2012 Lexus ES

107 serious complaints of 116, the most about air bags (95) and structure (5); per car on the road, 2.5× this model's usual year. 3 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21002: desiccated air bag inflator rupture.

What owners report

“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Feb 2017

“The contact owns a 2012 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while sitting in the sun, the dashboard melted causing a glare in the windshield. The contact called the dealer and was advised to take the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the structure, Apr 2024

Fixes and extended coverage

• Extended coverage On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation. The settlement includes Lexus's agreement to provide a Customer Support Program (?CSP?) for 2002-2019 model year (MY) vehicles originally equipped with certain Takata… (22LE02, Jul 2022)
• Extended coverage Dealer Email: Lexus has received reports indicating that a combination of high humidity, high temperatures, and light intensity may cause the surface of the dashboard (instrument panel) and/or certain interior trim panels in some of the subject vehicles to become cracked and/or sticky over time. (ZLZ Dealer, Sep 2018)
• Extended coverage Customer Support Program Bulletin: Lexus has received reports indicating that a combination of high humidity, high temperatures, and light intensity may cause the surface of the Dashboard (Instrument Panel) and/or certain interior trim panels in some of the subject vehicles to become cracked… (ZLZ Lexus, Sep 2018)
• Extended coverage Vehicles that did not have an active Safety Connect subscription on or after 10/1/2017 but are affected by this condition are included in this Customer Support Program (19LE05). (19LE05, Oct 2019)
• Extended coverage Job Aid: CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM ZLZ Repair Coverage for the Dashboard (Instrument Panel) and/or Certain Interior Trim Panels Covered Vehicles and Components (ZLZ Job-Aid, Sep 2018)
• Extended coverage Dealer Package: 12/10/2019 Vehicle total has increased by approximately 6,260 vehicles. (KLG Dealer, Dec 2019)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

116 owner complaints · 3 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 22 mpg · NHTSA: 3 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features