Two problems related to air bag have been reported for the 1996 Lexus ES300. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Airbag over-sensitivity defect. The consumer feels that the air bag was too sensitive. The vehicle was involved in an accident in which the drivers side bumper and quarter panel was damaged. Both front air bags deployed. An infant car seat , with the consumer child fastened inside, was in the front passenger's seat facing rearward. The impact of the air bag caused fatal injuries to the child.
There was no deployment of the airbag and the two front seats fully reclined during the accident.