I recently had my car at dealer for some maintenance and repairs. Spark plugs - 2nd time replaced at 145k miles, etc. I mentioned to the service rep to please check if my car was included in the recall for the melting dash and side door panels and without hesitation I received a positive reply that he would put me on the list to replace all when parts came in - about October was the prediction.

My dash is fine, but drivers side door is a little sticky and attracts dirt making it hard to clean. I suppose I will not turn down a replacement of dash and side doors, even though not all would be necessary.

This is just an FYI for those who might have a similar case but have not contacted the dealer yet.

 

You might want to consider passing on the dash replacement if you have no evidence of a problem. All sorts of things can go awry when you rip out a dash and all the electronics in it!

 

I would disagree with the sentiment above. I would not pass on the dash (or any) replacement, particularly one that is coming from the dealership. The dealership has a responsibility of returning your car in the condition it arrived and will not give it back to you with "all sorts of things awry" after the dash replacement.

Having removed my dash in the past and replacing it with the full leather LS600h dash, I have seen first hand the electronics behind the dash and 90% of them are all plug connectors. Assuming the dealership has done their job and hired/trained qualified mechanics, there is very little risk associated here.

 

You're a damn fine gentleman for pointing this out, sir.
Thank you.

 

got my panels done last year and did the dash this week. i will not turn down anything free, especially from a lexus dealership...

 

This is a sticky point with me. My door panel is disgusting. But because it's an 08 Lexus refuses to replace. I should not have to spend money on something that is classified 07 only. Rant over!

 

I have an 07, so Lexus will replace my dash (if it is melting) and my door panels?

My dash seems fine, but like someone else has said, my door panels aren't the greatest. They do seem a little "soft" on the arm rests...they get dirty easily (it's like the material absorbs dirt), and it's impossible to clean. I do try to clean it but it seems as if I'd destroy the arm rest before I'll get the dirt out. And when it's clean it just comes back in days anyway. Lexus would replace my door panels? The entire door panel, or just the part your arm rests on? And does it have to be "melted"? Because although mine feels kind of...I don't know...mushy/softer than it should be, I wouldn't exactly call it melted. But I'd definitely have it replaced if Lexus was doing it. But I wouldn't want to bring it in just for the arm rest portion, I'd want the entire door panel. They doing that?

 

I kind of disagree - yes YOU may be able to take your entire dash apart and not have a single issue - but that doesn't mean everyone else could. Even at a dealer there are people that are terrible at interior work. Now maybe you'll say...well they'll put the best interior guy on it. Not true. These guys work flat rate, the work is divided up somewhat evenly and it's not always based upon talent/potential. There are a lot of factors that go into it. Unless the dealer has "interior only" guy, anyone could be replacing that dash. And here's what could happen...the guy could drop one of the small bolts behind the dash and not replace it. A clip could break. A tab could break. Insulation could get stuffed or twisted into the wrong position. A wire could get pinched. An electrical connector could not get pushed all the way back into its connector and you'll have an intermittent fault. Insulation could get torn.

Now all these situations would not stop the dash from goin back together and looking good/functioning. But once the weather changes....once you've driven a while?? All of the sudden there will be this little noise that develops and you'll wonder what the hell that is (especially with a car that is generally this quiet). And it won't go away. And then it'll have to go back...or maybe you'll just love with it...or maybe they won't take it back because it's been 6 months and the tech can't duplicate the sound, because of course it won't do it for him.

My dash isn't melted (thank god) and I must say its the quietest dash I've ever witnessed. Nothing. Doesn't matter the temp or the driving scenario...there's no noise that ever comes from that dash. Most cars make some kind of noise...a creak, a squeak, a clunk, a rattle (once in a while). This thing does none of that, I want it to stay that way.

 

If it ain't broke? This makes a lot of sense. I too would not change my dash for free. It's in good shape and I'm certainly not looking for trouble. None of my door panels are bad either. On another note my control arms are original at 87k and my front suspension is silent.

 

My dash is fine other than creaks when its cold, and my doors are fine. Original everything, control arms, amp, actuator, 83k miles. Had it inspected last week or so before the warranty expires and it needs nothing. Had them go over it extra well as I am friendly with the entire staff and they couldnt find a thing wrong with my 2007. I wonder if the dash replacement would include new clips to make it quiet?

Must be some type of freak cause I hear the 2007's have tons of issues. /sarcasm

 

Excellent! Perhaps you can shed light on exactly what was replaced on the doors. Whole panel? Armrest only? Thanks.

 

the whole panel of the door was replaced. i was happy as the area where i touched the most was cracking and dirty from being soft or melted. the new panels are harder and way easier to clean. same goes for the dash, except it wasn't dirty. even though the dash was fine, you can tell that the old material is softer than new material. i could push down on the dash and see your finger push into it. with the new material, you cannot do that. the only thing i wish now is that there is a recall on the center console...

 

Sounds like you may be just outside the VIN # range in the recall. They got it right when yours was made. Or maybe a different contractor supplied those parts.

 

Very much appreciated...