pauljcl

I jjust got my letter today - 2009RX350 - and it does not explicitly include the door panels. But my panels are OK so far. I applied for reimbursement of the net amount (i.e after Lexus assistance) I paid to have the dash replaced last year. We'll see how rapidly it happens!

jakenbake

LSBen....Your dash seems to be exactly like mine. Mine make creaking noises when it is cold and it isn't cracked or melting but it leaks grease. I don't like to put shiny stuff on my dash but if I touch my dash my finger will be greasy. Also, in really hot weather it will make a pool of grease on the level part next to the ignition switch. It's gross and I am sick of having a shiny dash.

robbyk

Ditto jakenbake's comments,

My dash has a few cracks, you all saw my pictures in one of my previous posts. I am really worried that once I get my car back I am going to have rattles from them working on it.
I have no choice, it is a risk I have to take. I never liked the way the dashboard looks with all the cracks.

LSBen

Hi pauljcl, did they do a good job when they replaced your dash? Does it make any creaking or rattle noises? This will help me determine whether I should go for the new dash. Thanks!

pauljcl

Yes, they did a great job. I had it done at Lexus of Kendall. They kept the car for two days. There were two very very slightly misaligned (small) panels/seams - but I am an obsessive perfectionist.
No creaks, no rattles, looks great - a slightly different texture and shade of black than the previous and the doors, but not a problem. Would I do it again - yes, unhesitatingly.
As I mentioned, Lexus of Kendall did a super job. But I do not know if all other Lexus dealers would do the replacement with the same quality of work.

grabber2

My RX400h has a similar crack near the center console on the passenger side.....it was such an eye sore

I'm glad Lexus is willing to replace it

Since the work will take 1~2 days. Are we going to get a free loaner at the mean time?

pauljcl

I did. Check with your dealer.

robbyk

Yes, Lexus will provide a loaner once the repair has been authorized by Lexus Corporate.
I am bringing mine in tomorrow for initial inspection. I was told they are going to take pictures of the dash and submit it to Corporate along with the VIN to schedule the repair.
For what I understand, even though we have received a letter regarding the warranty extension on the dash the repairs must be approved in advance by Lexus Corporate.
The person I spoke to indicated that it is a good 2 days job so they are going to provide a courtesy loaner.

robbyk

Your driver side should be covered even though is not stated in the letter. The other day I was on the phone with Lexus Corporate and I specifically asked about the fact the letter does not mention the door panels. The answer I got was that even if the door panels are not mentioned in the letter you need to bring it to the dealership's attention during your inspection, pictures are going to be taken by the dealership. Then the dealership submits this estimate to the them for approval.

In my case the door panels need to be replaced and the base of the driver's side mirror needs to be replaced, it is already starting to bubble up in the base from the heat of the sun. I brought this to the dealership's attention at the time of my inspection for the dash and was turned in to Lexus corporate and approved. If your door panels need to be replaced the Dealer is not going to include this in the warranty extension automatically, you have to tell them to include it for approval.

Nozzleman

Woo Hoo I got my first letter today. It says to wait for a second letter. Should I wait or contact my dealer to get on the service schedule?

chuckbass

We got our letter, too! My dash is sticky, shiny and gross. Surprisingly, the top of the door panels isn't bad.

Good to know that I won't need to use my speaker muffling faux suede dash mat in the near future.

robbyk

I didn't wait for the second letter, I called my local Lexus Dealer to make the appointment.
I showed up for my appointment/inspection, they took pictures, in fact they didn't even asked for the letter. The service adviser called parts department, while I was there, to place the special order for the dashboard. I am already in line for my service when the dashboard becomes available.
He told me he is going to call me to bring the car for repairs when the dashboard comes in.

Nozzleman

COOL!
Thanks for the reply. I'll call them now.

lexusfan05

My dashboard creaked in winter even before it cracked. I looked into it and there was a TSB on it, but mine was out of warranty, so it was not covered. I believe that the center defroster vent is the issue. Since my car was in Florida before I bought it, it didn't see a real winter and the owner didn't get the TSB done.

My plan is to ask them to do the TSB (which is basically putting some foam strips around the plastic defroster opening) when replacing dash for cracking. That "rattle reduction kit" aka foam strips should cost $200 or so but it requires either dash removal or front glass removal. Nice design Lexus!

The noise kit part number seems to be 08231-00801. Overpriced for some foam strips, if you ask me.

robbyk

I would call them to get in the service line. They are not even going to look at the letter, the warranty extension is based on the VIN and Year.