2021 Lexus RX Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 47 airbag complaints for the 2021 Lexus RX, 68% of all complaints filed for this year. The complaints tie to recall 23V865000 for an occupant classification sensor that can short circuit, with 3 crashes and 2 injuries reported. Median mileage at failure is 76,000.
- Airbags complaints
- 47
- 68% of 69
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 76,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Owners describe passenger airbags failing to deploy in real crashes, including one collision with a deer that destroyed the passenger side of the vehicle.
- Some owners report crashes where the airbag system appeared to malfunction alongside loss of vehicle control, though the airbag's role is unclear from the account.
- Many complaints are not about a failure but about waiting for recall 23V865000 repair parts, with owners stating the dealer confirmed parts were unavailable and the wait exceeded a reasonable time.
- Several owners who received the recall notice say they had not yet experienced any airbag failure but were still waiting on the fix.
- One complaint describes the occupant classification sensor issue directly, explaining that a short circuit can prevent the passenger airbag from deploying.
When 2021 Lexus RX airbag complaints were filed
First complaint May 22, 2023, latest Dec 19, 2025.
Airbags recalls for the 2021 Lexus RX
- NHTSA 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Airbags999,901 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
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.
Airbags complaints by RX model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
- 20102 (3%)
- 20114 (14%)
- 20121 (8%)
- 20132 (11%)
- 20142 (18%)
- 20150 (0%)
- 20161 (4%)
- 20173 (6%)
- 20181 (4%)
- 20193 (9%)
- 202021 (46%)
- 202147 (68%)
- 20221 (3%)
- 20232 (3%)
- 20242 (4%)
- 20252 (11%)
Frequently asked questions
- How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Lexus RX?
- NHTSA lists 47 airbag-related complaints for the 2021 Lexus RX, which is 68% of all 69 complaints filed for this model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 Lexus RX airbags?
- Yes. Recall 23V865000 covers an occupant classification sensor in the passenger seat that may short circuit and prevent the passenger airbag from deploying. Toyota's remedy is to inspect and replace the sensor free of charge.
- Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the airbag issue?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area shows 3 crashes and 2 injuries for the 2021 Lexus RX, with 0 fires reported.
- At what mileage do owners report airbag problems on the 2021 RX?
- The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2021 Lexus RX is 76,000 miles.
- How does the 2021 RX compare to other RX years for airbag complaints?
- The 2021 RX has 47 airbag complaints (68% share), far higher than the 2020 RX at 21 complaints (46% share) and every other model year, which have single-digit percentages.