Airbag complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 18% | — |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2013 | 1 | 11% | 8,000 miles |
| 2012 | 8 | 44% | 23,000 miles |
| 2011 | 7 | 47% | 40,000 miles |
| 2010 | 16 | 40% | 152,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 10% | 130,000 miles |
| 2008 | 21 | 21% | 105,000 miles |
| 2007 | 22 | 18% | 105,000 miles |
| 2006 | 26 | 18% | 108,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 30% | 101,000 miles |
| 2003 | 4 | 33% | 48,000 miles |
| 2002 | 1 | 8% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The dashboard on my 2012 Lexus IS 250 has developed significant cracking across the surface despite the vehicle being garage-kept, low mileage, and well-maintained throughout my ownership. The cracking is not the result of any accident, impact, or misuse - it appeared spontaneously and has progressively worsened over time. Lexus acknowledged this as a known defect by establishing Customer Support Program ZLZ, which provided extended coverage specifically for dashboard, instrument panel, and interior trim panel cracking on certain Lexus models. The existence of this program confirms that Lexus was aware of a systemic manufacturing or materials defect affecting these vehicles. My vehicle fell outside the ZLZ coverage window by a matter of months. …
I own a Lexus 2012 IS250 and currently active duty member stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy. I was not notified that my vehicle is overdue on a safety recall until today when I am trying to ship the vehicle back to the US. What further actions can I do to get the recall done? Can I get the vehicle waivered to get the recall accomplished when it reaches the US?
Takata recall - on the webpage https://www.NHTSA.gov/recall-spotlight/Takata-air-bags, the 2011 Lexus is250 AWD IS shown to be included in the Takata airbag recall, however when searching by the VIN, no recalls are specified. I have not received any recall information from Lexus. Please advise if the car IS included actually included in the recall. Thank you.
Takata recall - my car IS supposedly affected by the recall, but the recall will not actually show up in the system- it sounds like it only happens in 2019 - which IS greater than 6 years after the car was put in service. I am concerned about the safety of my passengers and loss of value to the car. Additionally, the car IS currently in pa but will be moving to warmer weather climate and this will cause the degradation to happen more rapidly. Lexus reports there are no issues, which IS not true according to their own website.
I had a head on collision with a light pole and the airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was inspected by aProgressive insurance claims adjuster and they claimed the vehicle a total loss. They kept the vehicle. There were no warning lights or anything. The vehicle had been taken into a North Park Lexus dealership after a defective airbag recall to be serviced in 2018.
Takata recall; I want this taken care of! I just found out about the recall because I went to trade my car in for a new one. I cannot afford the new one now, but I drive my grandchildren around every day. No one told me about this and I am livid. I have my oil changed every 5,000 miles at the local Lexus dealership so my information IS definitely on file. Does someone have to die for Lexus to take care of this??? The lawsuits you will be paying for will be far greater than if they just hire extra people to take care of all these cars.
Defective passenger occupancy sensor: my SRS / airbag warning light illuminated and would not turn off, indicating that the SRS system was deactivated. I had my car diagnosed by a Lexus dealership service department on 12/4/2020. Johnson Lexus advised me that the passenger side front seat pressure sensor failed and that the repair was to replace the seat for $2769.31. The seat has not been subjected to any unusual or harsh use. Research indicates that this IS a common defect among Lexus IS models and some other Lexus and Toyota models of this generation. Many Lexus drivers report great difficulty regarding this defect and the thousands of dollars in repairs that dealerships are demanding to fix the defect. There are hundreds of complaints about this very issue on the NHTSA database. …
Lexus (Toyota) IS not do anything to ensure rider safety of a car they sold. They are assuming the airbag, when deployed, only hurst the front passenger. Since I carpool and use my car at work, I might have to pay out of pocket to rent a car until this IS fixed. I am stuck since the value of the car IS compromised and I don't think anyone would want to buy it.
Related recalls (1)
Air bags
On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on April 6, 2006. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371, Scion at 1-866-548-1851, or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus IS years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (26), 2007 (22), 2008 (21), 2010 (16) and 2012 (8) model years. Airbag complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Lexus IS airbag problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 06V-096 (air bags, Apr 3, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lexus IS airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles; 21% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the side/window (1 mentions).
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.