Hexadec

Hello, I have a 250C 2009 and yesterday driving to work I heard two popping sound from the front. I thought maybe went over uneven pavement or a rock or something on the FWY.

When I got to work I checked it out and saw this.



I inspected it and it seems the screws on that side completely tore off the 'plastic' that held it in place. I checked for any signs of damage thinking that maybe another car hit it but the bumper is all in perfect condition: no dents or scratches.

From what I see it seems like a design issue that hopefully can be covered by warranty.

Has anyone seen this? A couple of weeks ago I took it in because the screws on the right side at that same spot were coming loose...

Thanks!

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

To me it would appear to be from something from underneath catching it and pulling it off...like if you parked too deeply and pulled over a concrete parking barrier (like in your picture) and then it caught and pulled it off.

I seriously doubt that you'll have the repair comp'd by Lexus...I'd just order the new clips and zip tie it up good and tight in the mean time.

Glad to hear the bumper is physically all good though.

Hexadec

Thanks for the reply - I hope it's not too much $$$ lol

Hexadec

Question - does car insurance cover stuff like this? I'm ignorant.

calvin2376

iTrader: (2)

I recently removed the entire front bumper to install HID fogs. I agree with Gville's assessment above. What was the outcome when you went in saying the screws on that side seemed loose? Did they do anything? I'd go back to the dealer and say "Hey, remember when I said those screws were loose? This is what happened." This would be your best chance to get it covered by Lexus but I think Gville's scenario is more likely. It could happen to anyone, but unfortunately that wouldn't be covered by warranty.

calvin2376

iTrader: (2)

Yes it should, as long as you have collision coverage. However, 1) this likely won't be more expensive than your deductible, and 2) collision claims increase your insurance premiums for quite a while.

Hexadec

Thank you! you are right about the deductible. I'll just take care of it myself. Thank you so much!

Hexadec

Oh the screws were loose on the right hand side. This happened on the left side. Oh well. It's my fault and wil take full responsibility for it. Thank you.

Question: do you guys know if when something is not taken care of under warranty (I'm paying for it) if the loaner car from Lexus something I have to pay for too daily?

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

Mine looks like that cause I'm low. Check to see where the bolt connects the bumper to the fender, that the hole is still there and not busted like mine.

calvin2376

iTrader: (2)

It's dealer-by-dealer. Not all dealers have loaners, but most do. The ones that do more often than not will give you a loaner whether it's warranty work or not - it really makes no difference to them, they get paid either way (either by Lexus corporate or you). I recommend finding a dealer in your area that gives loaners for free for all work.

istarzan

iTrader: (8)

Slightly off topic, but anyone know how to take off the front bumper? Mine seems to have alignment issues.

Hexadec

Sffd103 , the holes on the plastic are torn off. So it will need to all be replaced. The bumper seems intact just the plastic underneath where the bolts were attached to.

My dealer has loaners. I have never been charged for it - but it was all 'warranty' work - except when I got a loaner for a lengthier 30K miler service which obviously isn't covered by warranty.

Sffd103 you haven't gotten your fixed?

istarzan

iTrader: (8)

Are the holes apart of the bumper cover, like molded in? If that's the case you'd probably need to replace the whole bumper. Hope mine aren't like that. GL.