Airbag complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 22% | 3,000 miles |
| 2021 | 25 | 89% | — |
| 2020 | 8 | 44% | — |
| 2019 | 6 | 18% | 18,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 20% | — |
| 2016 | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2015 | 2 | 40% | 110,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 9% | 45,000 miles |
| 2012 | 19 | 61% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 27 | 59% | 53,000 miles |
| 2010 | 20 | 49% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 14 | 50% | 99,000 miles |
| 2008 | 37 | 54% | 77,000 miles |
| 2007 | 34 | 27% | 140,000 miles |
| 2006 | 7 | 58% | 134,000 miles |
| 2005 | 10 | 17% | 18,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 25% | 170,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 13% | 20,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% | 115,000 miles |
| 1999 | 1 | 13% | 35,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I received a letter that my vehicle is subject to a recall for "passenger airbag may not deploy". I contacted my dealer and they said there is not a remedy at they do not know when the remedy will be available. Possibly not until 3rd quarter of 2024. I asked what if the airbag is needed to deploy while they figure out a remedy, they stated. "We HOPE this does not happen". Offering me nothing but hope that no one dies from their error. It is nice to know that Lexus offers HOPE instead of safety for me and my family.
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES 350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while attempting to park in between two vehicles with his foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle jumped the parking barrier and hit stanchion which caused the vehicle to stop. The airbags did not deploy and the vehicle's electrical warning sensors also failed to operate as needed. No injuries were reported at the scene. Both fire and police reported immediately to the scene and a police report was filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and the contact was given a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact agreed to have the black box inspected for an investigation. The contact was informed that an investigator would be sent to the dealer and that the investigation would last approximately two months. …
The contact owns a 2019 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, another vehicle entered his lane, and the contact collided with the other vehicle's front passenger's side. The air bags did not deploy. The contact suffered injuries to his right leg and arm. The contact's son suffered injuries to his chin and right knee. The contact and his son later received medical care and physical therapy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site. The vehicle was currently in the body shop for repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Lexus of Sarasota Fl confirmed a Faulty brake actuators causing brake , skid control and ABS light to come on which created an immediate and extremely dangerous driving situation as I was on an interstate highway driving at 70 mph. It's been confirmed that multiply Lexus models and years have had numerous brake actuator . Multiple failures have been documented yet ONLY a few were given recall status!!This is outrageous and an immediate review of this oversight needs to be addressed
The Lexus ES 350, was turning left onto side street within a sub division, and ran up the curb and hit a tree with the right front side of the vehicle. Significant damage done to the car, and so much damaged that the car has been totaled by insurance company. Driver unsure if vehicle accelerated on its own or just lost control. The greater issue or concern was not what caused the accident, but that the air bags did not deploy after the impact and the driver broke their nose and has been treated 3 times in er since crash. In speaking with repair shop, they informed me that there are 2 air bag sensors at the front of the car, and both are near the headlights. He was surprised that given the damage and impact of the collision (to right front of car by headlight, pictures attached), that the air bags did not deploy.
Related recalls (2)
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024.
Air bags › Knee bolster
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus ES vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a driver knee air bag assembly mounted to the lower instrument panel (IP) that may have been improperly installed, possibly affecting the deployment of the knee air bag in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver knee air bag assembly, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-255-3987.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus ES years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (37), 2007 (34), 2011 (27), 2021 (25) and 2010 (20) model years. Airbag complaints make up 54% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Lexus ES airbag problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 23V-865 (occupant classification, Dec 20, 2023); 19V-288 (knee bolster, Apr 10, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lexus ES airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal › sensor/control module (2 mentions), followed by the frontal (2).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.