Recall 18V024 covers 628,018 2009, 2010, 2013 Lexus vehicles with passenger air bag inflators that can explode. Repair is free at franchised Lexus dealers.
Lexus recall 18V024 covers 628,018 2009, 2010, 2013 vehicles, including the Is 350C, because passenger frontal air bag inflators can explode after long-term humidity and temperature exposure. Sharp metal fragments can strike occupants during a crash deployment, and Lexus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The recalled part is the passenger frontal air bag inflator in affected Lexus vehicles. It sits inside the passenger air bag module and creates the gas that fills the air bag when a crash sensor calls for deployment. The inflator has to build pressure quickly, but it also has to stay sealed and controlled as the bag opens.
These vehicles use a Takata PSPI-6 inflator with non-desiccated, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant. Non-desiccated means the propellant lacks a drying agent to help control moisture exposure over time. Long exposure to high humidity, high heat, and repeated temperature cycling can break down the propellant. During a crash deployment, that degraded propellant can make the inflator rupture instead of inflating the passenger air bag in a controlled way.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the inflator, so normal dashboard behavior does not prove the passenger air bag inflator is safe.
Who's affected?
The scope crosses passenger cars, SUVs, a minivan, and related hatchback or wagon models that use the same front passenger air bag inflator module.
| 2010 Lexus Is 350C | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2013 Lexus Is 350C | front air bag |
| 2009 Lexus Is 350 | front air bag |
| 2010 Lexus Is 350 | front air bag |
| 2010 Lexus Is 250C | front air bag |
| 2010 Lexus Is 250 | front air bag |
| 2010 Lexus GX460 | front air bag |
| 2013 Scion Xb | front air bag |
| 2009 Scion Xb | front air bag |
| 2010 Scion Xb | front air bag |
| 2009 Lexus Is F | front air bag |
| 2010 Lexus Is F | front air bag |
| 2013 Lexus Is F | front air bag |
| 2013 Lexus Is 350 | front air bag |
| 2013 Lexus Is 250C | front air bag |
| 2009 Lexus Is 250 | front air bag |
| 2013 Lexus Is 250 | front air bag |
| 2013 Lexus GX460 | front air bag |
| 2009 Lexus ES350 | front air bag |
| 2010 Lexus ES350 | front air bag |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | front air bag |
| 2009 Pontiac Vibe | front air bag |
| 2009 Toyota Yaris | front air bag |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix | front air bag |
| 2010 Toyota Corolla | front air bag |
| 2010 Toyota Corolla Matrix | front air bag |
| 2010 Pontiac Vibe | front air bag |
| 2010 Toyota 4RUNNER | front air bag |
| 2010 Toyota Yaris | front air bag |
| 2013 Toyota Sienna | front air bag |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla | front air bag |
| 2013 Toyota 4RUNNER | front air bag |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla Matrix | front air bag |
| Units affected | 628,018 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, striking the driver or other occupants and causing serious injury or death. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon and avoid delaying service. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009, 2010, or 2013 Lexus vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lexus dealer to schedule the free passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly replacement that addresses the inflator explosion risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Lexus has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V024 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the replacement part is ready before your appointment, and confirm that parts and labor are covered.
- Use extra care until the repair is complete, since an inflator explosion can send metal fragments into the cabin during a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lexus technician replaces the front passenger air bag inflator or, depending on the model, replaces the passenger air bag assembly. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a related passenger air bag repair before the recall notice, the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 9, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 9, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 9, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 24, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 29, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V024?
Recall 18V024 covers 628,018 2009, 2010, and 2013 Lexus vehicles and listed models with passenger frontal air bag inflators that can explode during deployment after long-term humidity and temperature exposure. Sharp metal fragments can strike occupants. Dealers will replace the inflator or air bag assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2009, 2010, or 2013 Lexus vehicle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V024. If it is, contact a franchised Lexus dealer and ask for the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag assembly repair. Reference recall number 18V024 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this defect at no cost. For recall 18V024, the dealer will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the full air bag assembly, depending on the model, with parts and labor covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is metal fragment injury during passenger air bag deployment. In a crash that triggers the passenger frontal air bag, the inflator can explode and send sharp metal fragments toward occupants, causing serious injury or death. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you never received a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a franchised Lexus dealer with recall number 18V024.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V024000 |
|---|---|
| Lexus customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V024 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V024000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →