Are Lexus GX550 Exterior Trim Pieces Melting in the Sun?
Various exterior trim pieces on the Lexus GX550 are melting for no apparent reason, and some dealers are refusing to fix it under warranty.
The Lexus GX550 debuted for the 2024 model year as one of the most comprehensive redesigns we’ve seen in the automotive world in some time. This was much needed, of course, given how old the second-generation GX was at the time, and thus far, the Lexus GX550 has enjoyed mostly glowing reviews from the press and consumers alike – and it’s selling like hot cakes. However, like any all-new from the ground-up redesign, the Lexus GX550 may be experiencing a new teething issues in the form of exterior trim pieces that, are, well, apparently melting in the sun.
This rather shocking development came to light recently in the Lexus GX550 Owners & Enthusiasts Facebook group, where a few owners have posted photos of various plastic components that appear to have suffered damage from the sun. It’s mostly side mirrors, but also some plastic door and B-pillar trim pieces. The vehicles were reportedly just parked as normal and not exposed to any kind of heat source like a fire – nor is the problem stemming from the heating element in the mirrors either – making this a truly puzzling development.
“I knew it happened over a four-day period and the truck was parked in my driveway,” one impacted owner, Paul Yelton, told The Drive. “It’s currently at the dealership [and] they’re saying that the heating element in the mirror is not to blame and that everything is working properly so it’s some form of external heat. They first suggested that perhaps the PPF installer overheated it when he applied the film. Problem is that was done when the vehicle had 100 miles on it and now it has 2,000.”
Yelton isn’t alone in experiencing this issue, as another Lexus GX550 owner – Mark – has experienced a melting side mirror as well, along with damage to his SUV’s roof rack hardware covers, black door trim, and various other pieces. Mark noted that one day, he touched the B-pillar and it was “so hot that it would give you a burn,” even though it was only 54 degrees outside at that time.
As for what’s causing this particular problem, well, no one is entirely sure at the moment, and Lexus itself hasn’t commented on the matter as of yet. Some 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser owners have reportedly experienced the same sort of issue, with most saying that dealers are informing them that the damage isn’t covered by warranty – one even claimed that the dealer told them not to park their vehicle in the sun. In any event, we imagine that this won’t be last we’ve heard of the melting trim piece saga, regardless.
Photos: Lexus GX550 Owners & Enthusiasts/Facebook
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