Reviving an old post here but I'm trying to figure out how this bold (as mentioned) will adjust the hood latch.
My latch appears to be too low - I can't get my hood to latch tight.
I actually own an RX350 but it has this same strange bold covered by a plastic cap that looks like it might help in adjusting the hood latch.
Mine need to adjust up a bit in order for the latch to fully engage the hood.
The latch has no rust, all the springs are good and the parts move freely - so I'm thinking it must be the latch being misaligned,
This is really frustrating - I've had it apart a few times trying to solve this and I'm hoping that bolt might be a pce of the puzzle.
And as a side note, I have adjusted the rubber plugs that can be twisted in and out thinking that might be the issue - but not the case.
Would appreciate any feedback - thanks.
(I'd simply replace the latch but they are back ordered with no ETA)

Edit -
I'm responding to post #3 (below)
My hood was doing the same thing about 1-2 cm theres a bolt in the center of the hood latch covered by a plastic cap (hard to see) thats the adjustment nut. Works great now!!!

 

I have an 19 es 350 f sport with same thing the hood looks like it’s short dosnt really cover to the end of the front bumper and you get to see the seals exposed looks (UGLY) also the headlight not covered from then top you get to see the crack (UGLY) water can sits there and eventually headlight will get cracked !!!!! I have seen this pretty much in all 2019 and up , im not sure 🤔 r the Japanese model has the same finishing and alignment, but I feel that’s not what it supposed to be I been watching all automakers they’re have a prefect alignment regardless they don’t have this issue ,, where’s Lexus quality control not just that but most the plastic parts all around the car very flimsy and cheap made the engine air filter housing very flimsy you can actually break it if you rest on it come on Lexus !!! My 08 gs was built in Japan was rock solid till now !!!

 

my 2014 es350 is off a little on the driver side up top towards the windshield do these make everything flush? It’s annoying me.

It’s a little lower up top.