The 2011 Lexus ES350 has 4 recalls, all concerning the front passenger airbag inflator, which can rupture and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
All four recalls address the same underlying defect in the front passenger-side airbag inflator. When the airbag deploys, the inflator can explode rather than inflate the bag in a controlled way, throwing metal shards toward anyone seated in the front passenger seat or nearby. This is the well-known Takata inflator issue that affected a wide range of vehicles across multiple manufacturers. Some of these recalls were filed specifically for vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories, including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and others, where moisture exposure accelerates the risk of an inflator rupture, while others apply more broadly regardless of where the vehicle has been registered. If the passenger airbag inflator on this vehicle has not yet been replaced under one of these campaigns, it remains an active safety concern every time the vehicle is driven with a front passenger aboard.
At a glance
What can fail
Driver or passenger front airbag inflators previously replaced under an earlier recall may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, high temperature, and temperature changes.
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What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected front airbag inflator, assembly, or sub-assembly depending on vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag assembly depending on your vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or entire air bag assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
