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.
No related posts.
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
I have a 2007 Rav 4 Sport with about 78,000 miles. I bought it at 30,000 miles and the rims already had the bubbles going, I actually thought that it was just a quick cover up the dealer did before selling the car, my mechanic was the one to tell me this has been an issue with Toyota rims. From the comments here, it certainly looks like Toyota is not taking any responsibility for this issue. I have owned at least 4 Toyotas and used to swear by their superior reliability, if Toyota wants to keep denying there’s a problem, I may also look elsewhere for the next 3 or 4 cars still left to buy in my lifetime!
Same issue here with my Tundra. Interestingly, my spare tire which isn’t an alloy wheel – just a plain steel painted rim is perfect! I do love Toyota but before I buy another one I will use this as a negotiation. “fix it or I’m walking” Nice to vent on here but what can really be done?
I’m having the same bubblung issue as described here and now the coating is almost all chipped off of all 4 wheels. Interestingly, the spare tire is just painted with a black paint and is perfect. At this point, I’m worried that the wheels may fail as they are so bad…
2006 Sienna XLE Limited minivan with 60k miles in NYC. All four wheels are bubbling and look like crap! My 2001 Maxima rims in the same weather conditions look mint. Can we please start a class action suit?! Our car is mint except of the rims. So sad.
I love Toyota vehicles, however, I am experiencing the same exact problems. We have owned several Toyota models over the years. We’ve owned 2005 and a 2006 Toyota Corolla S models. Both of which had bubbling wheels. We owned a 2007 Highlander, which had the same issue (you should have seen the spare!). We also own a 2000 Celica GTS, which was rarely driven, and basically sits in storage, unless we take it out for a spin. We purchased the car brand new and have taken excellent care of this vehicle (obsessive actually). The wheels started bubbling at 20,000 miles. This vehicle, by far, has the worst bubbling on the wheels. This car was never out in the snow, nor was it driven enough to have brake dust sitting on the wheels.
For Toyota to claim it is due to brake dust or salt is rediculous! I’m sure it could worsen the corrosion, buit its not the root cause, rather a defect on the manufacturers part! When called, Toyota takes no blame! We’ve called about other concerns in the past, with no resolution. Like I said, I love the cars, but Honda is starting to look good!
2005 Sienna XLE with 17″ alloy wheels (all typically blistered per submitted photos).
This is the third new Toyota I have purchased. I have come to one conclusion regarding this company’s service – They never admit they are wrong and fight like Tigers to avoid fixing their problems.
A class action suit on this bubbling wheel coating problem may make them take notice.
2001 TOYOTA AVALON XLS.The Vehicle still looks great, however the alloy wheels look terrible,their rusted and the finish is bubbling up on all four wheels.They were expensive and I think Toyota should stand behind their product.
I own a 2006 Toyota Sienna AWD minivan with 35,000 miles; it has the same blistering problem on all four wheels. The Toyota representative said that they were not aware of the problem and that there was no recall at this time. He also suggested that the road salt was to blame. I told him this was nonsense. Frankly, this is an evasion of Toyota’s responsibility. I am very disappointed.
I have the same issue with all four wheels of my 2005 XLE.
We have experienced this same paint finish bubbling and corrosion to the wheels. We don’t wash the van weekly, but after owning 8 vehicles with alloy wheels, this is the only one to ever experience this problem. Same owners, same area, and BOUGHT THIS 2006 SIENNA XLE BRAND NEW. MOST EXPENSIVE VEHICLE WE HAVE EVER PURCHASED AND THE WHEELS ARE LOOKING TERRIBLE.
TOYOTA DEFINITELY HAS A QUALITY ISSUE WITH THESE WHEELS.
NOTE: Just purchased a brand new 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN CREW! We passed on the more expensive toyotas this time . . . Why pay thousands more for this “quality” and lack of customer service?
2006 Sienna XLE Limited minivan with 60k miles in Michigan and the same rim issue as shown in the pictures. Started with small amount at about 3 years. Now paint is popping off. I recently asked about a recall at the dealer and they stated ‘not at this time’. Interpretation: They know they have an issue with these rims. I too have a 2000 4Runner Limited with similar alloy wheels with NO ISSUES at 145k miles. Maybe the brake pedal issue consumed all their good faith repair budget….Not giving up so will post again if I get anywhere.
I own a 2006 Toyota Rav Sport. Currently I’ve put around 56,000 miles on it. We live on the West Coast Puget Sound region and earlier this year I discovered all my factory alloy rims are bubbled up. I have an extended warranty, purchased at the time I bought my Rav, so I will be contacting Toyota about this problem and see if they deal with it. I’ll post back later with their response.
All 4 wheels in 2006 Toyota sienna xle have this problem
2006 Sienna — My minivan’s wheels look just like the photos you have posted for other 2006s. If Toyota and dealer will not address the issue, any thoughts on how best to get these wheels looking respectable?
2006 Toyota Sienna LX – Original Owner. Wheels started bubbling in less than two years after purchase. Spoke with dealer and they told me it wasn’t covered under warranty. They offered to have them refinished for some huge amount of money. I live in MN and the conditions are harsh but I have a ’99 Chevy Suburban with alloy wheels and more miles on them and they look WAY better. My wheels are an embarrassment for Toyota. Our van is like a driving billboard for Toyota showing everyone that their quality has gone down the toilet.
2004 toyota tundra – bought new from hollywood toyota (florida). never used wheel cleaner, no salt, no corrosive cleaners. all four wheels are bubbling and peeling. dealer not intersted in doing anything about it so… my last toyota for sure.
I’m have problems with the wheels of my 2006 toyota tundra. severe corrosion and finish coming off
2007 FJ rims are disgraceful. Bought FJ brand new, had 11 miles on it & was garage kept. I keep the screwed up rims on my FJ on purpose so when people ask me about rims I tell them see how Toyota looks after loyal customers. Toyota got rude, aggressive and did not care after recent recalls. Ridiculous after how much you pay for these vehicles. I just hope they are not a safety issue.
I have the same issue with the rims on my 2005 sienna XLE – bubbling and chipping paint. This car is garaged and washed at least once a month.
Have 2006 tacoma with same problems (some wheels are worse than others, but all have it). I started checking out other trucks in parking lots, and most had similar issues with their rims. Very disappointing, especially when you expect Toyota quality! Do something please Toyota!
Have the same issue with my 2005 Toyota Sienna XLE. Bought it brand spankin new in Dec 2005, I’ve washed it just about once a month since I’ve had it too. Van has 57,000 miles on it and the rims are horrible looking! I called 800-331-4331 to log a complaint directly with Toyota and they said it’s not anything they’ve received a lot of complaints on! LOL Anyway I’m advertising on the side of my van with a big magnet sign that says look at my rims if you’re thinking about buying a toyota, reconsider! Thier customer service is a JOKE! This is the first and ONLY Toyota I will EVER own!
Same problem on my 2008 4-runner. They told me it was the road salt. I asked why my wife’s vehicles was not having issues and he he no answer because they are up to eyes in excuses. Boycott, spread the word. Toyota sells crap rims and makes up bs excuses. I really like my 4runner and it is a shame Toyota is too cheap to know how to retain customers because this is shameless.
Same problem with my ’06 Tacoma, alloy wheels bubbling. Very bad on the drivers side, oddly enough only a slight problem on the passenger side. 90,000 miles now on them.
2008 FJ Cruiser, rims look like crap. Butler Toyota of Indianapolis blew me off, what a dump. Will have to buy a Honda next time.
Same problem with my 2006 toyota sienna’s hubcaps
Just bought a 2008 Tundra with 20,000 miles on it and one of the wheels has the paint bubble up and coming off. Going to the dealer first chance I get depending on their response will never own another Toyota IF NOTHING IS DONE.
Our ’05 Toyota Tundra (56,000) which has the same corrosion problem under the finish on the wheels as all of the comments here. We contacted Mike Smith Toyota, Paducah, KY, when we first noticed this. We were told that they hadn’t had that problem. So, NOTHING. We believe this should have been taken care of when we first notified the dealer about it. We bought the truck new and had also bought a Rav-4 from the same dealer. Not so sure about the next vehicle.
2008 Tundra – Bought new from the dealership. The rims started corroding after about 22 months. Never used anything on the rims other than good ol’ soap, water and elbow grease. Yes the truck is driven in Canadian winters but that is exactly the reason I purchased a truck in the first place. To blame winter conditions (road salt) is ridiculous considering the number of vehicles on the road that do not have this issue. All that marketing and effort to increase their market share in North America yet Toyota vehicles cannot handle the most basic conditions of a Canadian/Northern US winter.