I noticed recently that the rubber cover on the trunk release button on my '07 GS350 was starting to feel gummy. It looks like it is actually starting to melt. Search turned up some members in the LS forum having the exact same problem (along with a great DIY replacement write-up, which I will be doing shortly).

Guessing it must be heat or a chemical reaction of some type. Has anyone else had this problem?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=670529

 

I have this same problem. I know its common on Toyota vehicles; I have a friend with a 06 Scion TC who replaced her button twice. I don't want to replace it just for it to happen again. Sewell sells the part fairly cheap we judt have to remove a bunch of trunk liner to get to it. Also is anybody's trunk heavy? Not sure if my trunk shocks are blown or not. Reminds me of my old 1GS

 

I would find out the core of the problem instead just replacing it.

I wouldn't expect Lexus putting in a defect material, but it is a possibility.

 

So it's only 2 of us out of the thousands of 3GS owners on here that have a melted trunk release button? For some reason I find that extremely hard to believe..

 

um..... besides you two, only one other from what I recall..... it could be what you wash the car with, what you wax the car with, what chemicals are in your area. Many factors play a role. I expected mine's to wear like you guys, but it's a 2006, and mine's still hasn't gone melty/sticky yet.

 

My 09 GS350 has the same thing. The rubber(or whatever material) is hanging from one side right now. I am taking the car in for an oil change and I am going to run this by them.

 

Have the same problem on my 07 GS.

 

My GSh is a 07' my friends TC is a 06' shes changed hers twice. Does anybody know if the material has been changed or upgraded in anyway for the replacement part?

 

Same exact problem, when HOT it feels all gummy to a point where it leaves my finger print on the piece. When its cold, its hard a rock. I think every gs has this same exact problem.

 

I want to see a picture of this

 

My cars getting serviced but ill post one up as soon as I get it back from the dealer

 

Yep same problem here on my 07.. I'm going to have them look at it on my next service appointment which is soon.

 

My 2007 has had this problem for years now. I just ordered the part thanks to this thread. Probably the cheapest thing I have ever bought for this car.

http://www.mylparts.com/

 

I agree the part may be cheap, but the process of switching it out looks a bit lengthy. I am going to see if this can be covered under warranty when I take mine in this week.

 

My 07 GS350 has this issue which I chalked up to being out here in the heat but ironically, the older 06 I used to have did not have this problem. Plan on buy one in the near future, but in the meantime I'll just used the a) remote, b) inside panel button, or c) last resort, the actual key.