White Powder From Heater Vent

[Benny1997]

About a year ago, as we approached winter and the temperatures began to drop, I noticed a white powder along the top of the dashboard, near the heater/defrost vent. (I have a 1997 RX350.) I cleaned it up a few times, but it continued to accumulate. It would take a few days for enough to accumulate to be noticeable. I had the Lexus dealer take a look at it. They determined it was a deteriorating heater core and they replaced it. That seemed to solve the problem and I no longer saw the white powder. Now, one year later, as the temperatures once again are dropping and I'm beginning to use the heater, I am seeing the white powder again.

Have others experienced this problem?

[GDixon]

About a year ago, as we approached winter and the temperatures began to drop, I noticed a white powder along the top of the dashboard, near the heater/defrost vent. (I have a 1997 RX350.) I cleaned it up a few times, but it continued to accumulate. It would take a few days for enough to accumulate to be noticeable. I had the Lexus dealer take a look at it. They determined it was a deteriorating heater core and they replaced it. That seemed to solve the problem and I no longer saw the white powder. Now, one year later, as the temperatures once again are dropping and I'm beginning to use the heater, I am seeing the white powder again.

Have others experienced this problem?

Do a search using the LOC search engine in the upper right corner. You will find several hits and much confusion. You may have the answer with the heater core fix and others will be grateful for the knowledge.

[GDixon]

I just did a search and nothing of any value came up. Sorry for the misdirection. I know I read several posts a few months ago on the subject but just can't find them.

Anyway, most people thought it was the cabin air filter deteriorating but replacing it didn't seem to do much good. Odd, because it is supposed to filler the incoming air from the heater.

[retired00]

I just did a search and nothing of any value came up. Sorry for the misdirection. I know I read several posts a few months ago on the subject but just can't find them.

Anyway, most people thought it was the cabin air filter deteriorating but replacing it didn't seem to do much good. Odd, because it is supposed to filler the incoming air from the heater.

Here's one thread, at least. Try a search on white particles and white dust, as well, and you may get more, but it seems it's an internal piece causing it.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...p;hl=white+dust

[Rich Dinap]

I just did a search and nothing of any value came up. Sorry for the misdirection. I know I read several posts a few months ago on the subject but just can't find them.

Anyway, most people thought it was the cabin air filter deteriorating but replacing it didn't seem to do much good. Odd, because it is supposed to filler the incoming air from the heater.

Here's one thread, at least. Try a search on white particles and white dust, as well, and you may get more, but it seems it's an internal piece causing it.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...p;hl=white+dust

This was a fairly rare issue when I had the problem in Sept 2007 supposedly on 3 other identical problems in the country. They initially replaced the filters but the problem returned. Then they replaced the evaporators twice and problem solved. My cars interior was gutted twice. Lexus regional sent techs to look into the problem so by now they are aware of it. Tell them to Call Lexus in East Hanover NJ and speak to their service and they can tell them the resolution if they can't get info from their regional techs.

[Benny1997]

I just did a search and nothing of any value came up. Sorry for the misdirection. I know I read several posts a few months ago on the subject but just can't find them.

Anyway, most people thought it was the cabin air filter deteriorating but replacing it didn't seem to do much good. Odd, because it is supposed to filler the incoming air from the heater.

Here's one thread, at least. Try a search on white particles and white dust, as well, and you may get more, but it seems it's an internal piece causing it.

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...p;hl=white+dust

This was a fairly rare issue when I had the problem in Sept 2007 supposedly on 3 other identical problems in the country. They initially replaced the filters but the problem returned. Then they replaced the evaporators twice and problem solved. My cars interior was gutted twice. Lexus regional sent techs to look into the problem so by now they are aware of it. Tell them to Call Lexus in East Hanover NJ and speak to their service and they can tell them the resolution if they can't get info from their regional techs.

Thanks for all the info. Your posts caused me to go back and check my service records. My service tech suspected the heater core, but now after reading the service report, I realize they actually replaced the evaporator. That was in December 2007. I should also mention that I took delivery of this 2007 vehicle in May 2006, soon after the RX350 was first introduced. So it was my second winter when the problem occured. And now I am just starting my second winter with the replaced evaporator and seeing the white dust again. Seems like a pattern to me.

[Mary2008]

The first Winter after I bought my 2007 RX350 I started noticing white powder on my dashboard. The dealership told me they couldn't find anything wrong with the heating system. I just took it back again (2 years later) and asked them to check it again. The service department told me it was an evaporator problem and that there was no current fix for it but that Lexus was working on it. After reading the other postings, it seems like replacing the evaporator is no sure fix either since the white powder keeps coming back. After a week of not cleaning my dashboard, it has a blanket of white powder on it and on my door rests, etc. Has anyone determined what this white powder is composed of. What are we breathing into our lungs everytime it blows out into our faces?

[vibbie]

I have the same problem with white dust and moldy smell after my 2nd winter with less than 8,000 miles on the car. Took the car in for service twice with no success. Paid $300 to replace cabin filter and A/C service. That did not help, actually made it worse. Do not let them talk you into doing these services. Best approach is to call Lexus Customer Assistance Center (1-800-255-3987) and they will graciously assign a specialist to work with you and your local dealership. Lexus knows of this issue. They have advised my dealership to replace the evaporator. My car is in the shop for the 3rd time as we speak. Will let you know in a few weeks if the problem is resolved. My only concern with replacing the evaporator is they have to take apart the whole dashboard. If they don't put the dashboard back properly, it could become another big issue later on. Did anyone have any issues after having the evaporator replaced? Please let me know about your experience. Thank you.

The first Winter after I bought my 2007 RX350 I started noticing white powder on my dashboard. The dealership told me they couldn't find anything wrong with the heating system. I just took it back again (2 years later) and asked them to check it again. The service department told me it was an evaporator problem and that there was no current fix for it but that Lexus was working on it. After reading the other postings, it seems like replacing the evaporator is no sure fix either since the white powder keeps coming back. After a week of not cleaning my dashboard, it has a blanket of white powder on it and on my door rests, etc. Has anyone determined what this white powder is composed of. What are we breathing into our lungs everytime it blows out into our faces?

[RXinATL]

Same thing here with '07 RX350. Brought it in for service week ago last Tuesday for 30k service. Mentioned to service advisor and showed him the huge amount of white crap on the dash along with the moldy smell when using the heater for the first 5 or 6 times this winter. He told me it was just dust and wiped it off the dash. Well, by one week later (this past Tuesday) when I noticed that they didn't put one of my wheel locks back on one of the wheels (yeah, for my $550. for the 30k they really scratched up 2 wheels by the lug holes, left off one lug nut - the lock one, and didn't address the white crap issue) I called them back and spoke to the service manager. The car is now back in the service department getting the dash pulled out to replace the evap core, new locks and sending the wheels out for refinishing. I should have it back next Tues or Weds.

I have the same problem with white dust and moldy smell after my 2nd winter with less than 8,000 miles on the car. Took the car in for service twice with no success. Paid $300 to replace cabin filter and A/C service. That did not help, actually made it worse. Do not let them talk you into doing these services. Best approach is to call Lexus Customer Assistance Center (1-800-255-3987) and they will graciously assign a specialist to work with you and your local dealership. Lexus knows of this issue. They have advised my dealership to replace the evaporator. My car is in the shop for the 3rd time as we speak. Will let you know in a few weeks if the problem is resolved. My only concern with replacing the evaporator is they have to take apart the whole dashboard. If they don't put the dashboard back properly, it could become another big issue later on. Did anyone have any issues after having the evaporator replaced? Please let me know about your experience. Thank you.

The first Winter after I bought my 2007 RX350 I started noticing white powder on my dashboard. The dealership told me they couldn't find anything wrong with the heating system. I just took it back again (2 years later) and asked them to check it again. The service department told me it was an evaporator problem and that there was no current fix for it but that Lexus was working on it. After reading the other postings, it seems like replacing the evaporator is no sure fix either since the white powder keeps coming back. After a week of not cleaning my dashboard, it has a blanket of white powder on it and on my door rests, etc. Has anyone determined what this white powder is composed of. What are we breathing into our lungs everytime it blows out into our faces?

[vibbie]

Well, this now appears to be a common problem among 'early' 2007 RX-350 model as more people are experiencing white dust and moldy smell after two years of service. Lexus, as a company, needs to deal with this appropriately. From what I can tell, the dealership is doing their best to ignore or side step the problem. The one question that I have is....how do we know the problem will not reappear 2 years after the evaporator has been replaced? By that time, the warranty on the car would have expired. It would be quite costly to replace the evaporator again. Given that this could lead to critical health issues from breathing in the white dusts and potential lawsuit against them, they should consider a recall. I would advise anyone with this issue to call Lexus Customer Assistance directly to file a complaint and have them coordinate repair work with the dealership first. This could save you a lot of time and money.

Bottom line, I'm very disappointed with Lexus. For the price we paid, I do not expect to experience such issue in a luxury car. Would think twice before buying another Lexus. Good luck to all RX-350 owners.

Same thing here with '07 RX350. Brought it in for service week ago last Tuesday for 30k service. Mentioned to service advisor and showed him the huge amount of white crap on the dash along with the moldy smell when using the heater for the first 5 or 6 times this winter. He told me it was just dust and wiped it off the dash. Well, by one week later (this past Tuesday) when I noticed that they didn't put one of my wheel locks back on one of the wheels (yeah, for my $550. for the 30k they really scratched up 2 wheels by the lug holes, left off one lug nut - the lock one, and didn't address the white crap issue) I called them back and spoke to the service manager. The car is now back in the service department getting the dash pulled out to replace the evap core, new locks and sending the wheels out for refinishing. I should have it back next Tues or Weds.

[sdowd]

My 2008 RX 350 is in for service now with the same problem. They told me it was the AC compressor unit and it was leaking -- 3 day job and they have to take out the dashboard. I'm hopeful it will all be put together again! ;)

[neerajkalra73]

i have an 08 rx350. bought it in nov 2007. started seeing white dust by dec 07. lexus of greenwich replace the evaporator air assembly. took them 4 days to do as they had to take off the dash. seems like the powder is starting to come back. occasionally i also get the moldy smell. i am afraid of taking it to the dealer after the warranty is over. please all those who are having this problem, we need to call lexus and let them know, so they do something about it and we are not stuck with big bills post warranty period. if someone knows who to call and at what number please let all the others know. Until we all speak up, we wont be heard.

thanks y'all

[pauljcl]

i have an 08 rx350. bought it in nov 2007. started seeing white dust by dec 07. lexus of greenwich replace the evaporator air assembly. took them 4 days to do as they had to take off the dash. seems like the powder is starting to come back. occasionally i also get the moldy smell. i am afraid of taking it to the dealer after the warranty is over. please all those who are having this problem, we need to call lexus and let them know, so they do something about it and we are not stuck with big bills post warranty period. if someone knows who to call and at what number please let all the others know. Until we all speak up, we wont be heard.

thanks y'all

You are still under warranty, I assume, so the dealer will have to fix it again. I also have read that a problem evidenced during warranty, fixed and re-fixed unsuccessfully, qualifies in certain states for re-fixing at no cost to you until they get it right (?)

[RXinATL]

Had mine go in 2x for the white dust. The second time was about 2-3 weeks after they replaced the evap core. The second trip they took the dash out again and this time cleaned out the ducts and the area below the new core - don't know why that isn't part of the first repair. This seemed to have finally fixed the problem. When they opened it the second time they said the new core was ok and not flaking - the problem was all of the residual white particles in the vents.

At this second time, I asked the dealer to also detail the interior (shampoo entire interior + replace mats), they did that and haven't seen the white dust since.

[rx350guy]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one.. So far, no issues of this nature with my 08 RX 350. I hope I didn't just jinx myself!

[Peter400h]

I am having the evaporator replaced as I type this, will be done in 2 days. Took video of the condition of dash etc. before I gave it to them.

[cduluk]

I am having the evaporator replaced as I type this, will be done in 2 days. Took video of the condition of dash etc. before I gave it to them.

GOOD IDEA. They messed up some serious parts when i had it done to mine... It was a hassle to get them to replace it all too.