Lexus replaces faulty Takata airbags... with faulty airbags

Owners of second-generation Lexus IS models may want to head to their nearest dealership ASAP, as the Japanese automaker has announced that 13,768 IS 250, IS 350 and IS F vehicles sold in Australia have been recalled to fix potentially dangerous airbags.

Cars caught up in the recall were manufactured between 2005-2012 for Lexus IS 250 models, 2010-2012 for Lexus IS350s and 2008-2012 for the IS F.

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For owners of those cars, it will be the second visit they’ve made to a Lexus dealer to have airbags replaced. Ironically, the suspect airbags – all of which are fitted to the passenger side only – were installed as replacements for potentially deadly Takata airbags.

However this time around, the replacement airbags are dangerous for a different reason: they may not inflate rapidly or fully enough when triggered, and thus would not be able to cushion passengers against the force of a crash.

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The original Takata airbags were recalled for ejecting metal fragments towards vehicle occupants when deployed – a fault that has to date resulted in several fatalities overseas and in Australia.

According to Lexus’ recall, the cause of the fault has been traced to a manufacturing defect of the replacement airbags. The replacement airbags were also manufactured by the Takata Corporation.

Affected owners will be notified by Lexus Australia to make arrangements for replacement airbags to be installed at no cost to them. Concerned individuals can also contact Lexus customer assistance on 1800 023 009, or view the original recall notice to check the full VIN list of affected cars.

WhichCar has contacted Lexus Australia for comment.