Lexus LS500 Models Recalled Due to Airbag Concerns

Japanese premium brand Lexus
Recently, they’ve been suffering from glitches again
Sharp criticism from consumers continues

Lexus is the pride of the Japanese premium car brand. Recently, an unbelievable defect was discovered in the brand. The defect occurred in a similar area to those found in some Toyota and Lexus models in December 2023, and consumers are expressing great disappointment and sharp criticism.

In 2023, Toyota and Lexus recalled 1.12 million vehicles due to passenger airbag problems. This news also occurred in the Lexus LS500 due to the same passenger-side airbag-related defect, and the company is announcing the recall to each distributor and related industry.

Safety options became a threat

Hundreds of Lexus LS500s were sold in the U.S. A defect was discovered in the optional 10-way power adjustable passenger seat, and this recall is being carried out. This recall is said to affect the 2018-2021 LS500 and 2018-2020 LS Hybrid models, with the Executive Package as an option.

The defective model has a 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat with extended seat slide rails that can move the seat forward or increase space. The passenger seat to which this is applied is equipped with the Occupant Classification System (OCS), responsible for inputting the auxiliary restraint system that affects airbag deployment. However, in defective vehicles, OCS does not recognize the passenger seat.

Due to interference from the seat frame
Problem with airbag deployment

According to the recall notice, the seat frame near the stopper and OCS sensor may be assembled in a way that causes interference, which may cause the OCS sensor to detect occupant load incorrectly. Due to this defect, the passenger airbag may not deploy as intended during a collision, increasing the risk of injury.

A total of 509 vehicles in the U.S. are subject to the recall, and Lexus estimates that about 7% of them may have problems. The affected 2018-2021 LS 500 models were manufactured between August 1, 2017, and April 9, 2021. The 2018-2020 LS 500 Hybrid was manufactured between February 21, 2017, and June 1, 2020.

Quality assurance is a must for premium brands

Lexus notified distributors and related industries of this recall on April 17, 2024, and vehicle owners will be notified between June 2 and 16, 2024. If interference is found between the seat frame and the stopper, the company will resolve the problem by adjusting the stopper and recalibrating the OCS. Additionally, consumers who have paid for related issues can receive a refund.