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.
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
Same problem 2007 Toyota 4runnner had to paint wheels.
Update….. Dealer will now warranty re-finishing for a 4th time but will not waive $100 tire removal and re-mount. Service manager told me they don’t know what kind of chemicals I could be putting on them possibly causing this problem. BTW… ceramic brake pads don’t usually leave dust residue. What you would see is graphite from the cast iron rotor. What a joke!
I have a 2008 Toyota Tacoma with only 69K Kms on it. all four alloy rims are bubbling badley and look terrible. Will send a picture. Toyota has informed me that they basically do not care. This is a major problem and we need to send this info to the CEO of Toyota. I have been a Toyota fan since I was 16 years and now 50 I have seen this company turn into a low quality vehicle supplier. They no longer stand behind their products. I was just about to buy a Sienna van but have decided this is the last straw, I am buying a Honda Odyssey!!
I have a 2009 Toyota RAV4 sport V6. The vehicle’s rims started corroding at around the 3 year mark. After returning from a long deployment, I have now taken the vehicle to the Toyota dealership and called Toyota customer service. Although their corrosion warranty on new vehicles is 60 months, they have stated that the rims are not subject to corrosion warranty, and that this is not a manufacturer defect.
As the head of an Engineering Department, I can say with certainty that the vehicle was not exposed to abnormal conditions. This is absolutely a manufacturer defect in that subpar quality alloys were chosen for the rim material which cannot withstand normal ambient conditions. All of my RIMS including the full size spare, which has seen almost no use are failing and will have to be replaced at a cost of around $3500. A cost which Toyota says the customer must cover.
Through a quick search online, I’ve found many others RAV4 owners report similar wheel corrosion issues. I don’t think it’s acceptable that my vehicle should be corroding away with 54,000 km on it, while being operated in the most moderate climate in Canada: Victoria, BC.
2007 4 Runner…. Keystone has re-coated 3 times under warranty. Need it again in less than 12K. Each time lasts approx. 12K or 1 winter. Last time dealer wanted $100 for dis-mount & Re-mount tires. Toyota DM waved charges.
Same problem 2006 Tacoma. Really disappointed with the low quality wheels Toyota put on these trucks (although they were happen to charge a premium price for them). I wash my truck at least once a week in the winter to remove road salt and break dust. Too bad Toyota has decided to lose customers over this problem. I used to think they were a good company with a great product. Not so much any more.