The 2012 Lexus GX460 has 4 recalls, all concerning the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator, which can rupture and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
All four recalls address the same defect in the passenger-side airbag inflator. When the airbag deploys, the inflator can explode rather than inflate the bag normally, scattering metal fragments toward anyone seated in the front passenger seat or nearby. Some of these recalls were filed as broader campaigns covering a wide range of model years and vehicles, while others were specifically targeted at vehicles registered in high-humidity states and territories such as Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas, as well as Puerto Rico and several U.S. territories, where heat and moisture accelerate the conditions that can cause the inflator to fail violently. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple campaigns exist for the same underlying problem. The physical risk in each case is the same: an explosive inflator failure that turns the airbag housing into a source of metal debris rather than a safety device.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 can rupture during deployment due to degradation from humidity and temperature exposure over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly.
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.
