2021 Lexus ES Hybrid

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Risk. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES 300H. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and attempting to stop, the front driver’s side seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

On Nov 9, 2022 I first noticed the problem. When I drove back to home Vancouver, WA from California I used cruise control all the way. I was driving at 70 and ahead of me was traffic. The car in front of me slowed down and the cruise control was on which was supposed to detect the car ahead and slowed down using the brakes but it didn’t and my rpm went high almost 4-5. I called the dealership about the incident while on the way. I was asked if there were any issues like lights, warning/message but there was nothing. I have a video about it. When I arrived home turned off the car. Woke up the next day, took it to the dealership and the car is working fine. I showed one of the service reps the video and he stated they cant fix the car because there is no issue coming up in the computer. At the time the mileage was 46,313. After this incident it didn’t happen again. However after 60k miles when I drove over 6-7hrs the problem came up again. I almost got in an accident because the car didn’t slow down and stop. I called the lexus headquarters and they communicated with the same dealership to look into it. My car is at the dealership right now and don't know if they will find the issue and if it will get fixed. I don't feel safe driving this car because of the close encounters Ive had to an accident. I rely on my car for my job and by leaving it at a dealership for many days Im losing income. I hope they can find the issue and fix it right away.