We live in an area is rains almost every morning, but I wouldn't think an exterior part would rust this bad. Local and only Lexus Dealer wants $140 just to look at it lol. Anyone else have this problem? Would this be covered under the body warranty or should I just replace it. Does anyone see a part number for that piece or will I have to buy the whole handle?

 

I have a 2006 RX-330 Pearl White, that never spent a night outdoors. Same Problem. The dealer replaced the door handles in 2012 after 6 months of haggling, Their solution was to change the handles, I paid for the labor. 3 years later it was back, add another year and my wife is really upset. If the problem isn't the handles why did we replace them? The Lexus National Customer service department in Torrance California told us Lexus does have an issue with rust coming from door handles. Toyota's have the same issue 2004 - 2006.

 

Wow, that sucks. Roadfrog had a body rusting issue.

Replacing the handles and/or nut would probably be the only solution. However, I would advise getting the bolt and any parts around the handle oil-dripped rust proofed.

I was going mention the same in Roadfrog's thread that the dealership does offer these services. While most of us cast these off as profit fluff for them and a waste of money for us, they do indeed work if done properly.

There are are various methods, but I think drip oil is the most tried and true, or at least the most common method. There are new methods, like active cathodic protection, which changes the voltage of the car body forcing electrons to it versus away from it, but it's not proven and requires maintenance in having to change the battery and doesn't protect against all forms of corrosion.

 

It's only a temporary fix, as taking off the handle was too much of a PITA. I taped around the rusted nut and painted it with POR, it's tacky so it holds the plastic piece to the rusted nut. Hopefully, it'll last a few more years.

 

What year is yours? Looks like a manufacture defect, Maybe it can be covered by the Lexus rust guaranty.

 

2009 I already covered it with the POR, they'll probably blame me for it rusting when it starts rusting again, lol.