Lemon Law Center

vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a three-spoke style steering wheel. during air bag deployment, it is possible that the bottom seam of the front driver's side air bag module cover (horn pad) could be torn away allowing the bottom portion of the cover to completely detach from the air bag module.

Corrective Action

if this should occur, there is a possibility that the detached bottom portion may strike the driver causing personal injury.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the driver's side air bag module. owner notification began december 28, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-888-333-9376.

2002 Lexus Es300

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the left front brake tube may have been deformed prior to vehicle delivery due to improper installation of a coil spring spacer that was installed to prevent damage to the vehicle during transportation.

Corrective Action

if the brake tube is deformed significantly, it could contact the inner fender panel, and eventually cause damage to the tube due to vibration during driving. brake tube damage could also lead to brake fluid leakage after extended use of the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the front brake line and, if necessary, replace the line. owner notification began january 1, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact lexus at 1-888-333-9376.

1998 Lexus Es300

Component

Steering:Wheel And Handle Bar

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.

Corrective Action

this can result in a loss of vehicle control.

Recall Notes

dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.

1997 Lexus Es300

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine, michigan,minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new york, noth dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. a condition can occur where accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in the brake vacuum hose if the vehicle is used in extremely cold climates for an extended period of time.

Corrective Action

this can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.

1997 Lexus Es300

Component

Steering:Wheel And Handle Bar

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.

Corrective Action

this can result in a loss of vehicle control.

Recall Notes

dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.

1996 Lexus Es300

Component

Steering:Wheel And Handle Bar

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.

Corrective Action

this can result in a loss of vehicle control.

Recall Notes

dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.

1995 Lexus Es300

Component

Steering:Wheel And Handle Bar

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.

Corrective Action

this can result in a loss of vehicle control.

Recall Notes

dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.

1994 Lexus Es300

Component

Steering:Wheel And Handle Bar

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.

Corrective Action

this can result in a loss of vehicle control.

Recall Notes

dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.

1992 Lexus Es300

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch

Consequence of Defect

the secondary hood latch mechanism has a narrow clearance between internal parts which, over time, accumulate dust or other foreign matter and cause the latch to not engage properly.

Corrective Action

if this occurs and the primary latch is not properly engaged, the hood could open suddenly without warning, blocking the vision of the driver, which could cause an accident.

Recall Notes

lexus dealers will replace the secondary hood latch.