Brand new Tundra with major paint bubbles under clear coat

Interesting. I did not know that was a common thing, or a thing at all frankly (heat lamps/heat). I can understand that it's possible that heat would re"set" the clear coat to the paint. I have no idea what "clear coat" really is also, but OK, I'm on board with this as a reasonable method. But....if that's the case, then why is this not standard fare for known problem areas of the vehicle? Seems that it's also possible for there to be some de-lamination to be present that is not visible initially or as obvious as the bubbles in the above pictures. Also seems that the adhesive of the protective plastic needs to be improved to keep this clear coat problem from happening. IMHO

 

Anything needing a paint fix or correction that’s brand new I would sell or do buy back. Aftermarket would never be the same

 

Wonder if its also specific to a color (MGM) as both the OP and the other member have MGM paint...

 

It is a known thing. When I picked mine up and they talked about the pre delivery inspection, it was brought up when I asked about the lamps. They said it's a routine process for them because they see it every week. They said that's really the only thing they use the lamps for.

 

I don't think it's color specific. I've seen other colored vehicles across multiple brands in other forums. I think it's more evident on darker vehicles than for instance a white vehicle.

 

Probably the only positive of the single stage super white on the TRD pro and sr5. No separate clear coat.

 

You got hosed. Defective paint and you spent 3 grand more than you wanted to to rectify their mistake.

 

HEAT GUN!!!!!!!!! For the millionth time people.

 

Heat gun did nothing to remove the spots.

 

No real downside other that keeping the paint clean during its curing time. That's not to say you shouldn't drive it but I'd avoid taking it out during a huge rain storm or taking it up to the mountains wheeling. And of course no sealant or wax for 45 days. Also keep in mind that clearcoat will be a bit soft during the curing process and is subject to marring, scratching and pitting so be careful when washing and drying.

 

Why would u care?? You won't keep it lol

 

I am going to have them repaint the damaged panels. I had a 22 TRD OR and this one; 23 TRD Pro is a just a better all around Tundra. The performance and ride is a huge improvement over the Off Road. (Of Course my opinion).
I went through it inside and out and there is a big improvement in finish and fit (Exception the damaged Paint) Had a very good outcome with this Toyota Regional Body works facility repainting a 2014 Camry due to paint issues.

I will try and coordinate having the work completed in the spring when winter ends.

Edit: 12/12 added pictures. Truck is dirty. You can barely notice in bright sunlight. In off light conditions you can see.

 

Flipping days are over I’m afraid

 

Which off road the SR5 or limited

 

Op, In had similar issues w/my wife's 2021 Highlander. Not sure of what they did but they removed the marks. Factory paint is FULLY cured when it leaves the paint the booth. It is "baked" at 600 degrees. It is safe to wax/polish your new car as soon as you get it. I have owned over 15 brand new vehicles and the very first thing I do is wax. If you have a vehicle re-painted they cannot bake the paint. You should not wax for at least 60-90 days depending on the paint used. Ask your painter how long to wait. Fresh (non baked) paint needs to vent to release solvents. Sealing those solvents in with wax can cause problems w/a new re-paint job I am no paint expert but have done extensive research on this very subject. Google is your friend.

 

If I had never known that would be one thing. Seeing this on the new 70,000 truck that I hope to keep for 10 or more years is very disappointing. I could never trust it and would always be fearful that there would be problems down the road in cold weather or other conditions. Regardless of heat lamps, heat gun, hair dryer. It's not something I want to deal with. If it can't be delivered without major paint problems, I don't want it. BTW, the pictures I posted were of a smoked mesquite 1794, so not just MGM.

 

Limited

 

Someone just posted to tundra FB page. Is this a production batch issue?

 

THIS THIS THIS

 

During the call in which we declined the truck with this issue, our salesmen from the local dealer shared what he was told by their service manager. They said it is moisture in the clearcoat that get's trapped by the film. It is common, and only occurs during the colder months and it can be addressed easily. I said in this case it wasn't addressed before I saw it and I don't have faith in the truck and am working on getting a refund of our deposit. They don't have an issue giving a full refund...just need credit card details.

I've heard back from two local body shops now and both say if it is clear coat separation, it is a huge issue and to run away from this truck. I likely will never know if it is because they only went on the images I shared and didn't see it for themselves. I also shared the images with a detailer I've used, and he said he doesn't see any major issue...and he is calling me later today to discuss it more.

At this point...the truck is marked as available. Walking away might be the best decision I've ever made. Worst case, it isn't an issue and I need to wait another 6-12 months for another truck.

 

So, seems like this is a known issue. After I declined the truck they shared the Toyota TSB. Oh well. If it is this and not clearcoat separation, not a long term concern. Back in the queue I go...maybe for the next one the fit and finish will get better! Either way, wasn't pleased with the dealer. They scratched the truck in multiple spots removing the protective film.

 

That user yelling “HEAT GUN” finna drag y’all

 

I really don't understand how the heat gun method would bond the clear coat to the paint. Yes the moisture will be gone but the bond is not going to be there and 2-3 years down the road, the clear coat will start to peel. I had this happen on a repainted bumper. So my advice, take it back and get another one that doesn't have this issue. FYI, they sold the one I returned in less than a week after listing it as certified pre-owned. Listed at $4k over MSRP.

 

You did the right thing, heat gun is/was the wrong choice. That technique is absurd for a real long term fix without future paint problems

 

In your second pic it does look like you can see the edge of the ppf install
I do alot of tinting but little to no ppf but a lot of my 4 runner customers ask me to remove the hood piece when they purchase new
Road condom for road herpes…
I hope they get a qualified installer to get ya straight & cover the bill!

 

my brother is dealing with this on his sienna right now.. and local dealeship is being a bunch of dicks about it.

 

What year model of Toyotas is this affecting? I've had 3, 22' model years this year and have not seen this.....

 

In what world does it seem reasonable or acceptable for the buyer of a brand new vehicle to use a heat gun to “fix” a paint issue?

It’s those type of buyers that enable dealerships to treat customers they way they do because they feel they can get away with it. “If you don’t buy it, they next guy will. Blah, blah, blah. Dealers prey on the weak, uninformed buyer. Additionally, manufacturers can’t correct flawed processes if buyers just “use a heat gun”.

 

Read the bulletin @Russ_S posted (quoted above yours)

Depends on if you believe the bulletin. If it's not clearcoat separation and just staining as they say, then what long term issue do you expect? You have to decide if you trust Toyota or if you think you know more than they do about their paint. Anyone in this situation would have to evaluate that for themselves.

Show the bulletin to you brother and have him take it to a dealership he trusts. He can also show the bulletin to the dealership that is being dicks and lodge a complaint. Only do that if you never plan to go back there.

Bulletin Russ posted (quoted at top of comment) states it is 2010-2022 models

The dealership should have already treated it before delivery. See the bulletin above.

 

3 pages on paint bubbles....sheeeshhhhh give it a break.