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Air bagsPart report

2012 Lexus ES350 Air bags Problems

Complaints
77about this part
Share
87%of 89 total for the year
Median mileage
40,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 77 complaints about the air bags of the 2012 Lexus ES350, 87% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Takata recall - I got notice that my cars airbags could potentially explode and metal debris can go through the airbag which can cause serious injury or death. I would like the airbags to v e replaced and the problem remedied so I can feel safe driving my car.”

NHTSA complaint #11020323, filed 2017-08, 52,000 miles

“Takata recall original recall date sept 2017, per Lexus dealer not available possible december 2017. Nhtsa indicates timely manner , this has been in effect since early[jan-feb 2017]...what does NHTSA define as a timely manner [my opinion a year is not a timely manner especially when dealer states in a letter...until the remedy becomes available, we recommend that you do not operate the vehicle with an occupant in the front passenger seat. We sincerely apologize.....etc no accident has occurred to date.”

NHTSA complaint #11030343, filed 2017-09, 40,000 miles

“Driver side knee airbag caused hematoma, second degree burn on l. Leg, resulting in 2 surgeries, use of wound vac for 2 1/2 months, and permanent lympedema and scarring on l. Calf. Driver has replaced knees that are at high risk if further crash and knee bag deploys again. Driver needs on-off switch installed for driver knee airbag. Driver was not at fault in this accident and wants knee airbags removed or an on-off switch installed. The airbag on steering wheel deployed correctly and caused no damage. The knee airbag is a danger to driver.”

NHTSA complaint #11084148, filed 2018-04, 15,000 miles

“Takata recall we just bought a lexus350es in september 2016, and were not aware of the takata recall until we received a recall letter on 2/17/17. The letter stated that Lexus is currently preparing the remedy for this problem and will send another notification to all affected owners when the remedy becomes available. And, what should we do? …”

NHTSA complaint #10955677, filed 2017-02

“Takata recall - the recall notice states not to have anyone sit in the front passenger seat until the recall repair has been completed. I received this notice in january of 2017 and the repair is estimated to be completed in december of 2017. This is a hardship for our family not to be able to have a passenger in the front seat of the car.”

NHTSA complaint #11019485, filed 2017-08

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2020240%
201729%
2016210%
2014311%
2013417%
20127787%
201114595%
201010879%
200910170%
200817067%
200725347%

Other parts of the 2012 Lexus ES350

Latches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Body and structure
2 complaints
Vehicle speed control
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Lexus ES350

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology