Seat Belt Related Problems of the 2013 Lexus ES300

Seat Belt problem

Car has brake pedal characteristic which allows the brake pedal to reach full stop of the end of full mechanical travel (vs. Hydraulically limited by brake pressure) and the brakes are no longer able to apply more braking force. This characteristic of this car model is directly linked with the causation of the collision and was certainly a major surprise to the owner as this event was occurring. No such warning provided to consumers with this particular braking issue in Lexus Es300h. Characteristic is endemic to the model as tested in other identical models by the owner. Steering wheel airbag (one of several that deployed in this total loss accident) did not prevent owner from physically striking the steering wheel even though he was utilizing the seat belt. Chest forcefully struck steering wheel, which should not have occurred and should be accounted for in the design and manufacture of this safety restraint system. The owner was not properly restrained from impacting the steering wheel which inflicted serious bodily injury. Furthermore, he was able to observe the engine hood of the vehicle fold up during the impact and so no visual obstruction occurred in the moments of impact and air bag deployment. The air bag did not properly cover the steering wheel to prevent steering wheel blunt force trauma. Seat belts should have restrained the owner from hitting the steering wheel which it did not do. The owner always had the seat positioned well away from the steering wheel. Through a combination of the air bag design, and the seat belts and brakes not working in a manner they are expected to do so, the owner was seriously injured. The brakes on the car feature typical anti lock capability, which would make the brake pedal pulsate upon activation. No such pulsation occurred during this pre-accident and accident deceleration.