Hello Mr. Kilmer,
Hope all is well and everyone safe. Been a follower of your content for some time and thought I'd post my very first Question here.
My mother made a purchase less than a month ago (25 days aprox) of a brand new Lexus RX 350 6 cylinder engine.
Not too long into ownership we noticed some significant rust build-up on the Muffler Flange of the car underbelly. We took it to the dealer twice to get it inspected and they told us that it was Normal due to Michigan snow.
However, there was a kind gentleman from Volvo service department who was willing to inspect the Lexus. Upon inspection, he told us that that should not be normal. He informed us that because we owned it for less than a month, we should be able to swap the car for a newer one.
Could this indeed be normal?
Would this be a serious issue?
Is there anything that you would suggest we do at this point?
I attached a link to google drive with images of the Flange. https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1uM2aqi82EG4cQNCkCKlwpahH_CEjvz7v
Thank you for your time
Sincerely,
Sungwon Hong
it's the BOTTOM of the car. It's exposed to the rocks, debris, weather, the elements, salt , grime ... everything. It would be like trying to keep dirt off the soles of your shoes.
exhaust parts get hot. Heat accelerates oxidation.
New Lexus models come with an unlimited mileage 72 month corrosion warranty. They should fix the rust under that. If it’s just surface rust, then that is normal in areas where it snows. But, if it’s bad rust then somethings wrong and you should push the dealer to fix it under that warranty, or give you another RX. Try calling Lexus corporate if the dealer is being stubborn.
Thank you for your time for commenting.
We have already taken it to the dealer and also contacted Toyota/lexus about the issue.
They claim that it is a normal issue and will not take any action.
The rust does not seem to threaten the functionality of the vehicle but from our experience buying new cars in Canada and the US, this is certainly the worst.
Pfft, … this is a nothing burger! If you go back to your dealer and peek at new cars that have not been driven yet, … you will see rusted flanges, too.
Anyway, … I would drop the issue. Just enjoy driving your new car!
F.S.
Thank you for your response.
I would like to be reassured by the fact the every vehicle on the lot has this.
Whether or not this is the case, We understand the corrosive nature of the weather here in Michigan.
However, having lived and bought numerous cars in Canada and Michigan in the past 20 years, This is by far the worst rust build-up we have noticed, especially this early into the ownership.
To compare, We currently still own two volvos well over 100,000 mile mark. There are only minor hints of rust on the flanges and couple bolts.
Yes. This exhaust flange is very unsightly. Rust that is. But, … it is pretty substantial piece of metal that even in environs like Michigan, it will most likely outlast the service life of the rest of the exhaust, … or - just perhaps - even your whole new car? It was probably designed that way by Toyota, in the first place.
Why, for example, use Corten or Weathering steel (expensive!) if simply thicker, but much, much cheaper flange will suffice? Such is economics of everything manufactured these days.
Anyway, I think more important to you, … and me, too, is the corrosion resistance of the car body: rocker panels, strut towers, fenders, floor boards, wheel arches, windshield frames, et alia. I would be keeping an eye on those parts, instead. I lived in Ontario, I have been in Cambridge, Ontario (assembly location of your car), and I can tell you that all those cars rot the moment they are driven out of the plant onto the storage lot. Have a close look at your new car, for example, at the bottom of the rocker panel, at the bottom, at the point that two sheet metal pieces are spot welded facing down. You will most likely, by now, see a discolouration streaks on the paint. Those are rust stains, … rust that forms around the spot welds and now bleeds as moisture drains from the inside. Again, … it’s how they build them today.
You also mentioning two Volvos, … yes, Sweden learned long time ago, that cars rust quickly in Swedish environs, so they protect their cars bit better from corrosion. Swedes have demanded that from their manufacturers! Cars are very expensive over there - heavily taxed. We don’t demand such here, … so we get what we get.
Best,
F.S.
Thank you for taking your time. Ill take your advice on the body and keep an eye.
I don't think it's a big deal for the life and usability of car, but if I'd just dropped $40k + for a car, I'd be pissed and want it attended to. You could also try:
https://www.toyota.com/support/#!/app/ask
Thank you for your response,
We did file this issue using that same website.
They reached out to us and stated that No action is recommended as this is a normal occurrence.