Lexus IS Takata Airbag Recall: 7,015 Cars Affected

Lexus Australia has recalled about 7,015 Lexus IS vehicles to replace a front passenger airbag inflator that was itself fitted as a fix during the earlier Takata recall. The affected cars are certain IS models produced between 31 August 2005 and 25 December 2012, according to Lexus Australia's recall page.

Lexus says the inflators have not begun to degrade, the cars remain safe to drive and the replacement is free. If you own one of these cars, or you are looking at buying one second-hand, here is what matters.

Why the earlier Takata fix is being replaced

During the earlier Takata campaign, some cars received a replacement passenger inflator containing a desiccated, phase-stabilised ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. The desiccant was there to absorb moisture and help stop the propellant degrading.

Lexus now says that propellant could still degrade after continued, prolonged exposure to high humidity, high temperatures and high temperature cycling. It says it is not aware of any degradation in the market and is acting as a proactive measure.

The new part is not made by Takata, and Lexus says it does not expect any further replacement to be needed.

What Lexus IS owners need to do

Lexus will contact owners of involved vehicles by registered mail, email and SMS. Make sure your contact details with Lexus are current so the notice reaches you.

You do not have to wait for the letter. Enter your 17-digit VIN in the checker on the Lexus recall page, then book with a Lexus dealer if your car is listed.

Lexus says the job takes about 4.5 hours, but the dealer may need the car for longer depending on its schedule. The Lexus Customer Assistance Centre is on 1800 023 009, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm AEDT.

Only the front passenger airbag inflator is involved. Lexus says the driver-side airbag has different specifications and is not affected by this recall.

There is no warning sign to wait for

Lexus says there are no warning signs that this condition exists. You cannot judge a car's status from a dashboard light or the look of the airbag cover, so the VIN check is the step that counts.

Lexus also says it will continue its investigation and take action as necessary. If you hear of any change, run the VIN check again.

Buying a used Lexus IS from this era

The second-hand market is where this recall needs the most care. A private seller may not know whether the car has had the new inflator, and proof of earlier Takata work does not settle it, because this recall replaces a part fitted during that earlier work.

Before you pay a deposit, ask for the VIN and run it through the Lexus checker. Ask for dealer service records that show any recall work, and if the car is listed, make completion of the recall a condition of the sale.

The Lexus VIN tool covers only cars supplied through authorised networks, not grey imports. Lexus says owners of imported used vehicles should contact their nearest dealer, who will check whether the car is included.

You can also search the federal Vehicle Recalls website for recalls on any car you are considering. Our guides to used car statutory warranty and cooling-off rules by state and checking a used car for water damage cover other checks worth doing first.

The same recall check applies to any used car, including the used cars listed in Victoria on Carseekers.

Weighing up an older IS against something newer

If this recall has you rethinking a Lexus IS built between 2005 and 2012, get the free inflator replacement done first, then compare what it costs to keep the car against stepping into something newer. If you would need finance to make that move, Loanseekers can help you compare car-finance options, subject to lender criteria.