Morimoto Review - No Bueno

***Update 8/19 - Morimoto emailed saying they wanted to try replacing it with one directly from them, instead of one from 4Runner Lifestyle where I purchased mine. They asked for all the packaging for 4RL too if I still had it. Wonder if they are thinking there might be knock offs out there? Anyways, will update again once theirs arrives.***

I bought the Morimoto X3B LED to replace the boring factory 3rd brake light, and it's probably going back. They are supposedly "perfect factory fit" but not on my 22 TRD Pro. The factory unit mounts perfectly flush to the underside of the spoiler, and is recessed a bit back from the edge of the spoiler to shield it from water getting between the two. The Morimoto has an obnoxiously large rubber gasket for the wiring plug area that is glued on and prevents you from getting it recessed to the mounting holes. It took two of us, one pushing/holding it in place so the holes would line up, and one to get the screws in. You can see the gap between the top of the light housing and the underside of the rear spoiler, and it does not recess back from the edge of the spoiler, it sits flush to the edge so water can get between it easily. I'm sure this is why they have the crazy thick gasket to prevent water from getting inside the body where the wires come out, but, that is like putting a band-aid on a broken bone. Terrible design, and for the amount of money they charge you'd think they would design these to fit the same (or even better) than the factory unit. And before you ask why don't I take the gasket off or shave it down, I don't want to modify it if it may be going back, they will reject it. Anyone else had this issue and any thoughts? I emailed Morimoto and waiting on a response.



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Thanks for saving me some money. Wanted to get the brake light to match my tails at some point…sticking to OEM

 

Sometimes having OEM parts is best for fit/finish. This looks to be one of those times. Thank you for letting everyone know and sorry you had to deal with such an issue for something that should have been an easy install.

 

Mine sits flush. Have had it for about 8 months with no issues.

 

I wonder if your rear spoiler is different being a few years older?

 

It is the same part number for the 2010-2024 models.

 

Morimoto replied asking for pictures or video explaining the issue, will see what their response is.

 

Updated original post after Morimoto’s response.

 

knock offs already? Those haven't been out that long really. And I assume that 4L uses Morimoto as their supplier to resell.
Eager to see what your outcome is. Glad they hit you up and doing something , even though it wasn't Morimoto's sale to begin with.
Any contact from 4L?

 

I haven’t contacted 4L about it, when I saw the issue I went right to the manufacturer.

 

You made the right choice going straight to the manufacture. I had an interior lighting issue with something I ordered from 4L and they pretty much blew me off. Luckily the manufacture sent me a replacement immediately and everything was ok. I stopped buying from 4L after that; they just don't stand behind what they sell.