Toyota Prado sibling melts in the sun

We recently killed the all-new Toyota Prado 250 Series during an off-road test that ended on the back of a tow truck, and now, it seems the Prado’s upmarket sibling, the Lexus GX, has reached its own boiling point. 

Owners in the US have reported quality issues with several exterior trim pieces on their new Prado-based Lexus GXs – including the side mirror caps and gloss black B-pillar trim – which appear to be melting in hot weather. 

Considering there have been no reported cases of melting Lexus GXs or Toyota Prados in Australia so far – which has seen considerably hot weather in recent months – the overseas cases could be isolated incidents.  

A Lexus Australia spokesperson today told carsales there have been no local reports of a similar nature to date. 

“Lexus Australia is aware of the reports coming out of the United States. We cannot comment on the specific cases mentioned, however we can confirm that we have had no reports of similar incidents in Australia at this time.” 

One owner’s trouble began in October 2024 when he noticed the B-pillar plastics on his GX 550 Overtrail began “warping” from new and got worse by the day.  

He also noted the weather wasn’t particularly hot via his post in the Lexus GX 550 Owners & Enthusiasts Facebook group. 

And while some commenters were quick to point out reflections from nearby windows as the probable cause – or a cheap PPF (paint protection film) wrap as the culprit – the owner was adamant both his previous vehicles – a 2012 Toyota Tundra and a 2005 Toyota LandCruiser – had each been parked in the same spot for years prior with no issue. 

There are now allegedly eight different spots on his car that appear to be melting, with his local Lexus dealership thankfully working to fix the “obvious defect”.

Another owner commented on the post explaining how a small section on his GX’s B-pillar had also started to warp, adding that he’s yet to wrap his vehicle in the popular protective film.

Meanwhile, The Drive reported on Paul Yelton, another GX owner who claims his vehicle’s side mirror is caving in.

But while many commenters are saying his damage is the result of a cheap PPF, Yelton clarified “it’s the actual mirror that is melted and caved in”.

He too, is working with his local dealership, which has reportedly left him to foot the bill, claiming his PPF installer may have damaged the mirror during the application some 1900 miles ago shortly after delivery.

Since the publication of this article, a spokesperson for Toyota Australia told carsales: "I can confirm we have had no reports of incidents like this involving the LandCruiser Prado in Australia".

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