Rust Gas Cap

Pointed this out to the dealer during my 25k maintenance. Tech said it was nothing to be worried about and wouldn’t spread. Said the rivet is metal, but the surrounding area would not rust. He said that other 4Runners have this. I have another year on my corrosion warranty, so I didn’t feel like battling with him. Can anyone confirm what he is telling me?

 

My wife's Highlander has this exact same thing, even same lower rivet. We have owned it for six years without any issues, and the rust has not spread anywhere else. I would not lose sleep over it.

 

That's helpful info.

Matt, have you considered putting a dollop of rust neutralizer on that rivet? I'm not sure if that's a good idea or not, but if it was me I'd be tempted. Maybe others on the forum can advise why that might or might not be worth trying.

 

I have not. I wanted to see what the dealership said first. Honestly, I’m probably not going to do anything unless it starts to spread. I’m in Charlotte, NC, so I don’t have to worry about the elements making it worse.

 

Makes sense. Good luck with it and maybe update us sometime.

 

FYI that’s the fuel door, not the gas cap. But personally I would take a small dremel bit, clean up the rust, then use a q-tip in some rustolium to dab some paint over the cleaned up area.

 

paint it. all done