Is the 2012 Lexus IS reliable?

The 2012 Lexus IS has 23 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Lexus IS?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (7 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (2 complaints, avg repair $500); SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Lexus IS?

No recalls have been issued for the 2012 Lexus IS.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Lexus IS?

The 2012 Lexus IS gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Lexus IS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Lexus IS is approximately $1,971/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Lexus IS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Lexus IS has 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 14. The most common issue is air bags problems (30% of all complaints), specifically: my lexus 2012 is 250 accelerated on its own, brakes did not engage after depressing them x2, and then i crashed into a truck. air bag did not deploy. reported to lexus who assumed no responsibility for incident. third party inspected car and downloaded black box. report from lexus stated that car wa.

5 crash reports 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

7 complaints

30%

• MY LEXUS 2012 IS 250 ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AFTER DEPRESSING THEM X2, AND THEN I CRASHED INTO A TRUCK. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. REPORTED TO LEXUS WHO ASSUMED NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR INCIDENT. THIRD PARTY INSPECTED CAR AND DOWNLOADED BLACK BOX. REPORT FROM LEXUS STATED THAT CAR WA
• URGENT SAFETY RECALL FRONT PASS. AIRBAG INFLATOR WHICH CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH - NO PARTS AVAILABLE & LEXUS UNABLE TO GIVE AN ETA FOR PART. UNACCEPTABLE. WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE?
• TAKATA RECALL MY LOCAL DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS NECESSARY TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THEY PUT ME ON A WAIT LIST AND SAID IT COULD TAKE 2 MONTHS FOR THE THEM TO GET THE PARTS. THIS IS LEXUS SAN DIEGO

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“MY LEXUS 2012 IS 250 ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AFTER DEPRESSING THEM X2, AND THEN I CRASHED INTO A TRUCK. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. REPORTED TO LEXUS WHO ASSUMED NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR INCIDENT. THIRD PARTY INSPECTED CAR AND DOWNLOADED BLACK BOX. REPORT FROM LEXUS STATED THAT CAR WA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Lexus IS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,847/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

Show:

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 IS

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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

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 rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lexus IS 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 IS, 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

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 23 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: MY LEXUS 2012 IS 250 ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AFTER DEPRESSING THEM X2, AND THEN I CRASHED INTO A TRUCK. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. REPORTED TO LEXUS WHO ASSUMED NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR INCIDENT. THIRD PARTY INSPECTED CAR AND DOWNLOADED BLACK BOX. REPORT FROM LEXUS STATED THAT CAR WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: WHEN BRAKING, OR SLOWING BRAKING AND LETTING GO, WEIRD CREAKING NOISE IS MADE. LEXUS IS AWARE OF THESE ISSUES BUT WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP EVEN WHEN CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: MY LEXUS 2012 IS 250 ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AFTER DEPRESSING THEM X2, AND THEN I CRASHED INTO A TRUCK. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. REPORTED TO LEXUS WHO ASSUMED NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR INCIDENT. THIRD PARTY INSPECTED CAR AND DOWNLOADED BLACK BOX. REPORT FROM LEXUS STATED THAT CAR WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: MY 2012 LEXUS IS250 HAS STICKY DASHBOARD AND DOOR PANELS. THE DASH IS WET WITH A STICKY LIKE SUBSTANCE WHICH ALSO CAUSES A GLARE AND STAINS ANYTHING THAT TOUCHES THE SURFACE. THE DOOR PANELS ARE PEELING HORRIBLY AND EXTREMELY SOFT TO TOUCH. BUMPING YOUR FINGER ON THE DOOR PANEL LEAVES FRAGMENTS OF T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)