Lower Side Molding Ajar
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Pit Crew
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 237
Likes: 51
Lower Side Molding Ajar
I recently found the driver side front lower side molding sticking out as I approached it in a parking lot. It was a hot day with the sun beating down on it so I was thinking maybe it popped out. I wondered if someone had tried to pry it off but there were no marks anywhere. Upon inspection, I noticed that the plastic clip holding it in place was twisted out of shape and would not snap back in. I was able to guide it in place but it would not snap back leaving a small gap. When I showed it to the dealer for possible warranty coverage, the service rep was trying to tell me I hit something even when there was no marks. The usual BS of dealerships but I am surprised that this Lexus dealership rep immediately took this stance. This is my 4th Lexus and this is the worst dealership in terms of customer service so far. I had left messages for this same service advisor several times when I first got the car and he never returned any calls. When I argued back that the area he pointed at looked exactly the same as the other side, he said the body shop would make a call on it. Worst case, I can just buy the clip and do it myself or pay a body shop $50 to do it for me. I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem at all. TIA
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 360
Likes: 82
From: Pa
I recently found the driver side front lower side molding sticking out as I approached it in a parking lot. It was a hot day with the sun beating down on it so I was thinking maybe it popped out. I wondered if someone had tried to pry it off but there were no marks anywhere. Upon inspection, I noticed that the plastic clip holding it in place was twisted out of shape and would not snap back in. I was able to guide it in place but it would not snap back leaving a small gap. When I showed it to the dealer for possible warranty coverage, the service rep was trying to tell me I hit something even when there was no marks. The usual BS of dealerships but I am surprised that this Lexus dealership rep immediately took this stance. This is my 4th Lexus and this is the worst dealership in terms of customer service so far. I had left messages for this same service advisor several times when I first got the car and he never returned any calls. When I argued back that the area he pointed at looked exactly the same as the other side, he said the body shop would make a call on it. Worst case, I can just buy the clip and do it myself or pay a body shop $50 to do it for me. I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem at all. TIA
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 892
Likes: 404
From: Ontario
Are you talking about the moulding on the door or the lower piece on the body of the car? If it's the door moulding, mine has come unclipped twice, near the front of the door. Not sure what the first time was but the second was me kicking some of the slush off the bottom of the door. Mine just snapped back into place both times. First time I noticed it was when I was drying the car after a wash. Couldn't really see it was loose unless you looked very closely. It was sticking out a wee bit and I just pressed it back into place.
If it's the lower moulding, perhaps someone else can help you.
As for the dealer experience, that sucks. I noticed my local store, what I'd call a second tier dealership, never has offered the same level of service that the first tier dealerships (again my definition) I've been to over my 15 years of Lexus ownership delivers. Am seriously considering the extra 1 hour drive, 2X per year, to the closest top tier dealership in my neck of the woods.
If it's the lower moulding, perhaps someone else can help you.
As for the dealer experience, that sucks. I noticed my local store, what I'd call a second tier dealership, never has offered the same level of service that the first tier dealerships (again my definition) I've been to over my 15 years of Lexus ownership delivers. Am seriously considering the extra 1 hour drive, 2X per year, to the closest top tier dealership in my neck of the woods.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 628
From: Niagara Falls, Ontario
I just noticed the same on my '22 NX350h yesterday while washing it. Passenger side front door on the front edge it was pulled down slightly as others mentioned. Pushed it back up and heard it clip into place. I did notice that it was rather loose at the front edge after doing this though. Towards the back it was quite tight. Went over to drivers side which I haven't had pop loose yet and it too was a little loose at front but tight at back. Seems the fitment is not great for these black mouldings. I've seen elsewhere in forum where a simple bump from a shoe while getting out is enough to dislodge it too.
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rogersmith
LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017)
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Jan 18, 2017 10:11 AM
