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2006 Lexus Is 250

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Is 250 years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Lexus Is 250 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 35.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

139 reports with mileage · 50 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports3 fire reports11 injury reports

Engine complaints

19 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineUnknown Or Other

SOLENOIDS IN MY CAR IS CAUSING MY CAR TO GO INTO LIMP MODE DUE TO THE FACT THAT LEXUS STATES TRANSMISSION FLUID NEVER NEEDS TO BE CHANGED IS NOW HAVING ME BUYING A NEW TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THE SOLENOIDS ARE BAD AND IS STUCK IN 3RD GEAR.

NHTSA ODI #11219165

135,000 miles · Feb 20, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion System

HI WHEN I AM DRIVING A STRONG ODOR COMES INTO CAB SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGGS AND FUEL ITS VERY OVER POWERING WHILE DRIVING I HAVE TALKED TO MECHANICS AND THEY CANT FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS OR WHERE IT COMES FROM. I HAVE READ ON FORUMS AND IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL

NHTSA ODI #11181440

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY CAR HAS ISSUES JERKING WHEN IN GEAR AND STOPPING WHEN IN USE. I TOOK MY CAR TO A CERTIFIED LEXUS DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT REPAIR IT. I'M SURE BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION MACHANIC AND I BOUGHT A 2006 IS250 USED TRANSMISSION FROM A CAR THAT WAS TOTALED THAT HAD LESS …

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THE TRANSMISSION ON MY CAR HAS ISSUES JERKING WHEN IN GEAR AND STOPPING WHEN IN USE. I TOOK MY CAR TO A CERTIFIED LEXUS DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT REPAIR IT. I'M SURE BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION MACHANIC AND I BOUGHT A 2006 IS250 USED TRANSMISSION FROM A CAR THAT WAS TOTALED THAT HAD LESS MILES AND WAS TOTALED BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS BENT BECAUSE IT WAS REAR ENDED. IN LESS THAN A YEAR SAME PROBLEM TRANSMISSION AGAIN! I SPENT $4500 THE FIRST GO AROUND I COULDN'T AFFORD THAT AGAIN. I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR FOR WHAT I PAID TO REPAIR THE LEXUS. I'VE CHECKED FOR RECALLS YEAH MY DASH HAS MELTED AND ALL OF THE OTHER RECALLS! I CAN'T GET THOSE CORRECTED!! I'M STARTING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!!! I'VE SPENT TO MUCH MONEY ON A HIGH CLASS TOYOTA THAT HAS MORE PROBLEMS THAN ITS WORTH!!!!

NHTSA ODI #11166771

100,000 miles · Jul 14, 2018
EnginePower Train

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP OR ANYTIME (EVERYTIME) THE CAR NEEDS TO AUTO DOWNSHIFT FROM 2ND TO 1ST THE CAR HARD SHIFTS AND THE ENTIRE CAR JERKS REALLY HARD CAUSING ALMOST WHIPLASH. THIS IS A WIDELY DISCUSSED ISSUE WITH IS AND GS MODELS ON MANY FORUMS. NEW ECU UNITS NEEDED EACH TIME COSTING THOUSANDS.

NHTSA ODI #11111358

118,000 miles · Jun 5, 2018
Engine

RATTLING SOUND AT STARTUP

NHTSA ODI #11100072

125,350 miles · Oct 31, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering

VSC AND ENGINE LIGHT ARE ON. INSIDE OF CAR SMELLS LIKE EXHAUST IS COMING THROUGH. STEERING SEEMS TO BE IMPAIRED

NHTSA ODI #11041586

110 miles · Aug 14, 2017
Engine

THE CAR WAS SHAKING AND WOULD NOT EXCELERATE OVER 40MPH. IT WAS BROUGHT IN TO LEXUS OF POHANKA IN DECEMBER OF 2016. THEY PERFORMED A TOP ENGINE CLEAN. THE CAR STARTED HAVING THE SAME ISSUES IN THE BEGINNING OF 2017. I CALLED LEXUS CUSTOMER SERVICE AND OPENED A CASE AS I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OF…

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THE CAR WAS SHAKING AND WOULD NOT EXCELERATE OVER 40MPH. IT WAS BROUGHT IN TO LEXUS OF POHANKA IN DECEMBER OF 2016. THEY PERFORMED A TOP ENGINE CLEAN. THE CAR STARTED HAVING THE SAME ISSUES IN THE BEGINNING OF 2017. I CALLED LEXUS CUSTOMER SERVICE AND OPENED A CASE AS I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OF THE PISTONS. I HAD PAID $1500.00 FOR THE WORK PERFORMED. I WAS TOLD A SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER IN REGARD TO THIS PROBLEM. LEXUS WAS CALLING IT A CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. I NEVER RECEIVED THE LETTER BUT REPEATEDLY ASK LE US TO REIMBURSE ME AND SOLVE THE PISTON MISFIRE. I HAVE ALL OF MY EMAILS TO SUPPORT MY CASE. LEXUS STOPPED REPLYING TO THEM. THE CAR AT THIS POINT IS STILL SHAKING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT IS FLASHING. WE HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED BY LEXUS IN THE PAST NOT TO DRIVE WHEN LIGHT IS FLASHING. AT THIS TIME I DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO TURN. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I AM AWARE THAT MANY OF THESE MODELS AND OTHERS HAVE HAD THE WORK PERFORMED OR NEW ENGINES.

NHTSA ODI #11015089

40,000 miles · Aug 2, 2017
EngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS IS 250. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED, AS WELL AS OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND BEGAN TO EMIT A BURNING ODOR FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DRIVER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS IS 250. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED, AS WELL AS OTHER UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND BEGAN TO EMIT A BURNING ODOR FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DRIVER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FLUID UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE LEXUS OF MILWAUKEE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL RAIL ON ONE SIDE OF THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 170731228. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED A RECALL REPAIR FOR A CORRODED FUEL RAIL IN 2010. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #11012307

158,000 miles · Jul 9, 2017
EnginePower TrainInjury

TAKATA RECALL, CAR RADITOR HOSE BUSTED WITHOUT ANY NOTICE WHILE HOOD WAS OPEN WHICH CAUSE BURN TO PASSENGER, LET THE CAR SIT FOR AN OVER AN HOUR BEFORE THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO AN SHOP WHERE THE CAR WAS TESTED AN HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWED

NHTSA ODI #11003849

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2016
EnginePower Train

I HAVE A UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT IS DANGEROUS FOR MYSELF AND THE PUBLIC. THE DEALERSHIP HAS FAIL TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS EXTENDED AS WELL. ( CARBON BUILDUP) . THE REGISTRATION HISTORY ON THE VEHICLE IS VERY STRANGE, IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ACCURATE, I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE …

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I HAVE A UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT IS DANGEROUS FOR MYSELF AND THE PUBLIC. THE DEALERSHIP HAS FAIL TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS EXTENDED AS WELL. ( CARBON BUILDUP) . THE REGISTRATION HISTORY ON THE VEHICLE IS VERY STRANGE, IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ACCURATE, I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE WAS A DEFECT AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS TAMPERED THE VEHICLE TO COVER THE HISTORY. THE VEHICLE SERVICE HISTORY HAS BEEN PURGE AND DELETED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. I AM GETTING DIFFERENT ANSWERS AND NO HELP WITH THE PROBLEM. IT HAS CAUSE ME A LOT OF DISTRESS AND CONCERN, I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO MAKE IT SAFE BUT FROM RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND IT CAN NOT BE REPAIRED. HERE ARE FEW LINKS : HTTP://WWW.CLUBLEXUS.COM/FORUMS/IS-2ND-GEN-2006-2013/570722-TAKING-CAR-IN-TO-DO-TSB-CARBON-RECALLS.HTML HTTP://WWW.TORQUENEWS.COM/1083/LEXUS-IS250-GS300-CARBON-BUILD-WHAT-YOU-NEED-KNOW HTTPS://REPORTS.CARPROOF.COM/MAIN?ID=9YCKB+XXV2XT/LLCDRPMG/B2TWVIUJ4Y

NHTSA ODI #10853025

Official recalls

6

19V741000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 17, 2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

17V006000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2017

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).

16V340000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 23, 2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).

14V647000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Oct 15, 2014

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

13V030000 · Visibility/wiper

Jan 30, 2013

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10, 2009, through October 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 Lexus IS-F vehicles manufactured December 14, 2007, through July 10, 2011. The nuts that fasten the wiper arms may be insufficiently torqued such that if the wiper arms are restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow, one or both of the wipers may become inoperative.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperative wipers could reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

05V565000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Dec 19, 2005

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN THE PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION DUE TO INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LINKAGE AND A PLASTIC PAD EMBEDDED INTO THE VEHICLE'S CARPET.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE OF THE ACCELERATION PEDAL AND CARPET, REPLACE THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A REVISED ASSEMBLY, AND MODIFY THE CARPET FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.