OBRon

I'll go see mine and see if it's any different.

OK, just looked and it's very different. The part that sticks out and gets scuffed is just not there. It's hollowed out so there's nothing to catch on anything.

I8ABMR

what I did like about the original design is the way it kind of extends the arm rest on the door. I dont need it but I am concerned it will look kind of funny afterwards. I also want to make sure that fit and finish of the work will match the factory

OBRon

Here's how my 2011 LS B-pillar looks:

I8ABMR

Thanks for posting the pic. Thats a big help.

Shibumi1

I love lexus..... car is jus outta warranty(2nd owner).. brought car into service, they not only replaced driver b pillar (no charge) they're sending someone to my home on tues to replace the passenger side..also no charge.. an apologized for the problem..

g26

My original panels were all scuffed up and my dealer replaced them with the new ones (new design) free of charge under the TSB. The NEW panels also began getting all scuffed up (especially the driver one) and they replaced them again. I'm on the third set and there is already signs of wear on them. I try to be extra careful getting in and out of the car but still -- this material needs to be changed to something sturdier. It looks and feels nice, but just does not hold up to normal use.

I am 6'4" and have my seat pretty far back so I think that might be part of the problem too. Still... I've owned many many cars and never had pillar issues. Having to be "extra careful" when getting in and out of a car so as not to scratch the B pillar panel is a little ridiculous.

I am glad Lexus is providing support and replacements -- I'm sure most other companies would not.

sleeper41

The "B" pillar wear is apparently a wide spread problem known by Lexus. I have seen photos of the issue and will attempt to post two photos of my 2009 LS 460's problem. I am dealing with Lexus of Tampa Bay, who has been unresponsive. I wrote Lexus and they promised a contact within 3 to 5 days, but no one contacted me. Tonight I wrote a very direct email and within a half hour I received a call back asking me if the problem had been inspected by a dealer. "No". No one asked to inspect it. Will keep you posted on what happens. So far, Customer Service is sadly lacking.

sleeper41

I cannot locate a link to upload photos. Where is it?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/pho...-one-post.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/pho...tml#post971362

VA380

You are going to have to tell them to keep replacing it. I highly doubt they will "buy back" the car and put in a different vehicle because of it.

I'm on my 3rd set on the drivers side, 2nd on my passenger side ... i'm 6'3 if that matters.

rjm

My experience with Lexus USA (Corporate) has been LESS than good. After being totally unresponsive to several emails and phone calls with automated responses that they would respond within 24 hours, I never heard from them. Finally after filing an Arbitration claim against Lexus, I received a form letter stating that all warranty issues would have to be settled with my local dealer. The offered ZERO help in getting it resolved. That was the last Lexus I will be buying. I sincerely hope you have better luck with them.

highroler

Has anyone had this same B-pillar damage issue on a 2009 LS460?

I purchased a 2009 LS460 with 4,900 miles 2 months ago...

This past week I had the car into the Lexus dealership for the driver's seat that wont cool and showed him the driver side B-pillar that had these surface like pimples. He said it wasn't a defect...It was a bad repair job on what he quessed was an accidental door closing on the seat belt buckle. But after reading this thread it appears to be the same issue in garyr's post above.
The poorly repaired B-pillar matches the pattern in the picture above.

Thoughts? What would you do if you were me?

I will post pics when I get back in town...

highroler

Good news...Lexus called today to let me know they want to replace both left and right B-pillars on our 2009 LS460...sweet!

Plus they plan to take apart the drivers-side seat to see why the AC function is not working correctly...

Hope to report good things next week...including chilled buns ;-)

sleeper41

UPDATE: The tears are from the metal end of the seat belt, the part that goes into the buckle. It is hard to image how it gets into the 1/2" space with the door closed, but it does. With the door closed, you can barely see the damage. Yes, it is, admittedly, a design flaw and they are working on a replacement. They will replace it for you under warranty. I spoke to Lexus of Tampa Bay (Mike Manzi, Svc Mgr) Thursday (3/10) who told me he would do it right away or I could await his call back after he checked to find out when the redesigned part would be available. I am awaiting for his call. I had to call Lexus' national number to get them to prompt the local dealership, who was apparently stuck in place and didn't know what to do and would not respond.

sleeper41

I have communicated with Lexus national customer care and they have spoken to Lexus of Tampa Bay (useless) and I am still awaiting a call to come in and have the B pillar upholstery trim parts replaced. The local dealer, despite having the parts sent by Lexus has yet to complete this repair. I call, they promise a call back and don't call. This has happened repeatedly. I just now wrote to the Customer Care requesting they intervene with this terrible dealership. It occurs to me the experience with owning a so-called luxury car is not only the car, but the dealer experience. The dealerships are beautiful, but their people . . . ugh! Like someone who doesn't know they should wear clean shoes with their tuxedo. Just pitiful. And I wait . . . . .