New 2010 HL Interior Problem

[kkovak]

I just noticed a problem with my 2 1/2 week old 2010 HL SE. On the center console there are "silver" rings encircling the cup holders (see red arrow in pic). I just noticed while out at lunch that on one of the rings the silver coating is peeling off revealing a white plastic underneath.

I don't know how long this has been there or if it's been there all along. I only noticed it because the sun hit it strangely and reflected.

Should the warranty cover replacing this? Any thought?

Thanks
Ken

[TrailDust]

I'd say anything defective like that is a warranty item. BTW, it's just an opinion but if you don't mind the aesthetic change I'd leave it as is. I find that I frequently curse those effing rings because they glint so intensely and reflect sunlight right up between my cheek and sunglasses and nail me right in the eye. It's very distracting while driving! Now that I know there's just a thin sheath of reflective material on those rings I intend to remove it.

[jgayman]

I agree! I fail to understand the mindset of automakers and their obsession with chrome plating on the dashboard and center console.

[matt0420]

I cant see that not being convered under warranty, unless the dealer tries to pull something like you damaged it all on your own blah blah.
But being that its such a new vehicle I dont see them doing that, so I'd take it back and show them.

Funny to hear the complaints about the chrome reflecting in peoples eyes, my dad used to ALWAYS say that would be such a huge issue, even though I dont think he has ever had a car with chrome anywhere in the interior...
So far with the Highlander I've never been bothered with the chrome on the cupholders (or the dashboard) reflecting and bothering my vision, and I usually have the sunroof/windows open all the time, so lots of light gets in.

[05Moose]

I agree, I think they'll cover it. They usually do on a newer vehicle like that even if you did do it yourself because they can't guarantee it didn't happen at the factory or by someone else taking it for a test drive or detailing it.

On the reflection issue that we're all discussing, we knew going into this about that problem because when our 05 Highlander was in the body shop last year for weeks, we were driving around a newer HL. And it had the same problem. But it's not just the chrome rings that bother us. My wife plans on putting a hand towel within reach next summer because the whole center console that's silver (all round the cup holders) can be blinding (coming up from under our glasses). Just as bad, if not worse, than the silver rings because it's a larger reflection.

[TrailDust]

I think the reflection from the chrome rings is more pronounced for owners in southern latitudes, since the more vertical the sun comes through the front windshield in summer the more intense the reflection. I don't have nearly as much trouble with it during the winter. Anyway, just an observation.

[fracisco]

I, too, wish that they were actual chrome or brushed metal rings, rather than the metal coating on plastic. I already have some chips out of the coating in a couple of places, too.

[PhotonDreams]

Yo! How 'bout this. Mask off the area along side the chrome and then take a fine steel wool and lightly rub it down to a much softer luster. I'd test it on car in the junk yard first, just to be careful not to go through the that thin layer of chrome.

[kkovak]

Follow up: went to the dealer yesterday and they will replace the part under warranty. They did not even want to go out and look at the car, they took my word for it. It was also pouring rain and I guess they didn't want to get wet.

BTW: the cupholder rings are integred into the center console top, so thwhole piece has to be repplaced.