DecodedCars2012 Lexus LS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 460 4dr Sedan AWD, 460 4dr Sedan RWD, 460 L 4dr Sedan AWD, 600h L 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 385 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 19 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 198–202.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,321–5,049 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 16% below the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Lexus LS is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (5.0L 8-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,641 lb (460 4dr Sedan AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway), 16% worse than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 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 LS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 LS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2012 LS configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 460 4dr Sedan AWD | 198 in | 74 in | 58.3 in | 116.9 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 4,641 lb | 52/48 |
| 460 4dr Sedan RWD | 198 in | 74 in | 58.3 in | 116.9 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 4,321 lb | 52/48 |
| 460 L 4dr Sedan AWD | 202.8 in | 74 in | 58.3 in | 121.7 in | 63.4 / 63 in | 4,740 lb | 52/48 |
| 600h L 4dr Sedan AWD | 202.8 in | 74 in | 58.7 in | 121.7 in | 63.4 / 63 in | 5,049 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS 600h L Hybrid | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 20 | -16% | $4,100 | 444 |
| LS 460 | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 468 |
| LS 460 L | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -21% | $4,350 | 468 |
| LS 460 AWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -25% | $4,550 | 494 |
| LS 460 L AWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -25% | $4,550 | 494 |
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 LS.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Lexus LS (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Porsche Panamera | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Lexus ES | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Cadillac CTS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Lexus LS.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Lexus LS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Lexus LS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Structure › Body › Door › Handle › Interior — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 LS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other LS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 LS | 21 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2022 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2020 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2018 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 19 |
| 2017 LS | 19 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2016 LS | 20 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2015 LS | 20 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →