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2012 Lexus ES350 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 116 complaints about the 2012 Lexus ES350 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (95) and the body, doors & structure (7). Those complaints describe 7 crashes, 3 fires and 10 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 2019 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2011 has 197 and the 2013 has 50.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical ES350 year, for its age

#85 most complained-about 2012 vehicle

Complaints
116
Recalls
3
Crashes
7
Fires
3
Injuries
10
Deaths
0

Most common 2012 Lexus ES350 problems

Share of all 116 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2012 Lexus ES350 recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: inflator module

19V741000928,220 vehicles affected

The problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Air bags: inflator module

19V0050001,299,448 vehicles affected

The problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

Air bags: inflator module

17V006000577,875 vehicles affected

The problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).

What owners say

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116 complaints about the 2012 Lexus ES350

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.

Body, doors & structureVisibility & wipers1 injury

Driving down the interstate and out of the blue my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a gunshot and I was driving 80mph. I almost ran into another driver due to glass falling on me.

Filed Incident Structure · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11637350
Body, doors & structure

The contact owns a 2012 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while sitting in the sun, the dashboard melted causing a glare in the windshield. The contact called the dealer and was advised to take the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact there were no open recalls associated with the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11583409
Visibility & wipers

The dashboard is melting causing a glare that's hard to see through on the windshield. I found a self service from Lexus that they recalled it themselves but it isn't official thought the government. [[redacted]] ). I called Lexus and they said I had to call corporate, so I did. They still wouldn't help me as it isn't an official recall even though they extended the program to 2026. This is a major saftey concern. I could eventually hit someone because of the glare. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11583403
Visibility & wipers

Sticky dash board, tryed to clean it and it becomes shinny and reflects sunlight

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11493290
AirbagsCrash1 injury

Airbag recall was replaced 8/02/2022. Car accident occurred 8/03/2022. Airbags did not deploy.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11478255
Electrical systemBody, doors & structure

The contact owns a 2012 Lexus ES350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the key was detected, and trunk open warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the doors would lock and unlock independently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the trunk latch replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and agreed to cover the cost of the partial repair. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 11438493
Other & unknown

Sales rep. Stated that the dash boards is very sticky

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11417602
Acceleration & cruise control

Unintended acceleration occurred while pulling straight into a parking spot. Vehicle was going about 1 mph with foot gently applying the brake while coming to a stop. Car suddenly accelerated at what appears to be full throttle. Car jumped over concrete parking curb and rested on top of the concrete curb, coming to a halt. This sudden acceleration incident occurred on october 12, 2020.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11366111
Airbags

I received a letter to take the vehicle to nearest dealer for air bag recall replacement process, and I called and initiated online chatting w/ the lexus air bag recall support team numerous times but failed to get a response from them. Online chat representative stated they can't help with scheduling, and representatives over the phone, more than 6 times of attempt, either hung up during the call and kept on transferring. It happened since march on a different dates and they still refused to complete the appointment scheduling process.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11363245
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact stated that the door locks failed to latch securely when the doors were closed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who stated that the door locks needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to any recalls pertaining to the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.

Filed Incident Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 11343217
Airbags

Light can on and off 12/20/2019 when I was driving, I pull into parking lot and cut off engine...Waited a few minutes and started car back up it went away, the next day 12/21/2019 when I started up my car it came on while still park and stay on, not a good feeling .

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11290583
Electrical system

All 4 doors stopped locking by key fob, inside switches or exterior door handle switches or when putting the transmission in gear. No click is heard when trying to lock doors but clicking is heard when hitting the unlock switches. Doors will unlock electronically/ electrically when they are manually locked from inside the vehicle. A previous report indicated a similar problem that a dealer diagnosed as all of the door locks needed replaced, which makes no sense that the could all fail mechanically at the same...

Read the full complaint

time. The problem appears electrical in nature and is dangerous since doors can't be locked when the car is in motion or in a safety situation where locking the doors could prevent intruder entry.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11271119
Electrical system

The horn quit working. Found it works only when the steering wheel is turned close to end of clockwise and counterclockwise direction. Deemed safety hazard since no horn sound to alert pedestians, bicyclists and other drivers of danger. Wasn't covered under warranty and cost $690 to replace steering wheel clock spring.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11271116
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact stated that both the rear and front door locks failed to lock. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Lexus of clearwater (27547 us hwy 19 n, clearwater, fl 33761, (727) 231-1443) diagnosed that the door actuators need to be repaired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The vin was unknown.

Filed Incident Structure · Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 11187108
Steering

On feb 7, 2019 vehicle was being serviced by dealer regarding a recall the vehicle was on dealers lift at time of detection of leak on feb 8, 2019 power steering rack leak was found by dealer on feb 8, 9 and 10, 2019 dealer replaced leaking power steering rack.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11176490
Body, doors & structureFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact stated that the dashboard and instrument panel were melting and sticky. There was no cushion protection on the dashboard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the 2012 lexus es350 was not eligible for a dashboard replacement, which ended in may of 2017. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing and repairs. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11113954
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time the recall repair. The lexus dealer (hennessy lexus of atlanta, 5955 peachtree industrial blvd, atlanta, ga 30341, 770-457-6800) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11105114
AirbagsCrash1 injury

Driver side knee airbag caused hematoma, second degree burn on l. Leg, resulting in 2 surgeries, use of wound vac for 2 1/2 months, and permanent lympedema and scarring on l. Calf. Driver has replaced knees that are at high risk if further crash and knee bag deploys again. Driver needs on-off switch installed for driver knee airbag. Driver was not at fault in this accident and wants knee airbags removed or an on-off switch installed. The airbag on steering wheel deployed correctly and caused no damage. The knee airbag is a danger to driver.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11084148
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. (Nalley lexus roswell located 980 mansell rd, roswell, ga) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11081527
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer (lexus of chattanooga, 5800 lee hwy, chattanooga, tn 37421, (423) 499-9095) was unable to verify when the parts would be supplied from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11067012
Airbags

The lexus dealership is unable to acquire a replacement air bag for my car. I have been told not to carry passengers in the front seat, which is impossible therefore a risk to my family.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11054884
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Treasure coast lexus in fort pierce, florida was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11054745
Airbags

Takata recall. I have called lexus of greenville, s.C. Numerous times with no success. They will not even call me back. According to the recall I can't have someone ride in the passenger front seat. I have virtually lost the use of this vehicle. This has been going on for at least six months with no end in site. What else can I do?

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11052153
Airbags

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called parker lexus at (501) 221-1700 (1 shackleford w blvd, little rock, ar 72211) where it was confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11051730
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer (scanlon lexus of ft myers, 14200 s tamiami trl, fort myers, fl 33912) and was informed that the remedy parts were on back order. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *Tt *tr

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11050934

Lexus ES350: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201621110BrakesA
201516110BrakesA
201428140Electrical systemB
201350170BrakesC
2012116373AirbagsF
20111973130AirbagsF
20101785120AirbagsF
20091735182AirbagsF
20083235341AirbagsF
All ES350 years

2012 Lexus ES350 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2012 Lexus ES350

Does the 2012 Lexus ES350 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Lexus ES350: inflator module (October 2019); inflator module (January 2019); inflator module (January 2017). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lexus ES350?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (95), body, doors & structure (7), electrical system (7).

How many complaints has the 2012 Lexus ES350 had?

116 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 25, 2013 and the latest on January 21, 2025. Of these, 7 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 10 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2012 Lexus ES350 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 20 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Lexus ES350 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Lexus ES350 years have the most complaints?

2007 (664), 2008 (323), 2011 (197). See every Lexus ES350 year compared.

What should I do if my 2012 Lexus ES350 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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