Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2012 Lexus RX450HRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints for the 2012 Lexus RX450H. Most complaints involve electrical system (4) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 28–29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
28–29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
15
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2012 Lexus RX450H as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
15 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2018 – Sep 2026
- Electrical system4
- Engine3
- Service brakes2
- Steering1
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Structure1
- Air bags1
- Tires1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
4 reports
“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.”
Engine
3 reports
“Alternator completely shut down on Sunday,XXX. Battery warning light came on out of the blue on Sat, XXX at 8:45 PM in Independence, MO in front of Walmart on [XXX], had to go autozone on [XXX] in [XXX]. Test came back showing Alternator failure. Now power steering is gone and prob battery too. All interior electric systems shut down also. Headlight bulbs became affected within 1 month of purchase from dealership on XXX. Replacement bulbs for dims done last week.”
Service brakes
2 reports
“failed Brake Actuator”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 450h Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 28 | 29 | $2,750 | 306 |
| RX 450h AWD Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 27 | 28 | $2,850 | 317 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Lexus RX450h SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.4%
Overall
4 / 5
Lexus RX450h SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 17.9%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2012 RX450H questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus RX450H have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 Lexus RX450H problems?
Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (4), engine (3), service brakes (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 Lexus RX450H get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Lexus RX450H at 28–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2012 Lexus RX450H?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 Lexus RX450H 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026