2012 Lexus ES Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2012 Lexus ES recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 2012 Lexus ES.

Most common 2012 Lexus ES problems

Problem areas named in the 31 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	19
Electrical System	5
Structure	4
Unknown Or Other	4
Visibility/Wiper	3
Vehicle Speed Control	1

What owners report

2026-07-23, Air Bags
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 contact's grandson was a passenger in a rear-facing car seat, and the contact was unable to determine whether the child had sustained any injuries. The contact suffered a sore neck and body, and medical attention was received. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop and declared a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the fa

2026-07-02, Structure
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. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

2026-03-03, Unknown Or Other
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 creates a critical safety risk because the degraded surface has become highly reflective, producing a blinding glare on the windshield that severely obstructs my visibility while driving. Furthermore, the material has liquefied directly over the passenger-side airbag deployment zone; I am concerned this sticky residue will interfere with the deployment timing or cause adhesive-co

2025-10-03, Unknown Or Other
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 CORPORATE SAY IT'S TOO BAD BECAUSE THE CASE IS CLOSED BUT I NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION. THEY SAID RECALL NOTIFICATION PROBABLY WENT TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER. HOW IS THIS A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION? THE CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

2025-01-21, Structure
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.

2012 Lexus ES questions

Does the 2012 Lexus ES have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 2012 Lexus ES at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lexus ES?

Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (19), Electrical System (5), Structure (4).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Lexus ES has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.