buy

Compare the 2012 Lexus RX

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2012 Lexus RX

Is the 2012 Lexus RX reliable?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2012 Lexus RX, fewer than a typical RX model year.

What is the 2012 Lexus RX year score?

The 2012 Lexus RX scores 88 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus RX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Lexus RX?

Electrical system, with 3 complaints. Next is engine (3).

How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus RX have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Lexus RX get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Lexus RX range from 20 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 31 city and 28 highway.

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