2003 Lexus ES300: airbags did not deploy in a crash

Filed Mar 13, 2012 · Acceleration · NC · crash · 3 injuries

On 9/4/2011 at approx. 1: 41 pm, I was pulling my 2003 lexus es300 (with my foot on the brake) into a shopping center parking space when it suddenly surged, then accelerated over the curb and onto a sidewalk where people were dining at tables. As the car accelerated over the curb, I pushed harder on the brake and tried to steer the car away from the diners. As the lexus goes over the curb and onto the sidewalk, the car continued to accelerate like it was being pulled, and the driver's side bumper hit a table of diners. Three people are injured; one with compound fracture. The car continued to accelerate as I continued to push on the brake, trying to will this car to stop. It hit tables and chairs as people jumped out of the way of this runaway car! The car deflected off a building and came to a stop on the sidewalk. My foot was still on the brake. Tire marks from the braking were visible on the curb and sidewalk as local news stations recorded and aired. Airbags did not deploy. The weather and visibility were clear. Around 10/4/2011, one month after the wreck, a toyota investigator inspected the car's accelerator pedal and found it "operated smoothly and returned to its idle position withoutany binding or sticking...[it was] correctly aligned...no damage observed. The electrical connector was in place and secure....a diagnostic system check showed that there were no trouble codes relating to the operation of the vehicle." but my foot was on the brake. As of 3/12/2012: property damage: $20,000. Lexus body damage:$9000. Personal injuries: one settled, one countered, one talking with a personal injury lawyer. I no longer own the car. I was terrified to drive it.

Filed Nov 8, 2011 · Airbags · 100,000 miles · TX · crash

Tl* the contact owned a 2003 lexus es300. The driver was traveling 45 MPH and lost control of the vehicle. The driver crashed into a row of bushes and then struck a tree. The air bags did not deploy. The cause of the crash was undetermined. The driver and a passenger were killed. A police report was filed and the vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Dec 9, 2004 · Airbags · 45,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

While driving 40 MPH the vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. The dual airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained head injuries from hitting his head on the steering wheel. Please provide additional information.

Filed May 21, 2004 · Acceleration, Airbags · 2,200 miles · NY · crash

While waiting in heavy traffic at an intersection and without warning vehicle suddenly accelerated. This caused the driver to rear end the vehicle in front. Upon impact, both air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The insurance company totaled the vehicle. *ak the dealership insisted that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and was told that nothing could be done.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Acceleration, Airbags · 2,600 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

When pulling into a parking spot driver depressed the brake pedal and vehicle suddenly accelerated. Vehicle went over the curb, and hit a light pole. Front left side of the vehicle was damaged. Upon impact, front air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained minor bruises. *ak

Filed Mar 12, 2004 · Airbags, Brakes · MA · crash

While driving 4 MPH and depressing the brakes brake pedal pulsated, causing extended stopping distance, which resulted in vehicle hitting an embankment head on. Upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection.

Filed Jan 6, 2004 · Steering · CA · crash

While driving 65 MPH driver was making a right turn lost control of the vehicle and hit a concrete barrier. Both air bags did not deploy. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem.