Owners Say Their $80,000 Lexus GX Is Melting in the Sun

Written by Kathrine Frich

Jan.11 - 2025 10:41 AM CET

Autos
Photo: Facebook/Paul Yelton
Photo: Facebook/Paul Yelton
Photos shared by owners show visible damage.

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Lexus has long been synonymous with luxury, reliability, and meticulous craftsmanship.

As Toyota’s premium division, the brand has built its reputation on delivering vehicles that combine sophistication with durability.

Whether it’s their iconic sedans or rugged SUVs, Lexus models are often praised for standing the test of time.

However, even the best reputations can face challenges, and recent reports from Lexus GX owners highlight an unexpected problem.

Parked in the driveway

Some owners of the new Lexus GX 550 are reporting that parts of their vehicles are melting under normal conditions, according to Boosted.

The complaints involve exterior components such as mirror caps and door trim warping or wrinkling, often after just weeks of ownership.

Photos shared by owners show visible damage, raising concerns about the durability of these $80,000 SUVs.

Arizona resident Paul Yelton shared pictures of his GX in an online Lexus owners’ group, showing a melted driver-side mirror cap.

Yelton explained that the vehicle was parked in his driveway for four days when the damage occurred.

His dealership inspected the issue and ruled out a defect in the mirror’s internal heating element. This left Yelton responsible for the repair costs.

He dismissed suggestions that a protective film installation caused the issue, noting the film was applied when the car had only 100 miles and the damage appeared much later.

Another owner, Mark from North Carolina, reported similar damage to his Overtrail+ model. Mark’s GX showed warped mirror caps, roof rack covers, and door trim.

Despite living in a cooler climate, he noted that the B-pillar trim became so hot on a mild day that it could cause burns to the touch.

Mark, who has parked vehicles in the same locations for years without issues, says he wants a solution so he can park his vehicle outdoors without fear of damage.