2012 Lexus ES

31 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Jul 23, 2026Failure Jul 7, 202682,000 milesBallwin, MOAir bagsCrash1 injured

   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 failure and requested that the vehicle be retrieved to access the Event Data Recorder (EDR). The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11752348
2. Filed Jul 2, 2026Failure Jan 20, 202665,000 milesBeechhurst, NYDashboard

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11747902
3. Filed Mar 3, 2026Failure Oct 1, 2025San Diego, CAUnknown 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-coated debris to be projected at occupants during a collision. There were no electronic warning lamps prior to this structural failure; the symptoms began as a slight tackiness that rapidly accelerated into a melting state where the surface now attracts debris and cannot be cleaned. This condition was confirmed by [Insert Dealer Name] during an inspection, where service technicians acknowledged the symptoms were consistent with the ZLZ campaign. However, Lexus has refused to assist with the repair, citing an expired secondary coverage window. I believe a known manufacturing defect that compromises driver visibility and airbag integrity constitutes a safety hazard that must be addressed regardless of the vehicle's age. The vehicle and the defective components remain available for inspection upon request.

   NHTSA complaint 11721695
4. Filed Oct 3, 2025Failure Oct 1, 2025Long Beach, CAUnknown 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.

   NHTSA complaint 11691121
5. Filed Jan 21, 2025Failure Jan 21, 2025Hampton, GABody, Unknown or other, Visibility/wiper1 injured

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11637350
6. Filed Apr 16, 2024Failure Apr 14, 2023130,000 milesEl Cajon, CADashboard

   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. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact there were no open recalls associated with the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11583409
7. Filed Apr 16, 2024Failure Apr 16, 2024El Cajon, CAVisibility/wiper

   The dashboard is melting causing a glare that’s hard to see through on the windshield. I found a self service from Lexus that they recalled it themselves but it isn’t official thought the government. [XXX] ). I called Lexus and they said I had to call corporate, so I did. They still wouldn’t help me as it isn’t an official recall even though they extended the program to 2026. This is a major saftey concern. I could eventually hit someone because of the glare. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11583403
8. Filed Nov 12, 2022Failure Nov 12, 2022Estero, FLVisibility/wiper

   Sticky dash board, tryed to clean it and it becomes shinny and reflects sunlight

   NHTSA complaint 11493290
9. Filed Aug 8, 2022Failure Aug 3, 2022Stockton, CAAir bagsCrash1 injured

   Airbag recall was replaced 8/02/2022. Car accident occurred 8/03/2022. Airbags did not deploy.

   NHTSA complaint 11478255
10. Filed May 18, 2021Failure May 18, 2021Belle isle orlando, FLUnknown or other

    Sales rep. Stated that the dash boards is very sticky

    NHTSA complaint 11417602
11. Filed Oct 23, 2020Failure Oct 12, 202073,000 milesGibsonia, PAVehicle speed control

    UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OCCURRED WHILE PULLING STRAIGHT INTO A PARKING SPOT. VEHICLE WAS GOING ABOUT 1 MPH WITH FOOT GENTLY APPLYING THE BRAKE WHILE COMING TO A STOP. CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT WHAT APPEARS TO BE FULL THROTTLE. CAR JUMPED OVER CONCRETE PARKING CURB AND RESTED ON TOP OF THE CONCRETE CURB, COMING TO A HALT. THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION INCIDENT OCCURRED ON OCTOBER 12, 2020.

    NHTSA complaint 11366111
12. Filed Oct 7, 2020Failure Apr 1, 2020Annandale, VAAir bags

    I RECEIVED A LETTER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO NEAREST DEALER FOR AIR BAG RECALL REPLACEMENT PROCESS, AND I CALLED AND INITIATED ONLINE CHATTING W/ THE LEXUS AIR BAG RECALL SUPPORT TEAM NUMEROUS TIMES BUT FAILED TO GET A RESPONSE FROM THEM. ONLINE CHAT REPRESENTATIVE STATED THEY CAN'T HELP WITH SCHEDULING, AND REPRESENTATIVES OVER THE PHONE, MORE THAN 6 TIMES OF ATTEMPT, EITHER HUNG UP DURING THE CALL AND KEPT ON TRANSFERRING. IT HAPPENED SINCE MARCH ON A DIFFERENT DATES AND THEY STILL REFUSED TO COMPLETE THE APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING PROCESS.

    NHTSA complaint 11363245
13. Filed Dec 21, 2019Failure Dec 20, 201967,632 milesHollywood, FLAir bags

    LIGHT CAN ON AND OFF 12/20/2019 WHEN I WAS DRIVING, I PULL INTO PARKING LOT AND CUT OFF ENGINE...WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND STARTED CAR BACK UP IT WENT AWAY, THE NEXT DAY 12/21/2019 WHEN I STARTED UP MY CAR IT CAME ON WHILE STILL PARK AND STAY ON, NOT A GOOD FEELING .

    NHTSA complaint 11290583
14. Filed Oct 25, 2019Failure Oct 25, 2019128,000 milesMunith, MIElectrical system

    ALL 4 DOORS STOPPED LOCKING BY KEY FOB, INSIDE SWITCHES OR EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SWITCHES OR WHEN PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR. NO CLICK IS HEARD WHEN TRYING TO LOCK DOORS BUT CLICKING IS HEARD WHEN HITTING THE UNLOCK SWITCHES. DOORS WILL UNLOCK ELECTRONICALLY/ ELECTRICALLY WHEN THEY ARE MANUALLY LOCKED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. A PREVIOUS REPORT INDICATED A SIMILAR PROBLEM THAT A DEALER DIAGNOSED AS ALL OF THE DOOR LOCKS NEEDED REPLACED, WHICH MAKES NO SENSE THAT THE COULD ALL FAIL MECHANICALLY AT THE SAME TIME. THE PROBLEM APPEARS ELECTRICAL IN NATURE AND IS DANGEROUS SINCE DOORS CAN'T BE LOCKED WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR IN A SAFETY SITUATION WHERE LOCKING THE DOORS COULD PREVENT INTRUDER ENTRY.

    NHTSA complaint 11271119
15. Filed Oct 25, 2019Failure May 30, 2019124,000 milesMunith, MIElectrical system

    THE HORN QUIT WORKING. FOUND IT WORKS ONLY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED CLOSE TO END OF CLOCKWISE AND COUNTERCLOCKWISE DIRECTION. DEEMED SAFETY HAZARD SINCE NO HORN SOUND TO ALERT PEDESTIANS, BICYCLISTS AND OTHER DRIVERS OF DANGER. WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND COST $690 TO REPLACE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING.

    NHTSA complaint 11271116
16. Filed Dec 15, 2017Failure Jul 6, 2017Orlando, FLAir bags

    THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO ACQUIRE A REPLACEMENT AIR BAG FOR MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD NOT TO CARRY PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT SEAT, WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE THEREFORE A RISK TO MY FAMILY.

    NHTSA complaint 11054884
17. Filed Oct 25, 2017Failure Oct 24, 2017Douglasville, GAAir bags

    RECALL

    NHTSA complaint 11039722
18. Filed Oct 24, 2017Failure Feb 23, 2017Mobile, ALAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED AN INTERIM RECALL NOTICE ON 02-23-2017. I AM STILL WAITING FOR A NOTICE THAT REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES VIA EMAIL TO DISCUSS THE DELAY BUT LEXUS REPRESENTATIVES REFUSE TO RESPOND TO MY QUESTIONS VIA EMAIL. THEY INSIST I CONTACT THEM BY TELEPHONE.

    NHTSA complaint 11039293
19. Filed Oct 23, 2017Failure Oct 23, 2017SAN Antonio, TXAir bags

    NO ACTION ON THE AIRBAG RECALL.

    NHTSA complaint 11035971
20. Filed Oct 20, 2017Failure Sep 28, 2017Oviedo, FLAir bags, Electrical system

    TAKATA RECALL AND ELECTRICAL FAILURES. LEXUS RECALLED VEHICLE IN JAN 2017 WARNING THAT NO ONE SHOULD SIT IN FRONT SEAT FOR DURATION. NO PROVISION FOR A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE WAS MENTIONED. IT HAS BEEN 10 MONTHS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO USE FRONT SEAT. THEY SAY THE PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER. OUR VEHICLE IS ALSO GETTING MY WIFE STRANDED. WE HAVE GONE THROUGH 3 BATTERIES IN 3 YEARS. LEXUS REFUSES TO FIX IT. PLEASE REFERENCE ATTACHED RECALL LETTER. I WAS NOT ABLE TO ATTACH THE COMPLETE SET OF DOCS WITH DETAILED DESCRIPTION DUE TO FILE SIZE.

    NHTSA complaint 11035214