How do I claim my Toyota paint recall?
If you own a Toyota vehicle affected by a paint recall, you can easily claim your free paint repair. Toyota has issued several paint-related recalls over the years, and the process for getting your car's paint fixed is straightforward. This article will guide you through the steps to claim your Toyota paint recall and get your vehicle's finish restored to its original condition.
Determine if Your Toyota is Affected
The first step is to check if your Toyota model is included in the paint recall. Toyota has issued several paint-related recalls, so the specific details will depend on the year, model, and production date of your vehicle. You can check Toyota's recall website or contact your local Toyota dealer to see if your car is eligible. Be prepared to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm the recall coverage.
Schedule a Repair Appointment
Once you've confirmed your Toyota is affected by the paint recall, you'll need to schedule an appointment with an authorized Toyota dealer to have the repair work done. You can typically do this by calling your local dealership or scheduling online through Toyota's website. Make sure to bring your vehicle's registration and proof of ownership when you go in for the appointment.
Get Your Toyota's Paint Repaired for Free
- The dealer will inspect your vehicle and confirm the paint issue is covered under the recall.
- They will then complete the necessary paint repair work at no cost to you.
- The repair process may take several hours or even a full day, depending on the extent of the work required.
- Toyota will cover the full cost of the paint repair, including any necessary parts and labor.
Once the work is completed, you'll be able to drive your Toyota with a freshly repaired and restored paint finish. Be sure to keep any documentation from the dealer in case you need to reference the recall repair in the future.
Tips for a Smooth Toyota Paint Recall Claim
- Act quickly - paint recalls often have a limited time frame for eligible vehicles.
- Schedule your appointment as soon as possible to avoid long wait times.
- Bring all required documents to the dealer, such as your vehicle registration.
- Be patient during the repair process, as it may take several hours or a full day.
- Keep any paperwork from the dealer for your records.
By following these steps, you can easily get your Toyota's paint repaired for free under the applicable recall program. Don't hesitate to reach out to Toyota or your local dealer if you have any other questions about the process.
Is Toyota customer support program for paint peeling?
Toyota has a customer support program (CSP) for certain vehicles with peeling factory-applied "Blizzard Pearl" (070) or "Super White" (040) paint, which can occur due to UV exposure degrading paint adhesion. The program covers specific model years and applies only to factory-applied paint on metal body panels, not plastic ones. For those whose vehicles are covered, Toyota will provide a no-cost repair once the repair phase is fully launched. Owners who previously paid for repairs may be eligible for reimbursement.
What the program covers
- Condition: Peeling, chipping, or blistering of factory-applied paint on exterior metal body panels.
- Affected colors: "Blizzard Pearl" (040) and "Super White" (070).
- Covered areas: Specific areas like window door frames and front inner fender edges on certain models.
- Exclusions: Damage from collisions, deep scratches, or normal wear and tear. It does not cover plastic parts like bumpers.
What to do
- Check your vehicle: If you have a white Toyota or Scion, check the paint code on your driver's side door jamb sticker to see if it is 040 or 070.
- Wait for repair notification (if applicable): If the repair isn't ready yet, the program letters recommend waiting until the repair phase is fully launched and your dealer is ready to perform the repair.
- Contact Toyota for claims:
- If you have already paid for a repair, go to the Toyota Owners website, log in, go to the "Resources" tab, and select "Recalls" to submit a reimbursement request.
- Alternatively, you can contact the Toyota customer support program number on your notification letter.
- Visit a dealer: If the repair phase is available for your vehicle, schedule an appointment with a Toyota dealership to have the repair done at no cost.
- Consider collision centers: If your local dealer is not equipped to handle the repair, they may direct you to a Toyota Collision Center.
How to file a Toyota recall claim?
For more information about recalls, customers can go to www.toyota.com/recall or contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. Lexus customers can visit www.lexus.com/recall or contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-255-3987.
Does Toyota have a warranty on their paint?
Yes, Toyota's standard warranty covers paint defects from manufacturing for 3 years or 36,000 miles. However, it does not cover issues like fading, scratches, or damage from environmental factors like bird droppings or road debris. Toyota has also offered extended warranty coverage or reimbursement programs for specific paint-peeling issues on certain models caused by manufacturing defects.
Standard warranty coverage
- What's covered: Defects in the paint's materials or workmanship, such as bubbling or peeling that is a manufacturing defect.
- What's not covered:
- Fading, scratches, or damage from road debris.
- Paint damage from environmental factors like pollution, tree sap, bird droppings, or hard water spots.
- Normal wear and tear.
Special circumstances and extended coverage
- Manufacturing defects: In specific cases, such as widespread paint-peeling issues on certain models due to a manufacturing defect, Toyota may offer extended warranty coverage or reimbursement programs outside the standard warranty period.
- How to check for extended coverage: If you believe your vehicle has a widespread paint defect, check with your local dealer or Toyota's website to see if your vehicle falls under a special program.
- Pre-owned vehicles: Pre-owned vehicles may have different paint protection plans, sometimes with 7-year repair warranties for environmental damage, but this is often an add-on protection package and not part of the original factory warranty.
What years are included in the Toyota paint recall?
From 2008 to 2015, certain Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles were plagued by peeling white paint, a problem resulting from exposure to sunlight over time. The Japanese automaker called it a “manufacturing defect,” but took time to react and customers whose paint warranty had expired are out of luck.
