This page covers 5 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Lexus Is 350.
21 mpg combined
11.2 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 2012 Lexus IS 350 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a defective front passenger airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator issue represents the bulk of these recalls. The passenger-side inflator can rupture with excessive force, throwing sharp metal shards toward occupants rather than deploying the bag safely. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple campaigns exist for the same underlying defect. On the fuel system side, the rubber diaphragms inside the fuel pulsation dampers on the 3.5L V6 engine can harden and crack over time, allowing raw fuel to leak from the engine bay. If that fuel reaches a spark or hot surface, it raises the risk of an underhood fire.
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
Dealers will replace the affected front airbag inflator, assembly, or sub-assembly depending on vehicle model.
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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 rubber diaphragm inside the fuel pulsation damper can harden and crack over time, potentially causing fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel delivery pipe with a new one containing improved pulsation dampers that resist hardening and cracking.
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.
