Toyota Alloy Wheels Bubbling – Toyota Quality Concerns
The Problem – Toyota vehicles equipped with alloy wheels are experiencing abnormal corrosion and bubbling of paint and/or clear coat finish. I noticed that the finish on my Sienna’s (2005 XLE AWD) alloy wheels had some bubbles several months ago. My wife drives this vehicle almost exclusively, so I don’t “inspect” it too often. But last week I noticed the wheels now look horrible. Looking at other Siennas with these same wheels, most (over 80%) have the exact same problem. The problem affects post-2004 Siennas and other Toyota models equipped with alloy wheels.
Toyota’s Position – At this time, not admitting any manufacturing defect, and not extending any corrosion warranty protection. Toyota has suggested that brake dust build-up and lack of prompt removal of road salt are to blame. Very interesting because my 1998 4Runner has alloy wheels, and they’re in great shape. Same geographic location, same level of care (probably above average), and 7 more years on the road.
My Suspicion – Toyota or its alloy wheel supplier switched to a “greener” manufacturing process, perhaps using a water-based finish process (as opposed to solvent based), or at the very least, a lower level of solvent. The switch-over, although well-intentioned and environmentally responsible, is often difficult to pull off. Recall the peeling paint problem (body panels) GM had in the 1990s. The problem we’re talking about here is similar, originating under the finish, as if there is a problem with the finish’s ability to adhere. The problem has nothing to do with curb rash, stone chips, etc., in which the integrity of the finish has been compromised externally.
Strength In Numbers – If you have the same problem with premature bubbling or corrosion of your Toyota alloy wheels, add your comments below. Be sure to provide the Model and Year of your vehicle. If you submit a photo of an affected wheel (150X150 px .PNG or .JPEG file preferred), I will add it to the “Toyota Quality Wall of Shame” below. Send wheel photos to: olivecg(@ symbol)charter.net. With enough feedback from angry customers, we might be able to get Toyota to accept responsibility for this widespread problem.
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Tags: Bubbles On My Alloy Wheels, Finish Bubbling, Sienna Alloy Wheel Problem, Sienna Alloy Wheels Bubbling, Sienna Wheel Corrosion, Sienna Wheel Problem, Sienna Wheels Bubbling, Toyota, Toyota Alloy Wheel Complaints, Toyota Alloy Wheel Manufacturing Defect, Toyota Alloy Wheel Problem, Toyota Alloy Wheels, Toyota Alloy Wheels Bubbling, Toyota Poor Quality, Toyota Wheel Complaints, Toyota Wheel Problem
a little advice for people who’s warranty is up: my warranty is not up and they are fixing the wheel problem, but made it a point to state that it is not covered under the warranty (as this would be admission of defect) and they are just doing a good faith fix. Well why does it matter then if u have a warranty or not if its just a good faith fix.
September 01,2010
Our 2007 Rav4 has bubbling on all four alloy wheels. Noticed it just after the warranty was up so the dealership will only pay 60% of the resurfacing (which will take a week). Our 2003 Camry with same alloy wheels has no problem and it was driven on salted roads in the winter in Calgary and is out here at the west coast near Nanimo along with our Rav. Toyota Canada was sent photos and so far would do nothing as it’s not under warranty anymore (by a few months). Will still pursue them and the dealership in Calgary where it was purchased.
My 2006 4Runner Sport with 17″ aluminum wheels all have the paint bubbling. This definitely looks like a defect in workmanship since wheels shouldn’t do this. All I do is highway driving to and from work in the mid east coast area. My 2000 4Runner SR5 never had a problem with its aluminum wheels.
All 4 wheel covers are “peeling” They look awful. 2004 Sienna. I’m taking it into the dealer next week. I’ll keep you posted.
My girl friends 2007 Rav4 Sport has this same problem, as others I have seen in parking lots. Even the spare which was put on about a year ago is getting real bad.
The saga I went through detailed below (07 Tacoma Sport gone 8 weeks total) indicates to me that the problem is not with the paint or finish process, but the alloy itself as previously mentioned by the Admin. REFINISH DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM!
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Oct 2009 – rims bubbled so took to dealer just before 3/36 warranty ran out. Dealership had rims resurfaced and painted by local Rim shop. Took 1 week . . . . . . . .
June 2010 – Rims bubbling again. Dealership sent to different shop who had for 3 weeks and resurfaced multiple times, paint consistently bubbled after sitting overnight. They let rims sit in neutralizer for days. Thought they fixed . . . . . . . . . .
July 2010 – Rims began to bubble again after 1 week. Took back to dealership who sent to third shop to resurface. After 3 weeks of resurface and paint, someone deemed rims as unrepairable and dealership ordered new rims . Total 4 weeks. . . . . . . .
Dealership was excellent, giving me a loaner car every time for 1 week in Oct, 3 weeks in June, and 4 weeks in July/Aug. No charge on anything. . . . . . . . . .
New rims are perfect but look just like the old, alloy face and painted inside surface.
Does anyone know if the newer manufactured rims have the problem solved????? Trying to determine if my replacement rims will bubble too
My dealer (for my certified used 2007 Tacoma) is going to have the wheels re-worked. They, Milton Martin (Gainesville, GA) have informally agreed that this may be a factory defect.
Ditto – alloy bubbling and flaking on my 2004 Avensis alloys. Unhappy bunny!
2005 Sienna – All four wheels are bubbled and chipping. Looks really bad and we’ve never experienced this problem with other alloy wheels. Great vehicle, poor wheel quality!
the dealer will be refinishing all five wheels as I am still under 30k mile warranty
I live in Indiana and purchased my 4 runnner new in 2005. Witin the first two years after purchase the paint on all my rims started to bubble. I certainly wish Toyota would own this issue but I can’t find anyone who has said that they will repair or replace this manufacturing defect.
My 2007 FJ Cruiser with only 20K has all five wheels experiencing bubbling from underneath the finish. This includes the wheel on the rear door well away from regular rode salt.
I have the problem with a 2006 Sienna XLE I just bought used. I told the dealer I will not accept the wheels and they agreed to switch them for me. Every wheel on Sienna’s on their lot that could have worked had the same problem.
I have exact same issue with my 2005 AWD Sienna.
Wheels are bubbling. I question Toyota’s sense with my entire wheel and tire solution. Along with the ugly alloy situation, the Dunlap Run Flat’s are a joke and very expensive. How did this get passed QC?
Our 2007 Rav 4 Sport is experiencing bubbling on all four alloy wheels as well. Noticed it about two years ago and is getting progressively worse. Front wheels are starting to chip and peel. Can’t compare it to other Toyota models as this is the only one we have had. I can say that the car is well maintained and washed regularly so not a road salt issue. Luckily it is a leased vehicle so will be returning to the dealer in 6 months and they can deal with it.