The Lemon Index

All cars · Lexus RX · 2012

2012 Lexus RX. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index17100 = average car
Complaints18NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold95,381U.S. model year
Per 100K sold19complaints
Year rank#3 of 19#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 4

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S6)FWD18 / 25 / 21Regular$2,950
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S6)AWD18 / 24 / 20Regular$3,100
3.5L 6-cyl hybridAuto (AV-S6)FWD31 / 28 / 29Premium$2,650
3.5L 6-cyl hybridAuto (AV-S6)AWD29 / 27 / 28Premium$2,750

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 11,000 and 76,600 miles. Median 31,100, from 34 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Speed control14,4004,600–21,60010
Brakes74,00033,100–101,5005

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Speed control56%
Transmission & drivetrain11%
Electrical11%
Fuel system, gasoline11%
Brakes6%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
48112703

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 1

  • 14V054000 Feb 2014 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    Defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.

    Risk. If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedPedestrian alert sounds20232023

Manufacturer communications 267

Lexus filed 267 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • While a vehicle is in inventory, the battery is subject to conditions that can reduce its…
  • The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of…
  • The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Lexus RX350 SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Lexus RX350 SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Lexus RX450h SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Lexus RX450h SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2009403093,379Speed control
2010818895,790Speed control
2011171882,595Speed control
2012171895,381Speed control
20131924103,920Brakes
20141012107,490Electrical
20153131100,610Speed control

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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