2011 Lexus ES350 Airbag Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  316%
• 25k–50k
  737%
• 50k–75k
  632%
• 75k–100k
  316%
• 100k–150k
  00%
• 150k+
  00%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Lexus ES350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 70 MPH, without warning an abnormal noise was heard coming from the passenger wheel and within seconds he lost control of the vehicle crashing into a ditch and flipping over. The driver depressed the brake pedal as the vehicle slid on the wet roadway due to the rain. The driver was ejected from the vehicle thru the windshield as the air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained a broken hip and face laceration as he was transported to the hospital by ambulance. A police report was made. The insurance company was contacted and towed the vehicle to a lot where it was deemed a total loss. No dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure as a claim was filed. However no further assistance was taken. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Lexus ES350. While driving at 15 MPH, the driver rear ended the preceding vehicle. The driver side air bag did not deploy. The driver sustained injuries to the head and medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.

My tire pressure light came on in my vehicle in October. The light would not go off. I took the car to the shop and 2 sensor lights were replaced. The light stayed off for a day and came back on. The shop that replaced the sensor said to bring it back the next day because they do not know what is wrong because there are no longer any sensor to replace. When I arrived home I proceeded to back into my carport and when I proceeded to get on break to put the car in reverse, the brake failed and I had an accident that caused a lot of damage to my car. Thank god I was not physical hurt but my car was. My insurance company was contacted and vehicle was repaired. …

Takata recall. I was informed of the recall. No current repair and was advised to not operate with a front seat passenger. Contacted the manufacturer and was told the remedy would not be ready until, at least, first quarter 2017. The dealership is willing to provide a non-comparable loaner vehicle (I would expect a luxury vehicle). My vehicle was purchased with an extended warranty and scratch and dent protection. I have also prepaid for an xm subscription. All of these purchases are being wasted if I accept the loaner. If I don't accept a loaner, my vehicle continues to depreciate and is no longer serving my needs. This is an unacceptable solution and the time period for the inconvenience (6+ months) is too long.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag warning indicator did not register them in the seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor needed to be recalibrated. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact was informed due to their weight, approximately 90 pounds, the air bag would not register them in the seat. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Lexus ES350. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V340000 (air bags). The part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator was illuminated the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000 VIN tool confirms parts not available. Updated 03/07/17

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Lexus es 350. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16V340000 (air bag) was received. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Lexus ES350. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V340000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. Vine tool confirms parts not available. Updated 12/23/16 updated 01/03/17.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was treated for post concussion syndrome, temporary hearing loss on her left ear and severe left shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 28,000.

Takata recall . I was advised about this issue when I took my car in for service last time. At crown Lexus of ontario. I reminded the dealer that I had received a notice last year but Lexus has not done anything for it yet . I also told the dealer that this is a safety issue and needs to be fixed soon.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Airbag complaints in other ES350 years