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Campaign 23V865 Posted December 20, 2023 999,901 units

2020-2022 Lexus Es/Rx Recall 23V865: Air Bag OCS Sensor

Recall 23V865 covers 999,901 2020-2022 Lexus vehicles for an occupant-classification sensor short circuit. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.

Lexus is recalling 999,901 2020-2022 Es, Es Hybrid, Rx, and Rx Hybrid vehicles under recall 23V865 because a short circuit in the Occupant Classification System sensor can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases injury risk, and Lexus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The Occupant Classification System sensor is built into the front passenger seat. It reads weight on the seat so the air bag control system can decide whether the front passenger air bag should be active for the person or object in that seat. On 2020-2022 vehicles in this recall, that sensor is part of the system that helps the car make that passenger air bag decision.

The defect starts inside the sensor's circuit board. Deformation of the board can crack a capacitor, which is a small electronic part that helps control the circuit. Moisture can enter through that crack and create a short circuit. When that happens, the system can turn the passenger air bag off and prevent it from deploying in a crash.

Owners can see several warnings before the failure affects air bag operation. The SRS warning lamp can illuminate, the "Passenger Airbag OFF" lamp can come on, and a message can appear in the multi-information display.

Who's affected?

Includes sedans, SUVs, crossovers, and a minivan across the 2020-2022 model years, all tied to the same air bag occupant-classification sensor.

2020 Lexus Es air bag system
2021 Lexus Es air bag system
2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid air bag system
2020 Toyota Avalon air bag system
2022 Lexus Es Hybrid air bag system
Units affected999,901

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

If the air bag does not deploy during a crash, injury risk increases. The SRS warning lamp, "Passenger Airbag OFF" lamp, or a Multi-Information Display message can point to the sensor problem, so schedule service soon and ask the dealer before carrying a front passenger. Repair is free at any franchised Lexus dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2022 Lexus vehicle is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Lexus dealer to schedule the free OCS sensor inspection and replacement that fixes the front passenger air bag deployment risk.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Lexus has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V865 when you call.
  4. Ask the dealer whether your vehicle needs the sensor replaced or only inspected before you leave it for service.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Lexus technician inspects the Occupant Classification System sensor and replaces it if the inspection shows it is affected. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. The sensor helps the vehicle identify a front passenger so the air bag can deploy as designed. Lexus uses the manufacturer's general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. If you already paid for a related OCS sensor repair before the recall notice, ask Lexus customer service or the dealer how to submit documentation for reimbursement.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

December 20, 2023 NHTSA published the recall
December 20, 2023 Dealer notification began
December 20, 2023 Dealer notification ended
February 4, 2024 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
February 4, 2024 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
October 31, 2024 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 23V865?

Recall 23V865 covers 999,901 2020-2022 Lexus and Toyota vehicles with an Occupant Classification System sensor defect. A short circuit in the sensor can stop the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash, increasing injury risk. Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor for free.

What should I do if my 2020-2022 Lexus Es, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Es Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Corolla, Camry, Avalon Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Rx, Highlander, RAV4, Rx Hybrid, or Sienna Hybrid is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V865. If it is, contact a franchised Lexus dealer to schedule the Occupant Classification System sensor inspection. The dealer will replace the sensor if needed, and the repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 23V865, dealers will inspect the Occupant Classification System sensor and replace it as needed free of charge.

What is the safety risk in recall 23V865?

The safety risk is that the front passenger air bag can fail to deploy during a crash. That increases the risk of injury for a front passenger. The repair path is an inspection of the Occupant Classification System sensor, with replacement as needed at no cost.

When will owners be notified about recall 23V865?

Lexus mailed interim owner letters in February 2024 and mailed some final remedy letters on October 31, 2024. Final remedy letters continued in phases through January 2026. Check your VIN if you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V865000
Lexus customer service1-800-331-4331
NHTSA recall #23V865
NHTSA recall # (full)23V865000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →