Hello - I've been a 1999 GS400 owner for 11 years, best car I've ever had. Would like to move up to an LS. My budget has me in the 2010-12 range but I'm becoming more familiar with the sticky dash/door panel situation. I found what appears to be a nearly mint 2010 that has not had any of the affected components replaced yet but the interior looks perfect.

Should I be thinking that if a 10 year old car hasn't had the defect it will be fine or will this issue definitely be coming at some point? I can't figure out what % of the affected LS models actually develop the problem.

The warranty for a 2010 will expire in March of 2011 so worst case scenario is obviously having the defect occur right after the warranty expires.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

While the sticky interior problem seems to be more of an issue in cars that have lived in the warmer climates, there's no guarantee that it won't surface in an Ohio vehicle at some point. Evidently it helps if a car has been/is garaged or otherwise kept out of the sun as much as possible.

Although at reduced risk because most of the interior pieces of my 600 are leather (real or faux), I keep a window cracked in the garage to reduce heat build-up.

 

Thanks - I'll keep it garaged but at least 4 days a week in the summer it will be in an open parking lot all day while at work. I always use a sun shade on the dash but that obviously doesn't keep the car from heating up inside. I hate the thought of constantly worrying if/when it will pop up, I plan on keeping the car for at least 10 years.

 

When possible, you might keep the moonroof tipped up and open to help vent the interior when it's parked outside. Or crack a window. Or both.