2012 Lexus ES recalls and problems
No recalls and 31 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Lexus ES.
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2012 Lexus ES recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
The contact owned a 2012 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle, causing the vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front, resulting in a three-vehicle crash. The impact caused the hood to unlatch, and the hood flew up. The air bags did not deploy. The…
The contact owns a 2012 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the reflection from the melted dashboard reflected onto the windshield. In addition, the contact’s vision was impaired while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but no assistance was provided…
Incident Description: The instrument panel (dashboard) and interior trim panels of my 2012 Lexus ES 350 have suffered a complete material failure, transforming from a solid surface into a viscous, melting adhesive. This is a known manufacturing defect documented under Lexus Customer Support Program ZLZ. This failure…
I HAVE A 2012 LEXUS ES350 PURCHASED USED FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. I WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT THE MELTING DASHBOARD ISSUE WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR AND IT JUST STARTED HAPPENING. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR DUE TO THE SAFETY ISSUE AS THERE IS GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD IN SUNLIGHT THAT OBSCURES MY VIEW. THE LEXUS DEALER AND LEXUS…
Driving down the interstate and out of the blue my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a gunshot and I was driving 80mph. I almost ran into another driver due to glass falling on me.
ES model years compared
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 0 | 28 | 4 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 | 41 | 2 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 | 46 | 6 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 | 31 | 5 | 1 |
| 2013 | 0 | 34 | 3 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
Across all years, the 2007 ES has the most complaints (125). All Lexus ES years →
Questions
- Does the 2012 Lexus ES have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Lexus ES as of October 27, 2026.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lexus ES?
- Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (19 complaints), followed by electrical system (5).
- How many 2012 Lexus ES complaints mention a crash or fire?
- 5 of 31 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 23, 2026.