Is the 2012 LEXUS RX reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of LEXUS RXs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 48 tests. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2012 LEXUS RX cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 LEXUS RX?

The 2012 LEXUS RX has a 92% MOT pass rate based on 48 tests in 2026. This ranks 91 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year LEXUS RX is most reliable?

The 2021 LEXUS RX has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%. The least reliable year is 2013 at 89%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 LEXUS RX?

The average mileage for a 2012 LEXUS RX is 83,536 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

LEXUS RX (2012)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 48 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,277

£190/month

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Excellent

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2672cc Petrol

Great Choice

92% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 10 points above average.

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Petrol2672cc14 years old48 tests84k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2672cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2672cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,277

Per month£190/mo

Per week£44/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LEXUS brand average of 87%.

At 14 years old, 92% of LEXUS RXs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 48 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,536 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars91th of 685(top 13%)

Rank among LEXUS models97th of 301(top 32%)

vs national average+10%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average+14%(78% avg)

vs LEXUS average+5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

83,536

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 LEXUS RX has 83,536 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 89%. The 2012 sits between the two at 92%.

LEXUS RX by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	97%	194	25,630 mi
2021	97%	3,357	24,932 mi
2020	97%	3,237	31,201 mi
2019	96%	4,047	38,599 mi
2018	97%	3,235	46,447 mi
2017	95%	3,405	54,976 mi
2016	95%	4,021	63,543 mi
2015	92%	2,118	71,813 mi
2014	91%	2,743	82,979 mi
2013	89%	378	89,448 mi
2012	92%	48	83,536 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 SERIES

2014 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,247/year

87%

-5%

VAUXHALL INSIGNIA

2011 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,397/year

77%

-15%

BMW 1 SERIES

2013 · 2979cc Petrol

£2,247/year

84%

-8%

LAND ROVER FREELANDER

2010 · 2179cc Petrol

£2,397/year

79%

-13%

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About the 2012 LEXUS RX

The 2012 LEXUS RX is a premium performance with a 2672cc petrol engine. 48 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 13% of all 2012 cars for reliability.

With an average of 83,536 miles at 14 years old, LEXUS RX owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 LEXUS RX Fuel Costs

The 2672cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 LEXUS RX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

LEXUS RX Reliability Trend

Newer LEXUS RXs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 LEXUS RX

At 14 years old, the LEXUS RX is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. Note: with only 48 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 LEXUS RX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 84k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 LEXUS RX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
LEXUS RX(2012)	92%	£1592	£430	Grp 30-42	£2277
BMW 3 SERIES(2014)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£30
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011)	77%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397+£120
BMW 1 SERIES(2013)	84%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£30
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2010)	79%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397+£120

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.