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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2012 Lexus IS Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
22%of 18 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 Lexus IS, 22% of the 18 complaints for this model year.

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.

“2012 Lexus IS 250 Complaint Category: Interior/Seat Belts/Air Bags → Interior Component: Interior Moldings/Trim/Panels Narrative This is a safety issue. The dashboard on my 2012 Lexus IS 250 has developed significant cracking and is actively decomposing into a gelatin-like texture, despite the vehicle being garage-kept, low mileage, and well-maintained throughout my ownership. This is not the result of any accident, impact, or misuse — it appeared spontaneously and has progressively worsened. …”

NHTSA complaint #11748952, filed 2026-07

“The dashboard is sticky/melting causing it to be extremely shiny. It is available for inspection upon request. Due to the shininess of the dashboard, it causes a glare on the windshield during the daytime. This glare causes difficulty with being able to safely see through the windshield.”

NHTSA complaint #11593384, filed 2024-06

“The dashboard (instrument panel) on this 2012 Lexus IS 250 has degraded and deteriorated, developing a shiny, reflective surface. In daylight and bright conditions, this degraded surface reflects onto the windshield and produces a significant glare that obstructs the driver's view of the road. The glare materially impairs forward visibility and makes safe operation of the vehicle dangerous, particularly given the driver's reduced tolerance for compromised visibility. This is a known and widespread defect. …”

NHTSA complaint #11755221, filed 2026-08

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2023120%
2015111%
201418%
2013444%
2012422%
2011427%
201025%
2009718%
20081313%
20072319%
20062920%
200518%
200318%
200218%

Other parts of the 2012 Lexus IS

Air bags
8 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Vehicle speed control
2 complaints
Electrical system
1 complaints
Electronic stability control
1 complaints
Engine
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Lexus IS

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