The SRS spiral cable assembly (clock spring), located directly behind the driver's instrument display in the steering column, is producing an intermittent crackling noise. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The clock spring is a safety-critical component responsible for airbag deployment, horn operation, and steering wheel controls. A malfunctioning clock spring can cause airbag non-deployment in a collision or inadvertent airbag deployment while driving. The intermittent nature of the malfunction suggests internal ribbon cable contact or thermal expansion failure within the SRS circuit, which may worsen over time. The problem has not been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle has been brought to Lexus of Jacksonville, a Lexus authorized service center, on 3 occasion(s). On each visit the dealer was unable to reproduce the noise and closed the repair order without repair. The noise is intermittent, occurring after approximately 60–90 minutes of continuous highway driving, lasting 10–15 seconds before stopping. It occurs with the steering wheel straight and during turns of varying degrees. The thermal onset pattern is consistent with internal SRS spiral cable component failure under heat soak conditions. The vehicle has been inspected by the Lexus authorized dealer only. Two audio recordings of the crackling sound were provided to the dealer with confirmation from the service foreman the crackling noise is heard. No independent inspection has been performed to date. There are no warning lamps or dashboard messages associated with this malfunction. The only symptom is the audible crackling noise originating from the steering column clock spring location. The noise first appeared at approximately 700 miles and has occurred on multiple occasions since.
NHTSA ODI 11727308