2004 Lexus ES

The passenger side airbag is shrinking and seems to be collapsing into the dashboard. There is an indicator light on the passenger side that is lit up noting that "airbag off," so apparently there is no airbag protection for passenger. Three days ago, the right side of the windshield - passenger side, and the passenger window and passenger side back seat window, were all moist and foggy in the morning. There were no windows opened. I think the airbag situation is causing the airbag to leak moisture into the surrounding windows and the passenger side of the car. I don't know what this fluid/moisture is composed of, but I can only imagine it must be some type of chemical - something that you do not want to be leaking into the car on a daily basis.

NHTSA ID

11450072

Incident

Dec 1, 2021

VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE. THOUGH NOT NOTICED IMMEDIATELY, SOMETIME DURING THE MORNING I NOTICED MY DASHBOARD VINYL AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LOOKED SWOLLEN , AND UPON EXAMINATION, IT SHOWED A SPLIT IN THE VINYL ALSO. I TOOK IT TO A REPUTABLE AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST THOUSANDS TO FIX, BUT THAT A DEALERSHIP MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP. SO I WENT TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEAL WHO SAID SOME VEHICLES HAD RECALLS BUT MINE DID NOT. AS TIME GOES ON, THE VINYL SEEMS TO HAVE PRESSURE BUILDING BEHIND IT, AND THE SPLIT IS MORE OBVIOUS. I AM AFRAID TO ALLOW PASSENGERS TO SIT IN THAT SEAT. I AM AFRAID IF THE AIRBAG BURST OUT WHILE I AM DRIVING, I MAY OVERREACT AND WRECK. THIS IS NOT SAFE AT ALL. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ID

11338671

Incident

May 1, 2019

Mileage

165,000 mi

INTERMEDIATE WIPERS HAVE NEVER WORKED.

NHTSA ID

11203849

Incident

Aug 21, 2016

Mileage

137,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LEXUS ES. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA ID

11193155

Incident

Jul 1, 2018

Mileage

170,000 mi

I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO DUE TO SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND LOSS OF STEERING IN A 2004 LEXUS ES330. I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF THE CAR AND I HAD IT SERVICED REGULARLY OVER THE PAST 13 YEARS. THE NIGHT OF MY ACCIDENT I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY CAR AS I ATTEMPTED TO MERGE ON TO THE LOCAL LANES OF AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IN NORTHERN, NJ. THE CAR ACCELERATED TO THE LEFT AND CROSSED SPED ACROSS 8 LANES OF THE HIGHWAY, INCLUDING OVER A MEDIAN BEFORE IT SPUN AROUND AND JERKED TO A STOP IN THE LEFT LANE OF THE WEST BOUND LANES FACING EAST. I WAS HIT HEAD ON BY ANOTHER DRIVER. I WAS NOT INJURED, BUT THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. BOTH OF MY PARENTS ALSO CURRENTLY DRIVE LEXUS VEHICLES, AND BOTH MODELS WERE NOTED TO HAVE SIMILAR ISSUES. FURTHERMORE, MY MOTHER RECENTLY RECEIVED A LETTER INDICATING HER CAR WAS BEING RECALLED DUE TO THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ISSUES, THE LETTER STATED WHILE TOYOTA WOULD OFFER WHAT THEY CONSIDERED TO BE A SUITABLE FIX AT NO CHARGE. THE LETTER FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THEY DID NOT CURRENTLY POSSESS THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS AND WOULD BE IN TOUCH IN THE FUTURE, NO INDICATION OF THE EXPECTED TIME FRAME WAS PROVIDED. BETWEEN MY ACCIDENT AND KNOWING BOTH OF MY PARENTS ARE CURRENTLY DRIVING VEHICLES THAT ARE UNSAFE TO DRIVE, BY TOYOTA'S OWN ADMISSIONS, I HAVE BEEN AND CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT DISTRESS. I AM AWARE OF THE SIGNIFICANT FINES AND SUITS SETTLED AGAINST TOYOTA IN THE PAST, BUT THEY CONTINUE TO SEEM UNFAZED DESPITE THEIR CARS PUTTING ALL OF OUR LIVES AT RISK DAILY. I AM ALSO INCREDIBLY DISGUSTED BY THEIR HISTORY OF VICTIM BLAMING AND WOULD LOVE TO DO WHATEVER I CAN TO BRING ATTENTION TO THIS ISSUE. I FEEL IT IS ONLY FAIR THAT TOYOTA ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR SEEMINGLY NEVER ENDING LIST OF WRONGDOING AND TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO CORRECT ONGOING ISSUES.

NHTSA ID

10956681

Incident

Jan 17, 2017

Mileage

135,000 mi

THIS CAR -- PURCHASED IN 2003 -- HAS NEVER LEFT FLORIDA. IT RESIDES IN A HUMID, HOT AREA, PARKED OUTDOORS. ARE THE AIRBAGS IN THIS CAR SAFE? WILL THEY BE RECALLED? IF SO, WHEN? WHAT SHOULD I DO IN THE MEANTIME? THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID

10875024

Incident

Jun 18, 2016

Mileage

27,000 mi

THE DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT THE LOCAL TRAIN STATION. SHE WAS GOING FORWARD AT ABOUT 1 MPH WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN AS SHE WAS APPROACHING THE CURB AT THE FRONT END OF THE PARKING SPACE. WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD AND WENT OVER THE CURB AND INTO A METAL AND WOODEN FENCE. THE CAR PROBABLY WOULD HAVE LANDED ON THE TRAIN TRACKS; BUT, FORTUNATELY, IT WENT INTO THE FENCE WHICH IS USED TO SUPPORT A SHELTER THAT SHIELDS COMMUTERS FROM INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE DAMAGED FENCE IS OWNED BY THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD. THE DRIVER SUFFERED A BACK INJURY AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION, MEDICATION, AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO LEXUS IN TORRANCE, CA. LEXUS HAS A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT WITH A VENDOR TO INSPECT THE EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR) INSTALLED IN THE CAR. AFTER THE EDR WAS INSPECTED, THE DRIVER WAS INFORMED THAT THE EDR IN THE 2004 LEXUS ES 330 IS VERY BASIC AND NOT AT ALL SOPHISTICATED ENOUGH TO DETECT WHAT ACTUALLY OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE AND AFTER THE ACCIDENT. LEXUS SAID THE EDR IN THE NEWER ES AUTOMOBILES WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION AS TO EXACTLY WHAT OCCURRED BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER WAS INFORMED THAT THE EDR INSPECTION REPORT FOR THIS INCIDENT ESSENTIALLY ADDRESSED WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE AIR BAGS, NONE OF WHICH HAD DEPLOYED DURING THE ACCIDENT. LEXUS INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE OR GUIDANCE TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF ANY PARTS OR DESIGN DEFECTS.

NHTSA ID

10723780

Incident

Apr 22, 2015

Mileage

89,000 mi

ON A FRIDAY MORNING IN OCTOBER OF 2014, I DROVE FROM DC TO BALTIMORE.THE TOTAL DRIVING TIME WAS CLOSER TO NINETY MINUTES THAN THE USUAL HOUR, THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS WILL BECOME CLEAR LATER IN THIS MESSAGE. TEN MILES OUTSIDE OF BALTIMORE, I DID NOT FEEL WELL. EVENTUALLY PULLING INTO MY DAUGHTER'S DRIVEWAY, AND FEELING VERY FAINT, I MANAGED TO CALL MY HER VIA CELLPHONE, RIGHT OUTSIDE HER KITCHEN WINDOW. I WAS SO SICK THAT I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR. I FELT UTTERLY LIMP, DIZZY AND NAUSEOUS AS MY SON-IN-LAW PULLED ME OUT TO STAGGER IN THE FRONT DOOR AND COLLAPSE ON THE LIVING ROOM COUCH. THE ROOM WAS SPINNING; IF I OPENED MY EYES, THE ROOM TILTED AND SPUN FASTER. MY KIDS CALLED AN AMBULANCE. MY VITAL SIGNS - OXYGEN AND BLOOD PRESSURE READINGS WERE WITHIN THE LOW RANGE OF NORMAL, WITH OXYGEN AND BLOOD PRESSURE READING VERY LOW. I HAVE NO RELEVANT HEALTH CONDITIONS. THE AMULANCE ATTENDENTS THOUGHT IT WAS "THE FLU". EIGHT OR NINE HOURS LATER, I MANAGED TO GET UP. IN A FEW DAYS I WAS BACK TO NORMAL AND FELT FINE. LAST TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME IT TOOK ABOUT FIVE HOURS TO RECOVER. THE DRIVE HAD BEEN JUST UNDER AN HOUR. I WAS SURE, AT THIS POINT: IT HAS TO BE THE CAR. IT WAS. NEXT DAY I WENT TO THE MECHANIC, THOUGH HE WAS ENTIRELY DUBIOUS ABOUT MY CONVICTION: CARBON MONOXIDE. A FEW HOURS LATER, HE CALLED TO VERIFY THAT THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM, ENGINE-TO-TAILPIPE, WAS CORRODED AND THAT, INDEED, CARBON MONOXIDE HAD BEEN LEAKING INTO THE CAR. IT IS AN OLD CAR BY US STANDARDS - A 2004. IT WAS A $2,000 REPAIR JOB - A JOLT, BUT I FELT LUCKY. WOULD A SMALLER PERSON - A TEEN OR PETITE WOMAN, HAVE SURVIVED? WOULD THE CAUSE OF DEATH EVEN BE DISCERNIBLE? HOW MANY DEATHS HAVE WE HEARD OF: "ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL"? PUSH FOR LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE CARBON MONOXIDE SENSORS IN CARS! *TR

NHTSA ID

10679458

Incident

Oct 17, 2014

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicle’s paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. •The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicle’s paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. •The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022

POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.