How to claim a Toyota paint recall?
If your Toyota vehicle is listed in a paint recall, you can claim the recall by verifying your VIN with official sources and then scheduling a free repair at an authorized Toyota dealer. Start with a VIN lookup on Toyota’s official recall page or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database, and if a match is found, contact your local dealer to arrange the service.
Check if your Toyota is affected
Before you begin the claim process, confirm whether your vehicle is included in a paint-related recall or service campaign by checking the VIN against official records. This helps you avoid unnecessary steps and ensures the repair is covered.
The following steps help you determine whether a paint recall applies to your model, Camry, Corolla, RAV4, or other Toyota vehicle, using official VIN lookups.
- Locate your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the driver's side dashboard, inside the door jamb, or on your vehicle registration and insurance documents.
- Visit Toyota’s official recall lookup page and use the VIN tool, or check the NHTSA recall database for the same VIN.
- Review the results to see if there is an active paint recall or paint-related service campaign listed for your exact VIN.
- If a recall is listed, note the recall number and any provided contact or scheduling instructions.
- If nothing is shown, you may still receive recall notices in the future; consider signing up for recall updates or periodically rechecking, as campaigns can be added.
By completing these checks, you’ll know whether you need to take further action with a dealer. If your VIN shows an open recall, you’re likely eligible for a free repair under federal safety requirements.
How to file a claim and arrange the repair
Once you confirm an active recall, the next steps focus on arranging the repair with an authorized Toyota dealer and ensuring the work is performed at no cost to you.
The following steps guide you through making the claim and scheduling the repair with a dealer.
- Contact an authorized Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Support team using the contact information on Toyota’s official site. You can also start the process at the dealer’s service department in person.
- Provide your VIN, model, year, and a brief description of the paint issue or symptoms you’ve observed.
- Request a free repair under the recall or service campaign. If the VIN is listed, the dealer is obligated to perform the required repair at no charge.
- Schedule the appointment at a time that works for you, and confirm the expected service duration and whether any related inspections are included.
- Bring your identification, proof of ownership, and any relevant documents or notices you’ve received about the recall.
After scheduling, you’ll receive appointment details and, if needed, guidance on what to bring or prepare for the service visit. If you encounter delays or doubt whether the recall covers your vehicle, contact Toyota’s official support channels or recheck the VIN status online.
What to expect during the repair process
Understanding the typical flow of a paint recall repair helps you plan your visit and set expectations for timing and outcomes. Repairs are performed at no cost when they fall under an active recall or service campaign.
- The dealership will inspect the vehicle and verify the recall status against the VIN and campaign details.
- Qualified technicians will perform the specified paint repair, repaint, or related corrections as dictated by the recall notice.
- The duration of the repair varies by the specific campaign and the extent of the work; some cases may be completed in a few hours, while others may require longer scheduling or a multi-day visit.
- Dealerships may offer a loaner or courtesy vehicle if needed, but availability varies by location and campaign specifics.
- After completion, request documentation of the repair for your records and verify that the recall item is marked as completed in Toyota’s records.
Dealers are required to perform recall repairs free of charge, and you should receive confirmation that the service has been completed and documented in your vehicle’s history. If you experience any issues coordinating the repair, contact Toyota Customer Support or your local dealer for assistance.
What to know beyond the claim
recalls and paint-related service campaigns can evolve as new notices are issued or as campaigns expand to additional VINs. To stay informed, periodically recheck your VIN on Toyota’s recall page and the NHTSA database, and consider enrolling in recall updates or alerts offered by the manufacturer or safety agencies.
Summary
To claim a Toyota paint recall, verify your VIN with official sources (Toyota’s recall portal or NHTSA), and if listed, contact an authorized Toyota dealer to schedule the free repair. Gather your VIN, proof of ownership, and any recall notices, and follow the dealer’s guidance to complete the service. Always rely on official channels for current recall status and process details.
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.
How to file a claim with Toyota?
Ready to file a claim? Call us directly at 1-855-999-0518 to submit your claim. Or you can visit your dealership to contact us on your behalf.
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.
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.
