Hi all,

I just purchase a used ‘19 ES. I found the trunk lid is 1/4” misaligned on the right side (see pic). The car has foot activated trunk, and when it opens, it makes a popping sound.

Question 1) should I be concerned about this? 2) would it be covered under 4y/50k basic warranty?




thanks

 

No way it came like that from the factory. It is probably result of an accident.

 

That trunk lid was probably replaced at some point. As Ionian states most likely from a rear ender... I'm surprised that the auto close works. The popping sound is a clue that something's amiss and will probably get worse... I'd try a repair or adjustment under warranty but if there was body work it may get rejected... GOOD LUCK!

 

Not necessarily true. Out of two ESes (2021) as well as other observed dealer lots, almost every ES had mis alignments. some slight, some super slight, some obvious.

As you recall on my case, i straightened 3/4 doors on my ES. all had misalignments.

Also I notice many ESes, if not all, have a slight deviation on passenger side hood towards the windshield. My 1st ES had it pretty strongly. my 2nd one is super slight so I let it slide.

I've observed other Camrys on the road with misaligned doors too. (same factory)

My car is pretty close to satisfactory after ive straightened the doors.

 

I've also observed a clear coat run on the inside of the trunk. very strong bubbling. but it can't be observed from the outside.

so OP, i would take it in. if there's body damage, that could have something to do with poor repair. i would probably try to remedy it myself but i'm a super DIYer

 

Thanks guys. Prior to the purchase, I had a Lexus dealer do an pre-purchase inspection, didn't hear any reports on damage. I also checked with paint meter, the trunk seemed to have the same paint thickness as the rest. Along with no mention of accidents on Carfax, I somewhat believe this might come from factory.

Not sure if that is convincing enough for Lexus to adjust it under warranty.

 

The most they can say is no... Give it a shot...

 

If these body panels and trunk misalignments really are from factory, and it sounds like there are many cases of them being from factory like this... If that is the case. How extremely disappointing. The panel gaps and the measurable inconsistency of them from one exact model to another exact same model is quite curious and infuriating. For something like a trunk, my concern would be water leaks or damage on the inside eventually from water or moisture. I don't have the ES and never had an ES. But now I'm going to check my IS again, (even though I checked it meticulously previously several times before). I'm sorry you guys have to deal with this issue.

 

It is disappointing that the dealers are also letting them go out that way, probably because most people never notice or bring it up. Doors, trunk lid and hood are all designed to be adjusted and realigned without much difficulty.

 

This is an Internet forum. People who see nothing wrong with something don't post about it. I personally suspect that the prevalence of this misalignment problem is much less than you'd believe from reading here.

 

The OP is measuring the gap incorrectly IMHO put a straight edge across the chrome strip and look down at it.

I would say my left tail light to trunk alignment is out a few mm but heck I owned Teslas before now that’s embarrassing fit and finish. One little gap issue not a huge deal.

 

Maybe Kentucky plant is taking a page out of Tesla playbook as Tesla makes 8 times the profits compare to other brands.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Wellthatsuc...tesla_quality/

 

Perhaps but, unlike Tesla, Toyota in general and Lexus in particular, have a reputation for better fit and finish!

 

A reputation that is justified!

 

I get the occasional minor misalignment can happen and most people don't notice except for car people. However the popping sound when a trunk is open is noticeable. That is unacceptable. Maybe the QC guy fell asleep at the wheel. I am more inclined to believe the car got rear ended and fixed out of pocket.