The 2012 Lexus IS 250C has 4 recalls, all centered on the same critical defect: the front passenger airbag inflator can rupture explosively and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
All four recalls address the same underlying Takata airbag inflator problem on the passenger side. The inflator can fail violently when the airbag deploys, rather than inflating the bag in a controlled way, it can burst apart and scatter sharp metal pieces toward anyone seated in the front passenger seat. The filings cover different model year ranges and geographic zones, with some specifically targeting vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories such as Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and Louisiana, where moisture accelerates the instability of the propellant inside the inflator. While the filings are structured differently, they all describe the same dangerous outcome. Any owner of this vehicle who has not yet had the recall repair completed should confirm with a dealer whether the fix has been applied, as this defect has been linked to fatalities in other vehicles sharing the same inflator design.
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 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.
