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
Purchased a used 2005 Sienna and can not believe the quality issues I have come across. The wheels and Toyota stance on the issue is absurd. This is my first and possible my last Toyota. I bought this vehicle under the impression that Toyotas were build with same level of quality as the Hondas we own. I guess we were wrong!
2004 TOYOTA TUNDRA——Cannot keep air in the tires due to the rims bubbling and erosion getting in the tires POOR QUALITY LETS REPORT NOW !!!!!!! I paid too much for this truck I only have 60K miles on it
I have a 2007 Tacoma……all four rims are bubbling and peeling. This is an obvious defect and the company making these should be responsible for replacing them.
I have this with my 2007 Rav4. The lady at the service counter appeared to look confused, as though she hadnt heard of this before. But I bet she has…… I also had the ” oh sorry just out of warranty” story
Clearly this is a Toyota defect that isnt being owned up to
Just washed my 2008 Scion xb and noticed the bubbling/ peeling on both front TRD 19″ 5 spoke alloy wheels. Of course the warranty just expired although doesn’t sound like they would cover it anyway
2008 Corrolla. I noticed this at 37,500 miles and my local dealership seemed happy to inform me that this would not be covered, as it was out of warranty!! Difficult to swallow considering it most definately started to occur before the 3 yr 36,000 mile warranty had expired. Lesson learned!! I obviously need to inspect my vehicle more closely and probably become “That Guy”!!
In 1960 my General Busniess teacher sent us to the library to do some consumer research in a magazine I had never heard of …”Consumer Reports”….it became over the years my bible prior to making large purchases…so when I retired from work in 2005 I thought I would treat myself to a real nice automobile…because of how I travel I needed a Van….well they had in that magazine a report on two vans…Honda and Toyota Sienna….the toyota had awd and I drive in snow a lot so based on their reports I went into hock and bought my dream car…..or should I say nightmare!!….first it was the run-flat tires —their premature ware they said was due to my need for a front end alignment….paid for it and it happend again…eventuall they faced up to the fact that it was the tires…and they replaced them…of course with the same crapy tires which wore out in no time….I am running with traditional now….during the first year I noticed the bubbing of the rims and asked for some help….it was the new salt that PA was putting on the roads…Right …want to buy a bridge in Brooklyn?…..Found this site and felt some what better …not alone in this mess…..hey maybe some safety in numbers….I did make a formal report with Toyota….a lot of good that did….someone in this blog suggested that this might become a safety issue….OK…so tomorrow I am calling Consumers Union, parent company to Consumer Reports ….after all it was based on their rec. that I bought this piece of junk…..914-378-2000 and after that I am calling the Consumer Product Safety Commission…800-638-2772…..hopefully some of you reading this will also pick up your phone and make a call…..maybe I need to go down to Wall Steet and join the protest with my anti-toyota sign….
Yup…same problem here with my 2006 Sienna, all four wheels. If it’s due to road salt, why in the heck would they sell those wheels in the midwest where we cannot get away from road salt and can rarely wash our wheels in the middle of the winter when it snows weekly. Hogwash. Now when I want to trade it in (at Toyota) they want to dock ME for the wheels.
My wife was considering buying a 2011 Corolla until they offer me a 50/50 for replacement of my factory inferior alloys. My share of the cost $850.00 plus. Needless to say I refused such a sucker offer. I doubt if Toyoto has $850.00 in all four wheels. Like everyone else road conditions are the problem what a joke. I own a 2009 Corolla XLE less than 3 years old. Buyer Beware!!!
I’ve got an ’04 4Runner SR5 4WD and I’m experiencing the same problem. It started a couple of years ago and now I’ve had enough. The corrosion is looking awful. I concur with those who are saying that Toyota — giving the reputation issues they face — would stand up and take responsibility for this. Clearly they had a bad supplier for awhile there. Own up to it Toyota!
As per my August 30th post I finally made it to my dealer (Scranton Toyota) and demanded answers to why the wheels on my 2008 Tundra were blistering. I spoke to the man who sold me the truck and he was shocked to see how bad they were. He however said he could do nothing about it. I figured that. He sent me over to service and after an hour and a half wait I FINALLY had a manager look at my truck to only hear “Sorry”. Warranty ran out, but I only have 33,500 miles on it. She said it was because of the salt brine and road salt they use on the roads in PA. I said that is a bunch of bullshit because I have a 2003 Honda Accord and have had a 97 Dodge ram with alloy wheels on and never had this problem. To top it off, I pointed out to some other trucks in the lot, one being an 05 tundra and asked how come they are not blistering. Response, “how do you not know that the wheels were not replaced.” I am no dummy, but be real lady. I have yet to hear from them regarding getting me the info to get the wheels powdercoated and redone. I love the truck, but Toyota admit you screwed up on using a cheap way to coat your alloy wheels.
I also have this issue on my 2007 RAV4 which I purchased pre-owned about 18 months ago. I just called the dealer because I’m probably just at my 60-month point for the corrosion protection and they are going to get back to me – I don’t have much faith after reading other comments here.
Whatever they want to say about this problem, I will tell you this – the rim on the SPARE (located on the back of the vehicle under a protective covering – no exposure to salt or brake dust) are also bubbling. The spare appears to have the OEM tire on it – I know I never used it, and it’s doubtful that the original owner ever had to use it.
Hey Nuckles – how many stories of this do you need before you can start a class-action lawsuit?
I will definitely write a letter to Toyota if the dealer doesn’t make good. This is my first Toyota (formerly a Honda guy but they don’t make a comparable vehicle to the RAV4) and likely my last if they don’t fix this issue.
I have a 2006 Sienna and like all the other postings my wheels have started to bubble and corrode. My van is garage kept and washed on a very regular basis knowing what brake dust can do to wheels. This is my third Toyota and never before have I had this problem. Like many other comments I read, this is another example of Toyota trying to blame everything else but their poor manufacturing quality which has crept in the last 5 years or so. I plan to call the customer service number but like so many other responses I’m not optimistic they will do anything. If they don’t I driven my last Toyota.
I have an ’07 Tundra with corrosion under the finish on the wheels. Bought it new and have kept well maintained. This is a defect in the finish.
Having the same problem with the wheels on oour 2005 Sienna van. I will never buy another Toyota product unless the company fixes this.
My dealer has said nothing they can do, since I am out of warranty (by months, not miles). I called the Customer Experience Center for Toyota today, and a customer relations manager from my dealer is suppose to call me within three business days to determine if the dealer might do a “good will” solution, since I have done all my servicing, etc., there. I am awaiting the result. This will probably determine if I would buy a Toyota again.
2006 Toyota Sienna XLE Same problem with the bubbling wheel rims! Disappointing that Toyota will not stand behind, what by all accounts appears to be an obvious manufacturing defect. I hope Toyota Executives realize how poorly the bubbling rims reflect on the vehicle as a whole. I am confident that it is affecting the buying decision of future Toyota owners. The bubbling wheel rims really detract from the overall look of the vehicle. It is not some intermittent “rattling” inside the car that only the owner can hear! These bubbling wheel rims are out in the open on the road for all future buyers to see. I agree that Toyota is not what it use to be.
sept 14 2011 i have a 2007 fj,29000 miles and bubbling has started on my wheels,toyota should step up,they know what they did wrong.
2004 Sienna XLE AWD. Alloy wheels bubbling. First time I talked to the dealer it was at about 80K. Told me it was too late to do anything about it. Looks pretty bad. Sure would like Toyota to stand behind this. I do have a 2006 Matrix with alloy wheels with no problem.
I have a 2005 Toyota Sienna that all for rims are a mess it makes the car look bad you think they would stand by there name and do something about it. I could see if it was one car but its a lot
THE COROLLA IS A GREAT CAR BUT HAS BAD DEFECTIVE CHEAP ALLOY WHEELS. TOYOTA HAS KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2003 AND WONT TO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.MY 2003 COROLLA DID IT AND NOW 2009 COROLLA IS DOING IT.WHY NOT SWITCH TO ANOTHER WHEEL COMPANY OR MAKE BETTER ONES TO STOP THIS MESS.DO THEY THINK MILLIONS OF CARS WITH UGLY BUBBLING WHEELS IS A JUST A RARE PROBLEM ON A COUPLE OF THOUSAND CARS IN THE MOST EXTREME WEATHER STATES. IT MIGHT COST TOYOTA ANOTHER COUPLE OF DOLLARS TO GET A BETTER ALLOY WHEEL BUT THATS ASKING WAY TOO MUCH !
I have a 2005 Toyota 4Runner that just turned 50k that has the same rusting problems with the wheels. I started seeing rust when the car had around 24k and the dealer told me that it was not covered under the factory warranty. I asked several times till the warranty was gone with the same answers. I was told the cause was bake dust and winter salt but I call it BS. I wash my 4Runner all the time and it’s garaged kept when not in use and during the winter I wash the entire car a couple times a week or more to keep it salt free. Everything on my car looks likes brand new except for my wheels, which look like crap and I’m pretty embarrassed by how they look. I wish the same quality that went into the rest of my 4Runner was also put into my wheels.
’05 Sienna XLE – 3 of 4 rims have blistering and bubbling of finish, typical as all the rest of your submitted photos. car has 60,000 miles and always been kept in garage and washed regularly. “Platinum” warranty says the rims are not covered. Dealer has no valid explanation of problem.
This is my third toyota and they are the best cars I have owned, but…………. the company never, ever believes there is anything wrong with their cars.
All 4 wheels on my 2006 Sienna XLE have corroded to the point that it is obviously a manufacturing defect. I finally said enough is enough and went to the so-called dealer, Nortbrook Toyota, only to have everyone there essentially tell me tough luck. I called Toyota Customer Care and spoke with several people there (Reference # 1109061775) only to be told sorry this is not our problem. When I mentioned my extended warranty they were happy to transfer me to “Toyota Extra Care” where after a series of automated menu options I was queued up to speak with a customer service rep only to then hear a recorded message state that no one could assist me now and to call back later (it was 2:30 central standard time) then hung up on. My next car will be a Honda, I’m going to be buying a new car/SUV in the next 90 -120 days – F U Toyota!
’05 sienna, bubbling rims – looks like crap. started at around 40K miles, well taken care of. I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT! will now be contacting dealer again, BBB, consumer reports, etc…thank you for this site!
I have a 2006 4runner. It has 35,000 miles and I have kept it like NEW. I did my part, so why is Toyota dragging their feet on this problem. $$$$$ Yea I know but they really do need to step up and at least help. All four of my wheels look just like the photos, bubbling, peeling and corroding. I am now looking to buy new wheels!!
I have just read the comments about the corrosion on the toyotas wheels. I have a 2008 Tundra and am having the same problem. I was googling to see if there were any defects rergarding the wheels and came across this site. I’m glad I am not the only one with this problem. I only have 33000 miles on the truck and take really good care of it. Its a shame this happened. I guess my hope does not sound too good after reading the previous posts. I will try and call my dealer though.
I have the same problem on my 2009 Corolla XLE, and it has less than 34,000 miles. Also, I wash it regularly.
My 2009 Corolla XLE is showing the same bubbling that is in the pictures. Very distressing for a car with less than 34,000 miles.
I have a Toyota Tacoma 06, Same issue all wheels are bad. I reported it to Toyota got no where.
Same issue here – 2004 4 Runner “Limited”. Got fed up looking at the real bad aspect of the wheels and went on and Googled the topic. I am in the market for a minivan and I was considering a Sienna, but these posts made me think twice about it. I see safety as being the bigger issue here – thanks to the posters with mechanical background for mentioning.
I already sense the answers from the dealers; I would not mind spending few hundred to get this fixed, IF it would be a permanent fix, but it does not sound like there is one.
Will contact Toyota to put in a formal complaint at least to increase the pressure a bit. Would be great if all readers would take a few minutes just for this.
800-331-4331
Toyota Motor Sales, Inc.
Customer Assistance Center Department H200
19001 S. Western Ave.
Torrance, CA 90509
GB
I have a 2009 Corolla XLE with the same problems. I will not be a loyal Toyota customer.
2009 corrolla aloy wheels are peeling and bubbling, ironically out of warranty! Would not buy Toyota. Quality has gone down hill and they do not stand behind their product. Just want your money.
2009 tacoma has same wheel problem, the first two were replaced by dealer, now the other two are bubbling and toyota dealer doesn’t want to replace these two. trying to say its just normal, and i am still under 30,000 miles,will have to keep pushing toyota. i have had two other toyota tacoma’s and this was never a problem before. matter of fact my last tacoma fell under the frame warrenty and those rims were nice never a problem, makes you wonder if they had the same people that messed up the frames did the wheels also.
Really! For Toyota to say its from brake dust is plain BS. I have owned German cars including VW, Audi and now BMW. They shed more dust than any other cars. Never had any issues with rust on wheels. My 2006 Sienna is getting worst with the paint bubbling.
This is plain old BS to get out of honoring any fixes for manufacturing defects. Go ahead TOYOTA shows us any other car manufacturer’s wheels rusting…………….. This is my first Toyota and will think twice next time.
my 2 cents.
2006 Toyota Sienna — I could send photos, but you have a few in there already that look exactly like mine. Even if Toyota were to replace, it would seem I would get the same crap wheels. This, along with the persistent rattle in the door that the dealer can not figure out, I am starting to think Toyota ain’t what it used to be.
How can I help. My 2006 4 Runner Limited has very corroded wheels as well. Saw the dealer this morning and they said this is not normal, BUT because it is passed the three year warranty he doubt’s if
Toyota will do anything. Funny thing they had an ’07 on the lot with wheels in worse shape than mine. Pictures were sent off to Toyota and I will be sure to add them to the “WALL OF SHAME”. They were kind enough to get me a quote to have them refinished. $700.00 later and no truck for a week. LOL!!! Good thing we all paid extra for these wonderful wheels.
I went to my local Toyota dealer about the bubbling rims on my 2008 FJ Cruiser w/32000 miles. Was told it was not covered in my 3 year 36000 mile warranty. What does bumper to bumper mean then?????
Just came home from the local Toyota dealer and again asked about the wheels. He gave me a number to call to inquire if they would take care of this VERY COMMON problem. Here is the number. 1-800-331-4331 maybe if we all call they may take action. And I do live in Ohio, but have 4 snow tires mounted on rims for the winter weather. My rims keep getting worse! I check every other 2004 + Sienna with alloys and see they are ALL (100%) bubbling and blistering.
[...] any of this can you upload some pics? Thanks, Ken Hey Ken, Here are about 50 pics Toyota Alloy Wheels Bubbling [...]
New York Times story
http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/24/two-toyota-quality-centers-to-open-in-southeast-u-s/
We’ll see if these new “Quality Control” centers can get anything done.
I have a 2005 Toyota Sienna XLE w/ the exact same “bubbling.” It looks horrible and will definitely impact the resale value on the vehicle. My family has owned Toyota’s for many years and the rims on the “older” Toyota vehicles are pristine. Very frustrating. I would expect Toyota to stand behind their product and correct their defect.
I have a problem with my 2010 minivan. I have a cracked rim! I think it is a defect but the dealer is telling me it must be a result of damage. In my ovewr 25 years of driving experience I have never had a cracked rim before.
My wife’s 2009 XRS had the exact problem this spring. Talked to Toyota and they replaced it no problem and no questions asked. Just needed to send the photos to the dealer initially then we took it to the dealer. Replaced under warranty (3 yr. 60000km) just under the wire.
I have an 05 Sienna XLE AWD and my rims look horrible. Toyota has a problem here and is not admitting it.
It’s hard to believe that Toyota, after all it’s been through with its tarnished image, would not step up and address the wheel bubbling issue. I’ve owned seven Toyota vehicles over the past 14 years. This could be my last.
Same problem….2006 Toyota Sienna XLE… all rims bubbling, blistering and peeling. Looks terrible!!! I drive this van commercially and loads of consumers have commented on the terrible appearance of my wheels. Toyota is losing more customers because of their lack of response to this problem. Seems to be the way this company is heading….neglecting or excusing the problems.
I have a 2004 XT3 RAV 4 with the wheels replaced under warranty but the new are just as bad. I kept and drove my 2001 RAV 4 under identical conditions and the wheels treated with ‘wonder wheels’ remained immaculate. My current wheels appear to have a thin surface alloy coating which is bubbling and peeling away. With hindsight I would have transferred the wheels from my previous car. Toyota have no excuses. They are spoiling the ship for a ha’porth of tar.
2008 toyota Tacoma TRD sport. googled “my allow wheels are bubbling” and got this as a first website. was a little bit relieved that i was not neglecting my vehicle and a lot of other people have the problem.
07 FJ Cruiser, bubbling rims..PATHETIC, just wondering if rather than posting up here, we all file a complaint against toyota with the Better Business Bureau ..this requires a response and documents each case ..the many,many many consumers who paid for a quality product and got sub standard.