2012 Lexus ES Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 13%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 Lexus ES, 13% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On the passenger side dashboard next to temperature control switch, dashboard vinyl is melting, it has bubble and one bubble was broken to make a hole. I noticed it on april 1, 2014. When I changed the cabin air filter on march,31 in glove compartment, I didn't see it. I brought my car to new country Lexus and described the issue hoping that their technician may see issue with temperature control resistance may causing wiring to heat that is causing vinyl to melt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10576878, filed 2014-04, 29,500 miles“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, filed 2025-01“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, filed 2026-07, 65,000 miles“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, filed 2024-04, 130,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027560Dec 15, 2025Some 2005 – 2026 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…
- 11016775Feb 7, 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…
- 11015489Feb 7, 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…
- 11007456Jul 29, 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…
- 11006162Jul 29, 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…
- 11005121Jun 21, 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…
- 11005063Jun 21, 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…
- 11003650Apr 19, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11003648Apr 19, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11003595Apr 19, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% |
| 2019 | 3 | 9% |
| 2018 | 1 | 20% |
| 2015 | 1 | 20% |
| 2013 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 4 | 13% |
| 2011 | 6 | 13% |
| 2010 | 6 | 15% |
| 2009 | 2 | 7% |
| 2008 | 7 | 10% |
| 2007 | 31 | 25% |
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 2 | 13% |
| 2003 | 1 | 4% |
| 2002 | 5 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2012 Lexus ES
19 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Lexus ES
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology