Did the CRV plastic panel melt

Definitely external. There’s nothing under those parts that could produce that kind of heat.

It seems like heat was focused onto that spot. That’s unfortunate.

My CR-V handled 120-degree temps in Phoenix, so I think this has to be vandalism, like someone really used a propane torch.

Finnian said:
My CR-V handled 120-degree temps in Phoenix, so I think this has to be vandalism, like someone really used a propane torch.

Sunlight focused by reflections can easily exceed that temperature without an actual flame.

A torch would be tough to use without damaging the plastic in some way.