This page covers 6 recalls and 11 owner complaints for the 2010 Lexus Is 350c.
The dominant theme in 2010 Lexus IS 350C complaints centers almost entirely on the airbag system, specifically the driver or passenger airbag inflator. The vast majority of complaints describe owners waiting extended periods, in some cases nearly a year or more, for replacement parts to become available so repairs could be completed. Several owners report signing agreements not to drive their vehicles in the meantime and receiving loaner cars while continuing to make payments on a car they couldn't use. The frustration across these reports isn't about a sudden failure while driving, most owners describe no active airbag malfunction they experienced firsthand, but rather an inability to get the repair done due to parts shortages. One complaint each mentions a tire issue and a powertrain concern, but neither surfaces as a pattern at this complaint volume.
11
Total Complaints
By System
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The 2010 Lexus IS 350C has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the passenger-side front airbag inflator, which can rupture or explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Multiple filings covering different registration zones and model years all point to the same underlying defect in the Takata airbag inflator, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles. If this recall has not been addressed, it represents the most urgent concern on this car. On the fuel system side, the diaphragm inside the fuel pulsation damper on the 3.5-liter V6 engine can harden and crack over time, allowing gasoline to leak near potential ignition sources and raising the risk of an underhood fire. There is also a visibility concern: the windshield wiper system can fail entirely, leaving the driver with no ability to clear rain or debris from the windshield and significantly reducing forward visibility in wet conditions.
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.
What the fix does
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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 rubber diaphragm inside the fuel pulsation damper can harden and crack over time, potentially causing fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel delivery pipe with a new one containing improved pulsation dampers that resist hardening and cracking.
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.
At a glance
What can fail
The nuts holding the wiper arms may not be tightened enough. If snow or ice builds up on the wipers, one or both wipers could stop working.
What the fix does
Lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
