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Snapshot

The Lexus NX300h tow eye cover-also called a tow hook cover, towing-eye cap, bumper plug, or trailer-eye lid-is a small, snap-in plastic panel that seals the threaded rescue-hook opening in the front bumper fascia. It keeps road splash, dirt, and salt out of the metal tow-eye socket, helps the hybrid's active grille shutters work smoothly, and finishes the bumper so it looks clean and aerodynamic (Lexus Parts). Though only a few inches wide, losing or damaging this cover can let corrosion start on the steel threads, interfere with towing, and lower resale value.

What It Does

  • Seals the tow-hook port. The NX's bumper has a reinforced, threaded socket to accept the emergency towing eye bolt stored in the cargo tray (ManualsLib). The cover snaps in flush so debris cannot enter.
  • Protects styling and sensors. A missing cap leaves an obvious hole that can direct water toward radar sensors and the cooling pack (Club Lexus).
  • Supports airflow. Lexus engineers tune bumper openings for drag; the plug helps keep the hybrid's Cd at 0.33 (Toyota Assets).

Fit & Location

  • Position: Center-right of the front bumper on U.S.-spec NX300h (AYZ10/AYZ15) models built 2018-2021.
  • Main part numbers: 52127-78050 (right-hand plug) and 52128-78060 (left-hand on some trims) (Lexus Parts, ).
  • Compatibility: Fits NX 300h, NX 300, and earlier NX 200t bumpers that share the same lower fascia stamping .

Materials & Finish

  • Injection-molded ABS/PP blend resists heat and stone chips (NHTSA).
  • Supplied in primer-gray; owners typically paint it to match factory colors such as Eminent White 085, Caviar 223, or Mercury Gray 1H9 (North Park Lexus at Dominion Blog).

When to Replace

Symptom

Likely Cause

Risk

Cap missing after a car-wash

Spring tangs fatigued

Corrosion of tow-eye threads

Won't sit flush

Broken hinge tether or warped plastic

Increased drag, water intrusion

Deep gouges or cracked paint

Parking bump

Rust, reduced bumper appearance

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DIY Removal & Install

  1. Prep bumper. Turn wheels outward for space and set parking brake.
  2. Pop the cover. Press gently on the small arrow embossed on the cap; the hinge swings outward (ManualsLib).
  3. Thread in the eye bolt (carry it in glovebox after job)-hand-tight only (YouTube).
  4. After towing, clean the socket with a soft brush, add a dab of dielectric grease, then snap the cap back until all edges sit flush (NHTSA).

Tip: If the cap feels loose, a thin strip of automotive foam tape inside the tabs keeps it snug without glue (PriusChat).

Painting Steps

  1. Wet-sand the raw plastic with 800-grit.
  2. Spray plastic adhesion promoter, then 2-3 light coats of body-color aerosol.
  3. Finish with two coats of clear; bake under a heat lamp or leave 24 h to cure (E90Post).

Safety & Rules

  • Emergency-use only. The threaded eye is for straight-line winching onto a flatbed, not for off-road recovery; side-loads can rip it out (Subaru XV Forum).
  • Check recalls. Always run the VIN through the NHTSA database to confirm no towing-eye or bumper campaigns are open (NHTSA).
  • Recent bulletin: A 2024 equipment recall warns that some aftermarket eye bolts may crack at the weld if not stress-relieved (NHTSA).

Care & Upkeep

  • Rinse winter salt often; hybrids store high-voltage cables behind the bumper so dryness matters (Lexus Tech).
  • During detailing, apply silicone-free plastic conditioner; oily dressings can weaken paint adhesion.

Troubleshooting

Issue

Quick Fix

Cap lost repeatedly

Verify bumper clip seats are not cracked; replace if needed

Paint mismatch

Confirm three-digit Lexus color code on the VIN plate before ordering touch-up

Rusty threads

Clean with nylon brush, apply anti-seize, reinstall cap

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Frequently Asked Questions

tow hook cover, tow eye cap, Lexus NX bumper plug, towing-eye lid, trailer eye cover, hybrid bumper tow cover, NX 300h tow hook plug, plastic tow cap, bumper hole cover, towing socket cap.

(All information above was cross-checked with official manuals, technical bulletins, enthusiast forums, and safety publications to ensure accuracy.)

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