Lexus GX Owners Claim Their New SUVs Are Literally Melting Under the Sun

One owner reported that the black plastic door trim was “so hot it could cause burns” on a 54-degree day

The Lexus GX is widely regarded as an excellent SUV. It won our Best SUV Award for 2024, and in my review, I gave it a stellar 9 out of 10. However, auto journalists only spend a short time with these vehicles, whereas owners live with them daily. And some of those owners are reporting a surprising issue: their $80,000 SUVs are melting in the sun—with photos to back it up.

In a bizarre twist to Toyota’s quality narrative, a handful of GX owners have observed their vehicles’ mirror caps wrinkling, warping, and even melting. The issue doesn’t end there; one owner noted that the black plastic door trim on their B-pillar looked more warped than a Florida beach after a Jeep meetup. These owners claim they haven’t done anything unusual and have parked their GX in the same spots they’ve parked other vehicles without issue. Yet, the evidence suggests something is amiss.

Paul Yelton’s Experience

Paul Yelton shared photos of his Nori Green GX 550 in the Lexus GX 550 Owners & Enthusiasts Facebook group. He clarified that the SUV wasn’t parked near a fire and that only the driver-side mirror cap had melted. When I reached out to him, Yelton revealed that his local dealer inspected the vehicle and determined the mirror’s internal heating element wasn’t at fault.

“I knew it happened over a four-day period while the truck was parked in my driveway,” Yelton explained. “The dealership says the heating element is working properly, so the damage must be from external heat.”

Unfortunately, because no internal defect was found, Yelton is left footing the repair bill. “They first suggested the PPF installer may have overheated it, but the film was applied when the vehicle had 100 miles on it—it now has 2,000,” he said.

Yelton lives in Arizona, where sunlight is notoriously harsh. Still, he insists he’s never had this issue with any other vehicle.

Mark’s Story

Another owner, Mark, commented on Yelton’s post, mentioning similar issues with his GX Overtrail+ in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photos show less severe melting on the driver-side mirror cap but additional heat damage to the roof rack covers, a body trim piece, and piano black B-pillar trim.

Mark shared that he’s parked at the same office for 18 years and has never encountered such issues with previous vehicles, including his 2012 Toyota Tundra. Even the Lexus loaner he’s using while his GX is in the shop shows no signs of heat damage.

One of Mark’s most startling observations came when he touched the B-pillar before getting into his GX. Despite a cool 54-degree day, he said it was “so hot that it would give you a burn.” Mark, wearing a long-sleeve shirt and a vest, found the extreme heat baffling.

Seeking Solutions

Mark isn’t angry but hopes for a resolution that allows him to park outside without worry. His dealership has been accommodating, and despite the issue, he plans to keep the GX, praising its power, off-road suspension, and perfect size for four-wheeling.

Awaiting Lexus’ Response

A known automotive media outlet reached out to Lexus for comment but hasn’t received a reply at the time of publication. Updates will follow as new information becomes available.

Author:

  • Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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