I noticed after about 10 years of owning this vehicle that the paint was getting "foggy". I tried to take better care with hand waxes to prevent progression, but today (at 15 years of age), the back half of the roof is rusted while the front half of the roof, hood, and trunk are getting the "foggy" look. Thought this was just age & because I park outdoors, but when I went to an auto paint person he stated that it was in awful condition for 15 years old. He believes it's a defective paint job with insufficient UV protection & primer (rust is coming from below).
Upon research, I found many other Corolla owners have this problem. I called Toyota to explain & they said it wasn't covered under the current recall for white pearl paint that's peeling. I opened a case with them so at least it's documented now, but also wanted to share my experience & photos. Perhaps there will be a class action lawsuit in the future. In the meantime, I've been quoted ~$4,000 to fix just the problem areas (not even the whole car) which is about the kbb value of the entire car!
The car has been a great car. I have seen other corollas on the road with the same problem. The car now looks like crap because the paint job is crap. Toyota has had problems in the past with rust on the Tundra, Tacoma, and those are only models I am aware of. They took care of my brothers Tacoma by buying it back from him. Wish they would fix the corolla, or at minimum buy it back. This isn't the only problem with the Corolla. The odometer stopped functioning at 299,999. So disappointing. The vehicles have been so reliable, but their longevity in certain aspects do not last.
So in order to sell my car I have to spend up to $500 or more to repaint the problem areas. Or sale it as is for lesser price. Many auto body shops have complained that this year and other models of a sunburn problem. Regardless of waxing and washing contaminants.
Like all the other 2005 Blue Corolla's mentioned on this site ours too has basically no paint left on the roof of the car, it's peeling and rusting on the hood and the beginnings on the trunk too. It must be something that pertains to the paint on the blue Corollas as we also purchased a Silver 2006 Corolla and it's perfectly fine. The car does look like a junk car, I suppose the upside is that I'm less likely to be targeted for having anything of worth inside the car.
I also purchased a blue Corolla and also experienced the paint issue. It's practically worn down to the metal. Not only does it look like a junker, but good luck getting any money for the car now that I am trying to get rid of it. Toyota has some nerve ignoring this problem. Every 2005 Corolla I see on the road also has the same problem- how can they say this isn't their fault?
2005 Corolla Blue, entire paint on roof is gone, currently a solid shade of rust. 40-50% of hood paint peeled off, about 10% of trunk. Reported this to Toyota because I own another 2005 Toyota Tacoma (tan) with no problems with original paint job. Explained that it must be a defect with blue color. They stated that they have never heard of this before. Hard to believe because every Blue Corolla I notice on the road has paint issues. They won't take responsibility for this obvious defective paint problem.
the roof of my car has completed rusted and the hood is starting to peel and rust; my vehicle has never been involved in any accidents and had any paint or body work done to it, this is the original from the factory paint job; it looks horrible
excessive exterior paint rust on roof, trunk lid and hood
It seemed like overnight my blue '05 Corolla CE rusted on the roof. One day it was blue, the next it was entirely rusted. Now I see where the trunk lid and the hood are starting to do the same. The blue paint is fading excessively and small rust spots are forming. The quarter panels, door panels and rear appear to be fine, except for normal wear and tear expected from a 10-year old vehicle subjected to parking lots and rude people finding the need to ram a shopping cart into your door. I have spotted numerous other blue Corollas in my area with the exact issue- the entire roof of the car a solid rust color and the sides pretty blue.
Cosmetically, the car looks like it should be abandoned. Mechanically, I am running with +125k miles. I am the original owner. Is there a class action suit against Toyota or the paint manufacturer started already? What would it take to get my car repaired with no out of pocket expense on my part?
The entire top of my car and now spreading has rusted in the last month or so. I have seen over 20 Corollas that are the same color blue all over Lafayette, LA that are also rusting!!!!
This car was bought used and at the time the paint job looked well for a used car. My son and I began to notice that his hood started to peel or "chip" in places. He just drove it back and forth to our local community college and to work. After the bad weather we had in winter, he had washed it off to get rid of the snow, ice, salt and sand that were on the roads. We live in the mid south so it isn't something we always get hit with.
Is any one else experiencing this issue with Toyota Corollas? Is Toyota going to do anything about the paint peeling? This is getting to be really sad when paint jobs especially with blue paints really don't hold up like they used to and car companies don't take care of their customers like they used to as well.
Paint is peeling on roof, hood, and trunk. Body expert says it's de-lamination issue. I took it last week to Toyota dealer where I bought the car in 2005. Dealer said not that they are not liable. Said it's too much sun. Where can I go to file an official complaint?
I have a 2005 Toyota Corolla and the paint is peeling from the hood, sides, and front, very fast and severe. I went to a body shop and was informed that there is a problem with the blue and red paint on Toyota. Even before I told him the color of the car, he asked if it was blue or red. I went to dealer and was given a run around by the manager. I cannot afford to paint it. I have seen other complaints. Toyota is most likely aware of the problem and they should resolve it. I have friends with much older cars than mine an their paint is fine. I went to Al Hendrickson Toyota in Coral Springs and the manager said to call him, but never answered. Also a mechanic there said he contacted a body shop but he lied. I will not buy a Toyota again and never go to this dealer.
I have never seen paint peel off of a car in an instant, down to the bare metal like it did on mine. Reinhardt Toyota service man said it could have been cause by bird poop. I filed a complaint with Toyota headquarters but nothing was done. They said they've never had any complaints like that.
I ended up taking it to a body shop to get it repainted. I'll never buy another Toyota again. They are stupid when it comes to business. Fixing this paint job would have cost them a few hundred dollars but they would rather lose tens of thousands of dollars in sales. Dumb asses!
Took car to local Toyota dealer as only the roof is involved, I feel this is either defective paint or defective application. As expected got the royal run around. ( they are in business to sell cars, not provide customer service) The estimate from the dealer Aut0 Nation was almost twice what my regular repair shop quoted, needless to say the dealer and I have parted ways.
I have had other toyota products and not had this issue.
I took the car to get a paint job both paint companies said it was a factory issue that they get a lot of toyotas.
the paint job is peeling on the top hood of car, top of car and top of trunk . I'll have to save up to paint the car. one paint company said it will be $4000.00 to fix another said $800.00. Big difference between the two. Have not fixed it yet, still saving money. It kind of make me mad because my car is 2005 and my sister has a 2004 honda accord and her paint job is just fine.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
click to see larger images
I noticed after about 10 years of owning this vehicle that the paint was getting "foggy". I tried to take better care with hand waxes to prevent progression, but today (at 15 years of age), the back half of the roof is rusted while the front half of the roof, hood, and trunk are getting the "foggy" look. Thought this was just age & because I park outdoors, but when I went to an auto paint person he stated that it was in awful condition for 15 years old. He believes it's a defective paint job with insufficient UV protection & primer (rust is coming from below).
Upon research, I found many other Corolla owners have this problem. I called Toyota to explain & they said it wasn't covered under the current recall for white pearl paint that's peeling. I opened a case with them so at least it's documented now, but also wanted to share my experience & photos. Perhaps there will be a class action lawsuit in the future. In the meantime, I've been quoted ~$4,000 to fix just the problem areas (not even the whole car) which is about the kbb value of the entire car!
- tdubb, Oakland, US