BestCarRank
Lexus

2012 Lexus ES350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Lexus ES350 has 94 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.6x the segment average of 26. The most common issue is air bags problems (84% of all complaints), specifically: "takata recall" we just bought a lexus350es in september 2016, and were not aware of the takata recall until we received a recall letter on 2/17/17. the letter stated that "lexus is currently preparing the remedy for this problem and will send another notification to all affected owners when the . There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 5 crash reports 5 injuries

94

Total Complaints

3

Recalls Issued

3/5

Safety Stars

3.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

79 complaints
84%
  • "TAKATA RECALL" WE JUST BOUGHT A LEXUS350ES IN SEPTEMBER 2016, AND WERE NOT AWARE OF THE TAKATA RECALL UNTIL WE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON 2/17/17. THE LETTER STATED THAT "LEXUS IS CURRENTLY PREPARING THE REMEDY FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL SEND ANOTHER NOTIFICATION TO ALL AFFECTED OWNERS WHEN THE
  • TL* TAKATA RECALL. 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. THE MANUF
  • TAKATA RECALL- YOUR DATABASE IS NOT UP TO DATE; I RECIEVED A RECALL LETTER FROM LEXUS AT BEGINNING OF THIS WEEK. I AM TRYING TO GET A RENTAL WHILE WE WAIT (MONTHS? YEARS? ) FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE (AS THE LETTER STATES, DOES NOT SAY THE DRIVERS SIDE)- WHAY IS THE BEST MAKE MODEL ETC FOR US TO GET? WE
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 3 crashes

"TAKATA RECALL" WE JUST BOUGHT A LEXUS350ES IN SEPTEMBER 2016, AND WERE NOT AWARE OF THE TAKATA RECALL UNTIL WE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON 2/17/17. THE LETTER STATED THAT "LEXUS IS CURRENTLY PREPARING THE REMEDY FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL SEND ANOTHER NOTIFICATION TO ALL AFFECTED OWNERS WHEN THE

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Lexus ES350

Based on 19 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 40K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
9
30-60K
6
60-100K
2
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
2
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE09/01/2019

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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Lexus ES350

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,182
Per month
$182
Per mile
18.2¢
MPG
22
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,527/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Lexus ES350

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,011
Full coverage / month
$168
Liability only / year
$724
vs US avg
+20%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.02x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$2011

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lexus ES350 Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
5K mi
Brake fluid
30 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
120K mi
Cabin air filter
30K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

Toyota Motor Corporation-recommended 10K interval with 0W-20 synthetic. Hybrid models use conventional service intervals; battery is 10-year warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lexus New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
6 yr / 70K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
10 yr / 150K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
6 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

Hybrid battery is now 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids

These are the terms for a new Lexus. If you're buying a used 2012 ES350, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lexus dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)
$500
DOORS/LATCHES(~50K mi)
$500
SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)
$500
SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 94 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • AIR BAGS: "TAKATA RECALL" WE JUST BOUGHT A LEXUS350ES IN SEPTEMBER 2016, AND WERE NOT AWARE OF THE TAKATA RECALL UNTIL WE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON 2/17/17. THE LETTER STATED THAT "LEXUS IS CURRENTLY PREPARING THE REMEDY FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL SEND ANOTHER NOTIFICATION TO ALL AFFECTED OWNERS WHEN THE

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • DOORS/LATCHES: 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 V

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SPEED CONTROL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS ES350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD UNUSUALLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A RESTRAINING WALL. THE CONT

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SEATS/RESTRAINTS: THE SWITCHABLE RETRACTOR WAS BROKEN IN THE CENTER REAR SEAT OF THIS VEHICLE. WHEN YOU PULLED THE SHOULDER BELT OUT ALL THE WAY, AND THEN LET IT BACK IN SLOWLY, THE ALR DID NOT ENGAGE. THE BELT REMAINED IN ELR MODE THROUGHOUT - AS SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=GKKQVRSRF8Q THE I

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Lexus dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
94
Recalls
3
Fire reports
3
Crash reports
5
Injury reports
5
Segment avg
26

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2012 Lexus ES350