jasone36

Hello,

When I purchased my 2013 LS, I noticed that the seat belt buckle seemed to have damaged the side pillar (on both sides).

As I was shopping for LS460's, I've seen this as a common occurrence.

I am still under warranty, and I am wondering if this is something Lexus would cover (or would they consider this "wear and tear").

Has any experienced the damage from a seat belt buckle on their side pillars?

greg3852

I don't think they will cover it but I don't know. I do know pretty much every single one I've ever been in has had damage there. I don't even notice mine anymore.

CRowe14

As you've stated, this was a pretty common occurrence on the older models and many have complained about it in the past.
Some-were able to have the dealership take care of it while the car was under its original warranty. I also recall a few members taking up the issue with their dealership, not having to involve corp., and having the dealership goodwill the lower pillars.
If I were you I would take it into Lexus and see what they say, but do be mindful of how you get in/out of the car as well as how you release your seatbelt, as it can get marked up quickly and easily.

caha14

First, congratulations on the new-to-you car! It's a beauty.

Secondly, please see this... A known issue indeed for the earlier model years, and evidently unresolved and worth asking about.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ml#post9094285

kitchamp

As others have stated, this is a common problem. The link posted above includes a copy of the TSIB for this issue, which would have been taken care of under factory warranty.

I came across several interior reconditioning services that use some putty or something to repair/add texture to the damage, and dye to match. I had this done for about $75 if I recall, as the replacement pieces for the TSIB (as well as the redesigned pieces in the later model years) don't have the same profile as the door armrest. I like the old (and more damage prone) design, so I had mine repaired and am just extra careful now getting in and out of the car.

jasone36

Thank you for the insight, caha14 and kitcheamp.

I will discuss this item with the dealer when I schedule an appointment.

But it sounds like there may be some hope for a remedy here... since I'm still under the original warranty.

Nospinzone

Well if you don't use your seatbelt, it will stay in the same position and it won't scratch up your B pillar. Unfortunately if you don't use your seatbelt, in case of an accident you won't stay in the same position and get scratched up. Another famous catch 22.

Seriously though, I used to get very annoyed by stuff like this. Now I just let it roll off my back. For one thing, I am the only one who even notices stuff like this. People in my car or around my car not only don't notice, but couldn't care less even if they did.

Maybe it will be covered, or maybe the dealer will replace for goodwill, but then what? You have to be so careful not to scratch it again. I know its hard (it took me many, many years) but get over sweating the small stuff. Look at it this way, at least an $8K battery did blow.

seanl

I just picked up 65K mile '12 LS460 F-Sport and it had this apparently very common issue with the seat belt wear on the b-pillar.


I decided that I couldn't live with it as is, so I was able to source a new replacement panel for $280.
Has anyone here replaced this panel at home? It appears to pop on and off and I am assuming the rear a/c vent can be R&R'd with the panel off. But I don't want to start yanking on it without a little bit of insight.

Thanks in advance.

GR6RR

dang! that's really bad. I couldn't live with that. Mine has a piece about the size of a nickel missing at the corner hump. I just used some touchup paint to "hide" the whiteness of the area.

For that pillar, on the 07 it just pops off. The vent tube you would have to line up and slide back on before snapping it all back. I started from the bottom...

seanl

quickest fix ever....thanks for the install tips. Turns out the entire venting mechanism comes attached with the new panel.

johnnyg66

Great! Now you need to condition those seats.

seanl

Ouch....I just did with some Meguiars Gold. It's not that impressive and I've been using for too many years.

What do you recommend?

Thanks.

johnnyg66

Lexol works good. See what autogeek recommends. A good leather brush will help.