There are no safety recalls for the 2012 Lexus RX, but owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA.
2012 Lexus RX problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Engine | 3 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 1 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 257,193 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Lexus RX complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Engine · reported Sep 14, 2026
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)
Structure · reported 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.
Electrical System · at 257,193 miles · reported 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.
Tires · at 30,171 miles · reported 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…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · reported 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…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Lexus RX have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2012 Lexus RX as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Lexus RX?
Owners report engine problems most often (3 reports), followed by electrical system (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 257,193 miles.
Are Lexus recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.