2012 Lexus ES350
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › ES350 › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Lexus ES350. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2012 Lexus ES350. Newest first.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
Owner complaints
89 complaints3 involved a crash2 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Lock
The contact owns a 2012 Lexus ES350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the key was detected, and trunk open warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the doors would lock and unlock independently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the…
The contact owns a 2012 Lexus ES350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the key was detected, and trunk open warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the doors would lock and unlock independently. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the trunk latch replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and agreed to cover the cost of the partial repair. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The VIN was not available.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
TL* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact stated that the door locks failed to latch securely when the doors were closed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who stated that the door locks needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact stated that the door locks failed to latch securely when the doors were closed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who stated that the door locks needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to any recalls pertaining to the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Door
TL* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact stated that both the rear and front door locks failed to lock. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Lexus of clearwater (27547 us hwy 19 n, clearwater, fl 33761, (727) 231-1443) diagnosed that the door actuators need to be repaired. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact stated that both the rear and front door locks failed to lock. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Lexus of clearwater (27547 us hwy 19 n, clearwater, fl 33761, (727) 231-1443) diagnosed that the door actuators need to be repaired. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The vin was unknown.
- Steering
On feb 7, 2019 vehicle was being serviced by dealer regarding a recall the vehicle was on dealers lift at time of detection of leak on feb 8, 2019 power steering rack leak was found by dealer on feb 8, 9 and 10, 2019 dealer replaced leaking power steering rack.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact stated that the dashboard and instrument panel were melting and sticky. There was no cushion protection on the dashboard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the 2012 lexus es350 was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact stated that the dashboard and instrument panel were melting and sticky. There was no cushion protection on the dashboard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the 2012 lexus es350 was not eligible for a dashboard replacement, which ended in may of 2017. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing and repairs. The failure mileage was 79,000.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time the recall repair. The lexus…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time the recall repair. The lexus dealer (hennessy lexus of atlanta, 5955 peachtree industrial blvd, atlanta, ga 30341, 770-457-6800) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags · Air bags › Knee bolster · Air bags › On-off switch assembly
Driver side knee airbag caused hematoma, second degree burn on l. Leg, resulting in 2 surgeries, use of wound vac for 2 1/2 months, and permanent lympedema and scarring on l. Calf. driver has replaced knees that are at high risk if further crash and knee bag deploys again. Driver needs on-off…
Driver side knee airbag caused hematoma, second degree burn on l. Leg, resulting in 2 surgeries, use of wound vac for 2 1/2 months, and permanent lympedema and scarring on l. Calf. driver has replaced knees that are at high risk if further crash and knee bag deploys again. Driver needs on-off switch installed for driver knee airbag. driver was not at fault in this accident and wants knee airbags removed or an on-off switch installed. the airbag on steering wheel deployed correctly and caused no damage. The knee airbag IS a danger to driver.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. (Nalley…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. (Nalley lexus roswell located 980 mansell rd, roswell, ga) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer (lexus of chattanooga, 5800 lee hwy…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer (lexus of chattanooga, 5800 lee hwy, chattanooga, tn 37421, (423) 499-9095) was unable to verify when the parts would be supplied from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* 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. Treasure coast lexus in…
TL* 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. Treasure coast lexus in fort pierce, florida was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Takata recall. I have called lexus of greenville, s.c. Numerous times with no success. They will not even call me back. According to the recall I can't have someone ride in the passenger front seat. I have virtually lost the use of this vehicle. This has been going on for at least six months with no end in site. What else can I do?
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called parker lexus at (501) 221-1700 (1 shackleford w blvd, little rock, ar 72211) where it was confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer (scanlon lexus of ft myers, 14200 s tamiami trl, fort myers, fl 33912) and was informed that the remedy parts were on back order. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *Tt *tr
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the parts do to the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags); however, the parts do to the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (lexus of melbourne, 6927 bromley dr, melbourne, fl 32940 888-707-0233) stated that the parts would not be available until december of 2017 or january of 2018. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* 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…
TL* 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 dealer was contacted at: hennessy lexus of atlanta located in atlanta, ga, 770-457-6800, and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
I was told that the part to repair this recall would be in by june. we are in november and still no part to repair the recall. its been months and has been a huge problem as I cannot have anyone in my front seat.
- Air bags
Takata recall
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 lexus es350. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer lexus of sacramento located at 2600 fulton ave, sacramento, ca 95821 was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The contact was put on the waiting list by the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted at 800-255-3987, but could not speak to anyone, the contact only heard recorded messages. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *ln the consumer stated the complaint was resolved. The vehicle was repaired. *Js
- Air bags
Takata recall: received interim notice from lexus between july and october 2016 (letter not dated). Lexus of nashville says they still don't have the part to perform this recall on our model....over one year later! we have been told not to drive with a front seat passenger. This IS not practical and not acceptable. We need a fix now.
- Air bags
Takata recall. lexus told us that heat & humidity affect the air bag more quickly. We live on coast of sc where these are very high. Lexus stated we would be in the first recall due to that fact. several months have past with no action. I do not want me or my kids to be killed due to a defective air bag. Please help.
- Air bags
Received notice in january of defective passenger side airbag and still have not received a replacement
- Air bags
Takata recall-have called 2 dealerships you listed and will not fix this, sewell lexas of dallas tx and park place lexus in plano tx. I'm driving this car that IS recalled and no one will fix problem. Hope nothing happens to me while I'm driving
- Air bags
I was notified by dealer longo and toyota's lexus division in mid-2016 and notified by nhtsa in jan 2017 that remains unresolved. would appreciate advise what kind action should be taken ?! it IS dangerous in this high traffic town of los angeles whenever accidents happen readily !!
- Air bags
Takata recall: we received the recall in january 2017. We can not have any passengers in the front seat. It IS now, october and they are saying it may be december but they are no longer sure. This IS ridiculous. I want to be able to drive passengers in my car!!
- Air bags
Takata recall - I was notified in january 2017 for the recall and it IS now october 17, 2017 and no repair has been made.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10230353TI: 19LE05 Expired December 1, 2022
- 10230352DP: Limited Service Campaign KLG expired December 01, 2022
- 10230351TI: 19LE05 Expired December 1, 2022
- 10230350DP: Customer Support Program 19LE05 expired December 1, 2022.
- 10217806CSP: Takata CSP Coverage Job Aid - published 7.28.2022
- 10217805CSP: 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 airbag inflators or repaired under a recall with Takata airbag inflators to provide coverage for repairs of the airbag inflator contained in the airbag module. This CSP letter is to help clarify how to administer this coverage in accordance with the settlement. This is NOT a recall or a campaign, but is provided to reassure owners that Lexus stands behind the reliability of our vehicles
- 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10210374TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).
- 10209023TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This service bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle prior to an odor remediation being performed, as well as contact information for an approved vendor who will arrange the remediation, and instructions on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle for reassembly once the remediation has been completed. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This service bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
- 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10205385Bluetooth Connectivity for Apple Devices Upgraded to iOS 8.0.X
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 10205381Intermittent Audio from Podcasts on iPhones Running iOS 7.0
- 10205380How to play itunes radio using the vehicle's Audio System
- 10205379Characteristics of Facetime Audio Calls using - All 2012-2014 My Models
- 10205378When an iPhone is linked to the vehicle through Bluetooth, activation of the microphone on the iPhone will result in the vehicle display showing that an outgoing call is being made.
- 10205377XM Re-Registration with Radio Unit Swap 2010-2014 Models with Satellite Radio
- 10205376Window and Windshield kProduct Report Tips - Multiple Vehicles
- 10205375Window and Windshield kProduct Report Tips - Multiple Vehicles
- 10205365Vehicle no start, Start Stop Run Button LED - Lexus Models with Smart Key with LED
- 10205359Oil Viscosity Applicability and Cfhange Interval Guide
- 10205358Oil Viscosity Applicability and Cfhange Interval Guide
- 10205356HOD Navigation Map Update Process
- 10205354HDD Navigation Kprogrlam Setup
- 10205352Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
- 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10205341HDD Navigation Program Setup
- 10205340HVAC Odor Maintenance
- 10205331Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205330Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
- 10205327Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure.
- 10205326Battery Maintenance for In-Stock Vehicles.
- 10205325Leather Care Best Practices.
- 10205319Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection.
- 10205312Theft Deterrent/Keyless Entry.
- 10205307XM Re-Registration with Radio Unit Swap 2010-2014 Models with Satellite Radio
- 10205129HDD Navigation Map Update Process - Lexus models equipped with Hard Disk Drive (HOD) Navigation require a Special Service Tool and follow a unique process for updating map, points of interest, and system software. Instead of individual DVDs installed into the vehicle, all Map Data is uploaded directly to the HOD system.
- 10205128Navigation System Firmware Improvement (Generation 6)
- 10205126WS ATF Level Adjustment for U660E/F Transmissions.
Every Lexus ES350 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.