Makes›Lexus›IS›2012

2012 Lexus IS

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Lexus IS
Pictured: 2021 Lexus IS300 F-Sport, Front Left, 10-10-2021. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Subcompact Cars
Body styles
250 4dr Sedan AWD, 250 4dr Sedan RWD, 350 4dr Sedan AWD, 350 4dr Sedan RWD
Engines
2.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower
236 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
Length
180.3–182.7 in
Curb weight
3,455–3,840 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Lexus IS is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 180 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,651 lb (250 4dr Sedan AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 11% better than the 2012 subcompact car average of 21.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 IS — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 IS →

Trims, performance & features

Engine236 hp2.5L 6-cyl
Engine–3.5L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

250C350C

Built in: Tahara, Aichi · Miyawaka, Fukuoka

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2012 IS configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
250 4dr Sedan AWD180.3 in70.9 in56.7 in107.5 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,651 lb52/48
250 4dr Sedan RWD180.3 in70.9 in56.3 in107.5 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,455 lb52/48
350 4dr Sedan AWD180.3 in70.9 in56.7 in107.5 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,704 lb52/48
350 4dr Sedan RWD180.3 in70.9 in56.3 in107.5 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,527 lb52/48
-C 250/350 2dr Conv RWD182.7 in70.9 in55.9 in107.5 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,840 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
IS 250/IS 250C2.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+11%$3,400370
IS 350/IS 350C3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+1%$3,750404
IS 250 AWD2.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22+1%$3,750404
IS 250/IS 250C2.5L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22+1%$3,750404
IS 350 AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-3%$3,900423
Spend $5,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.7 MPG2012 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Lexus IS.

Similar 2012 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Lexus IS (this car)24 MPGNot rated5
2012 BMW 3 Series27 MPGNot rated3
2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class23 MPGNot rated0
2012 Audi A425 MPGNot rated0
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class25 MPGNot rated0
2012 Audi A525 MPGNot rated2
2012 Volvo S6023 MPGNot rated8

Recalls (5)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Oct 17, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V741000 · 928,220 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V005000 · 1,299,448 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jun 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V432000 · 114,998 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Lexus GS350 and GS450h, 2006-2013 Lexus IS350 and 2010-2014 Lexus IS350C vehicles, equipped with 3.5L V6 2GR-FSE gasoline engines. The diaphragms in the fuel pulsation dampers may harden over time and develop cracks, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery pipe with a new pipe that has improved pulsation dampers, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2018. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's number for this recall is JLF.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V006000 · 577,875 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
Visibility/Wiper · Jan 30, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V030000 · 267,718 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10, 2009, through October 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 Lexus IS-F vehicles manufactured December 14, 2007, through July 10, 2011. The nuts that fasten the wiper arms may be insufficiently torqued such that if the wiper arms are restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow, one or both of the wipers may become inoperative.
Risk
Inoperative wipers could reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Lexus IS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

44Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
40,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags27
Structure › Body7
Service Brakes5
Electrical System5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Visibility/Wiper4
Engine3
Unknown Or Other3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/06: 117/08: 617/09: 217/10: 117/12: 118/06: 118/08: 118/11: 119/05: 119/07: 119/10: 119/12: 120/01: 120/03: 120/04: 120/10: 120/11: 122/01: 122/02: 122/08: 124/06: 126/06: 126/07: 126/08: 117/0617/1018/0819/0720/0120/1022/0226/06max 6

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Lexus IS buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 27 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Structure › Body — 7 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Lexus IS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other IS years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 IS22185.8 inNot rated01
2025 IS25185.4 inNot rated01
2024 IS25185.4 inNot rated01
2023 IS25185.4 inNot rated05
2022 IS25185.4 inNot rated15
2021 IS25185.4 inNot rated03
2020 IS24183.9 inNot rated09
2019 IS24183.9 inNot rated210
2018 IS26183.9 inNot rated19
2017 IS26183.9 inNot rated221
2016 IS26183.9 inNot rated017
2015 IS24183.9 inNot rated330

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →