Airbags ultimately did make cars safer, but only after we learned some sad lessons about how to properly program the sensors. The early ones had sensors that were set to fire the bag off instantaneously, and with great force. That was done on the (assumption) that large heavy Americans, unlike Europeans, weren't reliable about wearing their belt/harness combo (or wearing it incorrectly), and that, in an accident, the bags had to most or all of the restraining on their own, with no help from the belts. That was fine for big husky persons...but proved too violent for many small adults, children, and infants in the front seat, and a number of them were injured or killed by the bags themselves. Later, as better, more versatile sensors and multi-stage firing were developed, which could more accurately determine the size of the person in the seat, if the belt was buckled or not, and how much force the bag would need, the bags really begun to be effective for many more people, and, as others have noted, have, in the long run, made vehicles substantially safer. Parents also know, now, not to use rear-facing infant-seats up front, where the child faces backward, and the baby's head is in close proximity to the bag-housing.

 

I will say, the OP needs to chill with the dealer. I support the others who have said that. You need the dealer on your side. I also do not accept that the part is no longer available. Toyota actually now has a recall fix for 07 ES Airbags and are replacing the front ones. i would strongly try to find a new dealer or go to Toyota.

Leuxs should take of this. 41K is way too low.

 

Just to note though, it's not his airbags. It's his occupant seat detection electronics under the passenger seat. Looks like the two dealers he's spoken to are or have tried to help.

 

Even with as little driving a possible, there will still be degradation. Can't stop Mother nature or Father time.

 

I see what you mean. Just referred to as airbags for short.

Shouldnt be happening for a item like that. And if the part is no longer available, I think Lexus need to step up.

 

If Lexus does address it, then kudos. If not, well its out of warranty and they don't have to. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.

 

This is a good way to put it. I too hope the OP gets some kind of assistance from either a dealer or corporate, but if not, that's just the way it goes.

 

or gravity.

 

hah good one @bit

 

We've agreed to disagree on this subject before. I have personal experience, statistics, and torts attorneys behind me.

 

If the seat belt failed after 10 years, regardless of mileage, would you expect:

1. Warranty repair?
2. The correct part to be available to repair it?

This have not been my experience over the years with a wide range of Toyota vehicles.

FWIW, not the same level of concern, but try getting color matched model specific floor mats after 10 years. BTDT, got really pissed off that I had a blue interior with worn out blue mats and could only get black from Toyota when the car was 8 years old.

 

......so what's wrong with black? It's a neutral color that will go with any color interior....also doesn't show a lot of dark stains.

 

A warranty repair can't be done if there no part. I expect a manufacturer like Toyota to have this part available. I don't believe the part does not exist. I expect their engineers to come up with some sort of solution.

If this truly is a one of kind issue where they cannot fix it and their is no other similar examples, perhaps a goodwill gesture on behalf of Toyota is in order.

 

He wants a genuine replacement part.

 

...and in faded blue to colour-match.