2006-2011 Lexus Models Recall 16V340: Air Bag Inflator

Recall 16V340 covers 1,754,517 2006-2011 Lexus vehicles for passenger air bag inflators that can rupture. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.

What's wrong?

The passenger frontal air bag inflator is the metal canister inside the air bag module that fills the passenger air bag during a crash. In the 2006-2011 Lexus vehicles covered by this recall, that inflator is a Takata PSPI-6 unit that uses ammonium nitrate propellant, the chemical charge that creates gas fast enough to inflate the bag.

The problem is moisture and heat over time. These inflators do not contain a drying agent, so long exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature cycling can break down the propellant. When the air bag deploys, degraded propellant can burn too aggressively and rupture the inflator housing. Metal fragments can pass through the air bag and into the vehicle interior at high speed, injuring or killing occupants.

There is no warning sign before failure. The air bag light can stay off, and the defect only shows itself when the passenger frontal air bag deploys in a crash.

Who's affected?

Spans Lexus, Scion, Toyota, and Pontiac nameplates across the 2006-2011 model years, all with the same front air bag component.

A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

An air bag inflator rupture can send metal fragments into vehicle occupants and result in serious injury or death. There is no listed warning sign before an inflator rupture, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the free dealer repair promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.

What should I do?

1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2011 Lexus Is 250, Xb, Matrix, Is F, Is 350, Yaris, Corolla, Vibe, 4RUNNER, Sienna, ES350, Is 350C, Is 250C, or GX460 is included in this recall.
2. Contact your nearest franchised Lexus dealer to schedule the free passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag assembly replacement that addresses the inflator rupture defect.
3. Bring the recall notice if Lexus has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V340 when you call.
4. Call Lexus customer service at 1-800-331-4331 with questions before your dealer visit.
5. Avoid letting anyone ride in the front passenger seat until the repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Lexus technician replaces the passenger frontal air bag inflator or, depending on the model, the full passenger air bag assembly. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid to fix this condition before the campaign, Toyota's General Reimbursement Plan covers documented expenses for Toyota and Lexus vehicles, and GM's submitted reimbursement plan covers Pontiac Vibe owners. Bring repair paperwork and payment records to the service desk so the dealer can point the claim to the right program.

Timeline

Frequently asked questions

More information

Source documents

• Download Owner Notice (PDF) · RCMN
• Download Misc. Document (PDF) · RMISC
• Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) · RIONL
• Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) · RCSB
• Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) · RCRIT
• Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) · RCONL
• Download Recall Report (PDF) · RCLRPT
• Download Quarterly Report (PDF) · RCLQRT
• Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF) · RCAK

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 →