What 14 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Lexus Rx450h

failed Brake Actuator

NHTSA ODI 11739996

Pearl White (077) paint is delaminated from metallic car surfaces. The paint appears to be separating from the surface and peeling/cracking, not consistent with normal wear alone. I previously reported this concern to Lexus Corporate.

NHTSA ODI 11733008

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2012 Lexus RX350. The contact purchased the vehicle, and it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 127,832. The contact stated that at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 257,193.

NHTSA ODI 11708430

Air bag issue light turn on, it said b1608 front satellite sensor bus initialization error LH code

NHTSA ODI 11693738

The contact owns a 2012 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that the four rear tires were replaced with Blackhawk Tires, Tire Line: Street HH11, Tire Size: 235/45/R18, DOT Number: 1YJEERYLY. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the low tire pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started pulling to the right. The contact started pumping the brake pedal and was able to pull over safely. The contact observed that the driver's side rear tire had a gash on the side wall. The contact stated that the tires were replaced on June 10, 2025. The contact stated that Roadside Assistance arrived at the scene and replaced the tire with the spare. The dealer was contacted and suggested that the vehicle be brought to their location. The contact was informed that the tire would have to be replaced out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 30,171. The tire failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11683882

The contact owns a 2012 Lexus RX350. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the ABS seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted and functioned as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V054000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11665369

My car powers off while driving and then cuts back home within a second. It also has electrical issues the lights so flash during the night when you’re driving and then the front and shakes so bad that it shakes you just about off the road when you hit the brakes

NHTSA ODI 11655212

The engine shuts off for a second while driving

NHTSA ODI 11654908

October 20, '23 Our recent DEAD STOP! Whistle blower! Did you know that when the alternator goes out on a Lexus, that the car draws down energy from the battery to keep the car going? That's only for about a mile or so, then the car shuts down! You can't steer and THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING and you have no power as you come to a dead stop, whether on the freeway, or one lane mountain pass road, where we would have been later. What would we have done? Scary! Luckily, our Lexus stalled on a city street nearing our on-ramp to the freeway. (needing to be towed.) Lexus has a serious engineering-defective-design-flaw that probably is responsible for accidents. Thanks, [XXX] . Pass it on please! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11551111

Sunroof exploded while driving in middle lane of 5 lane interstate. Cars, semi trucks all around me, center section of sunroof glass blew up and back into a pickup truck directly behind me. Pieces of glass flew in all directions. Luckily the moonroof/sunroof and interior panel were closed. No one was hurt. Other than a loud POP! then 2-3 seconds later an explosive BOOM! no warning light or message came on. Took the car to a local windshield shop, then a local Lexus dealer, another repair shop next week - all within 10 mi radius from where I live. Problem could not be reproduced, no one will confirm how it could have happened. Filed this report after reading about other Lexus - other mfg - having same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11486798

Lexus never informed me or the dealer that the hatchback lift will fail if the weather is below 60 degrees. Sometimes even warmer. I replaced the hatchback lift when I was up in WV and loading up my vehicle and the hatchback almost knocked me out! It happened on several occasions. When I called the dealer they informed me that is normal. Normal. It could of killed me or knocked me out and given me concussion. Came back to Florida and it did the same thing this time high 60's low 70's. I replaced them and it happened again. These hatchback lifts should not happen. A mechanic had a gash in his forehead because I was explaining it to him and the damn hatchback came down on him. He couldn't catch it on time. It came down so quickly. Well, I have to replace the hatchback lift again. This is so wrong. This products especially on a Lexus should not be doing this. Very very dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11462950

The contact owns a 2012 Lexus RX450H. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated with an audible beeping sound. A message appeared on the instrument panel to check the ABS system. The contact pulled over and waited a few minutes to check the brakes. The contact found no failure and continued driving to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ODI 11440243

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS RX450 HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A STRANGE AND CONSTANT BUZZING NOISE THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE BELIEVED HER EX-BOYFRIEND HACKED INTO HER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEXUS OF WESTMINSTER (13590 BEACH BLVD, WESTMINSTER, CA 92683, 714-702-1849) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE APART THE VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TESTING WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11254283

AFTER WASHING MY CAR AND LETTING IT SIT IN MY GARAGE FOR A MONTH THE REAR BRAKE CALIBERS WE'RE STUCK. MY HYBRID BATTERY IS LEAKING ACID ON THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSES CORROSION.

NHTSA ODI 11102265