GX 460 not as rugged as 4runner
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
GX 460 not as rugged as 4runner
So I used to have a 4runner V8 and gave that to my son and "upgraded" to the GX460. Last month, decided to take the GX460 to the same easy off road trail near Burro Canyon, CA, where I had taken my 4runner many times before.
The GX did fine and drove through the trail so I was somewhat happy that it was as rugged as my 4runner V8, until I got home and found my front bumper had popped off the frame. This was completely shocking as the trail was so moderate that I see Chevy Volts. Audi sedans and other non SUVs taking it from time to time without damage.
Contacted my dealer since my car is still under the 4-yr bumper-to-bumper warranty and was told I must have ran into something and it would not be covered. First of all, the bumper was supposed to be well fastened to the frame (wasn't the GX's big selling point a "frame based" SUV?) Second of all, if unibody sedans can survive this easy trail, my rugged GX surely should be able to conquer it without a scratch?
BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!
Going back to the 2017 4runner when it comes out.
PS - careful inspection found another screw on the other side of the front bumper also popped loose. Wow! talk about Lexus quality now days.
The GX did fine and drove through the trail so I was somewhat happy that it was as rugged as my 4runner V8, until I got home and found my front bumper had popped off the frame. This was completely shocking as the trail was so moderate that I see Chevy Volts. Audi sedans and other non SUVs taking it from time to time without damage.
Contacted my dealer since my car is still under the 4-yr bumper-to-bumper warranty and was told I must have ran into something and it would not be covered. First of all, the bumper was supposed to be well fastened to the frame (wasn't the GX's big selling point a "frame based" SUV?) Second of all, if unibody sedans can survive this easy trail, my rugged GX surely should be able to conquer it without a scratch?
BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!
Going back to the 2017 4runner when it comes out.
PS - careful inspection found another screw on the other side of the front bumper also popped loose. Wow! talk about Lexus quality now days.
#2
^ The 2010- 2013 front quality is questionable. I have been all over my 2011 (worked on and modified) and I am not impressed with the durability of the front.
I have no doubt that the new front end is a poorer quality with its size. The bulky plastic is not suited for off-road. Sorry to hear this.
I have no doubt that the new front end is a poorer quality with its size. The bulky plastic is not suited for off-road. Sorry to hear this.
#3
^ The 2010- 2013 front quality is questionable. I have been all over my 2011 (worked on and modified) and I am not impressed with the durability of the front.
I have no doubt that the new front end is a poorer quality with its size. The bulky plastic is not suited for off-road. Sorry to hear this.
I have no doubt that the new front end is a poorer quality with its size. The bulky plastic is not suited for off-road. Sorry to hear this.
Thanks for your input.
#4
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: IL
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mine the front right side close to the right passenger headlight corner pops out all the time with normal highway use. I went to check on other gx at the lot and observe 2 gx460 with the same problem. Hope this helps that you are not alone
#5
Lead Lap
He never said what year his GX was.
#8
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Pa
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As long as there was no contact with anything on the trail, the front fascia should not pop off. Check for scratches on bottom of fascia. Also, not sure of the differences in approach angles between GX and 4RNR.
#9
I'd take it back to the dealer and claim it happened after normal highway driving. See what they do.
Steve
Steve
#10
Advanced
#11
Driver School Candidate
I recently bought a used 2013 GX460 premium with 60K miles, I am having same issue with normal highway driving. Is there a fix for this issue? Please let me know
#12
Super Moderator
#13
^^^ i just got some of that yesterday
#14
Pole Position
I had this happened to my ls460; the clips where the bumper bites into get lose or even break. There is no easy fix; I had to order the parts and pull the whole bumper out and reattach it. I think Lexus and Toyota are using these clips across all lexus cars. which is a shame.