2008 LS460 Interior Issues: solve it once and for all.
02-19-19, 06:52 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
2008 LS460 Interior Issues: solve it once and for all.
The information I'm about to share certainly applies to all LS460 models, and perhaps other models, before 2013.
I have a 2008 LS460 L model, here in Texas. As many of you know, the interior is made out of a certain kind of material that deteriorates over time. This is particularly true on the armrests, dashboard, glovebox, & instrument + panels. The only way to describe it is, it starts to feel like a soft rubbery substance that breaks down and melts away. It can't be sustained under the Texas heat, for example, no matter how much you try to protect it. After a couple of years of dealing with this concern and trying to figure out the proper way to handle it, I was made aware of a sure fire way to solve this problem by way of a rideshare customer who has the same model I do. She also told me abut a friend with a different model who did the same thing.
She showed me a letter from Lexus Customer Assistance she received as a result of a complaint she filed about the interior issue. In this letter, Lexus advised they are fully aware of the interior issue, and the full replacement of these troublesome areas are covered under a warranty known as the "ZLZ Program." She basically received a new interior replacement for all of those areas containing this material, for free. I figured it was worth a try, so I reached out to LCA via email (included the photos you'll see below) & attempted the same. Well, they responded the next day, apologized for my experience, and suggested I set up an inspection with the nearest Lexus dealer asap. I did that today after receiving the email. I drove my car to the Lex deal, a customer rep came out and took pictures of all of the interior, front and rear. He indicated they have the majority of the parts a this location, and they wanted to keep the car to replace the interior immediately. Whatever parts they didn't have in stock, he indicated, would be ordered and replaced asap-all at no cost to me. I left my car at the dealership, and they gave me a comp car to drive home. The rep also advised all tolls incurred in the comp car would be covered, and I don't have to worry about gas. This has all happened in a 24 Hr time frame. It's an issue they're well aware of, and they have made an allowance for it to those who request it; that's the key here. I'm including photos and a copy of the actual email as a reference, in the hopes that I might help someone who may not know about this. The email notes all of the areas the coverage applies to. In addition, just so you don't go around in circles looking for the proper email address: Lexus_support@mailva.custhelp.com
If you already know about this program, my apologies. I'm just sharing the info because someone shared it with me and potentially saved me thousands attempting to replace it on my own.
See attachments
(photos uploaded upside down, and I don't know why)
I have a 2008 LS460 L model, here in Texas. As many of you know, the interior is made out of a certain kind of material that deteriorates over time. This is particularly true on the armrests, dashboard, glovebox, & instrument + panels. The only way to describe it is, it starts to feel like a soft rubbery substance that breaks down and melts away. It can't be sustained under the Texas heat, for example, no matter how much you try to protect it. After a couple of years of dealing with this concern and trying to figure out the proper way to handle it, I was made aware of a sure fire way to solve this problem by way of a rideshare customer who has the same model I do. She also told me abut a friend with a different model who did the same thing.
She showed me a letter from Lexus Customer Assistance she received as a result of a complaint she filed about the interior issue. In this letter, Lexus advised they are fully aware of the interior issue, and the full replacement of these troublesome areas are covered under a warranty known as the "ZLZ Program." She basically received a new interior replacement for all of those areas containing this material, for free. I figured it was worth a try, so I reached out to LCA via email (included the photos you'll see below) & attempted the same. Well, they responded the next day, apologized for my experience, and suggested I set up an inspection with the nearest Lexus dealer asap. I did that today after receiving the email. I drove my car to the Lex deal, a customer rep came out and took pictures of all of the interior, front and rear. He indicated they have the majority of the parts a this location, and they wanted to keep the car to replace the interior immediately. Whatever parts they didn't have in stock, he indicated, would be ordered and replaced asap-all at no cost to me. I left my car at the dealership, and they gave me a comp car to drive home. The rep also advised all tolls incurred in the comp car would be covered, and I don't have to worry about gas. This has all happened in a 24 Hr time frame. It's an issue they're well aware of, and they have made an allowance for it to those who request it; that's the key here. I'm including photos and a copy of the actual email as a reference, in the hopes that I might help someone who may not know about this. The email notes all of the areas the coverage applies to. In addition, just so you don't go around in circles looking for the proper email address: Lexus_support@mailva.custhelp.com
If you already know about this program, my apologies. I'm just sharing the info because someone shared it with me and potentially saved me thousands attempting to replace it on my own.
See attachments
(photos uploaded upside down, and I don't know why)
Last edited by Timzo; 02-19-19 at 07:43 PM.
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Chaos236 (08-11-19)
02-20-19, 02:51 AM
#2
Amazing that your Lexus dealer fixed your LS almost right away.
My 2009 LS460 was inspected and approved for replacing all the interior rubbery surfaces on 12/01/2018 at a Lexus dealer in Houston. Now still waiting for the parts to come in.
My 2009 LS460 was inspected and approved for replacing all the interior rubbery surfaces on 12/01/2018 at a Lexus dealer in Houston. Now still waiting for the parts to come in.
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Timzo (08-12-19)
02-20-19, 11:07 AM
#3
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Yeah, I was really surprised by that. Now, they did say they don't have all the parts in stock. I'm willing to bet this driver's side door panel is on one of them, which is really my biggest concern at this point. I'll keel you posted on how it all turns out. Hopefully, your wait won't be much longer.
08-05-19, 05:40 AM
#4
Great info to know. I was going to look at a 2008 LS460 tomorrow and it read that the side door panels were replaced. I’m thinking melting plastic syndrome now. If only those 2 items were replaced, will Lexus replace that other parts that are known to melt but have not melted enough yet?
08-05-19, 08:46 AM
#5
Intermediate
i was able to get my door panels and dash replaced but was unsuccessful with the door pillars. They looked bad but was not covered. I think i will have an upholstery shop fit and wrap them. would probably be cheaper than purchasing new pieces.
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Timzo (08-12-19)
08-10-19, 07:21 AM
#6
Driver School Candidate
Interior replacement
I filed a complaint in January 2019 and just got my dash, door panels and console replaced at no charge and was given a loaner while the repair was made. The interior looks like new now very pleased with Sterling McCall Lexus in Clear Lake TX very good experience.
The following users liked this post:
Timzo (08-12-19)
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