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2017 Lexus GX460

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Compare all GX460 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 8 of 9 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

9 reports
54,000 miles · May 13, 2021
Forward Collision Avoidance

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LEXUS GX460. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A SUDDEN STOP. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LEXUS GX460. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A SUDDEN STOP. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON ONE OCCASION THE CONTACT AVOIDED A NEAR COLLISION WITH A SEMI TRUCK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, WITH A VEHICLE IN THE RIGHT LANE, THE EMERGENCY AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHEEHY LEXUS OF ANNAPOLIS (121 FERGUSON RD, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21409, (410) 266-3330) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ISSUE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO AVAILABLE FIX FOR THE ISSUE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKES WHICH FAILED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

NHTSA ODI #11416436

38,000 miles · Oct 26, 2020
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

VEHICLE WAS PULLING INTO PARKING SPOT, COMING TO A STOP, WHEN ACCELERATOR STUCK AND CAR DROVE THROUGH BRICK WALL WHILE DRIVER WAS TRYING TO BRAKE

NHTSA ODI #11366484

22,000 miles · Jun 19, 2020
VisibilityVisibility/wiper

THE SUNROOF GLASS SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH. THERE WAS NO PROJECTILE WHICH CAUSED THE GLASS TO SHATTER. WE WERE NOT NEAR AN OVERPASS, THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS NEARBY, AND THERE WAS FARMLAND ON ALL SIDES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11329799

47,000 miles · May 2, 2019
Air Bags

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING ON A MAIN ROAD AND SOMEONE CUT ME OFF. I HIT THE OTHER CAR DIRECTLY. THE FIRE AND POLICE OFFICERS AT THE SCENE SAID THEY THOUGHT THEY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED GIVEN THE EXTENT OF THE ACCIDENT. I'M FINE AND AM ACTUALLY THANKFUL THEY DIDN'T GO OFF BUT THE…

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I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING ON A MAIN ROAD AND SOMEONE CUT ME OFF. I HIT THE OTHER CAR DIRECTLY. THE FIRE AND POLICE OFFICERS AT THE SCENE SAID THEY THOUGHT THEY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED GIVEN THE EXTENT OF THE ACCIDENT. I'M FINE AND AM ACTUALLY THANKFUL THEY DIDN'T GO OFF BUT THEY SUGGESTED THAT I SUBMIT IT FOR INVESTIGATION.

NHTSA ODI #11205153

34,000 miles · Nov 19, 2018
Power TrainCrashInjury

ARRIVED AT A WAREHOUSE TO UNLOAD BOXES FROM THE TRUNK OF CAR. HAD 2 PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE. BACKED INTO UNLOADING ZONE AND PARKED CLOSE TO THE DOOR. OPENED THE DRIVER'S DOOR LEAVING IT OPEN. PASSENGERS GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE LEAVING THE PASSENGERS DOOR OPEN. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE WAREHOUSE MANAGER, DRIVER AND PASSENGER STARTED …

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ARRIVED AT A WAREHOUSE TO UNLOAD BOXES FROM THE TRUNK OF CAR. HAD 2 PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE. BACKED INTO UNLOADING ZONE AND PARKED CLOSE TO THE DOOR. OPENED THE DRIVER'S DOOR LEAVING IT OPEN. PASSENGERS GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE LEAVING THE PASSENGERS DOOR OPEN. AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE WAREHOUSE MANAGER, DRIVER AND PASSENGER STARTED TO UNLOAD THE VEHICLE FROM THE TRUNK. ALL PASSENGERS WERE OUT OF THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS WHEN DRIVER WAS BEHIND UNLOADING BOXES. DRIVER GOT PINNED BY THE CAR AGAINST THE GARAGE WALL AND WAS PINNED BY THE LEFT BUMPER AND TAILLIGHT. . HEAD CRUSHING INJURY, BROKEN SHOULDER. BROKEN WRIST. ONE OF THE OTHER PEOPLE WERE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND PULL FORWARD. DRIVER SURVIVED BUT SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT INJURIES. 10 PIECES OF GLASS IN SIDE OF FACE AND SKULL WHICH WERE REMOVED FROM HOSPITAL.

NHTSA ODI #11152425

16,500 miles · Mar 10, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SuspensionCrash

I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH AND WAS HIT IN THE SIDE BY A DRIVER WHO RAN A STOP SIGN AT A SCREECHING HALT AND HIT MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND REAR. I FLIPPED 2.5 TIMES AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE REAR WINDOWS MY CHILD. THE CAR KEPT ME SAFE AS FAR AS AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT. WE HAD SOME INJURIES…

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I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH AND WAS HIT IN THE SIDE BY A DRIVER WHO RAN A STOP SIGN AT A SCREECHING HALT AND HIT MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AND REAR. I FLIPPED 2.5 TIMES AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE REAR WINDOWS MY CHILD. THE CAR KEPT ME SAFE AS FAR AS AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT. WE HAD SOME INJURIES BUT NO BROKEN BONES. AFTER RESEARCHING, I FIND THE GX IS KNOWN TO HAVE A STABILITY ISSUE AND FLIP FROM EVEN SMALL IMPACTS FROM THE SIDE. THIS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN WAY WORSE AS MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT FOR FRONT STEERING AND DASH.THEY NEED TO FIX THIS ISSUE. AS FAR AS HOLDING UP IN THE ROLLOVER, THE CABIN AREA WAS INTACT MOSTLY. BUT THE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE ROLLED OVER AND IF I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE OR HAD OTHER CARS COMING AT ME, IT MAY HAVE BEEN WORSE. THE STABILITY ISSUE NEEDS TO BE FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11078451

5,600 miles · Jan 30, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SuspensionCrash

TURNING LEFT INTO NEIGHBORHOOD AND STRUCK REAR PASSENGER SIDE PANEL BEHIND THE TIRE (BUMPER AREA). I WAS GOING APPROX 10-15 MPH, OTHER VEHICLE (CAMRY) WAS GOING 40 MPH. CAR ROLLED TWICE. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL LEANING TO THE RIGHT, WHICH CAUSES AN INCREASED ROLLOVER RISK ON LEFT HAND TURNS. IT…

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TURNING LEFT INTO NEIGHBORHOOD AND STRUCK REAR PASSENGER SIDE PANEL BEHIND THE TIRE (BUMPER AREA). I WAS GOING APPROX 10-15 MPH, OTHER VEHICLE (CAMRY) WAS GOING 40 MPH. CAR ROLLED TWICE. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL LEANING TO THE RIGHT, WHICH CAUSES AN INCREASED ROLLOVER RISK ON LEFT HAND TURNS. IT SEEMS THAT LEXUS IS AWARE, BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED THE ISSUE. HAPPY TO PROVIDE PHOTOS OR ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION IF NEEDED.

NHTSA ODI #11065851

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2018
Suspension

THE VEHICLE LEANS TO THE RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) ABOUT 1 1/4 COMPARED TO LEFT SIDE SINCE DAY 1 AFTER PURCHASE. I CONTACTED 3 LEXUS DEALERS AND WAS TOLD "IT IS WITHIN SPECS". THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON GX 460 MODELS BUT LEXUS REFUSES TO ADMIT IT. THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR IT. THE VEHICLE HAS EXTREME BODY ROLL TO THE RIGHT DURING LEFT TU…

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THE VEHICLE LEANS TO THE RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) ABOUT 1 1/4 COMPARED TO LEFT SIDE SINCE DAY 1 AFTER PURCHASE. I CONTACTED 3 LEXUS DEALERS AND WAS TOLD "IT IS WITHIN SPECS". THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON GX 460 MODELS BUT LEXUS REFUSES TO ADMIT IT. THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR IT. THE VEHICLE HAS EXTREME BODY ROLL TO THE RIGHT DURING LEFT TURNS AND FEELS A LOT MORE STABLE DURING RIGHT TURNS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. I CONTACTED THE LEXUS CORPORATE OFFICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A "CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE" AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR IT. I WAS LIED BY A SERVICE FOREMAN THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED THIS WAY. I DID A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE AND BASED ON SEVERAL TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS IT IS CAUSED BY IMBALANCE BETWEEN THE 2 CYLINDERS ON THE KDSS. PROPER PROCEDURE IS TO BLEED AND RE-FILL THE KDSS SYSTEM BUT LEXUS REFUSES TO DO IT. I WAS TOLD BY A SERVICE MANAGER THAT THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE AND LENGTHY PROCEDURE AND DEALERS AVOID DOING IT. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 10,000 MILES NOT AND IT FEELS EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I SEE AT LEAST 1 LEXUS GX460 EVERY 1-2 DAYS ON THE ROAD THAT LEANS TO THE RIGHT. I TALKED WITH MULTIPLE OWNERS WHO DIDN'T EVEN NOTICE IT BUT TOTALLY AGREED THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS LEANING AND FEELS DIFFERENT DURING LEFT TURNS COMPARED TO RIGHT TURNS. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE ON MANY TOYOTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH KDSS. THE GX 460 IS SOLD IN THE REST OF THE WORLD AS THE TOYOTA LANDCRUISER PRADO AND THEY ALSO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. IS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE 2007 WHEN THE KDSS WAS INTRODUCED ON THE LEXUS GX 470 AND LATER INSTALLED IN THE 4RUNNERS AND TOYOTA LANDCRUISERS 200. WORST PART IS THAT LEXUS IN NOT WILLING TO HELP AND MOST DEALERS DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO REPAIR IT. THEY SIMPLY SAY: "YOUR VEHICLE IS WITHIN SPECS". THIS IS A MAJOR, MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. FOR A VEHICLE WITH SUCH HIGH CENTER OF GRAVITY, LEANING ON ONE SIDE CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER !

NHTSA ODI #11062757

25,000 miles · Jan 10, 2018
Unknown Or Other

CAR WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR ON A FLAT ROAD AT 5:30 PM WHEN A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. WE NOTICED THAT THE SUNROOF HAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED, BUT STAYED INTACT. SMALL SHARDS OF OF GLASS FELL INSIDE. THE TEMPERATURE WAS 55 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OUTSIDE AND 69 INSIDE. WE CLOSED THE COVER SO NO GLASS WOULD FALL INSIDE. THE…

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CAR WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR ON A FLAT ROAD AT 5:30 PM WHEN A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. WE NOTICED THAT THE SUNROOF HAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED, BUT STAYED INTACT. SMALL SHARDS OF OF GLASS FELL INSIDE. THE TEMPERATURE WAS 55 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OUTSIDE AND 69 INSIDE. WE CLOSED THE COVER SO NO GLASS WOULD FALL INSIDE. THE SUNROOF DOES NOT LOOK LIKE ANYTHING HIT IT AND THE VEHICLE IS STORED IN THE GARAGE.

NHTSA ODI #11062065

Official recalls

3

19V741000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 17, 2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

19V005000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

16V937000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Dec 21, 2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling one 2016 Toyota 4Runner vehicle manufactured November 1, 2016 and one 2017 Lexus GX460 vehicle manufactured November 16, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with Takata PSPI-LD front passenger air bag inflators that may have been manufactured without ignition booster tablets. As a result, in the event of a crash, the air bag may not fully inflate during deployment of the primary stage. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The improper inflation of the passenger air bag may increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota dealers have replaced the passenger side air bag modules, free of charge. Toyota notified the affected dealers on December 15, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G06, GLR.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.