FaultScore

Lexus RX airbag problems

129 of the 1,271 complaints filed about the Lexus RX are about the airbag system — 10% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2021.

129

Complaints

10%

Share of all complaints

29

Crashes

0

Fires

Airbags complaints by model year

1999 RX 1 0.8%

Median failure at 120,000 miles

2000 RX 1 0.8%
2001 RX 1 0.8%
2002 RX 2 1.6%

Median failure at 115,000 miles

2003 RX 1 0.8%

Median failure at 125,000 miles

2004 RX 6 4.7%

Median failure at 129,000 miles

2005 RX 5 3.9%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2006 RX 2 1.6%

Median failure at 180,000 miles

2007 RX 6 4.7%

Median failure at 97,500 miles

2008 RX 6 4.7%

Median failure at 223,500 miles

2009 RX 3 2.3%

Median failure at 76,000 miles

2010 RX 2 1.6%

Median failure at 1 miles

2011 RX 4 3.1%

Median failure at 83,000 miles

2012 RX 1 0.8%
2013 RX 2 1.6%

Median failure at 105,606 miles

2014 RX 2 1.6%

Median failure at 44,000 miles

2016 RX 1 0.8%

Median failure at 98,000 miles

2017 RX 3 2.3%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

2018 RX 1 0.8%
2019 RX 3 2.3%
2020 RX 21 16.3%

Median failure at 46,000 miles

2021 RX 48 37.2%

Median failure at 76,000 miles

2022 RX 1 0.8%
2023 RX 2 1.6%

Median failure at 7,000 miles

2024 RX 2 1.6%

Median failure at 1,020 miles

2025 RX 2 1.6%

Median failure at 106 miles

What owners said

2018 Lexus RX Reston, VA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

On XXX, our 2018 Lexus RX 350L was involved in a high-speed collision in [XXX]. The vehicle struck a Jersey/concrete barrier with the left front of the vehicle. The collision caused extensive damage to the left-front corner of the vehicle. The left-front wheel and suspension were severely displaced, with substantial damage extending through the left-front body structure toward the driver's door area. The vehicle was subsequently declared a total loss by the insurance company. Despite the severity of the collision, none of the vehicle's airbags deployed, including the driver's frontal airbag and driver's side curtain airbag. I am reporting this because I am concerned that the Supplemental Restraint System may not have operated as designed. I am not in a position to determine whether the impact met Lexus's deployment criteria and am requesting that the non-deployment be reviewed as a potential vehicle safety issue. The vehicle currently remains available in salvage custody. The insurance company has been asked to preserve the vehicle so that the Event Data Recorder and/or airbag control module can be examined if necessary. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11758264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Lexus RX Oakwood Village, OH Crash

AIR BAGS

After slowly making a left into a parking space at Dunkin Donuts and trying to deploy my brakes, my car lunged forward spontaneously accelerating, jumped two curbs and hit a barrier and the window of the store. The impact of the crash wrecked my front end and the radiator was damaged and was laying on the ground. With this intense impact, the airbags did not deploy on impact. My insurance agency totaled the car. After the crash the warning came on the screen that the Collision System had malfunctioned.

NHTSA complaint #11757073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Lexus RX Fremont, CA

AIR BAGS

The car does not alert when a seat belt is not worn in the back seats. This feature is mentioned in the owner's manual, but the car fails to alert when a rear passenger does not buckle their seat belt. I have raised the complaint twice and proved to lexus service center, that car doesn't warn or alert the safety belt. It was also proven and checked by Lexus with their technician. The problem is accuring right from the time car was purchased, When check with the dealer it was designed , but their manual confirms the seat belt not worn warning light is included in the package. It put the any passener riding mainly children at serious risk

NHTSA complaint #11736812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Lexus RX Missouri City, TX Crash

AIR BAGS

I am submitting this correspondence to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2020 Lexus RX 350 and to request a thorough investigation. On Saturday, February 7, while attempting to park the vehicle, I experienced a sudden loss of control, resulting in the vehicle accelerating forward and colliding with a metal gate. The exact cause of this event is unknown. During the incident, the vehicle’s pre-collision and automatic braking system failed to engage despite an obstruction being present. Additionally, the airbags did not deploy at the time of impact. A minor child was present in the vehicle, properly secured in a child's safety seat. While no injuries occurred, the vehicle sustained extensive damage and was rendered inoperable. I would also like to note that this vehicle was subject to an airbag recall on November 29, 2025, which was serviced prior to this incident. Despite completing the recall service, the airbags failed to deploy during the accident. After the vehicle was towed, the airbags unexpectedly deployed while it was being lifted onto the tow truck using a crane, further raising concerns regarding the reliability and safety of the airbag system.

NHTSA complaint #11718294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Lexus RX Brunswick, GA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Making a left turn at night going about 10 mph I was struck by a car with no lights. He hit the right front of my vehicle going about 55-60 mph. He hit my front strut and headlights and grill and radiator. My airbags did not deploy, the other vehicle’s airbag did. The police told me I should call Lexus and report the problem. The insurance company totaled my vehicle..

NHTSA complaint #11707416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Lexus RX Panorama City, CA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX 350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11706097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Lexus RX at 76,000 miles Brentwood, CA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the SRS alert message was displayed. The passenger’s side seat belt warning light was illuminated for two minutes. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the repair was not available until January 2026 for the West Coast. The dealer informed the contact about a possible diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer declined to accept a Trade-In due to the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the repair was not available and offered the contact a rental vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA complaint #11704288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Lexus RX at 76,000 miles Brentwood, CA

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the SRS alert message was displayed. The passenger’s side seat belt warning light was illuminated for two minutes. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the repair was not available until January 2026 for the West Coast. The dealer informed the contact about a possible diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer declined to accept a Trade-In due to the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the repair was not available and offered the contact a rental vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA complaint #11704288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Lexus RX Berthoud, CO

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX-450H. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that whenever a handbag was placed on the front passenger’s seat, the air bag warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11703968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Lexus RX Holladay, UT

AIR BAGS

When can I expect to get my recalled Lexus fixed,? All i can find is that they have no remedy, so the dealer cant replace the faulty occupant air bag sensor, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 23V865000 Report Date: DEC 19, 2023 Vehicles Affected: 999901

NHTSA complaint #11702885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Lexus RX Fresno, CA

AIR BAGS

Dashboard crack in 2024, that started on passenger side near air vent, expanded recently causing the "passenger air bag off" alert to light up and stay on continually. If I were to have a passenger at the time of an accident, the air bag might not deploy, which would be a safety issue. This could possibly lead to a liability issue, so I have not had any passengers but that isn't sustainable, so I contacted the dealer. I was told that the previous recall for cracked dashboards ended in 2017 and that it was cosmetic only, not safety related, but that the part was available for $964.50, not including labor, tax, etc. I feel that a safety related recall should be issued, the previously known dash cracking problem didn't end when their recall did, the fact that my vehicle is primarily garaged preserved the interior integrity, I don't believe I should be penalized for my dash not cracking 8 years earlier. Thank you for your consideration.

NHTSA complaint #11702447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Lexus RX Antioch, CA

AIR BAGS

I am reporting a safety-related violation. The dealership told me the vehicle had only a minor accident with no airbag deployment. This was false. Carfax shows the vehicle actually had a major accident with airbag deployment, which they failed to disclose. This misrepresentation affects the safety system, airbag sensors, and the ability of the airbags to function properly in future collisions. This nondisclosure is a serious safety concern and fraudulent practice. I am requesting NHTSA to review this as potential safety fraud involving failure to disclose a prior airbag deployment.

NHTSA complaint #11700243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Lexus RX Cathedral City, CA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX450H. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, parts for the recall repair were not available. The contact stated that the parts had not been available since receiving the recall notification two years ago. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11699934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Lexus RX Lavista, NE

AIR BAGS

Air bag issue light turn on, it said b1608 front satellite sensor bus initialization error LH code

NHTSA complaint #11693738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Lexus RX Pleasanton, CA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX 350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11693440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Lexus RX El Paso, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus RX350. The contact recently purchased the vehicle. The contact later obtained a Carfax report and identified an unrepaired recall associated with the VIN. The unrepaired recall was NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, parts were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that there was no unrepaired recall related to the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11690572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Lexus RX at 106 miles Rancho Cucamonga, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2025 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward at a high rate of speed before crashing into the brick wall of an office building. During the crash, no air bags deployed, and the brake pedal was hard when pressed and did not stop the vehicle. Also, the manufacturer's APP indicated a malfunction in the engine and engine throttle during the incident. The driver sustained injuries to the knees, arms, and hips, which required medical treatment. An incident report was filed by the facility Patrol Officer, and the vehicle was towed to the collision center. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. An engineer from the manufacturer was sent to examine the vehicle and reported no trouble found. The contact indicated that upon delivery of the vehicle, several electronic features did not function properly, including the display and navigation screen. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106.

NHTSA complaint #11690554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Lexus RX at 98,000 miles Vicksburg, MS

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX 350. While the contact was inside the building where she worked, the hazard lights were flashing unintendedly. When the contact arrived at the residence, the hazard lights were flashing again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, there was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from underneath the brake pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA complaint #11690010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Lexus RX La Quinta, CA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2020 Lexus RX350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V365000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11686349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Lexus RX Las Vegas, NV

AIR BAGS

Was pulling into parking spot when car went haywire and started accelerating on its own. It would not stop until it has hit 5 cars and crashed into a cement wall. The brakes did NOT stop the acceleration. This occurred at the exact same time there was an incoming call which was not answered. The airbags did NOT deploy. The car appears to be totaled and has been towed to a State Farm affiliated auto yard. There were no indicator lights that something was wrong BUT the Lexus app showed 5 warnings that came in to my text messages same day. These 5 alerts are indicative of exactly what occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11686483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Lexus RX problems