Replacement of Sunroof rubber seal

LexusRX450 · January 16

Hello,

I hope everyone is doing well! I'm currently dealing with a situation regarding my Lexus RX450H (2018 reg)'s sunroof rubber seal, and I'm reaching out to the community for some advice and recommendations.

Recently, I noticed that the rubber seal around my car's sunroof has seen better days and is in need of replacement. The dealer quoted me a rather hefty amount for the replacement, and let's just say it's a bit more than I was expecting. It feels like they're asking for an arm and a leg!

So, I wanted to turn to this knowledgeable community to seek some guidance. Has anyone here replaced their car's sunroof rubber seal before, and if so, where did you get it done? I'm particularly interested in knowing if there are reliable and more cost-effective alternatives than going through the dealership.

Additionally, for those DIY enthusiasts out there, has anyone attempted to replace the sunroof rubber seal on their own? If so, could you share where you purchased the replacement rubber seal and any tips or recommendations for a successful DIY job?

I appreciate any insights, recommendations, or personal experiences you can share. Your collective wisdom has always been a great resource, and I'm hopeful that someone here has navigated a similar situation.

Thanks in advance for your help!

ABDUR RAHIM · January 19

i have the same issue. how much is the dealer asking? were you able to fix it?

noman · January 20

Any update on it please facing the sane issue.

Tremmers · January 23

I have had the same issue on a 2017 car. You have to replace the complete roof. It was allegedly a production issue 🤔

I had mine returned fixed yesterday.

As long as you have RELAX they should replace to foc

Brian26 · January 23

Hello all, I am particularly interested in your solution Paul as I have exactly the same problem. I went to my local dealership just before Christmas and was told that they would contact customer services but have heard nothing back which I assumed to be because Lexus were not interested. To give a bit more detail around 18 months ago I noticed that the rubber was coming off my sunroof (the bit that opens ) the dealership said that it was not covered under warranty as it was considered to be 'trim' so I forked out around £650 for it to be replaced. Just before Christmas I noticed that the rubber was coming off the fixed bit of the pan roof (see photos). I was then told that the entire piece of glass needed to be replaced and the cost was a horrendous £4000 just for the part! It comes with a load of other bits for the sunblind etc which I don't need. If it should be covered under the relax warranty then somebody is trying it on at my expence which I do not like very much.

RX450Sussex · February 11

I have a 2017 RX450, and have this same issue (see picture). My local dealer says the seal cannot be replaced on its own and it requires a complete new sunroof, at a cost of £6000 including labour. The car is covered by Relax, but they deem that perished rubber is not covered. If anyone out there has managed to get theirs replaced under Relax, please can you let us all know the dealer involved, so that we can use this info to try to persuade our own local dealer(s)

Malc1 · February 11

Maybe get a solicitor to bring a Class Action ( or threaten to ) against Lexus UK ?

……. to remedy the defective production problem manifested in the UK ……

Just a thought ……. RAC / AA free legal advice people maybe !
Malc

John Walker · February 14

Panoramics seem to develop leaking issues over time not just in Lexus cars. Mostly because nobody does any maintenance on these seals. Like regular cleaning and lube.

Brian26 · March 1

Hello all,

After a couple of visits to my dealer Lexus have agreed to replace the fixed part of the pan roof, It has been booked in for the end of the month (March)as the part is not available at present. Which I guess could be an indication of the number of them having to be replaced or more likley the ship bringing them from Japan is having to go round Africa rather than through the Suez canal!

Either way I am very pleased with the result. I should add that it is being done as goodwill on the part of Lexus and not under Relax.

Bri

Paul Mingay · March 1

Is this happening on certain years ?

Brian26 · March 1

Hi Paul,

Looking back on at the threads on the subject that I know of it does not not appear so. I think it seems to be just how well the dealer makes you're case, low mileage, full Lexus service history even how many Lexus vehicles you have had before were all mentioned when I was at the dealership. I would say if you are having the same problems with a 21 reg vehicle then I would have hoped should be no problem IMHO.

Bri

Paul Mingay · March 2

16 hours ago, Brian26 said:

Hi Paul,

Looking back on at the threads on the subject that I know of it does not not appear so. I think it seems to be just how well the dealer makes you're case, low mileage, full Lexus service history even how many Lexus vehicles you have had before were all mentioned when I was at the dealership. I would say if you are having the same problems with a 21 reg vehicle then I would have hoped should be no problem IMHO.

Bri

Thanks Bri ,,,no trouble at all with mine ,but wondered if my year was affected 👍

Brian26 · March 28

HI all, Just a quick update. Got the car back yesterday after having the pan roof replaced (the non opening bit) and very satisfied with the car and a good job done by Lexus Hull as usual. (I have no affiliatiation with Lexus Hull apart from being a satisfied customer).

Bri

PewseyDave · June 2

Just been directed to this Thread as I have the same issue with the sunroof on my 2016 RX450H brought from Lexus under their approved scheme 18 months ago. I can see that some of you have managed to get the Pan Roof fixed by Lexus but has anyone managed to get the Sunroof fixed by Lexus?

Malc1 · June 2

Perhaps having the 10 year Relax Warranty might help ?

Malc

GSLV6 · June 2

I would be furious if this wasn't something on such a recent car, covered by warranty. It's more than trim, it's a necessary seal, and part of the sunroof installation which is covered under warranty. If my dealer said no to this, I'd go straight to Lexus UK and complain. It comes under Consumer Rights as a reasonable expectation, to expect any seal to be warranted arguably for at least ten years fair wear and tear. On such a prestige car to have one perish at 6 years old and not have it replaced without quibbling is unacceptable. You can lengthen their life a little by periodically treating them with silicone grease or oil to keep them supple but if mine goes, I won't take no for an answer from lexus. I've done this with track rod bushings which went at 5 years old, was initially told they weren't covered, complained and had two done under warranty. Don't be afraid to complain.

GSLV6 · June 2

On 2/11/2024 at 3:35 PM, RX450Sussex said:

I have a 2017 RX450, and have this same issue (see picture). My local dealer says the seal cannot be replaced on its own and it requires a complete new sunroof, at a cost of £6000 including labour. The car is covered by Relax, but they deem that perished rubber is not covered. If anyone out there has managed to get theirs replaced under Relax, please can you let us all know the dealer involved, so that we can use this info to try to persuade our own local dealer(s)

Tell them (Lexus UK) you'll take them to the small claims court and sue for damages if they refuse to replace it or instruct a franchised dealer to do it. Consumer Rights exist to protect the public from this unreasonable behaviour by car companies, along with any other goods covered by other sellers under the Consumer Rights Act of 2015.

Any goods you buy must be: Of satisfactory quality; Fit for any particular purpose made known to the seller; and. As described. That fitness for purpose must withstand scrutiny as to what typically might be considered as reasonable under Construction and Use for satisfactory working life and 6 years doesn't cut it. Lexus may though have a case where:

1) the car hasn't been serviced by them and the Relax extended warranty isn't in force and;

2) They have reasonable grounds to suspect that the sunroof has been either misused or neglected to the extent that this damage might be reasonably expected to occur and would have to have a reasoned technical argument for that.

We had a sun roof on our last Mercedes which lasted 12 years without a single leak.

Malc1 · June 2

Neither of mine leak ( touch wood ) on my elderly Ls400s …… always parked outdoors and between them, 62 years, covered some 350k miles …….. your problem is “ recent “ model specific and disgraceful

It’s simply poor design and construction and unworthy of the Lexus brand …….. take remedial legal whatever action ……. simply not fit for purpose 🥵

Good luck

Malc

Derfo · June 2

I had the exact same issue on our 2017 450h (no leaks however). I had our Pan roof replaced by Lexus last December and they covered the cost fully. Our service dealer (Lexus Croydon) had to make an initial request to Lexus, which they approved. We did not have any extended warranty.

GSLV6 · June 2

It seems that if you want a quality Lexus that will last the distance, buy an LS400, LS430 or a Mk3 GS3000 (which I consider a "fastback" LS anyway)...or a 3rd gen RX (next to the LS430, possibly their most bombproof car)). None of those will be a target for canbus thieves either🤬, I now regret selling my 3rd gen as they're selling pups with later models. With product and model expansion, quality is suffering and they'll soon be no better than a typical Merc, Audi or BMW. It's not necessarily the issues and certainly isn't the driving experience, it's the way they (don't) deal with the problems that's the issue. Lexus UK customer service has taken a nose dive in recent years. They (despite the claims) have always had issues but were very diligent at looking after the customer, who always came first. This is where much of their reputation was made but they're fast losing their loyal customer base and repeat custom as a result of the shoddy way they now treat customers. Despicable.

Tailhook · August 1

Hi All, just came across this thread on another search. For anyone with a pano roof or thinking of buying a Lexus/Toyota with one, you really need to watch this video. It could be you, next time!