8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,100
Average Mileage:
52,550 miles
Total Complaints:
13 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. repaint car (5 reports)
  2. not sure (4 reports)
  3. repaint roof with primer this time (4 reports)
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problem #13

Jun 182019

Avalon Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint peeling off of car roof

Add my 2011 Avalon to the list....bought this used early 2018....had a pristine service history and no accidents, etc... Only one owner. About three weeks ago I noticed the paint bubbling on the roof of the car, between the windshield and the sunroof. It is now peeling off in sheets. Toyota service manager, apparently, was unaware of this as a reported issue and offered no resolution. Paint is pearl white and obviously no primer was used when the paint was applied. Will never buy another Toyota based on the inability to get this fixed at the source.

- Jim L., Winston Salem, NC, US

problem #12

Oct 312018

Avalon Limited 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,778 miles

click to see larger images

paint peeling off of car roof

My car was perfect...until today. I drove my car to the mall about 13 miles . When I came out, and was walking towards it, I saw this big “spot” on the roof. As I got closer, I noticed it was not a spot at all, but a big piece of paint gone! At first, I thought I had the wrong car...until, unfortunately I check the license plate. I could tell there is much more peeling to come because it is “bubbling “ up, and sheets of it are coming off....right down to the primer.

We called the Toyota dealer where my husband just purchased a brand new Sienna. We are waiting to hear back from them...nothing yet, and from what I am reading in the other complaints, they won’t help us. We will call corporate, and I am assuming we will get the same response as everyone else. I will pay for it to get fixed because it just bothers me so much, BUT after I get it fixed, I plan on taking Toyota to small claims court armed with everyone’s complaints and pictures. Hopefully, the court will rule in my favor.

- Laurie D., Sound Beach, US

problem #11

Jul 012017

Avalon XL 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Just like everyone else, Our 2011, Avalon, with the "Optional", "Blizzard Pearl" (White) paint is chipping off the roof, near the rear window, on both the driver's side and passenger side. I did contact Toyota (800-331-4331, opt. 4, then opt. 2) and I was told that the car was NOT covered due to it's age and mileage. So much for Toyota's "High" standards.

- Michael B., Jackson, NJ, US

problem #10

Feb 242017

Avalon XL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint peeling off of car roof paint peeling off of car roof paint peeling off of car roof paint peeling off of car roof paint peeling off of car roof

I bought this Avalon 2011 XL car brand new in January of 2011. I have a 17 year old burgundy Avalon where no paint has peeled off. I also have a 2001 Camry white and there is no paint problem. Here I am 6 years 3 months and a huge chunk chipped off by my sunroof and a small piece near the back window. It cannot be a coincidence that this is where all the 2011 paint is chipping from the Avalon's. I went to the dealer immediately and was told they don't cover the paint after 3 years or 36000 miles. I went through corporate and was told Corporate/regional did not want to help me with my paint problem, they stand by their 3/36 rule. I have read up on it and It is my understanding that there is a problem with the primer on the car and the paint will not stick to it, resulting in peeling.

We have driven Toyotas for 17 years but this problem has really burdened me. Refusing to own up to a mistake caused by their company is very sad and is taking advantage of the consumer and the elder. I have never had a problem until now and telling me they don't "WANT" to help me just blows my mind. Toyota should own up to their mistakes when there are so many with the same problem. How many have to be reported, before Toyota steps up and takes credit for the problem! We should not have to paint it on our own.

- seabriz2007cr, Los Angeles, US

problem #9

Dec 162016

Avalon XLS 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

I have only been buying Toyota (and Lexus) for 24 years. Because Toyota appears to be unwilling to admit or address this obvious factory paint defect, I will no longer buy Toyota products. Very disappointed. Called Toyota corporate customer service. They listened and gave me a case number, but told me I had to take car to dealer to verify factory defect. Took it in to dealer whose body and paint expert said the roof had been previously repainted and therefore would not be covered. They referred me to a body shop for a repair which I did. Said it would cost $1,449, but said it did look like a factory defect since the original factory primer was showing; however they couldn't be sure. I called dealer back and told them this and said I wanted to escalate to regional manager despite the dealer expert saying they would not cover. Would really like to talk with previous owner to see if s/he actually repaired the roof. Maybe it had already started to peel and they tried to fix it.

- Fred K., Salisbury, NC, US

problem #8

Dec 052015

Avalon Limited 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

How can Toyota neglect an obvious paint flaw ? They know this problem exists on cars painted WHITE. I have owned Toyota Avalon cars since 1998. I will no longer purchase another Avalon. Toyota says they don't warranty paint. Toyota can kiss my white ass.

- vaudrcl3151, Moorpark, CA, US

problem #7

Jan 192016

Avalon 3.5L 268 Hp V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint peeling off of car roof paint peeling off of car roof paint peeling off of car roof paint peeling off of car roof paint peeling off of car roof

paint peeled off car roof between windshield and sun roof

Out of the blue, we noticed the paint had simply flaked off the roof of the car in a small area, about the size of a tennis ball, between the windshield and the sunroof. The car is garage kept and there was no incident of something hitting or falling on the vehicle. The area around the paint problem/chip, is very brittle and thin. The exposed area where the paint came off is dark gray, and looks like there was no primer between the paint and the metal. At very close observation, there appears to be some slight pitting in a few places.

Toyota does not currently have a recall out for any paint issues and they do not warranty paint. New car owners and those under warranty may have some recourse with the dealer, but as a rule of thumb Toyota does not warranty their paint. This was confirmed by a customer service agent when I called them on 01/26/15 @ 800-331-4331, opt. 4, then opt. 2. In combing the internet, it appears this mysterious paint chip occurs quite frequently and was mentioned in numerous complaints against the Toyota Camry on topix.com. Many owners saw a blister or a bubble in the paint prior to the peeling, chipping, or flaking.

Best thing to do at this point, is to call Toyota @ 800-331-4331, opt. 4, then opt. 2, and have a case opened. They will ask for your VIN, and contact info, in the event something comes of the case investigation. There is strength in numbers! If affected car owners speak up, Toyota might begin acknowledging this problem.

- Jenny E., Stafford, VA, US

problem #6

Dec 012014

Avalon Limited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 23,000 miles

I WAS TOLD THE SAME THING I READ FROM OTHERS THAT REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE DEPT. AT A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX IT. THE CAR STILL HAS LESS THAN 35,000 MI ON IT. THIS IS POOR PUBLIC RELATIONS FOR TOYOTA WHO NOW WANTS TO BE SAID TO BE MADE IN AMERICA. I WAS TOLD THE JAPANESE WERE QUALITY MINDED, OH, HONDA IS ! HAVE OWNED THREE3 TOYOTA CARS NOW, BUT PROBABLY MY LAST. I WAS TOLD THAT I MIGHT GET IT, THE ROOF PAINTED THAT IS, FOR LESS THAN $500.

- oliviaowen, Arlington, TX, US

problem #5

Nov 042015

Avalon Limited 3.5L 268hp

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

We splurged and purchased a new 2011 Avalon Limited. Love the car. However at about 45,000 miles the paint began delaminating and peeling from the roof in large patches. We are getting no help from the dealer since the paint isn't covered under the extended warranty. Also the trim around the driver's door began to fade just after the original warranty expired. The dealer said that we must have put something on it to the cause the problem. Ironically it only happened on one window. If we had put something on the window, it would have been put on all of them. We had planned to keep this vehicle for years but at this point it will definitely be our last Toyota. It looks horrendous and if we decide to pay to have the vehicle repainted, it will be so that we can sell it and get something other than a Toyota. We should have purchased another Honda.

- dahnjo or, Albany, OR, US

problem #4

Feb 012014

Avalon

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

The paint on the roof of my 2011 Avalon began bubbling every time it rained. Then, after not much longer, it began peeling off in sheets. Took my car to the dealership and the manager of the body shop, and the paint specialist both agreed it was a defect. No primer under the paint. The district manager saw a picture of it and said that Toyota would not pay to have it fixed! I cannot afford to have it repainted at this time, so I have been driving around in a car that looks like trash. I never thought I would be embarrassed to drive around in a car I paid 30+ thousand for.

- Karen M., Kingwood, TX, US

problem #3

Jun 022014

Avalon XLS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint peeling off of car roof

Bought this car brand new, seems like as soon as the warranty went out, the roof paint started peeling, the spot kept growing, took to the dealer and complained, first they said there was nothing they could do, then, finally talked to a district service/complaint manager, he said he would not cover the repair at first. Then complained some more and then he decided to pay for 40- 60% of repair cost, had to get 3 estimates, not a easy or cheap reapair, the windshield had to come out in order to paint the roof correctly. This lasted about a year, now paint is chipping away down beside the rear back glass, exactly the way it started on the roof. Also, the roof is starting to peel in the same spot it started the first time. It is my understanding that there is a problem with the primer on the car and the paint will not stick to it, resulting in peeling. We have drove, owned and loved Toyota vehicles for 25 years now, never a problem this bad, until now. There is also a electrical problem with the car that the dealer can not seem to fix. Very, NOT satisfied with Toyota or their service on these issues. I wonder how many paint issues like this exist. How many have to be reported, before Toyota steps up and takes credit for the problem! NOT Happy at all !!!

- J T., Tupelo, MS, US

problem #2

Aug 172014

Avalon Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint peeling off of car roof paint peeling off of car roof

My entire family are loyal Toyota owners. Currently we have 5 in our family. I have met with the local dealer, they basically told me I was lying. The car must have been wrecked because it had been repainted. Now so, never wrecked and I would have taken it back to the body shop that would have done the repair. Da!

I have contacted the dealer car was purchased, they seem to be helping but no resolve. I was told district manager refused the claim. I sent a letter explaining my grievance along with photos. They said they forwarded the letter to Toyota CO. That was March 2015 and I've heard nothing.I've taken the car to a local body shop and they said it was definitely an adhesion defect.

I realize the car in out of warranty. I DON'T CARE a 2011 Avalon should not have paint coming off the roof. Toyota is aware of the paint problem. Google Toyota Paint Defect. It's not only Avalons affected.

I just want my roof painted and Toyota should be responsible for the less an $1000.00 repair they created.

This is my 3rd Avalon. I don't test drive them. I order the color and options I want and the car is delivered. What a great loyal customer to loose along with the rest of my family and FRIENDS AND ANYONE ELSE I CAN STEER AWAY FROM TOYOTA. Apparently Customer service department has been closed.

- Sharon C., Johns Island, SC, US

problem #1

Jan 022014

Avalon

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

Seriously Toyota?! We have been loyal Toyota buyers and currently own 4 Toyotas. However I refuse to pay top dollar for a vehicle that has peeling paint that makes the car look trashy. Therefore if Toyota refuses to do anything about it we will not buy another Toyota product. Want to continue to lose customers Toyota? Continue to provide inferior products with substandard customer service. I have researched this and Toyota products are becoming well known for their auto paint problems.

- Mark S., Ada, OK, US