sunflower

I have read most if not all the posts regarding GX cracked dash issues. Unfortunately this was after I bought my 2004 GX in November 2011 from a company in Dallas that mostly deals in high end lease returns (i.e. no warranty).

So I wasn’t too surprised when I discovered a 1-inch crack just to the left of the driver side A/C vent this past weekend.

My 04 GX had less than 65,000k, immaculate physical condition inside and out, new Michelin tires, complete service history including recent brake work, transfer case issue addressed, plus 65,000k (@60,000k) scheduled maintenance all from Sewell Lexus in Ft Worth.

Since November, I have added 1060 miles, including 230 miles driving it home to Austin.

Yesterday I took it to a highly respected leather/boat upholsterer in Austin. As soon as he saw my car from across the parking lot he said “cracked dash?” then pointed to a white Lexus RX 350 and said “I’m in the process of repairing its cracked dash”.

He quoted about $365 for the repair and no guarantee against future cracks.

My original plan is to keep the GX 4 years. If I have to watch cracks spread across the dash like the plague, I may have to take a huge loss and sell an otherwise great vehicle.
My questions regarding my 2004 GX with 67,000k;

Should I contact Sewell in Ft Worth even though I wasn’t a customer, but my car was? Has any one dealt with Sewell in Ft Worth regarding a cracked dash? It’s a long drive to Ft Worth just to be shrugged at.

Reading posts regarding Lexus of Austin refusal to help afflicted cracked dash victims who actually purchased their vehicles from Lexus of Austin is a waste of time (not to mention disgusting).

It may be best to cut my losses and contact Lexus directly and try to negotiate the apparent standard; they cover the part, I’ll cover the labor and be done with it.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Silvermtb6

$365 for 1" crack? That's crazy. I had several cracks fixed in my dash for $150 in Austin. Don't know if I can put the guys contact info on here so PM me & I will give you his info. He came to my house & fixed it in my driveway. I need to call him again to fix some more cracks although I am considering trying to get Lexus to help with new dash. The cracks don't stop coming........

redrocks

Try crazy glue and tape to hold the spread together? Once dried, remove tape.

Seriously, what have you got to lose? Cracks are know issues (especially in hot climates where blazing sun hits the dash).

sunflower

My point is that it may be cheaper to have Lexus replaced the dash now, than time/energy of chasing new cracks even at $150 per repair.

GX470TX

Has anybody had a dash replaced and had problems with Lexus' reinstallation of the dash with electrical problems or rattles?

Or return of the cracking?

ROK

real simple for me: replace w/ a new dash ... what $1500 installed?

it's still cheaper than selling your car, losing that sales tax (esp for 10% folks like me) and being tempted to buy something more expensive as there are so few options in the market today that's as good as a gx unless you spend $10K more.

no biggie. next.

volman3

Sunflower: since you plan on keeping the car 4 years I would contact Lexus corporate. Be honest with them, if this is your first Lexus say so. Tell them you plan are a very loyal car owner and wanted to try "their" brand. I can guarantee you once you have the new dash in you will love your vehicle even more. To answer another persons question. When we had ours new dash installed it now looks "factory perfect"! No squeaks or anything abnormal. Your current dash is only going to get worse. So replace it before it "nickel and dimes" you to death. I also have not seen a dash repair on these vehicles that you could not tell it was a repair.

sunflower

Thanks Volman3 I appreciate your input. I had already decided to contact Lexus. I have my fingers crossed Lexus will take into consideration my Toyota history.

z0lt3c

iTrader: (1)

$350 for a guarentee of no future cracks -- anywhere? -- or just in the previous cracked area? You may want to look into having the dash vinyl wrapped. I know if I had this problem, I would go this route as the primary inexpensive option. Not all upholsterers are familar with vinyl wrapping so you may need to ask around in you area.