2007-2012 Lexus LS460 & LS600h Hood: Latch, Strut, and Alignment Issues

Symptoms of Hood Problems

Failures related to the hood on the Lexus LS460 and LS600h are typically related to physical damage, the latching mechanism, or the support struts rather than the hood panel itself.

1. Hood Will Not Stay Open

The most common issue is the failure of the gas-charged hood lift supports, also known as struts. Over time, the seals in these struts wear out, allowing the pressurized gas to escape. This results in struts that can no longer support the weight of the aluminum hood, causing it to slowly drift down or slam shut unexpectedly after being opened. You may notice oily residue on the strut shaft, which is a sign of a leaking seal.

2. Hood is Difficult to Latch or Will Not Close

If you have to slam the hood hard to get it to latch, or if it pops back up after closing, there's an issue with the latching system. This can be caused by a few things:

• Misadjusted Rubber Bump Stops: These adjustable rubber stops on either side of the radiator support control the hood's final height when closed. If they are screwed out too far, the hood can't press down far enough for the latch to engage.
• Sticking Latch Mechanism: The primary latch can become dirty or corroded, preventing it from engaging properly. Lubricating the mechanism with a spray lubricant can often resolve this.
• Stretched Release Cable: In some cases, the cable that runs from the interior release handle to the latch can stretch or bind, preventing the latch from fully resetting.

3. Hood Will Not Open

If pulling the interior release handle does nothing, the problem is likely with the release cable or latch. You may feel no tension on the handle. This can be caused by a broken or disconnected cable. Sometimes, having a helper push up and down on the hood while you pull the release lever can help it pop open if the latch is just stuck.

4. Poor Alignment and Uneven Gaps

Uneven gaps between the hood and the fenders, or the hood sitting higher or lower than the fender line, indicates an alignment problem. This is often the result of a minor collision or improper adjustment. The hood's alignment is controlled by adjusting the hinges where they bolt to the body and the rubber bump stops for height.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

As of mid-2024, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the hood, hinges, or latch assembly on the 2007-2012 Lexus LS460 or 2008-2012 Lexus LS600h. Recalls for these vehicles typically involve other areas like the fuel system or engine components.

The most frequently reported owner complaints involve the hood latch mechanism becoming difficult to operate and the hood lift supports failing, which are considered normal wear-and-tear items.

Buying a Used Hood: What to Check

A used OEM hood is often the best choice for replacement, as it guarantees perfect fitment and material quality, which can be a problem with some aftermarket parts. Since the LS460 and LS600h use an aluminum hood, there are specific things to inspect.

Inspection Checklist:

• Check for Dents and Damage: Carefully inspect the entire surface under good lighting. Pay special attention to the character lines and edges, as these are difficult to repair perfectly.
• Look for Signs of Previous Repair: Check the underside of the hood for signs of body filler (often identified with a magnet, though this won't work on aluminum), inconsistent texture, or paint overspray. A factory finish on the underside is a good sign.
• Inspect the Edges for Corrosion: While aluminum doesn't rust, it can corrode, especially if the paint has been compromised. Look for any bubbling or chalky white residue along the seams and edges.
• Verify Structural Integrity: Ensure the inner frame is not bent or cracked, especially around the hinge and latch mounting points. Damage here could indicate a more significant front-end collision.
• Confirm Part Number: The correct OEM part number for this hood is 53301-50080 (which supersedes 53301-50090). While it fits all 2007-2012 LS460 and 2008-2012 LS600h models, confirming the part number is always a good practice.

Cost Comparison for Hood Replacement

The total cost of replacing the hood depends heavily on whether you buy new or used, and the cost of paint matching.

Replacement Difficulty: 2/5

Replacing the hood is a relatively straightforward process but requires two people to avoid scratching the paint or damaging the fenders. The main challenge is aligning the new hood correctly.

1. Support the Hood: Have a helper hold the hood or use a prop rod. Do not rely on old, weak hood struts.
2. Disconnect Accessories: Unplug the windshield washer fluid lines.
3. Mark Hinge Position: Before loosening the bolts, trace the outline of the hinges on the hood with a marker. This will give you a starting point for aligning the new hood.
4. Remove Hinge Bolts: While a helper supports the hood's weight, remove the bolts connecting the hinges to the hood.
5. Install New Hood: With your helper, position the new hood and loosely install the hinge bolts.
6. Align the Hood: Close the hood slowly. Adjust its position by moving it within the slots of the hinge bolt holes until the gaps with the fenders and cowl are even. This is an iterative process of adjusting, tightening, and checking.
7. Adjust Latch and Bump Stops: Once panel gaps are correct, adjust the height of the hood using the rubber bump stops and adjust the latch striker so it closes securely without needing to be slammed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)