walternash

I have an 04 RX 330. The black plastic trim pieces on the triangular side windows at the rear have blown off. My dealer told me this was common on the 04 and 05 models until a change was made in the design.

Instead of selling the trim piece (which is a snap on item with push pins), one must buy the entire window assy to get it (and then remove the old window and install and reseal the new one).

Does anyone know of an aftermarket source for the trim piece only or of another fix? Thanks

Walter
Tucson AZ

tfischer

I wish I knew of a source for the trim piece. That happened to my '04 last year, and window trim is one of the few things expressly excluded from coverage under the CPO warranty. It cost me a bundle, as I recall (over $100.00).

mandyfig

That sucks! Is there a way to prevent this?

tfischer

Duct tape, but that looks pretty crappy on a Lexus.

rperry

I have a 2006 RX-330 and the triangular external trim pieces on the driver side rear window came partly off while driving on an Interstate a few days ago. The trim piece is attached with two black rubber "studs" that you push into holes of the metal main structure. Only one "stud" was loose but was flapping in the wind making a loud noise. I was able to push this one back into place but wonder when it will come loose again. My dealer advice was to order a replacement part that is the entire triangular glass window with trim fitted. Cost $440 out of pocket since 3 year warranty is expired and extended warranty doesn't cover it. Other advice I've had is to leave it as is and if it happens again, put super glue or gorilla glue on the "stud" and then refit it. I love my RX but this incident reveals a bad design for one of its parts.
Ron Perry

tfischer

Consider yourself lucky. Mine came all the way off, and I had to pay for the replacement. I did not look at the fittings, but the posts here suggest that an adhesive would be a good method to secure the frame for the long haul. I would think that the folks at Auto Zone or even Home Depot could recommend a suitable adhesive. The Service Dept. at your dealership might also be willing to make a suggestion. Surely you should do something now because next time the whole thing will fly off, sticking you with a big bill.

cdnewton

Silicone caulk worked great on ours.