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Model-year record

2012 Lexus RX
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2012 Lexus RX

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

47

Reports to NHTSA, 2012

Safety recalls

0

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

24.5

EPA estimate

Known issues

Vehicle Speed Control issues lead owner complaints (17% of 47 reports), followed by electrical system (13%).

Vehicle Speed Control17% · 8 reports
Electrical System13% · 6 reports
Service Brakes13% · 6 reports
Air Bags11% · 5 reports
Power Train11% · 5 reports
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)6% · 3 reports
Structure6% · 3 reports
Unknown Or Other6% · 3 reports

+ 5 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 47 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 10748382, ODI 10748569, ODI 10547211, ODI 10536785, ODI 10463655.

Individual complaint reports(47)

Showing the 47 most recent reports
Service BrakesMay 2026 · ODI 11739996Details +

failed Brake Actuator

Reported
May 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11739996 at NHTSA →
StructureApr 2026 · ODI 11733008Details +

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.

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11733008 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2026 · ODI 11708430Details +

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.

Reported
Jan 2026
Incident date
Jan 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11708430 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2025 · ODI 11693738Details +

Air bag issue light turn on, it said b1608 front satellite sensor bus initialization error LH code

Reported
Oct 2025
Incident date
Oct 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11693738 at NHTSA →
TiresAug 2025 · ODI 11683882Details +

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 Roadside Assistance arrived at the scene and replaced the tire with the spare. The dealer was contacted and suggested that the vehicle be brought to their location. The contact was informed that the tire would have to be replaced out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 30,171. The tire failure mileage was unknown.

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11683882 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJun 2025 · ODI 11665369Details +

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 failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported
Jun 2025
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11665369 at NHTSA →
SuspensionApr 2025 · ODI 11655212Details +

My car powers off while driving and then cuts back home within a second. It also has electrical issues the lights so flash during the night when you’re driving and then the front and shakes so bad that it shakes you just about off the road when you hit the brakes

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11655212 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2025 · ODI 11654908Details +

The engine shuts off for a second while driving

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Mar 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11654908 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2023 · ODI 11551111Details +

October 20, '23 Our recent DEAD STOP! Whistle blower! Did you know that when the alternator goes out on a Lexus, that the car draws down energy from the battery to keep the car going? That's only for about a mile or so, then the car shuts down! You can't steer and THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING and you have no power as you come to a dead stop, whether on the freeway, or one lane mountain pass road, where we would have been later. What would we have done? Scary! Luckily, our Lexus stalled on a city street nearing our on-ramp to the freeway. (needing to be towed.) Lexus has a serious engineering-defective-design-flaw that probably is responsible for accidents. Thanks, [XXX] . Pass it on please! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Oct 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11551111 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherSep 2022 · ODI 11486798Details +

Sunroof exploded while driving in middle lane of 5 lane interstate. Cars, semi trucks all around me, center section of sunroof glass blew up and back into a pickup truck directly behind me. Pieces of glass flew in all directions. Luckily the moonroof/sunroof and interior panel were closed. No one was hurt. Other than a loud POP! then 2-3 seconds later an explosive BOOM! no warning light or message came on. Took the car to a local windshield shop, then a local Lexus dealer, another repair shop next week - all within 10 mi radius from where I live. Problem could not be reproduced, no one will confirm how it could have happened. Filed this report after reading about other Lexus - other mfg - having same issue.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Aug 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11486798 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMay 2022 · ODI 11462950Details +

Lexus never informed me or the dealer that the hatchback lift will fail if the weather is below 60 degrees. Sometimes even warmer. I replaced the hatchback lift when I was up in WV and loading up my vehicle and the hatchback almost knocked me out! It happened on several occasions. When I called the dealer they informed me that is normal. Normal. It could of killed me or knocked me out and given me concussion. Came back to Florida and it did the same thing this time high 60's low 70's. I replaced them and it happened again. These hatchback lifts should not happen. A mechanic had a gash in his forehead because I was explaining it to him and the damn hatchback came down on him. He couldn't catch it on time. It came down so quickly. Well, I have to replace the hatchback lift again. This is so wrong. This products especially on a Lexus should not be doing this. Very very dangerous.

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
Apr 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11462950 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesNov 2021 · ODI 11440243Details +

The contact owns a 2012 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated with an audible beeping sound. A message appeared on the instrument panel to check the ABS system. The contact pulled over and waited a few minutes to check the brakes. The contact found no failure and continued driving to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Reported
Nov 2021
Incident date
Nov 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11440243 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2020 · ODI 11340501Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS RX330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ABS AND BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI PENSACOLA LOCATED AT 6303 PENSACOLA BLVD, PENSACOLA, FL 32505, (844) 313-0046, AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V054000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11340501 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2020 · ODI 11337569 · fireDetails +

THE CFEI (CERTIFIED FIRE & EXPLOSION INVESTIGATOR) FIRE LIEUTENANT/INVESTIGATOR WITH THE CITY OF FT. LAUDERDALE'S FIRE DEPT, WHO ALSO RESPONDED TO MY 911 CALL, HAD POINTED OUT AND EXPLAINED TO ME THE INTENSITY OF FLAME, HEAT AND BURN PATTERN IN THE ENGINE AND STATED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY A MECHANICAL ENGINE MALFUNCTION. WHAT HAPPENED: I HAD JUST DRIVEN MY 2012 LEXUS RX350 A SHORT DISTANCE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I PULLED INTO A 7-11 PARKING LOT NOT FAR FROM THE GAS PUMPS AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING, I OPENED MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW TO TALK TO A FRIEND WHEN I IMMEDIATELY SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I FILED A REPORT WITH LEXUS THE VERY NEXT DAY AND RECEIVED A LETTER 3 WEEKS LATER. THEIR LAST PARAGRAPH SAYS "WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOU REPORTED THIS TO GEICO AS WELL. IF THEIR INVESTIGATION HAS REVEALED ANY EVIDENCE OF PRODUCT LIABILITY, WE WILL GLADLY REVIEW THAT INFORMATION." I CALLED OUT TO HIM AS HE WAS WALKING FROM HIS VEHICLE TOWARDS MY CAR AND YELLED OUT TO HIM THAT SOMETHING SMELLED LIKE IT WAS BURNING. HE THEN TOLD ME TO RELEASE THE HOOD BECAUSE HE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. HE SLIGHTLY RAISED THE HOOD, SAW A FLAME, SLAMMED THE HOOD SHUT, THEN HE YELLED OUT TO ME "GET OUT OF THE CAR NOW YOUR ENGINE IS ON FIRE". I JUMPED OUT, CALLED 911, THEN STARTED TAKING PHOTOS WITH MY PHONE WHILE WATCHING AS MY VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND SMOKE. FIRST I HEARD THE TIRES BLOW OUT THEN I HEARD THE WINDSHIELD BLOW OUT. MY FRIEND SAW THE FLAMES WHEN HE LIFTED THE HOOD AND SAID HE OBSERVED THAT THE FIRE WAS BURNING IN THE CENTER OF THE MOTOR AT THE FUEL MANIFOLD. THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED ABOUT 5-7 MINUTES LATER AND PROCEEDED TO TRY TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS!

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Apr 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 11337569 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2020 · ODI 11297031 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

I WAS BROADSIDED ON MY DRIVERS DOOR AND NOT 1 AIRBAG WENT OFF. THE OFFICER SAID SHE WAS DRIVING AT LEAST 40MPH. I HAD LEFT THE STOP SIGN TO MAKE MY LEFT HAND TURN WHEN IT OCCURED. MY CAR WAS TOTALED

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Dec 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11297031 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2019 · ODI 11268446 · crashDetails +

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2013 LEXUS RX350. ON AUGUST 14, 2019 AS I WAS PARKING MY CAR AND ROLLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, WITH MY FOOT ONLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE CAR HIT A CURB AND GAVE ME THE TIME TO REACT AND APPLIED ENOUGH BRAKE PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT WENT INTO THE STREET INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE NEXT DAY I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO MY LOCAL LEXUS DEALERSHIP. THEY HAD THE CAR FOR THE ENTIRE DAY AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ON AUGUST 17, 2019, THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED AS I WAS AGAIN ROLLING INTO A PARKING SPOT. AGAIN WITH MY FOOT ONLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD. THIS TIME I WAS NOT ABLE TO REACT QUICK ENOUGH AS THE CAR HIT A CONCRETE POLE AT THE FRONT OF THE PARKING SPOT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP. OVER THE NEXT 30-45 DAYS AN INDEPENDENT ENGINEER REMOVED THE EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)FROM THE CAR AND SENT IT TO TOYOTA FOR ANALYSIS. ON OCT 3, 2019 TOYOTA RESPONDED THAT BASED ON THEIR FINDINGS OF THE EDR THE VEHICLE IS NOT DEFECTIVE. IN MY OWN SEARCH OF THE INTERNET, I FOUND NUMEROUS INCIDENTS ON UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL AS MY CAR. I HAVE SENT LETTERS TO THE CEO OF TOYOTA AND LEXUS BUT AS OF THIS DATE, OCT 15, 2019 NEITHER TOYOTA NOR LEXUS HAS ACKNOWLEDGED OR ADMITTED THAT ANYTHING IS DEFECTIVE WITH THE VEHICLE. *JS *JS *JS

Reported
Oct 2019
Incident date
Aug 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11268446 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2019 · ODI 11254283Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS RX450 HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A STRANGE AND CONSTANT BUZZING NOISE THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE BELIEVED HER EX-BOYFRIEND HACKED INTO HER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEXUS OF WESTMINSTER (13590 BEACH BLVD, WESTMINSTER, CA 92683, 714-702-1849) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE APART THE VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TESTING WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Reported
Sep 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11254283 at NHTSA →
EngineApr 2019 · ODI 11203185Details +

DURING DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY SUDDENLY THE WHOLE VEHICLE IS SHAKING AND REDUCED SPEED SUDDENLY; ALL KIND OF ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON AS HAVE TO PULL ASIDE ON THE HIGHWAY. HAVE TO TOW THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND FOUND THAT CYLINDER VALVE SPRING INSIDE THE ENGINE HAS BROKEN AS THE CAR ONLY HAS ABOUT 65000 MILES. THIS CAUSING VEHICLE TO MISFIRE AND VEHICLE IS SHAKING. THERE ARE MULTIPLE RECALL OF LEXUS MODEL ON VALVE SPRING AND THIS OBVIOUSLY SEEMS AN MANUFACTURER DEFECT.

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11203185 at NHTSA →
SteeringApr 2019 · ODI 11195846Details +

VEHICLE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 32K APPRX GARAGE KEPT. FRONT PASSENGER BELT LOCKS FREQUENTLY. ALSO THE STEERING GOT HARD. NO LEAKING OF ANY SORT OF OIL TOO. CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IS BEING USED BUT SCARED IF STEERING MOTION WOULD FREEZE.

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11195846 at NHTSA →
StructureMar 2019 · ODI 11184007Details +

WHILE DRIVING ON I-15 NEAR ST. GEORGE ON AN OVERCAST, BUT DRY ROAD, WE HEARD A LOUD BANG OR THUMP ON OUR VEHICLE. TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE NEAR. WE COULD FIND NO EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE. WHILE LISTENING TO A NEWS REPORT LAST EVENING, INVOLVING A PROBLEM WITH SPONTANEOUS SHATTERING OF SUNROOFS, I IMMEDIAELY WENT TO MY GARAGE TO LOOK AT MY SUNROOF AND SURE ENOUGH IT WAS SHATTERED.

Reported
Mar 2019
Incident date
Feb 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11184007 at NHTSA →
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Feb 2019 · ODI 11182086 · crashDetails +

BOTH WHEELS ARE NOT STOPPING AT THE SAME TIME. THE CAR HAS A SLIGHT JUMP FORWARD WHEN YOU EXPECT TO BE TOTALLY STOPPED. THE CAR HAS NEW FRONT AND BACK BRAKES.

Reported
Feb 2019
Incident date
Sep 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11182086 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2018 · ODI 11152229Details +

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR IS NOT WORKING, IT LIGHTS UP, STANDING, IM MOTION ALL THE TIME, I AM AFRAID IF I HAVE A WIFE OR LOVE ONE ON THAT SEAT

Reported
Nov 2018
Incident date
Jul 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11152229 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2018 · ODI 11102265Details +

AFTER WASHING MY CAR AND LETTING IT SIT IN MY GARAGE FOR A MONTH THE REAR BRAKE CALIBERS WE'RE STUCK. MY HYBRID BATTERY IS LEAKING ACID ON THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSES CORROSION.

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
Jun 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11102265 at NHTSA →
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Dec 2017 · ODI 11053559Details +

VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED ON HIGHWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ABS MALFUNCTION, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ALL POPPED UP ON DASHBOARD. DEALERSHIP ERASED THAT LIGHTS, VEHICLE GAVE SAME WARNING LIGHTS WITH POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION LIGHT TOO WITH OTHER WARNING LIGHTS WITHIN 24 HRS, WITH COMPLETE STOP ON ROAD AT SPEED OF 35MPH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES FOR SAME ISSUE, DEALERSHIP KEPT VEHICLE DEALERSHIP STATING ABS ACTUATOR MALFUNCTION (DUE TO INTERMITTENT OPEN CIRCUIT), REFUSING TO REPLACE THE PART UNDER VEHICLE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALLS 14V054000, AS THE CODE IS DIFFERENT ON VEHICLE. CAR CAME TO COMPLETE STOP ON HIGHWAY DUE TO THESE FLUCTUATION IN ABS SYSTEM BARELY MISSING AN ACCIDENT.

Reported
Dec 2017
Incident date
Sep 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11053559 at NHTSA →
EngineOct 2017 · ODI 11039353Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS RX350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (LEXUS STEVEN CREEK, SANTA CLARA, CA, 408-553-4500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL WAS LOW AND THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO THE REPLACED. THE FAILURES WERE REPAIRED, BUT RECURRED TEN DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED AN EXTENSIVE ROAD TEST, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000. UPDATED 8/2/18*JB

Reported
Oct 2017
Incident date
Jun 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11039353 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2017 · ODI 11010062 · 1 injuriesDetails +

JULY 11TH 2017 AT AROUND 220PM PST, THE LEXUS RX350 2012, EXPERIENCE A VERY DANGEROUS FAILURE. EARLIER THAT WEEK I NOTICED ISSUE WITH THE BATTERY, WHERE IT WOULD TAKE ONE OR MORE PUSHES TO THE START BUTTON FOR THE CAR TO TURN ON. BUT ON THIS DATE, I HAD JUST PARKED THE CAR ON A ROAD WITH AN SLIGHT INCLINE, I DID NOT ENABLE THE EMERGENCY BREAK THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEYS WITH ME. I HAD DROPPED OFF A FRIEND AND HELPED HER TAKE A FEW THINGS INSIDE THE HOUSE. AFTER RETURNING TO THE CAR, I TRIED MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO TURN ON THE CAR (3 OR 4) AND ON THE LAST ATTEMPT THE CAR ROLL DOWN THE HILL INSTEAD OF TURNING ON . I WAS UN-ABLE TO APPLY THE BREAKS AND IN A STATE OF SHOCK DID NOT APPLY THE EMERGENCY BREAK. THE CAR ROLL ACROSS A ROAD, DOWN A BANK AND CAME INCHES TO HITTING A HOME. AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED UP THE BANK IT WAS FOUND THE CAR WAS IN GOOD SHAPE BUT THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I WAS IN A STATE OF SHOCK AND MY ENTIRE BODY TENSED AND I WAS SUFFERING FROM A SEVERE HEADACHE. WE CALLED IN THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL 1722 EAST MAIN STREET EL CAL JON 92021 DATE: 7/11/17 - 14:40 NCIC NUMBER: 9680 OFFICER ID NUMBER 21588 THERE AFTER WE CALLED CONTACTED LEXUS TO DETERMINE IF ALL RECALL SERVICE HAD BEEN APPLIED, WHICH THEY ANSWERED YOUR CAR DOES NOT APPLY TO AN EARLIER RECALL . WAS REFERRING TO THE FOLLOWING RECALL. BASED ON THE NAME SEEM QUITE APPLICABLE FEBRUARY 12, 2014 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V054000 BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY MAY DISABLE ESC AND ABS I REQUESTED FOR A INDEPENDENT EVALUATION, BUT THEY TOLD ME (LEXUS)WOULD NOT PAY FOR IT IF THEIR WERE ISSUES AND I MUST TAKE IT TO A LEXUS SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I COMPLIED AND WE TOOK THE CAR (IT WAS TOWED OVER). THEY HELD THE CAR FOR FIVE DAYS AND CONCLUDED THE CAR HAD A BAD BATTERY. THEY STATE THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL WHEN IT WAS PARKED. WE ARE FEARFUL OF ANOTHER ACCIDENT RESULT IN GREATER DAMAGE AND HARM

Reported
Jul 2017
Incident date
Jul 2017
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
1 injuries
Open ODI 11010062 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJan 2017 · ODI 10945208 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

I WAS STOPPED TURNING RIGHT FORM ONE CITY STREET ONTO ANOTHER CITY STREET WHEN I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT STOP ME FROM CAREENING FORWARD IN THE SEAT CAUSING MY HEAD TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. I RECEIVED A CUT OVER MY RIGHT EYE FROM THE IMPACT.

Reported
Jan 2017
Incident date
Dec 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 10945208 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJun 2016 · ODI 10873228Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FELT ABNORMAL AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. TWO WEEKS LATER, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A U TURN, THE BRAKES SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V054000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.

Reported
Jun 2016
Incident date
May 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10873228 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2016 · ODI 10839443 · 2 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK AND POWERING OFF THE VEHICLE, SHE ATTEMPTED TO EXIT WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE ROLLED OVER HER BUTTOCKS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,450.

Reported
Mar 2016
Incident date
Dec 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
2 injuries
Open ODI 10839443 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlAug 2015 · ODI 10748382 · crashDetails +

INITIALLY FELT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LURCH FOWARD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE AT WORK AND SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. HAD TO HIT BRAKES, BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP, AND THEN SLOWLY START FORWARD AGAIN. ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF A PRIVATE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK AND FULLY STOPPED.. DRIVER WAS ABOUT TO TURN OFF ENGINE AND, WITH PASSENGER, EXIT THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FOR NO REASON, PLOWING STRAIGHT INTO THE GARAGE DOOR OF RESIDENCE. GARAGE DOOR WAS COMPLETELY TORN OFF AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AFTER SMASHING AN INTERIOR WALL AND DOORFRAME. THANKFULLY, NO INJURIES BUT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE IF THE WINDSHIELD HAD BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED ON 3 SIDES AND THE PROPERTY SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE GARAGE DOOR, INTERIOR DRYWALL, DOOR AND DOORFRAME. AGAIN, THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AND IN PARK WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED.

Reported
Aug 2015
Incident date
Aug 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10748382 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlAug 2015 · ODI 10748569 · crash · 2 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS RX350. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A GARAGE DOOR AND INTO A WALL. THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIP LASH THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE DAMAGES WERE REPAIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,878.

Reported
Aug 2015
Incident date
Aug 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 2 injuries
Open ODI 10748569 at NHTSA →
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Mar 2015 · ODI 10700646Details +

THE TRACTION LIGHT AND SKID CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS NOT MOVING. *TR

Reported
Mar 2015
Incident date
Mar 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10700646 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemJul 2014 · ODI 10609022 · crash · 3 injuriesDetails +

CONTINUATION OF MY REPORT. ABOUT A MONTH LATER THE SAME SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED BUT IN REVERSE AS THE DRIVER WAS LEAVING HER HOME AND THIS TIME SHE COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE, GOING THRU THE CONCRETE FENCE OF HER FRONT NEIGHBOR TAKING A SIDE OF THE NEIGHBOR HOUSE, DOWN A HILL AND HITTING TWO AIR CONDITIONER UNITS AND AN ELECTRICAL GENERATOR, DAMAGING THE WHOLE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE REAR, BRAKING THE REAR DRIVE TRAIN AND GETTING STUCK IN A CONCRETE WALL WHICH SAVE THEIR LIFE. IF THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE GONE 10 MORE FEET IT WOULD HAVE DROP IN AN APPROXIMATELY 800 TO 900 FEET CLIFF AND PROBABLY WOULD HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. ACCORDING TO THE DRIVER SHE PUT ON HER BRAKES AND THEY DID NOT WORK. ACCORDING TO THE WITNESSES THERE WAS ONLY ONE TIRE BRAKE TRACK ON THE ROAD WHICH IT WAS GONE BY THE TIME I WENT TO INVESTIGATE. MY THEORY IS THAT ELECTRIC SURGES FROM THIS HIGH INTENSITY CABLES INTERFERE WITH THE THROTTLE CONTROL AND ACCELERATE THIS VEHICLES. IT IS THE ONLY LOGICAL EXPLANATION. IF THERE IS A WAY TO TEST THIS THEORY I SURE WOULD APPRECIATE IT. PLEASE ANSWER ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 3/13/15 *JS

Reported
Jul 2014
Incident date
Apr 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 3 injuries
Open ODI 10609022 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemJul 2014 · ODI 10609024 · crash · 3 injuriesDetails +

FIRST PART OF COMPLAINT JUST IN CASE IT DID NOT GO THRU THE FIRST TIME. DEAR SIRS, I'M WRITING TO YOU ON BEHALF OF THE OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. THEY HAVE CONTRACTED ME AS A VEHICLE ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTIONIST IN PUERTO RICO. I NEED TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE MADE ANY INQUIRIES IN THE FUEL DELIVERY AND PROPULSION SYSTEM. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS TOYOTA, LEXUS AND HONDA VEHICLES THAT I KNOW OF SO FAR, ARE HAVING SOME KIND OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION ISSUES AND THE COMPUTER DOES NOT CATCH THE PROBLEM. THIS ACCELERATION SURGES THAT I HAVE FOUND OUT ABOUT, ALL HAVE OCCURRED AROUND HIGH ELECTRICITY AREAS. SO FAR THAT I KNOW OFF, THREE OF THESE SURGES HAVE OCCURRED NEXT TO THE ELECTRICAL PLANT CENTER IN PALO SECO PUERTO RICO AND ONE CAUSED TWO DEATHS. THE OTHER ONE IS THE ONE I'M REPRESENTING WHICH OCCURRED IN THEIR HOME TWICE. THE FIRST TIME WAS ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT BUT THE DRIVER HAD THE CHANCE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND NOTHING HAPPENED. AT THAT TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A CHECKUP AND NOTHING STRANGE SHOWED ON THEIR SYSTEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 3/13/15 *JS

Reported
Jul 2014
Incident date
Apr 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 3 injuries
Open ODI 10609024 at NHTSA →
SuspensionNov 2013 · ODI 10551892Details +

I HAD REPORTED ROUGH RIDE TO SALES SPECIALIST AND SERVICE DEPT. IT WAS ATTRIBUTED TO NEW SUSPENSION SPECIFICATIONS AND POSSIBLE TIRE PRESSURE. TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOWERED HOWEVER ROUGH RIDE PERSISTED. DURING THE 12 MONTH 10K FULL MAINTENANCE SERVICE OF RX350 BOTH REAR SHOCKS WERE FOUND LEAKING AND REPLACED (UNDER WARRANTY). SINCE I HAD BEEN MONITORING ROUGH RIDE ISSUES OF OTHER RX350'S ON LEXUS FORUM I REPORTED THE SUSPENSION REPLACEMENT INCIDENT TO SALES SPECIALIST AND I HAD RECOMMENDED ADDRESSING WITH THOSE WHO MAY NEED TO KNOW TO INVESTIGATE POTENTIAL SUSPENSION PROBLEM (S). THERE WAS NO FOLLOW UP TO MY EMAILED CONCERN. SUBSEQUENTLY ON ANOTHER ONLINE FORUM A PARTICIPANT MENTIONED HAVING SUSPENSION REPLACED ON RAV4 (TOYOTA BRANDED AUTO). PERHAPS THERE MAY HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE WITH A SPECIFIC PRODUCTION RUN WITH ONE OF THEIR SUSPENSION SUPPLIERS AND MAY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED SINCE IT MAY RESULT IN HANDLING AND / OR CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR

Reported
Nov 2013
Incident date
Jun 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10551892 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlOct 2013 · ODI 10547211 · crashDetails +

AFTER EXITING A PARKING LOT BY BACKING OUT, LEXUS RX 350 DRIVER PRECEDED TO THE PARKING LOT EXIT. UPON MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN TOWARDS THE EXIT, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LURCHED FORWARD AND DESPITE THE DRIVERS ATTEMPT TO STOP THE CAR BY APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CAR HIT ANOTHER PARKED CAR. THE RX 350 CAME TO A STOP ONLY AFTER HITTING THE CURBING OF THE PARKING LOT. THE CAR THAT WAS HIT WAS UNOCCUPIED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO THE DRIVER OF THE RX 350. *TR

Reported
Oct 2013
Incident date
Sep 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10547211 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlSep 2013 · ODI 10545307Details +

I WISH TO INFORM YOU ABOUT A SERIOUS INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 WHILE DRIVING MY LEXUS 350 AWD 2012. I WAS PARKING THE CAR. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BREAK PEDAL AND I WAS ABOUT TO REVERSE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SELF ACCELERATED AND WENT UP A 45 DEGREE EMBANKMENT. THE CAR DROVE OVER VERY LARGE BOULDERS THAT WERE AT THE HEAD OF THE PARKING SPACE. THE UNDERBELLY OF THE CAR RAMMED INTO A VERY LARGE BOULDER THAT RAISED THE LEFT REAR WHEEL OFF THE GROUND AND STOPPED THE CAR FROM CONTINUING UP THE INCLINE. THE ACCELERATION OVER THE BOULDERS AND UP THE EMBANKMENT WAS CONSISTENTLY FAST MOVING AND THE BREAK PEDAL WAS USELESS. LEXUS WAS INFORMED AND ADVISED THAT WOULD SEND AN INSPECTOR. THE LIFE ON MYSELF AND THE PASSENGERS WERE SERIOUSLY PUT AT RISK. I DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN BECAUSE OF THE UNPREDICTABILITY AND LIFE THREATENING RISK THE CAR POSES BECAUSE OF THE SELF ACCELERATION ISSUE. I KINDLY REQUEST YOUR OFFICE REVIEW THIS SERIOUS MATTER. I AM SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR MY UP-FRONT FINANCIAL COMMITMENT OR A TRADE-IN FOR A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE. *LN UPDATED 1/8/2013 *JS

Reported
Sep 2013
Incident date
Sep 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10545307 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlAug 2013 · ODI 10536785 · crashDetails +

I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 2012 LEXUS ON 5/1/13. I PULLED OUT OF A GAS STATION UNTO THE ROAD AND STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND A CAR CARRIER WHICH WAS STOPPED ALREADY. WHEN I STOPPED, MY CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. WHEN THE POLICE CAME, THEY CITED ME BECAUSE I HIT THE TRUCK. WHEN WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND I EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED, HE SAID HE HAD A SIMILAR CASE A MONTH BEFORE. WITH THAT, I SEARCHED GOOGLE AND REALIZED THAT I WASN'T LOOSING MY MIND AND THAT MY CAR ACCELERATED UNINTENTIONALLY. I CALLED LEXUS AND THEY SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND AFTER EXAMINING THE CAR, HIS FINDINGS WERE THAT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. I CALLED TWO ATTORNEYS AND THEY HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING BUT BECAUSE I WASN'T HURT, THEY WOULDN'T TAKE MY CASE. I CALLED "8 ON YOUR SIDE" AND THEY SAID TO EMAIL YOU AND THAT A GENTLEMAN FROM THERE "MIGHT" GET IN TOUCH WITH ME. I AM OUT $4,500 FOR THE REPAIRS AND NOW MY CAR DEPRECIATED $5,000 BECAUSE IT WAS HIT. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN BUT I WORRY EVERY TIME I COME TO A STOP. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO SO I COULD GET REIMBURSED FROM LEXUS OR TRADE MY CAR IN AND NOT LOSE THIS SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT. I HAVE HAD LEXUS SINCE 1996 AND I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR REPLY! *TR

Reported
Aug 2013
Incident date
May 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10536785 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlApr 2013 · ODI 10509833Details +

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT APPROX. 3 MPH AND BEING LESS THAN A FOOT FROM WHERE I WOULD HAVE FULLY STOPPED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AS THE ENGINE RACED AT A VERY HIGH RPM. I WAS ABLE TO TURN MY WHEEL QUICKLY TO THE LEFT TO AVOID HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. AT THAT SAME TIME WITH MY FOOT THAT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE AND I BRAKED VERY HARD, THEN SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. I HAD A SMALL PIECE OF WOOD FLOORING ON THE BACK SEAT WHICH CAME FLYING TO THE FRONT AND CUT THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. I JUST REPORTED THE ISSUE TO LEXUS AND THEY SUGGEST I BRING THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP ASAP. *TR

Reported
Apr 2013
Incident date
Apr 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10509833 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemApr 2013 · ODI 10505922Details +

HI, I WOULD LIKE TO INFORM YOU ABOUT A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE I DISCOVERED IN THE LEXUS RX350, THE CAR IS KEYLESS AND YOU JUST NEED TO PUSH A BUTTON TO START AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE SAFETY PROBLEM IS THAT THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF WHEN PUSHING THE BUTTON EVEN IF THE CAR IS STILL IN D=DRIVE AND THE CAR WILL ROLL BACK IF PARKED ON A SLOPE LIKE A DRIVEWAY ETC. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS KIDS CAN BE BEHIND THE CAR. PLEASE CHECK THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THANK YOU *TR

Reported
Apr 2013
Incident date
Apr 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10505922 at NHTSA →
StructureFeb 2013 · ODI 10498009Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR HATCH AUTOMATICALLY CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

Reported
Feb 2013
Incident date
Apr 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10498009 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlOct 2012 · ODI 10479362Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS RX 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD A FEW FEET BUT THEN DECCELERATED AND DRIFTED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND EACH TIME THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20 MILES AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,800.

Reported
Oct 2012
Incident date
Apr 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10479362 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlJun 2012 · ODI 10463655 · crashDetails +

ON 6/25/2012- AT 7:10 AM, I WAS PULLING INTO THE PARKING SPOT FOR MY VEHICLE IN MY HOSPITAL PARKING LOT FOR A SCHEDULED SURGICAL CASE, WHERE I WORK AS AN OB/GYN PHYSICIAN/SURGEON . AS I TURNED TO THE PARKING SPOT AT THE USUAL, APPROXIMATELY 2-4 MILES /HR SPEED ( THE SPEED AT WHICH NORMALLY ONE PARKS THE CAR), I NOTICED THAT MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL DID NOT BOUNCE BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AS IT NORMALLY SHOULD OR WOULD. THEN MY RT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKES TO JUST STOP THE VEHICLE IN MY PARKING SPOT. THEN JUST INSTANTLY THE VEHICLE HAD INCREASED SPEED AND BEFORE I COULD STOP THE VEHICLE, IT RAN FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY AND CLIMBED UP THE CEMENT PATHWAY AND HIT THE TREE JUST IN FRONT OF THAT PARKING SPOT. I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKES AND IT DID NOT STOP THE ENGINE RAVING AND I STOPPED THE ENGINE BY TURNING IT OFF. THE FRONT OF THE CAR IS SEVERELY DAMAGED INCLUDING BENT FRAME AND THE ENGINE IS PUSHED INSIDE ACCORDING TO THE BODY SHOP. I FELT I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT RAN ON ITS OWN. IT WAS THE SCARIEST FEELING. IMAGINE THE DAMAGE AND CASUALTY IT COULD HAVE CAUSED IF IT HAPPENED AT THE SIGNAL CROSSING. *TR

Reported
Jun 2012
Incident date
Jun 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10463655 at NHTSA →
Power TrainApr 2012 · ODI 10454193Details +

THE CAR, A 2012 LEXUS RX350, WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM A CALIFORNIA LEXUS DEALER ON JANUARY 30, 2012. THE PROBLEM, WHICH MANIFESTS EVERY TWO OR THREE DAYS, IS A DELAY OF SEVERAL SECONDS BETWEEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND ACTUAL ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN ACCELERATION EVENTUALLY OCCURS, IT DOES SO WITH A SURGE OR JOLT. THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED IN A VARIETY OF CIRCUMSTANCES. SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO ACCELERATE SAFELY FROM A FREEWAY ON-RAMP INTO FASTER-MOVING FREEWAY TRAFFIC. ON AT LEAST TWO OTHER OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO ACCELERATE AS I DROVE UP A HILL. MOST RECENTLY, AS I BEGAN A LEFT TURN FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THE DELAY IN ACCELERATION NEARLY RESULTED IN MY BEING BROADSIDED. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TWICE TO AN AUTHORIZED LEXUS DEALER. ON BOTH OCCASIONS I WAS ADVISED THAT BECAUSE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM DURING A SHORT DRIVE, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I RAISED WITH THE TECHNICIAN THE FACT THAT THERE WERE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. HE SAID THAT THE ISSUE, WHICH APPARENTLY RELATES TO THE POWERTRAIN, HAD BEEN ADDRESSED WITH RESPECT TO EARLIER LEXUS MODELS BUT HAD BEEN "FIXED" FOR SUBSEQUENT MODELS THROUGH REDESIGN OF THE POWERTRAIN. *TR

Reported
Apr 2012
Incident date
Mar 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10454193 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMar 2012 · ODI 10452684 · fireDetails +

I WAS TOLD THAT A CIRCUT BREAKER FAILED UNDER THE DASH ,AS TO THE CAUSE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND HAD SOME STRANGE ELECTRIAL ISSUES. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

Reported
Mar 2012
Incident date
Feb 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Fire
Open ODI 10452684 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesDec 2011 · ODI 10441295Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS RX350. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ABNORMALLY DEPRESSED INTO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE DEALER THEN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT AIR HAD ENTERED THE BRAKE LINE AND CAUSED THE BRAKE TO BECOME SPONGY. THE DEALER REMOVED THE AIR FROM THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPDATED 06/05/12*LJ UPDATED 6/6/12 *SD

Reported
Dec 2011
Incident date
Dec 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10441295 at NHTSA →
Power TrainDec 2011 · ODI 10440171Details +

I BOUGHT THE NEW CAR FROM A LEXUS DEALER IN NJ ON SATURDAY 12/03/2011. RIGHT AFTER THE CAR WAS DELIVERED TO ME AND AS I DROVE THE CAR OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP, I NOTICED THAT RPM SURGED WHENEVER GEAR UPSHIFTED SPECIALLY IN 15-40 MPH RANGE. MY WIFE ALSO NOTICED THE SAME ISSUE. WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON FOLLOWING FRIDAY, 12/9/2011, AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, IT HAD ~340 MILES ON IT. ONE MECHANIC AT THE DEALER ROAD TESTED THE CAR WITH ME AND NOTICED THE SAME ISSUE. WE LEFT THE CAR AT THE DEALER ON THAT DAY. ON FOLLOWING MONDAY AFTERNOON (12/12/2011), THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILED AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. WE HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE CAR AND RESULTING SAFETY ISSUE: POWER TRAIN IS THE MAIN COMPONENT OF A CAR THAT HAS DIRECT IMPLICATION ON A CAR'S SAFETY. THIS CAR WAS A DEFECT EVEN BEFORE IT WAS DELIVERED TO ME. I ALSO HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE RIGOR OF LEXUS NEW CAR INSPECTION PROCESS BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS KIND OF POWER TRAIN ISSUE CAN LEAD TO A MORE SERIOUS SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM THAT CAUSES DISASTROUS ACCIDENTS. WITH THIS DEFECTED CAR, WE MIGHT HAVE GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT RIGHT AFTER DELIVERY DUE TO POWER TRAIN FAILURE. *TR

Reported
Dec 2011
Incident date
Dec 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10440171 at NHTSA →

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

No NHTSA crash test is on record for this year. Some vehicles and model years were not tested or do not have a published NCAP result.

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
RX 450h3.5L 6-cylFront-Wheel Drive312829
RX 450h AWD3.5L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive292728
RX 3503.5L 6-cylFront-Wheel Drive182521
RX 350 AWD3.5L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive182420

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2012 Lexus RX: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Lexus RX?

Owners filed 47 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Lexus RX. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2012 Lexus RX?

The most-reported problem areas are Vehicle Speed Control (17% of complaints) and electrical system (13%).

How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus RX have?

No safety recalls are on record for the 2012 Lexus RX as of Jul 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Lexus RX get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Lexus RX between 20 and 29 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.