Recall 16V053 covers 5,072 2016 Lexus RX350 and Rx Hybrid vehicles for a defective knee air bag inflator. Free repair at franchised Lexus dealers.
Lexus is recalling 5,072 2016 RX350 and Rx Hybrid vehicles because an improper weld can let gas escape from the driver's knee air bag inflator. A defective inflator can increase the risk of injury in a crash, and Lexus dealers will replace the knee air bag assembly free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The driver's knee air bag in the 2016 Lexus RX350 and Rx Hybrid sits in the lower instrument panel. In a frontal crash, its inflator releases stored gas so the bag fills and cushions the driver's knees and lower legs. That inflation helps keep the driver positioned for the rest of the restraint system.
The problem starts at the inflator weld. During supplier assembly, a damaged weld fixture let the inflator bottle and diffuser sit out of alignment during laser welding. That off-center weld lacked proper penetration, and a later clinching step placed more pressure on the weak area. If the weld is damaged, stored gas leaks from the inflator, so the knee air bag does not deploy properly in a frontal crash.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to hear, see, or feel a change before the knee air bag fails to inflate as designed.
Who's affected?
Covers RX350 and Rx Hybrid SUVs with the same knee-bolster air bag component named for each.
| 2016 Lexus RX350 | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Lexus Rx Hybrid | air bag system |
| Units affected | 5,072 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Lexus RX350 or Rx Hybrid is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A defective knee air bag inflator can raise the risk of injury in a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the inspection soon so the dealer can replace the knee air bag assembly if needed. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Lexus RX350 or Rx Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lexus dealer to schedule the free knee air bag inspection and assembly replacement if the dealer finds the improper weld tied to inflator gas loss.
- Bring the recall notice if Lexus mailed one, and reference recall number 16V053 (Lexus recall GLA) when you call.
- Drive with caution until the repair is complete, and keep using the seat belt every trip.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lexus technician inspects the driver's knee air bag assembly and replaces it if the inspection shows it is affected by the improper weld. The inspection, replacement part, and labor are free under the recall. Lexus lists a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign, so documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this knee air bag issue are handled through that plan. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the Lexus service desk, and ask how the reimbursement plan applies to your prior repair.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 27, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| January 27, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 1, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| March 7, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 27, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 27, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V053?
Recall 16V053 covers 5,072 2016 Lexus RX350 and Rx Hybrid vehicles with an improper weld in the driver's knee air bag inflator. Inflator gas can escape, which can increase injury risk in a crash. Lexus dealers will inspect the knee air bag assembly and replace it if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Lexus RX350 or Rx Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Lexus is included in recall 16V053. If it is, contact a franchised Lexus dealer to schedule the knee air bag inspection. The dealer will replace the knee air bag assembly if needed, and the recall repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. Lexus dealers will inspect the driver's knee air bag assembly and replace it if needed free of charge under Toyota recall number GLA.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced knee air bag protection in a crash. Because of an improper weld, gas needed to inflate the driver's knee air bag can escape from the inflator. That defect can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
What if I bought my Lexus used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2016 Lexus RX350 or Rx Hybrid is included, then reference recall 16V053 or Toyota recall number GLA when you call a Lexus dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V053000 |
|---|---|
| Lexus customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V053 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V053000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →