3rd Gen Quality Decline HORRIBLE PAINT

I’ve owned a 2023 Tundra Limited since April of last year. I am sorely disappointed with the quality of paint - allover the entire vehicle the paint is orange peel, like the hood, bed, all of the doors. I am aware that there should be some stronger textured paint on the bottom of the doors, etc. and those area are the best looking spots on the truck. Without anything hitting this truck, paint has come off the flared section of bed above the tires. This paint cannot withstand high rates of speed.

I’ve tried working with the dealership on this (i.e. trade it) and the quote I’m receiving to trade my truck is disgusting low. 3rd Gen does not hold value at all. Purchasing the 23 Tundra is proving to be an enormously expensive and disappointing life lesson. I’ve started to look at Fords. Never again Toyota.

Has anyone else tried to work with Toyota to resolve the poor workmanship/quality of the paint?

 

Mine has more orange peel than I'd prefer. But did I read that right, you tried to trade the truck in just because of orange peel? Values for anything not named zr2 HD, raptor, or 24 Tacoma have fallen off.

 

The reason for wanting to trade it is how easily the paint has come off on its own.

 

New member here?

Paint quality issues? Orange peel can be fixed with someone who knows car detailing. Non issue. As far as paint falling off these trucks, doubtful.
I’ve owned the Tundra brand since 2000 and I’ve never heard of paint falling off these trucks. Orange peel possible a fish eye here and there sure but falling off?

Toyota goes through an extensive paint process and multiple quality checks before they are sent out to the dealers.

Go back to your Ford site.

 

The orange peel is in the basecoat. That can be rubbed off?

 

If the paint is the main problem then work with the service department to fix it. I had a Camry back in the mid 90’s that had some paint coming off of the rear quarter panel. They had to have a regional rep approve it, but Toyota covered it.

 

Paint is warrantied. Toyota historically had issues with some single stage whites flaking off, but overall their paint ia decent.

Make a warranty claim, if it is defective, Toyota will fix it.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRZbP54LV9c

everyones favorite youtuber

 

It’s called buffed out. Yes
Take your concerns back to your Toyota dealership. If you have a dealership that isn’t working with you take it to another Toyota dealership. Let the dealership send it to the body shop for an orange peel detailing. Either way it’s warrantable.

 

"...Paint cannot withstand high rates of speed.. "

I want that SR71 edition!! I bought the wrong truck apparently, mine can't go that fast.

 

that’s why we have a fuel leak recall , sr-71 on the runway , we leak fuel until we heat up , ha!

 

OP why would a dealer give you high value on a truck that has the paint peeling?

Sounds like you have a warranty issue. Put in for that.

 

I can totally understand if you have a truck that you just don't like and want to get out of. Been there done that. If it were me, I'd do as everyone else is telling you and have Toyota fix it. They'll fix that and you'll never now the difference. Then dump it if you're that dissatisfied. But know that you will lose some money on it. Just the nature of the beast. Gone are the days of getting trade value more than what you paid for. I have not seen any paint issues in the 5 Toyota trucks I've owned, but I'm sure it happens. But every issue I've ever brought to Toyota they've bent over backwards fixing without a hassle which is why I keep buying them.

 

I agree with you 100%. I have 11k highway/interstate miles on my truck and the paint looks like I've been off roading. Paint chips, scratches everywhere you look. My wife drives a further commute than me on worse roads and has 25k miles with zero paint issues (scratches/paint chips) on her VW. I understand chips and scratches happen, but it's not normal at such low mileage. Any type of debris will mess the paint up.

 

@mh6072

 

Paint on wife’s 24 Venza (Made in Japan), is helluva allot better quality than my 23 Tundra, did a day of paint correction on the Tundra vs none on the Venza. Don’t understand as robots are what’s doing the painting.

 

My 6/23 build Gen 3 has 8400 miles on it. I haven't found a single paint flaw on it, and don't have any chips either. Did I mention I live 7 miles from the nearest pavement and routinely drive on sloppy salted and sanded roads on the winter?

I'm very pleased with the paint on my Tundra, just like I was with my 2 previous Tundras.

 

Toyota does a really piss-poor job with paint. Average paint thickness of Toyota vehicles is around 90 microns, which is EXTREMELLY thin. In some places it is as low as 70 microns. Lexus is a bit better with 110 to 120 microns, which also the typical thickness for KIA/Hyundai, Honda, Subaru, Ford, GM, etc. Mainstream European manufacturers (VW) typically have 120 to 140 microns, while European premium brands run anywhere from 150 to 200+ microns.

 

My paint chipped off driving down the highway. (2024 SR5) After 10k miles 7k repaint. Toyota said go suck eggs...not their problem. I've had 4 Toyotas...this will be the last one....quality going downhill fast.

 

Do us all a favor and post high-quality pics of your nightmare - I'd be talking to Corporate - if it is as bad as you say, which the pics should easily show they should make it right.

 

I did talk to corporate...they said it was because of "outside influence " despite it only being driven on normal roads. No off roading...I'm a senior...don't use my truck off road.

 

without seeing pics I'd have to agree with them (Corporate). I like to agree with you. As a senior I have learned pics are worth a thousand words. I drive on paved surfaces and un-improved roads - during every season and have yet to have a single paint issue you are plagued with. Sorry you got the Lemon.

 

Yet another problem I don't have. My truck has been heavily used on all the washed out roads in Asheville. I detailed it today. The paint and panel alignment are near perfect. The Blueprint looks great but it shows every flaw. I wouldn't buy it again.

 

Nice looking truck! My MGM looks factory fresh - I use Adams micro fiber wash glove for cleaning painted surfaces and micro fiber drying towel to remove water from paint and glass surfaces, and Turtle Wax Eco Power Wash blended with Meguairs Gold wash/wax as the sudsing cleaning mixture. The combination of these products leaves zero scratches or swirl marks and a clean surface that shines like 3d ice.

 

I’ve got the tools and skills but I’ve been in a situation that has been impossible to keep the track scratch free. We didn’t have water for a month. I’ve got it back to top notch but next time around it’s white or a light silver.

 

@breathingborla seems to have very good truck wash hygiene and desire to keep it looking perfect. I use a mix of Adams, Chem Guys and Griots products but there are a ton of good ones out there. I used to use a spot free water source but don't any more. Rinse->foam gun->micro fiber mitt with two buckets, rinse, compressed air dry and finish with thick microfiber finish.
IMO, the Blueprint shows the swirls at a much greater level than MGM and I've got two MGM equiv cars. Only black could be worse. The one thing that was odd with my truck is that I picked it up right off the train and the clear coat seemed soft or easily scratched for about the first 6 months.

Assume you take your truck to Stevenson? How are they doing?

 

for sure, blueprint shows more than MGM, I've had both. Love the blueprint but it's kinda like black with what it shows, makes it harder for sure. Im still glad I got it this time, never had a blue truck.

 

bought a new first generation 4runner from Stevinson and have not bought another vehicle from them since. Until last fall I used them for parts and service on every Toyota I owned (three 4runners, two Tacoma's and my current Gen3 Tundra). I knew many mechanics, most of the counter staff, and the service managers in the store, and my son was a Master Tech there (he moved on from turning wrenches to using his brain - a good thing). Since Stevinson sold the place has become a circus. They botched my recall fuel fix repair and after 7 weeks of excuses I found a store that actually gave a shit and exceeds every expectation - Mountain States. I will buy parts from them (Stevinson) but that is all.

 

My info is old as I haven’t lived in Boulder for years but 10 years ago Stevenson was pretty much going through the motions.