Peeling Clear Coat on 4Runner Hood

Hello all,

I am new to the forum but I have just recently noticed that there are a few small spots on the hood of my 4Runner that look like they're peeling. The paint seems unaffected but it looks like the clear coat is peeling up. Its small now, but I'd rather try and tackle the problem now rather than let it get worse. Are there any suggestions as to how about fixing this yourself? Thanks

 

Every new vehicle has a paint and corrosion warranty. Check with the dealer first, if there isn’t signs of rock chip or something being the initial cause they should cover it. If they don’t try Toyota customer care, Toyota has been under fire lately because paint quality issues, in fact in February they just issued a warranty extension on the blizzard Pearl white painted vehicles because of how many have had paint flaking issues. It’s worth a shot. If you get shot down talk to a body shop about your options.

 

Toyota's are notorious for crap paint jobs and clear coats, since the 80s. My 2008 4Runner needs an entire new paint job at this point, despite waxing regularly and keeping it up. Sucks because when I go to sell in 2 years, it's going to affect the price, despite running perfect underneath.

According to CBC, letters sent by Toyota to car owners mention a new "warranty enhancement program" that covers the following years and models of vehicles with the original Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint:

• 2008-2009 Lexus GX 470
• 2008-2017 Toyota Avalon
• 2008-2017 Toyota Camry
• 2008-2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid
• 2008-2017 Toyota RAV4
• 2009-2018 Toyota Corolla
• 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner
• 2011-2015 Scion xB
• 2012-2015 Scion iQ

 

^^^ Spot on. I've had five 4Runners and Tacomas in the last 8 years (for both me and the kids) and ALL of them had clear coat problems. All of my buddies' trucks are the same. No idea why Toyota can't seem to fix this issue. Crossing fingers that my '20 doesn't have the same problems but I'm not holding my breath.

 

Toyota uses shit paint, minimal or 'thin' layers, and overall bad application. It's total crap for the last 30 years and mind boggling why they don't fix it. There has even been a class action lawsuit which they didn't admit wrongdoing but agreed to fix so many paintjobs at a big cost to them. And still they don't change their factory ways.

Really hoping they fix this for the new hybrid 4Runners in 2023.

 

I’ve got a few spots like that on my 2018 ORP but I know they’re rock chips from gravel roads. I’ve thought about wrapping the hood using a dull semi gloss wrap to protect it and reduce glare, but I haven’t decided yet whether to do it.

 

If the paint is not touched a good shop can fine sand and shoot the whole hood in clearcoat

 

What is the status these days of doing your own sanding and taking a part in to have it painted? Will they charge you more because you worked on it first, or not work on it at all because you're trying to save money?

 

Hell there’s a lot of places that won’t even paint parts you didn’t purchase through them.

 

That sucks. No wonder there are so many guys on youtube painting their own vehicles. Wish I had a paint booth and compressor. My 4Runner needs a serious paintjob. Hood and top are looking really bad. Top edge along the doors (the part that faces the sky) are also looking bad.

Anyone tried those super crappy Maaco type shops?

 

My 2007 FJ suffers from clear-coat delamination, has been for the last 3 yrs. I had my 4Runner wrapped, so I'm guessing it shouldn't be an issue on this truck.

 

Poor quality paint and the application process is the direct result of the bean counters. It’s that simple.

 

I had some problem with paint on older Toyota that I had, but my previous RAV4, a 2011 is still in great shape. I live In Quebec where we spray crazy amount of salt and abrasives 5 months per year to keep road clear ! My black rav4 is in fact gray in winter ! I don't know if it can help but I use a Cquartz UK semi permanent protection topped with Cquartz gliss that I renew every two years. I just did the same on my 4runner, I wish that this coat will protect the paint correctly on this one too.

edit : I know it won't address the paint and clear quality issue, but maybe it can offer a modest protection

 

I've had similar issues on my older 'yotas. the 2019 hasn't shown any issues yet. This is the one area where my old Chevys were better. we still have an 06 Trailblazer and the paint/clearcoat looks great aside from damage from rocks etc.

 

Just finished arguing with Toyota don’t care line about 2010 4Runner limited, clear coat is wasted on the hood and roof. I used the dealership recommended body shop they took pictures and told Toyota that I have a factory caused delimitation problem. After all the run around and double talk they pretty much told me F you we are going to do nothing about it. I now have a great vehicle that looks like shit and they could care less! Assholes!

 

When you says “Toyota” and “they” are you referring to actual Toyota corporate, as in customer care, or a privately owned franchised dealership?

 

Toyota dealers and Toyota Corporate (Toyota Care) suck.

I've dealt with their bullshit too.

 

I know you guys are talkin about Gen 5s....but here a pic of my 04 Sport.
My body guy is gonna repaint for 400.00...told him i just wanted an Earl Sheib job..lol..

 

I was dealing with a local dealership and Toyota Customer Care 1800-331-4331 prompt 5 & 3. I’m still pissed! I only have 76000 miles waxed and clay bared it. It also spent a lot of the 10 years in the garage. A barn find would be better than this. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

People better call in and state their case or they will never do anything about it and ultimately win screwing everyone!

Do what you can, that’s all I have to say for now.

 

my '97 paint seems to be holding up...with the usual rock chips on the front hood...clear coat seems to be holding...seems that certain toyota colors , hold up better than others....With all the issues the company has been having with paint jobs, you would think they would focus on getting it right.....duh !