Recall 16V128 covers 71,163 2008-2010 Lexus Sc, Corolla Matrix, Corolla, and Vibe vehicles for air bag inflator rupture. Repair is free at franchised Lexus dealer.
Lexus is recalling 71,163 2008-2010 Sc, Corolla Matrix, Corolla, and Vibe vehicles because moisture can damage the passenger-side frontal air bag inflator. In a crash that deploys the air bag, the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments toward occupants, and Lexus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The passenger-side frontal air bag inflator in affected 2008-2010 Lexus Sc, Corolla Matrix, Corolla, and Vibe vehicles is the metal canister that fills the front passenger air bag during a crash. When the air bag system commands deployment, the inflator creates gas quickly so the bag opens in front of the passenger. The system depends on that inflator staying sealed and controlled.
In this recall, moisture can get into the passenger-side inflator over time. That moisture changes how the inflator behaves during deployment. Instead of opening the air bag in a controlled way, the inflator can rupture when the air bag deploys.
Owners should not expect a dashboard light, sound, smell, or change in normal driving before this defect shows up. There is no warning sign before failure. The problem appears only when the passenger air bag is commanded to deploy.
Who's affected?
Covers Sc, Corolla Matrix, Corolla, and Vibe passenger cars across 2008-2010, all tied to the passenger-side front air bag inflator module.
| 2010 Lexus Sc | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix | front air bag |
| 2009 Lexus Sc | front air bag |
| 2008 Lexus Sc | front air bag |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | front air bag |
| 2008 Pontiac Vibe | front air bag |
| Units affected | 71,163 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
For NHTSA campaign 16V128, the risk is inside the passenger frontal air bag. In a crash that deploys that air bag, the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, striking occupants and resulting in serious injury or death. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2008-2010 Lexus Sc, Corolla Matrix, Corolla, or Vibe is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lexus dealer to schedule the free passenger air bag inflator or passenger air bag assembly replacement that addresses the rupture risk.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 16V128 when you call.
- Avoid placing a passenger in the front passenger seat until the repair is complete.
- Call Lexus customer service at 1-800-331-4331 with questions about scheduling or owner notices.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lexus technician replaces the front passenger air bag inflator or, depending on the model, the entire front passenger air bag assembly. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid to fix this condition before the campaign, the owner letter directs you to seek reimbursement through the applicable manufacturer reimbursement plan. Keep the paid repair order and proof of payment so the service desk or customer care team can match the prior work to recall 16V128.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 1, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 1, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 2, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| March 15, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 25, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V128?
Recall 16V128 covers 71,163 2008-2010 Lexus Sc, Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles with a passenger frontal air bag inflator that can rupture during deployment. Metal fragments can strike occupants in a crash. Dealers replace the inflator or passenger air bag assembly.
What should I do if my 2008-2010 Lexus Sc, Corolla Matrix, Corolla, or Vibe is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V128. If it is, contact the appropriate franchised dealer for your badge brand and ask for the passenger air bag inflator or air bag assembly repair. Reference recall number 16V128 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost. For recall 16V128, the dealer will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the full front passenger air bag assembly, depending on the model.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is air bag inflator rupture during a crash that deploys the passenger frontal air bag. Per NHTSA campaign 16V128, metal fragments can strike vehicle occupants and cause serious injury or death. The repair path is dealer replacement of the affected inflator or assembly.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V128, especially if you bought it used or never received the original owner notice.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V128000 |
|---|---|
| Lexus customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V128 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V128000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →