2012 Lexus IS
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Lexus IS is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 6 on record.
2012 Lexus IS at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2012 Lexus IS recalls 0
No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2012 Lexus IS.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 12 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
What's a 2012 Lexus IS worth?
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2012 Lexus IS — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open
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 deploymen…
NHTSA #EA21002 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2021An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 257
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 257.
Some 2016 – 2020 model year GS F, 2008 – 2014 model year IS F, 2022 – 2025 model year IS 500, 2018 – 2025 model year LC 500, 2021 – 2025 model year LC 500c, and 2015 – 2025 model year RC F vehicles with 2UR-GSE engines may exhibit a MIL ON condition with one o…
Bulletin L-SB-0032-25 · Engine · Jul 2025Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain f…
Bulletin L-SB-0017-19 Rev1 · Structure · Feb 2025Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain f…
Bulletin L-SB-0017-19 Rev1 · Structure · Feb 2025Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to pr…
Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to pr…
Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024Some 2005 – 2024 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 p…
Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 · Structure · Jun 2024Some 2005 – 2024 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 p…
Bulletin L-SB-0030-24 · Structure · Jun 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, r…
Bulletin L-SB-0020-24 · Structure · Apr 2024Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to re…
Bulletin L-SB-0021-24 · Structure · Apr 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…
Bulletin L-SB-0022-24 · Structure · Apr 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the IS250 RWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2012 Lexus IS. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Fuel System
On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, the fuel pulsation dampers located in the fuel delivery pipe could develop a leak over time. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery pipe with an updated part.
Transport Canada #2018346 · Jun 2018Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Lexus IS
The Lexus IS is a compact executive car sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota, since 1998. The IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza nameplate in Japan from 1998 until 2005. The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model positioned below the ES in the Lexus lineup. It was the smallest car in the Lexus lineup until the introduction of the CT in 2011.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
