This page covers 4 recalls, 17 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Lexus Is 250.
22 mpg combined
10.7 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2012 Lexus IS 250 centers on airbag deployment. Multiple owners report that airbags failed to deploy during collisions they describe as significant enough to warrant deployment, and this represents the clearest recurring theme across the complaint set. Engine behavior draws a smaller cluster of reports, with owners describing unintended acceleration, the vehicle surging forward without throttle input, in some cases at low speeds during parking maneuvers. A couple of structural complaints round out the picture, referencing body or interior issues. The airbag non-deployment reports are the standout pattern here, with owners consistently describing rear-end or multi-vehicle impacts where the restraint system did not activate.
17
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Lexus IS 250 has 4 recalls, all concerning the front passenger airbag inflator, which can explode and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
All four recalls address the same defect in the front passenger-side airbag inflator. When the airbag deploys, the inflator can rupture with excessive force, scattering metal fragments toward vehicle occupants rather than inflating the bag safely. While prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue across all affected vehicles, leading to multiple rounds of filings, the underlying danger is the same in each case. Some of these recalls specifically target vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories, including Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and several U.S. territories, where heat and moisture accelerate the degradation of the inflator propellant. If your vehicle falls within the affected population, the inflator should be inspected and replaced.
At a glance
What can fail
Driver or passenger front airbag inflators previously replaced under an earlier recall may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, high temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the affected front airbag inflator, assembly, or sub-assembly depending on vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag assembly depending on your vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can rupture during deployment due to degradation from humidity and temperature exposure over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
