Hi
Trying to figure out how screwed I am with this white 2012 Camry I bought
The weather had been wet when I found the car and I did not notice the worn clearcoat on the roof and trunk until I saw it in different light a few days later. After doing research, it seems Toyota may have used crap paint on their white cars across several years and different models? They apparently had an "unprecedented" response and extended warranties. Turns out, it appears the warranties ended LAST YEAR. Have you seen anyone in this position who successfully got Toyota to help with fixing their manufacturing error? This could literally be thousands out of pocket to repair, especially if the paint starts cracking and flaking. I feel like I'm living a nightmare
It can't hurt to call Toyota's 1-800 and ask. They might agree to give you half or something.
As you noted extended paint repair program expired in Feb. 20, 2022. This was not a warranty service but rather a Customer Support Program . The dealerships determined which vehicles were covered under the program. "Only authorized Toyota dealerships are authorized to confirm if the paint peeling condition is covered by this program." (Taken from page 2 to above the above)
Dealers tried to get out of the repairs in the first place. No way a dealer is going to help you now. Sorry!
The faulty white paint did not lose the clear cote, or start chipping in a small way, it fell right off. My Lexus GX470 has the same issues, and I could have removed the paint with a credit card. The trouble was the method they used on the base metal did not stick. Honda had the same issues with White for a number of years as well.
My guess is that yours is mostly from normal wear and tear.
I got mine repainted at a local paint and body shop that was known for doing a good job, but not ripping people off for $1700 with a 5 year warranty. If I were you, I would look around for a good shop, and let them take a look at it and see what they can do.
You can likely get a decent paint job that will last many years for $1500 or less for a camry.
Yeah, I'm wondering if it's due to heavy use of roofracks and outdoor stuff like kayaks, etc. There are definitely dings that would suggest as much. I can live with dull clearcoat, but the idea that the paint might further degrade and totally fall off is troublesome. I just find it ridiculous that Toyota would recognize a major manufacturing blunder on their part and then turn people away when they have cars which match the trouble years/models/colors. Obviously they screwed up in a big way. Definitely won't be buying a white car again after this, in any case. Thanks
It is really odd with the white paint, I really like the color though, easy to care for. I also fell right outside of the ones that they were replacing, and mine for sure had the defect, the paint just fell off like crazy, and I could peel it off like nothing. Hopefully they have figured out the issue.
I called the 800 number and they confirmed that my car is one of the affected ones and was never repaired as part of the extended program. Then they read me the standard gobbledygook re: how it's my responsibility because the program ended last year. Last Toyota I will ever buy
I called the 800 number and they confirmed that my car is one of the affected ones and was never repaired as part of the extended program. Then they read me the standard gobbledygook re: how it's my responsibility because the program ended last year. Last Toyota I will ever buy
Sorry to hear @wtfhaveidone2023 Hey, at least you gave it a shot and called, wise IMO
re: how it's my responsibility because the program ended last year. Last Toyota I will ever buy
then what? They all do it.
These days you really have to keep on top of your product updates, and research cars before you buy. Fortunately it's really easy with the internet.