2012 Lexus IS problems
The 2012 Lexus IS was sold with an engine that we have documented: the 2.0/2.2 D-4D. The 2.0/2.2 D-4D has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, one documented fault affects 2012 cars, such as defective gas generator in the Lexus IS driver's airbag (2019 alert).
2012 Lexus IS score: low reliability
Calculated using only 5 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine2.34 faults
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension9.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.2 times the defects normal for its age
- Brakes8.1Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering9.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.2 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior8.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety7.11 fault
What changes compared with the 2011 Lexus IS
The same engines and the same documented faults as in 2011.
2.0/2.2 D-4D engine in the 2012 Lexus IS
Names: 220d · 200d
- Avoid
2.2 D-4D (2AD-FTV, 136-150 hp, 2005-2015)
136–150 hp · 2AD-FTV
Several generations and different models (Avensis, RAV4, Auris, Corolla Verso, Verso) repeatedly document head gasket problems, oil consumption or dilution, and EGR and injector faults in this 2.2-litre block; have a specialist workshop check it thoroughly before buying.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
- Avoid
2.2 D-4D D-CAT (2AD-FHV, 174-177 hp, 2005-2015)
174–177 hp · 2AD-FHV
This is the version the sources most consistently describe as the most problematic of the whole diesel range of these models, with head gasket, EGR, injector and D-CAT filter clogging faults documented in practically every car that used it.[3][6][7]
Faults that affect 2012 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentCylinder head and blockWarped cylinder head gasket and oil consumption on the 2.2 D-4DYes: the 2.2-litre block (2AD-FTV and 2AD-FHV D-CAT) has numerous documented cases of warped cylinder head gaskets and oil consumption or dilution in the Avensis, RAV4, Auris, Corolla Verso and Verso, with repairs that sometimes require replacing the engine.Appears at around 40,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlEGR valve clogged with sootYes: the EGR valve clogs with soot very frequently across the whole 1AD/2AD D-4D family, especially with urban use and short journeys, and it usually causes a loss of power or the engine warning light to come on.Appears at around 45,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionInjector wear and failureYes: the common-rail injectors fail frequently in this family, with cases documented from 30,000 km and repairs ranging from €800 (one injector) to €1,900 (several) according to the owners consulted.Appears at around 30,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlD-CAT particulate filter cloggingYes: the D-CAT particulate filter, and that of later versions without the badge, becomes saturated with soot if the car does not cover enough open-road miles, with the DPF warning light on and forced regenerations costing around €180 at a workshop.
Faults outside the engine in the 2012 Lexus IS
Buying a 2012 Lexus IS?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Lexus IS reliable?
The 2012 Lexus IS was sold with an engine that we have documented: the 2.0/2.2 D-4D. The 2.0/2.2 D-4D has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, one documented fault affects 2012 cars, such as defective gas generator in the Lexus IS driver's airbag (2019 alert).
Is the 2012 Lexus IS better than the 2011?
Going by the documented faults, they are the same: the same engines and the same faults affect the 2011 and 2012 cars. Choose on condition, mileage and maintenance history.
What is the best year for the Lexus IS?
According to our score, the best is 2006 (6.0/10). The year with the worst score is 2010 (4.5/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2012 Lexus IS have?
The most important ones documented for 2012 cars are: warped cylinder head gasket and oil consumption on the 2.2 D-4D (2.0/2.2 D-4D, critical severity), defective gas generator in the Lexus IS driver's airbag (2019 alert) (airbags and safety, critical severity), eGR valve clogged with soot (2.0/2.2 D-4D, medium severity), injector wear and failure (2.0/2.2 D-4D, medium severity) and d-CAT particulate filter clogging (2.0/2.2 D-4D, medium severity).
Own a 2012 Lexus IS? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Toyota AD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Toyota Avensis (2003-2009) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Toyota Avensis (2008-2018) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Toyota RAV4 (2006-2012) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Toyota RAV4 (2013-2019) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Toyota Auris (2007-2012) : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Toyota Corolla Verso : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Toyota Verso : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French