ES330MD05

My 2005 ES 330 developed a crack around the airbag cover on passenger side few years ago. But never bothered to fix it. It looks like this is a widespread issue with Lexus. My question is, if airbag deploys, will that airbag cover (part of dashboard) come off and hit the passenger? How do I fix it? How much would it cost?

Thanks in advance.

LeX2K

That part is designed to separate during airbag deployment, so I don't think it poses a risk to the passenger. At the same time, it might be so why not contact Lexus and tell them you are concerned about how safe your airbag is. To fix that, the whole dash padding might have to be replaced, or at least some of it.

ES330MD05

Thanks Lexus2000. You are correct, that part is suppoed to come out when air bag deploys but I think it should go away from the passenger (i.e. towards windshield) but looking at the crack it will fly towards the passneger. I did chat with Lexus online but they suggested I call them. Will call them soon but I doubt they would fix it as car is already almost 7 years old with 100K + miles. Any idea how much would the dash padding cost? I was not able to find any place that sells them. Any idea?

LeX2K

I'll be interested to see what Lexus has to say. You really don't want to replace the entire dash padding, it is over $1000 and the labour to replace it is extensive.

SW17LS

It doesn't effect airbag safety. The airbag is a self contained piece, and the issue is with the dash pad not the airbag.

This happens because sun damage shrinks the dash pad material and it contracts, which pulls it away from the airbag. Only remedy is a whole new dash.

LeX2K

Are you sure? The dash is designed to split in a specific way, seeing as the padding is separating it may not do so as intended. It will probably not be a problem.