The Lexus GX 550, widely praised as one of the best SUVs on the market, has hit an unexpected roadblock. Owners are reporting that parts of their $80,000 luxury SUVs are melting under the sun. This issue has sparked concern among GX enthusiasts, with some sharing photos of warped mirror caps, wavy door trim, and heat-damaged components. These complaints add a peculiar twist to the ongoing scrutiny of Toyota’s quality control.
The Problem Emerges
Paul Yelton, a Lexus GX 550 owner from Arizona, recently shared photos of his Nori Green SUV in the Lexus GX 550 Owners & Enthusiasts Facebook group. The images showed the driver-side mirror cap wrinkled and deformed. Yelton clarified that his vehicle wasn’t parked near a fire, and he believes the damage occurred over a four-day period while the car was in his driveway.
Yelton’s local dealer ruled out internal issues, stating that the mirror’s heating element was functioning properly. Instead, they pointed to external heat as the culprit and left Yelton responsible for the repair costs. The dealership even speculated that the problem might have been caused by overheating during the application of paint protection film—a claim Yelton disputed, noting the film was applied when the car had only 100 miles, while the issue surfaced after 2,000 miles of use.
More Cases Surface
Mark, another GX 550 owner from North Carolina, reported similar issues. His Overtrail+ model exhibited heat damage on various components, including the driver-side mirror cap, roof rack hardware covers, and the piano-black door trim on the B-pillar. Mark has owned and parked several vehicles in the same spots for years without encountering such problems.
Mark’s experience added another layer of mystery. He noted that on a chilly day, with temperatures around 54°F, his B-pillar was so hot it could burn his hand. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” Mark said. Despite the inconvenience, he praised the GX’s performance and intends to keep the vehicle if the problem is resolved.
What’s Next for Lexus?
While Lexus has yet to comment on these incidents, affected owners are urging the automaker to address the issue. Both Yelton and Mark appreciate the GX’s overall quality and performance but are concerned about the vehicle’s durability in outdoor conditions. They hope for a solution that ensures the SUV can withstand the elements without sustaining damage.
A Broader Quality Question
The reports of melting exterior components come at a time when Toyota, Lexus’s parent company, faces heightened scrutiny over quality issues. The GX 550, which won acclaim for its robust performance, off-road capability, and luxurious interior, now faces a challenge that could tarnish its reputation if left unresolved.
The Road Ahead
The Lexus GX 550 remains a standout vehicle in many respects, but these isolated cases highlight the importance of long-term durability in extreme environments. Owners like Yelton and Mark are looking to Lexus for answers—and a solution. As the brand investigates, these reports serve as a reminder that even the most lauded vehicles can encounter unexpected challenges.
For now, the owners’ enthusiasm for their SUVs endures, but their patience is being tested. The industry will watch closely to see how Lexus responds to these unusual claims.
