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Dashboard scuffing - any solution?

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Old May 14, 2026 | 04:36 AM
  #31  
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An almost-dry microfiber is what I use to dust-off the dash. "More reps, less pressure"

No issues so far.
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Old May 14, 2026 | 04:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Carbuff2
An almost-dry microfiber is what I use to dust-off the dash. "More reps, less pressure"

No issues so far.
I think the problem with my dash, and possibly many other owners', is that the gray-black paint that was sprayed over the underlying foam material, did not adhere properly. It turns chalky and rubs off.

I feel there is an adhesion issue.

I used the 303 product and my dash at least looks somewhat better.... It took multiple applications though

I have bought every single product that the members of this thread have suggested.

I am visiting with the Lexus representative next Wednesday for the squeaks and rattles present in my dash. I'm going to ask what Lexus can do for me.
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Old May 15, 2026 | 05:23 AM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by Avogadro
I think the problem with my dash, and possibly many other owners', is that the gray-black paint that was sprayed over the underlying foam material, did not adhere properly. It turns chalky and rubs off.

I feel there is an adhesion issue.

I used the 303 product and my dash at least looks somewhat better.... It took multiple applications though

I have bought every single product that the members of this thread have suggested.

I am visiting with the Lexus representative next Wednesday for the squeaks and rattles present in my dash. I'm going to ask what Lexus can do for me.
I have an appointment for the same problem, not in the dashboard this time but in the driver’s seat :-) Wishing us both good luck. This time I’ll involve an external specialist if no solution is found. I think there need to be as many reports as possible so that Lexus realizes they should put more effort into build quality again.
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Old May 15, 2026 | 05:43 AM
  #34  
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Default It's funny you mention the seat...

Originally Posted by Denzo
I have an appointment for the same problem, not in the dashboard this time but in the driver’s seat :-) Wishing us both good luck. This time I’ll involve an external specialist if no solution is found. I think there need to be as many reports as possible so that Lexus realizes they should put more effort into build quality again.
My RX is starting to make a noise in the driver's seat as well. It's like a loud thunk on occasion In the back area.

I would bet the vehicles made in Japan do not have these quality issues!

Toyota quality is going way downhill.

I'm going to wait and see how the new Infinity QX65 progresses. I may jump ship. Rumors have it they may put the V6 in that vehicle next year! The interior just abounds in quality with stitched leather and quilting everywhere!

I just retired at the end of April. I bought the RX thinking it would be the last vehicle I would ever need, but I really fail to see what all the hype about Lexus quality is all about. My particular vehicle is surpassed by a Hyundai Tucson. I could have saved $30,000.

Lexus uses cheap plastics and very low quality materials. The 2019 Ram 1500 truck I traded in for the RX far surpassed the interior quality of the Lexus RX. I wish I would have known all of this before I made the purchase. A 20 minute test drive was not enough time spent in the RX to see how cheaply the interior is put together.

The engine and ECVT may last for 300,000 miles but the interior will squeak rattle and make noises the entire time. The dash material is just totally unacceptable in a RAV 4 much less a Lexus RX. Where's the quality?
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Old May 15, 2026 | 08:04 AM
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Well, mine is from Japan for Europe.
So far I haven’t had any transmission problems or other known issues, but my original Japanese one also doesn’t really make me happy. :-) haha

I also intended for this to be my last vehicle until I reach the stairway to heaven (I’m only in my 50s–60s, though).

Here’s the link again to my current “seat problem”.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...eris-seat.html
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Old May 15, 2026 | 09:49 AM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by Avogadro
My RX is starting to make a noise in the driver's seat as well. It's like a loud thunk on occasion In the back area.

I would bet the vehicles made in Japan do not have these quality issues!

Toyota quality is going way downhill.

I'm going to wait and see how the new Infinity QX65 progresses. I may jump ship. Rumors have it they may put the V6 in that vehicle next year! The interior just abounds in quality with stitched leather and quilting everywhere!

I just retired at the end of April. I bought the RX thinking it would be the last vehicle I would ever need, but I really fail to see what all the hype about Lexus quality is all about. My particular vehicle is surpassed by a Hyundai Tucson. I could have saved $30,000.

Lexus uses cheap plastics and very low quality materials. The 2019 Ram 1500 truck I traded in for the RX far surpassed the interior quality of the Lexus RX. I wish I would have known all of this before I made the purchase. A 20 minute test drive was not enough time spent in the RX to see how cheaply the interior is put together.

The engine and ECVT may last for 300,000 miles but the interior will squeak rattle and make noises the entire time. The dash material is just totally unacceptable in a RAV 4 much less a Lexus RX. Where's the quality?
You should head to Hyundai and trade the RX for a Tucson. Lexus trade value will be terrific.
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Old May 15, 2026 | 10:00 AM
  #37  
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Default Better yet, a Palisade.

Originally Posted by mikemu30
You should head to Hyundai and trade the RX for a Tucson. Lexus trade value will be terrific.
If the Palicade wasn't so minivan with 4 doors, I would think about it.
I do believe that Toyota and Lexus quality is definitely not what it used to be.
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Old May 15, 2026 | 10:06 AM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by Denzo
Well, mine is from Japan for Europe.
So far I haven’t had any transmission problems or other known issues, but my original Japanese one also doesn’t really make me happy. :-) haha

I also intended for this to be my last vehicle until I reach the stairway to heaven (I’m only in my 50s–60s, though).

Here’s the link again to my current “seat problem”.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...eris-seat.html
I checked out your thread. I wish you the best of luck. Hopefully Lexus will stand behind their product and just replace your seat.

Have you encountered the chalky dashboard paint problem as well? It's pathetic how easily mine scuffs, and obviously so for the person who started this thread.

I just retired. I was an analytical chemist for 43 years. I'm thinking that there is an adhesion problem with the paint to the underlying foam dash pads.

Next week we shall see how well Lexus stands behind their product.
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Old May 15, 2026 | 11:33 AM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by Avogadro
If the Palicade wasn't so minivan with 4 doors, I would think about it.
I do believe that Toyota and Lexus quality is definitely not what it used to be.
Hundai\Kia's have consistently had engine issues. There "Theta II" engines from 2010 to 2013 they recalled 3.3 million for engine issues and brake fires. Personally I wouldn't give them a dime for any of their vehicles.

Key 2025 Hyundai Engine Issues & Recalls
  • Recalled Models: 2025–2026 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe.
  • The Problem: Factory-improperly torqued bolts on the connecting rod can come loose, causing catastrophic engine failure or stalling.
  • Symptoms: Drivers may hear unusual knocking noises from the engine compartment, experience a sudden loss of power, or spot oil leaks.
  • Resolution: Dealers will replace the engine if necessary; recall repairs are free.
  • Other Reports: Some users reported intermittent "Powertrain" warnings, rough idling, and check engine lights (specifically on the 2025 Santa Fe).
  • Oil Consumption: Similar to previous years, some users have raised concerns about high oil consumption, particularly with GDI engines
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Old May 15, 2026 | 11:51 AM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by DaveinPA
Hundai\Kia's have consistently had engine issues. There "Theta II" engines from 2010 to 2013 they recalled 3.3 million for engine issues and brake fires. Personally I wouldn't give them a dime for any of their vehicles.

Key 2025 Hyundai Engine Issues & Recalls
  • Recalled Models: 2025–2026 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe.
  • The Problem: Factory-improperly torqued bolts on the connecting rod can come loose, causing catastrophic engine failure or stalling.
  • Symptoms: Drivers may hear unusual knocking noises from the engine compartment, experience a sudden loss of power, or spot oil leaks.
  • Resolution: Dealers will replace the engine if necessary; recall repairs are free.
  • Other Reports: Some users reported intermittent "Powertrain" warnings, rough idling, and check engine lights (specifically on the 2025 Santa Fe).
  • Oil Consumption: Similar to previous years, some users have raised concerns about high oil consumption, particularly with GDI engines
And the Toyota twin turbo V6 debacle?
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Old May 15, 2026 | 12:00 PM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by Avogadro
And the Toyota twin turbo V6 debacle?
Not to change the direction of this post subject, but the 229,000 Toyota recalls going back to 2022 is bush league when compared to Hundi's 3.3-million going back to 2010 to 2013. All manufacturers have issues all the time. Toyota's twin turbo amounts to 7% of the Hyundai motors recalled.
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Old May 15, 2026 | 12:51 PM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by DaveinPA
Not to change the direction of this post subject, but the 229,000 Toyota recalls going back to 2022 is bush league when compared to Hundi's 3.3-million going back to 2010 to 2013. All manufacturers have issues all the time. Toyota's twin turbo amounts to 7% of the Hyundai motors recalled.
Yeah, I'll definitely agree. And we definitely should not hijack the subject of this forum, that the person who created it intended it for ..

My daily driver, which I still have, is a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD. It's got 160,000 miles and not an issue other than normal maintenance. I got lucky. Still driving it. Take the dog to the vet car...

I still think though, that some Lexus problems discussed on this thread would have been unheard of as "acceptable quality" from Lexus years back ..

I totally love my RX. There is no other SUV that puts an X in the check-boxes of features that I wanted. Cornering lamps, illuminated foot wells, every door unlocks from the outside and has a courtesy light, parks itself, plush ride, great fuel economy, quiet interior, active headlamps... And I could go on and on. You won't get these features in other brands.

All I ask is for a dash that won't easily scuff and a car that doesn't rattle. Genuine old school Lexus Quality!
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Old May 15, 2026 | 01:34 PM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by Avogadro
I checked out your thread. I wish you the best of luck. Hopefully Lexus will stand behind their product and just replace your seat.

Have you encountered the chalky dashboard paint problem as well? It's pathetic how easily mine scuffs, and obviously so for the person who started this thread.

I just retired. I was an analytical chemist for 43 years. I'm thinking that there is an adhesion problem with the paint to the underlying foam dash pads.

Next week we shall see how well Lexus stands behind their product.
So, with my RX, Lexus will, if anything, only replace the upholstery. They will not fix the rattling noises, which I had to fix myself in both doors and in the rear, taking about six hours, and they certainly will not do anything about the dashboard.

I think all RX models have the same surface texture on the dashboard, and in dark grey chalk matte it is also very delicate and sensitive.

They also have not fixed the faulty software or provided any updates. These issues have been known for three years, and the exact same problems exist in the Toyotas as well, at least across Europe.
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Old May 15, 2026 | 01:43 PM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by Denzo
So, with my RX, Lexus will, if anything, only replace the upholstery. They will not fix the rattling noises, which I had to fix myself in both doors and in the rear, taking about six hours, and they certainly will not do anything about the dashboard.

I think all RX models have the same surface texture on the dashboard, and in dark grey chalk matte it is also very delicate and sensitive.

They also have not fixed the faulty software or provided any updates. These issues have been known for three years, and the exact same problems exist in the Toyotas as well, at least across Europe.
Very Sad. But, that's what customer service is all about today. I'll let all who are interested know what happens next week with my RX.

The first attempt to fix the rattle by the dealer was to place fuel line hose in-between the edge of the dash and the windshield.

That did nothing to alleviate the rattle and it deformed the edge of the dash where it met the windshield. Needless to say, I removed it.

The shop foreman at the dealership has an attitude that he gets stuck fixing the rattles and it may entail taking the dash apart. That's why I asked the service manager to get Lexus involved.
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Old May 15, 2026 | 02:04 PM
  #45  
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Originally Posted by Avogadro
Yeah, I'll definitely agree. And we definitely should not hijack the subject of this forum, that the person who created it intended it for ..

My daily driver, which I still have, is a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD. It's got 160,000 miles and not an issue other than normal maintenance. I got lucky. Still driving it. Take the dog to the vet car...

I still think though, that some Lexus problems discussed on this thread would have been unheard of as "acceptable quality" from Lexus years back ..

I totally love my RX. There is no other SUV that puts an X in the check-boxes of features that I wanted. Cornering lamps, illuminated foot wells, every door unlocks from the outside and has a courtesy light, parks itself, plush ride, great fuel economy, quiet interior, active headlamps... And I could go on and on. You won't get these features in other brands.

All I ask is for a dash that won't easily scuff and a car that doesn't rattle. Genuine old school Lexus Quality!
I don't think you're asking for "too much". You're asking for what you paid for.

I'm glad you got such good service from your Hyundai.

Way back when I was first married and had, at that time, two kids, I needed a reliable car. I had no money to spend. So I bought a Renult Alliance....first year of production ...1983...IIRC. My BIL (Mechanic) scoffed at me and said I'd do nothing but pour money into it. Well, I drove it for just over 100,000 miles and never had an issue.
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