2007 Lexus IS 350

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.

The contact owns a 2007 Lexus IS350. The contact stated that the dashboard was melting and becoming sticky. The failure caused the dashboard to become shiny impeding the view of the driver. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the letter was mailed to the previous owner regarding a repair for the failure and the deadline was missed for the dashboard replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with a maintenance voucher. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11510671

Incident

Mar 7, 2017

Mileage

65,000 mi

The contact owns a 2007 Lexus IS350. The contact stated that he was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V006000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that while at the dealer he was informed that there were several other recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that repairs were performed on the intake cam gear, camshaft, cam panel, and other unknown engine parts. The contact stated that once the vehicle was returned, the vehicle would shut off with the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,466

NHTSA ID

11437165

Incident

Sep 28, 2021

Mileage

112,466 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 LEXUS IS 350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS STICKY CAUSING A GLARE TO REFLECT ONTO THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING A VISIBILITY ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT INFORMED LEXUS OF WESTMINISTER (7600 WESTMINSTER BLVD, WESTMINSTER, CA 92683) OF THE FAILURE AND WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A CUSTOMER SUPPORT LETTER MAILED OUT TO IN 2015 AND EXPIRED IN 2017. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NEVER RECEIVED THE LETTER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE LIGHT FROM THE DASHBOARD WAS REFLECTING ONTO THE WINDSHIELD AND REDUCING HER VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,348.*DT*JB Consumer stated dealer and manufacture is aware of the defects.*JB

NHTSA ID

11399298

Incident

Mar 5, 2020

Mileage

71,348 mi

SURFACE OF DASHBOARD PLASTIC MATERIAL MELTED IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER SEAT AND BECAME SHINY, CAUSING GLARE WHICH IS BLINDING THE DRIVER WHEN DRIVING IN FULL SUNLIGHT. THIS HAPPENED OVER THE COURSE OF LAST YEAR, IN SPITE OF THE CAR BEING KEPT IN THE GARAGE AND NOT EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURES. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE THE DASHBOARD. I LEARNED THAT TWO LAWSUITS WERE FILED AGAINST TOYOTA/LEXUS IN 2014 AND 2017 AND MY CAR IS AMONG THOSE TOYOTA/LEXUS ACCEPTED UNDER A "CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM" (ZE6) TO REPLACE ABOUT 3.5 MILLION DASHBOARDS THAT MELT, BUT SINCE THIS WAS NOT A RECALL I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF IT. I AM REQUESTING TOYOTA/LEXUS TO REPLACE MY MELTING DASHBOARD FREE OF CHARGE AS THIS IS A CLEAR SAFETY HAZARD - PICTURE ATTACHED.

NHTSA ID

11228544

Incident

Jun 1, 2019

Mileage

87,000 mi

THE FOOT REST NEXT TO THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATION BROKE-OFF (ITS PLASTIC) AND LODGED BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND FLOOR BOARD. LUCKILY I WAS NOT MOVING AT A HIGH SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP.

NHTSA ID

11128679

Incident

Sep 7, 2018

Mileage

100,000 mi

TODAY WHILE DRIVING MY IS 350 ON THE INTERSTATE, IT LOST COMPRESSION QUICKLY AND BLACK SMOKE APPEARED FROM BENEATH THE CAR. IT CONTINUED TO SLOW AND STOP RUNNING. IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN MY 2007 IS 350 HAS ABOUT 85,000 MILES. I CALLED AAA AND IT WAS PUT ON A FLATBED TOW AND DROPPED OFF AT A LEXUS DEALERSHIP. I'M WAITING TO HEAR WHAT THE CAUSE IS AND THE COST. HAVE OTHERS REPORTED THIS ISSUE?

NHTSA ID

11112185

Incident

Jul 18, 2018

Mileage

85,000 mi

WELL FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THE INTERIOR ( DASH BOARD AND DOOR PANELS-ALL FOUR) WERE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A RECALL; THEY ALL HAD THIS STICKY RESIDUE ON THEM. THEY HAVE COMPLETED THE DASH BOARD BUT NOT THE DOOR PANELS. IT HAS BEEN QUIET SOME TIME AND WHENEVER I CALL ALL I EVER GET IS THAT THEY HAVE 3 PANELS AND THEY'RE JUST WAITING FOR THE FOURTH ONE TO COME IN. I'VE EVEN CALLED THE CORPORATE OFFICE OF LEXUS AND THEY DON'T SEEM TO HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER THIS EITHER. THE PLACE WHERE I TAKE MY CAR TO IS CHATHAM PARKWAY LEXUS LOCATED @ 1120 CHATHAM PARKWAY, SAVANNAH, GA. 31405 (912) 231-0005.

NHTSA ID

11081211

Incident

Mar 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 LEXUS IS 350. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. SEWELL LEXUS IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS REQUESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE BROUGHT IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AS HAVING SQUIB CIRCUIT FAILURE INSIDE OF THE AIR BAG, WHICH CAUSED THE SRS INDICATOR TO ILLUMINATE UNDER CODE: B1861. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SQUIB CIRCUIT FAILURE COULD POTENTIALLY DISABLE THE AIR BAGS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,896.

NHTSA ID

11041450

Incident

Oct 29, 2017

Mileage

141,896 mi

CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation. The settlement includes Lexus?s agreement to provide a Customer Support Program (?CSP?) for 2002-2019 model year (MY) vehicles originally equipped with certain Takata airbag inflators or repaired under a recall with Takata airbag inflators to provide coverage for repairs of the airbag inflator contained in the airbag module. This CSP letter is to help clarify how to administer this coverage in accordance with the settlement. This is NOT a recall or a campaign, but is provided to reassure owners that Lexus stands behind the reliability of our vehicles

CSP: Takata CSP Coverage Job Aid - published 7.28.2022

Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022

TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).

TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This service bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle prior to an odor remediation being performed, as well as contact information for an approved vendor who will arrange the remediation, and instructions on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle for reassembly once the remediation has been completed. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This service bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

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.