2012 Lexus LS Problems & Complaints

Average57% fewer complaints than a typical year of the LS at the same age

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2012 Lexus LS with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the LS at the same age. The most reported problem area is the air bags (2 complaints).

5complaints
0recalls
2crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2012 Lexus LS problems

  • Air bags
    240%
  • Brakes~33,000 miles
    120%
  • Other / not specified
    120%
  • Body & structure
    120%
  • Electrical system
    120%

Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus LS complaints by model year

’02’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’16’18’21’23’24’25785174543138956515511
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus LS. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best LS years: 2013, 2012, 2011. Years to avoid: 2018, 2006. Compare all years →

2012 Lexus LS engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
5.0L 8-cyl hybridCVTAWD19 / 23 / 20
4.6L 8-cyl8-speed automaticRWD16 / 24 / 19
4.6L 8-cyl8-speed automaticAWD16 / 23 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Lexus LS a good car?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 LS rates average: 57% fewer complaints than a typical year of the LS at the same age. It is one of the best LS years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Lexus LS?

The air bags — 2 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (1) and body & structure (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus LS have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Lexus LS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Lexus LS?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2012 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018 and 2006. See the full Lexus LS years comparison.

At what mileage do 2012 Lexus LS problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 33,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.