If your dashboard is melting, there is certainly a problem with your model because a car’s dashboard shouldn’t melt. It’s uncommon to hear of cars with melting dashboards, but for some Lexus owners, it’s a very unpleasant issue.
When the dashboard is exposed to intense heat and sunlight, it becomes glossy and sticky and quickly deteriorates. It is obvious that the owner will have to pay to replace this.
Due to the severe heat and humidity, the melting problem occurs more frequently in the southern regions of the United States.
The issue with dashboards melting was first brought up in May 2014. Numerous models have been impacted since then. The dashboards of the following vehicles are prone to melting:
- Lexus RX 350, 20072009
- Lexus RX 330, 20042006
- LS460 Lexus from 2007
- Lexus IS 250 and 350, 20062008
- Lexus ES 350, 2006-2008
- Lexus RX 400h, 20052008
- Lexus GX 470, 20032008
It might not seem like a severe safety concern, but a melted dashboard is. However, when the dashboard melts, it turns glossy and emits a foul chemical odor into the interior of the car. A reflection appears in the glass as a result of the shine. The visibility may be so poor that the driver is unable to look out the window. This is risky and can result in an accident.
A dashboard that has previously experienced this melting phenomenon cannot be repaired easily. Replace it is the only option.
Despite being aware of the problem, Lexus has made an effort to remain silent. A lawsuit was instituted but abandoned. Although Lexus promised to replace the dashboards, they didn’t follow through. Although they issued a service bulletin regarding the problem, there was never a recall. Despite the filing of a second lawsuit, drivers are still having difficulty getting their dashboards replaced.
While many automobiles are no longer protected by the warranty enhancement, some are. If you find yourself in this situation, you might want to give Lexus a call to see if they’ll foot some of the bill.
In This Article...
How can a sticky dashboard be fixed?
It’s possible for items left on your dashboard in the sun, vinyl that has peeled, or even heat to leave that sticky residue behind. The best thing to do is give it a thorough cleaning.
Here is what to do:
- Remove any bigger grit. Before beginning, blow off any obvious traces of dust or food.
- Dry it out. You are welcome to carefully chip away any remaining sticky clumps on your dashboard with a plastic scraper if your situation is acute and there are still sticky clumps there.
- Make a foam cleanser solution using water. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture, wring out any excess, and dampen the cloth. A too-wet towel may drop and harm the dashboard’s electronic components.
- Clean up the surface. Keep cleaning until the dashboard is no longer sticky, which may require several rounds and some elbow grease.
- Use a water-based vinyl protectant to shield the dashboard. Use a vinyl protectant rather than a silicon sealer to avoid aggravating your issues.
- Clean vinyl upholstery by spraying. After thoroughly rubbing it into the vinyl, let it cure.
A sticky dashboard isn’t the biggest concern overall. However, keeping your car clean might help you avoid more serious issues like faded colors and chipped paint. Although it probably won’t affect your ability to drive, scratches, chips, and faded paint can be expensive to restore.
Paint that is fading is probably not covered by insurance. But if you have comprehensive coverage, it can apply if your damages were brought on by another driver or a natural disaster.
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Is the Lexus dashboard subject to a recall?
The Lexus vehicles that have undergone significant dashboard recalls in recent years include: Lexus ES 350 from 2007 until 2008. Lexus GX 470 from 2003 until 2008. Lexus IS 250/250 from 2006 until 2008.
The sticky dash problem.
Some dashboard surfaces can become sticky or melted, seem shiny, produce an unpleasant chemical smell (similar to burned toffee), and leak a yellowish adhesive component that is sticky to the touch when exposed to high temperatures and sunshine. Owners of the vehicles, while generally happy with them, are aware that the condition of the dashboard could be unsafe and lower the resale value.
Here’s the Fix.
The Dashboard surface is first prepared by applying a Surface Cleaner, which is designed to swiftly and effectively remove sticky plasticizers, grime, and debris.
Step 2: Apply a surface coating to the dashboard surface. This coating forms a thin membrane that is both robust and flexible and, after a few light coatings, effectively seals the surface.
The defect explained.
The adhesive used to bind the layers may liquefy and move upward through the dashboard outer fabric or downward into the foam layer when exposed to sunlight, heat, and possibly excessive humidity. As a result of the heated outer fabric’s softening and expansion, the adhesive has a “path of least resistance” to escape. The dashboard sections closest to the windshield glass show this the most. If left untreated, the dashboard’s exterior cloth may eventually soften and deteriorate due to the powerful glue. Even lightly contacting the surface can cause gouges and indentations.
Which cleaner works best on a car’s dashboard?
Typically, a straightforward oil soap and water combination works the best for cleaning a car dashboard. You can use Castile soap, a wonderful oil soap with various applications. While still being soft enough for fabrics like leather, this kind of soap is robust enough to offer a complete cleaning. You may also create a solution using vinegar, detergent, water, and oil-based soap to remove very tough stains from a plastic, vinyl, or rubber dashboard.
There are several solutions available for car owners who would like to buy a commercial product than prepare their own cleaner. Both Auto Guys and Chemical Guys provide excellent car cleansers. A multipurpose cleaner made by Car Guys is ideal for all interior surfaces and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that will make your car smell bad. The glass and touch screen may both be cleaned and protected with Chemical Guys’ all-purpose interior cleaner.
Consider using a leather-specific cleaner to protect the material from sun damage and bring back its shine if the interior of your vehicle is covered with leather. A Blitz all-purpose cleaner is available from Nextzett that may be used with cold water and won’t leave any residue.
Which Lexus models are subject to a recall?
More than 9,900 Lexus models with the 5.0-liter V-8 engine, including the 20162018 Lexus GS F, 2018 LC 500, and 20152018 Lexus RCF, have been recalled by the automaker because certain operating circumstances could lead to damage to one of the high-pressure fuel pumps, which could leak fuel and start a fire.
How is the interior of a Lexus NX cleaned?
defending the interior of the car Use a cloth wet with lukewarm water to clean unclean surfaces. In the event that dirt cannot be eliminated, remove it with a soft cloth moistened with neutral detergent diluted to around 1%. Wipe out any remaining detergent and water traces by completely ringing out the cloth.
Can I put Windex on the dashboard of my car?
Can I use Windex on the inside of my car? Windex is a great option for cleaning the interior of your car because it is safe to use on the surface. It works well to get rid of accumulated dirt and grime from surfaces like the dashboard, steering wheel, and windows of your automobile.
Can the entire dashboard in a car be replaced?
If you have the time and resources, you may modify just about every interior component of your automobile, including the entire front dashboard and steering wheel. To create something unique and uniquely you, you can work with automobile customization experts to design a brand-new look for the driver controls and primary dashboard of your vehicle.
Of course, replacing the complete dashboard will be expensive because it requires a new dashboard as well as a number of individual parts. But if you’re prepared to put in the time and money, there is no better method to give your car a totally new look and feel.
What causes dashboards to crack?
The dashboards of cars are made up of numerous plastic layers. Older car dashboards typically include a top layer constructed of PVC, sometimes known as polyvinyl chloride. If PVC is not properly cared for and protected, it may begin to crack after a few years of exposure to heat and sunshine. After many years of exposure to the sun, the dashboards of older automobiles, especially classics, tend to grow brittle and break.
First, ultraviolet light
The most frequent cause of dashboard fractures is UV light exposure. Plastics like PVC have chemical components that are sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Oils can be evaporated and the molecules of plastic can be broken down over time by ultraviolet radiation. The dashboard plastic will dry out and break if exposed to ultraviolet light on a regular basis.
2. Heat
The chemical compounds in the dashboard can degrade after prolonged exposure to heat, such as when a car is parked outside and the dash is exposed to sunshine coming through the windshield. On a sunny day, after roughly an hour of exposure, the interior of an automobile can reach temperatures near 100 F. Heat and ultraviolet radiation have harmed dashboards if they appear dry, dusty, or powdery.
3. Revisions
The smallest cracks can be fixed. If the cracks are lengthy and extensive, the dashboard must be completely replaced. If the cracks resemble a spider web, the dashboard has to be replaced. A temporary cure is to fill the crack with silicon or use a dashboard crack repair kit, both of which are readily accessible at most auto parts stores. In a few years, the crack will definitely resurface, particularly if the dashboard is exposed to heat and sunlight.
4. Security
A dashboard can avoid cracking by being shielded from UV rays and intense heat. Place the car in a garage or a shaded area. All year long, shield your vehicle from the sun to avoid damage by using a windshield screen or a cover. To stop the PVC from drying out, treat the dashboard with a moisturizing agent. Pick a remedy that has sunscreen in it to block UV rays.
Vaseline is safe to put on automobile dashboards.
Vaseline purifies Your dashboard may profit from this just like your lips can. Vaseline has been compared to Armour All for its efficacy in minimizing minute markings and scratches and enhancing the dashboard of a car.
Can I put WD-40 on the dashboard of my car?
You can go on to the dashboard after cleaning the textile surfaces. Spray WD-40 Multi-Use Product liberally all over your dashboard using the convenient container. Use a clean microfiber cloth to buff away any leftover residue after working the product in. This will produce an appealing shine and a protective coating that is resistant to water and dust. A quick and simple technique to clean the dashboard of your car! Make sure there are no products left on the dashboard surface because they could turn the color of milk when exposed to continuous sunshine, which would not be good for the inside of your automobile.
How can I clean the dashboard on my Toyota?
Get the cleaning supplies and rags ready for a thorough cleaning after all the dust and grime have been sucked up.
You may easily clean the vinyl, rubber, and plastic on your doors, floors, dashboard, center console, and other areas by soaking a soft microfiber cloth in water and a mild dish soap. Alternatively, you can use the unique car cleaning chemicals that our professionals at Danville Toyota recommend.
To get inside air vents or tiny crevices, a toothbrush or paintbrush works nicely. Use a stain remover and a clean rag to scrape away any stains you notice.
Use an upholstery cleaning if your seats are made of cloth. If you have leather, clean it with a leather cleaner and then condition it to keep it from aging and cracking.
Finally, use glass cleaner to spray the windows and windshield until they are completely clear.