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Lexus RX

EPA MPG: 20 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 RX is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2012 Lexus RX has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Lexus RX owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Head gasket

"Oil leak, replaced seals, etc. cost of approx. $6,000.00"

Anonymous A., MO (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

"leaking causing failure of ignition coils"

Anonymous, FL (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

""the car was dripping oil. engine needed $3500 gasket, an expensive pain in the ass for an otherwise great car. never any other problems with anything.""

Anonymous, WI (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Other electrical system problem

"The stereo system will power off often when we hit a sharp bump while driving"

Anonymous, TN (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)
Tire pressure monitor

"3 of the monitors broke"

Anonymous, CA (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"struts. Haven't been fixed until I recover from3 broken ribs."

Anonymous A., KS (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

"Had to replace alternator because of failed Diode"

Anonymous, FL (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Differential

"it just wore out particularly from corrosion. I should have rust proofed the car!! My fault!"

Anonymous, NY (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Coil

"caused by leaking head gaskets"

Anonymous, FL (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Rotors

"Great car normal wear and tear"

Anonymous, CA (2012 Lexus RX 350 Unsure)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Ball joints

"Excessive vibration & tire wear at higher speeds. Had to replace tie rods to fix ball joints."

Anonymous A., AZ (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"I cannot get my phone to pair with my car's bluetooth."

Anonymous, SC (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"On the rear hatch under/around the logo it began rusting a couple of years after purchase. I've had it repainted twice (both under a warranty). It is now clearly rusting through on multiple spots in the same location. This had to be a defect from the factory."

Anonymous A., WI (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Water pools due to the design of the tailgate lift causing surface rust."

Anonymous A., OH (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"I was told the timing belt pan is leaking oil. The cost to repair is $5600."

Anonymous, SC (2012 Lexus RX 350 3.5-L V6)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2012 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Feb 12, 2014
If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V054000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 261114
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