Went to fill up today and the fuel door did not open when I push the release button. The manual shows a lever in the trunk to pull to manually release the fuel door so at least I can get gas--can anyone guide me as to where to find this release lever in the trunk? There is a black plastic cap on the left side (fuel door side) of the car with what looks like a green lever, but before I start randomly pulling on it I want to be sure this is it.

Any guidance/clarification greatly appreciated.

 

You are correct, i had the same problem with mine. pull the lever or push the button inside the car and at the same time gently wiggle the fuel door. I should open.
The dealer greased the pin inside the fuel door that keeps the door locked, it hasn't happend since.
It's a common fault on many Lexus and Toyota models.

Sorry for the dirt...

 

This happened in my new-to-me 18 F Sport the other day.

Quite embarrassing to have to pop trunk and pull lever after fiddling with it for a minute while other cars were waiting on the pump…

A guy even offered to let me use use multi-tool…smh

Will try the grease fix myself.

 

I had to slip a credit card in the door panel and push the interior button. Popped open but credit card always seemed to land under the car. Dealer greased it and so far has worked as intended.

 

Yep this has happened to me and had the dealer replace it for me, there is definitely a design flaw somewhere, as I think its done it before again after being replaced.

 

Looks like a lot of the people reporting this own 2018 year models. OP and Fhobbs, what is your year model?

 

I have a 2018 Luxury and the door wouldn't open about 5% of the time. Very inconsistent. So when I went to the dealership and told them about it, they informed me that they couldn’t duplicate the issue (of course, right?!). I went on to mention that everyone knows that this is a well known issue, especially for the 2018, and went on to explain that I was stranded at the pump. I didn’t know about the trunk lever. So I asked a complete stranger that was getting gas next to me to pull the gas lid while I pushed the button from the inside. I mean, it’s a MSRP $100,000 car, and the gas lid won’t open……

The guy gave me a nice jab when he was walking back to his car, and said, “dude, that has NEVER happened to me - get a Hyundai.” I genuinely chuckled, because he had a good point. But you know what, throughout the constant complaining of others about the LS 500, I absolutely LOVE my car. I’m not looking for the old “floaty” Cadillac ride. My tweens and teens beg me to pick them up in my car, opposed to Mama’s GX. They have a TON of room in the back seat. I constantly get compliments, and the 2018 is STILL a stunner and a head turner. Every time. If you are in your 40’s, it definitely needs chrome delete on the rear tail (possibly more if that it is your thing - I still like to keep some chrome), new wheels, and a rear spoiler - AT LEAST. If you can put up with the protruding knots that stick out from the bottom portion of the massage seats, then the gas lid issue shouldn't be a big deal.

The dealership replaced the entire mechanism under the extended warranty, by the way. The gas lid FLIES open now! Huge difference.

 

2018. I didn’t know about the trunk pull either,

 

My 2018 lid pops every time, but does not fly open or stay in the open position. Lexus quality isn't what it used to be.

 

I had the same issue. The gas cap tether was getting caught between the spring hinge and the door stopping the door from popping out. Try playing around with the plastic tether.

 

I have a 2019 and it’s happened multiple times. I swear to God the dealership is messing with me. Every time I bring it in, the door suddenly works and they say there was never a problem. I’m guessing they grease it and pretend nothing is wrong.

 

Never had a problem with either of mine : ‘02 LS430. ‘20 LS500, but as a precaution I sprayed a little silicone lubricant on the pin and the hinges. The pin on the ‘02 seems to work a little smoother than the pin on the ‘20. Not a bad idea to use silicone on all hinges.

 

Never had a problem with either of mine : ‘02 LS430, ‘20 LS500, but as a precaution I sprayed a little silicone lubricant on the pin and the hinges. The pin on the ‘02 seems to work a little smoother than the pin on the ‘20. Not a bad idea to use silicone on all hinges.
I wouldn’t exactly call this a quality issue, although my wife would probably go beserk if the gas door wouldn’t open. Another reason I always do the gassing up.