2013 RX - Rear Storage Area Cover
 

I have a 2013 RX350 and recently took a trip. While having the rear storage area loaded with luggage and other personal items, I realized that, because the storage area cover does not extend all the way to the rear seats, you are now able to see into this space from the outside of the car. From a security perspective, this made me uncomfortable.

In my old 2004 RX330, there was a small flap at the rear of the storage area cover that clipped onto the rear seat head rests. This flap covered the gap that is now exposed in the 2013 RX model.

Has anyone else been bothered by this feature? Any thoughts on how to address it?

Yes, I reported the loss of this flap on the tonneau cover here when I took delivery of my RX450h last June. Unlike most of the 2013s, the backs of my seats still have the little clips that the 2010-12 have, but no flap. I too am disappointed.

From another thread last year, one guy here was irratated enough to buy a 2012 tonneau cover and the clips for the backs of the seats. Cost him in the neighborhood of $300-$500 if I remember right. You'll need to check with Lexus Parts. There is no separate part number for the 2010-12 tonneau cover flap alone.

Me, well, I just live with it, and think about the gap I don't like and Lexus saving a few bucks as a result, every week when I wash my truck. :cry:

As with all other hatchbacks, wagons and SUVs I owned, the very first thing I did was remove the cover and throw it in the basement. Honestly, I don't see it as a security feature. I guess if I carried suitcases full of money, I would reconsider. It also gets my German Shepard more space when he's in the back. Now, that I do consider a security feature. :p

We took ours out too. We may have left it in if the flap wasn't there to be honest. It's a terrible design and with the dark tinted windows in the back I'm not too concerned about people peeking in.

Maybe they took it out because the flap can make noise while driving? They should just redesign the whole thing.

Yes, they took out the little flap to save money. It is truly irritating. I was the one who got the 2012 clips installed on my 2013 and had to buy the 2012 tonneau cover (was $300 or so) to get the little flap.

If anyone thinks tinted windows prevents someone from seeing what's in back, they are mistaken. We have lots of theft in our area from druggies looking to break in to get stuff to steal. it doesn't matter what the stuff is, they think it may be valuable and want to sell it. Having a completely covered area in the back is one solution for this--they can't see if there is anything in the car and hopefully move on to another car where they can see if there is something in the back.

Lexus is being cheap here on the little flap--but if most of you don't care, then they won't either. Better to save the $0.50 for the plastic and have it go into their pockets.

Took mine out after 2 weeks, those little flaps are noisy devils...

I have the same security feature, but now have tan and black hair on the ceiling. Really a pain to remove.:D

LOL.:D I have plenty of those in the trunk as well.
I spent one evening with a lint roller cleaning the trunk of the Prius we had, before trading it in. Got most of it out. :woohoo:

Anyone else miss the cover from last generation RX that would retract when the truck was open :) and also the pop up floor that could hold groceries and store the cover. I have 2010 and the groceries fly everywhere in the trunk. Surprised they did not include a grocery bag hook ;(

Given the number of people who complain about the noise of the flaps or the poor design... given the number of used vehicles that do NOT have the cover... given the number for sale on ebay... I believe they had plenty of reason other than saving a few pennies to remove the cheap vinyl. It's too bad they didn't redesign it so it retracted on both sides. That was the cheap move in my opinion.


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Everytime I go over a bump the cargo cover in my 2012 RX makes an irritating noise. I guess I will just take it out.I never had a cargo cover on any of my SUV's that I've had.

FWIW and this may not be your issue -- When my previous 2006 or my current 2013 has a strange sound in the back when I go over a bump, it's always been that I have failed to fully clip one side of the tonneau cover in. I open the hatch, pull the little thumb knob on one of the sides, and "click", in it goes. I then proceed to curse myself out for failing to listen for the click the first time. ;)

FWIW, when you leave something in the trunk, recline the rear seats as far back as possible to narrow the gap. :thumbup: