The 2011 Lexus IS 250C has 4 recalls, all of them tied to the same critical defect: the front passenger airbag inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, with potentially fatal consequences.
All four recalls address the same underlying Takata airbag inflator issue on the passenger side. Over time, the inflator's propellant can degrade, causing it to explode with far more force than intended when the airbag deploys. Instead of an airbag cushioning a passenger in a crash, the inflator canister itself can burst, scattering sharp metal shards through the cabin. Prior repair campaigns did not fully resolve the problem across all affected vehicles, which is why multiple filings exist for the same defect. Some of these filings specifically target vehicles that were originally sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories, including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Gulf Coast states, where moisture accelerates propellant breakdown and the risk is most acute. If this repair has not been completed, it is one of the more serious open defects a vehicle can carry.
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 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 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.
