Recall 18V085 affects 48,672 2015-2016 Lexus Rx Hybrid, Nx, RX350, and Prius vehicles for airbag sensor failure. Repair is free at a franchised Lexus dealer.
Lexus recall 18V085 covers 48,672 2015-2016 Rx Hybrid, Nx, RX350, and Prius vehicles because air bag pressure sensors or acceleration sensors can fail. In a crash, that fault can keep the side, curtain shield, or front air bags from deploying, increasing injury risk; Lexus dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The air bag pressure sensors and acceleration sensors are part of the crash-sensing system on the affected 2015-2016 Lexus vehicles, including Rx Hybrid, Nx, RX350, and Prius. These sensors help the vehicle decide when to deploy the side, curtain shield, and front air bags during a crash. When they work correctly, they send the signal that starts air bag deployment at the right moment.
On affected vehicles, the sensors contain an IC chip, a small electronic circuit inside the sensor, made under improper production conditions. That chip can fail while the vehicle is in use. If the sensor fails, the air bag system can deactivate or fail to deploy the side, curtain shield, or front air bags in a crash.
The warning sign is the airbag warning light. If that light turns on, the vehicle is telling you the air bag system has detected a fault.
Who's affected?
Covers four model lines across the 2015 and 2016 model years, with front and side air bag components included.
| 2016 Lexus Rx Hybrid | side air bag |
|---|---|
| 2016 Lexus Rx Hybrid | front air bag |
| 2016 Lexus Rx Hybrid | front air bag |
| 2016 Lexus Nx | side air bag |
| 2016 Lexus Nx | front air bag |
| 2016 Lexus Nx | front air bag |
| 2015 Lexus Nx | side air bag |
| 2015 Lexus Nx | front air bag |
| 2015 Lexus Nx | front air bag |
| 2016 Lexus RX350 | side air bag |
| 2016 Lexus RX350 | front air bag |
| 2016 Lexus RX350 | front air bag |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | side air bag |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | front air bag |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | front air bag |
| Units affected | 48,672 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
An air bag sensor problem can stop the air bags from deploying in a crash, increasing injury risk. The airbag warning light will illuminate, so treat that light as a reason to schedule service soon and avoid delaying the repair. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Lexus Rx Hybrid, Nx, RX350, or Prius is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lexus dealer to schedule the free sensor replacement that fixes the air bag deployment failure.
- Bring the recall notice if Lexus mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V085 and Lexus recall JLA or J0F when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. The affected air bags are at risk of not deploying in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lexus technician checks the air bag pressure sensors and acceleration sensors against the affected serial numbers. Any sensor covered by the recall is replaced free of charge, including parts and labor. This repair is available now through a Lexus dealer. If you already paid out of pocket for a related sensor repair before the recall notice, the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice and payment records to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 31, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 31, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 31, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 12, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 12, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 30, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V085?
Recall 18V085 covers 48,672 2015-2016 Lexus Rx Hybrid, Nx, RX350, and Prius vehicles with air bag pressure sensor or acceleration sensor defects. The side, curtain shield, or front air bags can fail to deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk. Lexus dealers will replace the sensors for free as needed.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Lexus Rx Hybrid, Nx, RX350, or Prius is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V085. If it is, contact a franchised Lexus dealer to schedule sensor inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 18V085 and Lexus recall numbers JLA or J0F when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 18V085 is free. Lexus dealers will replace the affected air bag pressure sensors or acceleration sensors as necessary based on their serial numbers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the affected air bags can fail to deploy in a crash. The recall covers side, curtain shield, and front air bag systems. If those air bags do not deploy when needed, occupants face an increased risk of injury.
When were owners notified about recall 18V085?
Owner notification for recall 18V085 began on March 12, 2018. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the free recall repair applies. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Lexus dealer if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V085000 |
|---|---|
| Lexus customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V085 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V085000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →