Airbag error, Lexus RX recall in Vietnam market

Lexus has begun recalling 20 new generation RX sport utility vehicles in the Vietnamese market since November 2, 2016.

All recalled vehicles were manufactured in Japan between November 28, 2015 and June 13, 2016.

According to the announcement from Toyota Vietnam, the official importer and distributor of Lexus, all the recalled vehicles were manufactured in Japan between November 28, 2015 and June 13, 2016. These include 17 RX350s and 3 RX turbo 200ts.

The recall program is to inspect and replace the passenger airbag inflator assembly. The recall is part of a global recall campaign by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) for various vehicle models.

According to TMC, the front passenger airbag on the new generation Lexus RX turbo 200t and RX350 is equipped with a “hybrid” inflator, which contains compressed air and a solid fuel plate in the same combustion chamber. The blocking disc in the inflator prevents compressed air from escaping the combustion chamber.

“On affected vehicles, the disc may be improperly welded/assembled, resulting in the disc membrane cracking due to the action of compressed air inside the inflator assembly, allowing air to escape from the inflator assembly, causing partial inflation of the front passenger airbag. This partial inflation of the airbag may reduce the passenger protection function of the airbag when this safety device deploys,” the Japanese automaker said in a statement.

Therefore, Toyota Vietnam will inspect and replace the front passenger airbag assembly for all affected Lexus RX vehicles.

For non-genuine imported Lexus RX turbo 200t and RX350, upon request from the owner, Toyota Vietnam will assist in contacting Toyota Japan to check and confirm the information. If confirmed and agreed by Toyota Japan, Toyota Vietnam will proceed to check and replace the airbag assembly.

In addition to the Lexus RX350 and Lexus turbo 200t, other models currently manufactured or imported by Toyota Vietnam are not affected by the recall program.

According to VnEconomy