My 2nd Prius out of 3 is showing severe clear coat peeling on roof; my 2004 is still clean. From what I seen driving around and from searching the chat, this seems a common problem that is affecting specifically the dark blue Prius. Toyota has no extended service for this defect. I’m curious how many people out there have this issue, and should this be raised as a group to Toyota?
Just for data points: 1. Mostly parked outside, or garage? 2. Waxed? How often? 3. Wash yourself, or carwash? If the latter, what kind?
Outside, no wax, wash myself sparingly. I know the sun can be tough on paint, but this is just like all my other cars that never showed this problem. Thanks,
Only fix is repaint. Try maaco paint, probably not the best shop to go to, but if you "just want it to look better" , it should be fine
Thanks for the suggestions folks. Toyota has been less than helpful. National tells me to go see the dealer, Dealer tells me nothing they can do if National doesn't do anything, though they are the ones who sent me to the dealer. I understand I'm out of warranty, and I wouldn't be pushing them if the car was 15+ years old. I just expected more from Toyota when this is clearly abnormal. I play with my 3 choices: Live with it and give Toyota free advertising, fix my myself, or go to a cheaper place like Maaco. Appreciate the inputs
2010 with 156k and blue paint. No issues whatsoever with paint degradation. I’ve only owned it for a year and a half or so but I park it outside.
My 2011 Blue Prius 4 had no such problems. I guess that's the advantage of living in Rainy, Cloudy, Snowy Pennsylvania instead of Beautiful Sunny California. I didn't take many photos when selling it, used old photos I had from 2017 instead. These are the only recent photos I have. Those aren't scratches BTW, just glue from the dent puller I was using.
I have a 2011 Blue Prius with 75K miles. I had the same exact problem and had my roof repainted for $400 two years ago (at around 50K). Now the paint is peeling in two other locations. UGH!!! I'm wondering how long before this spreads in other locations. I'm very disappointed in Toyota for not covering this issue.
If you think you might diy the roof, you still have a few options. Get a compressor a hose a spray gun and a place inside with little to no dust for spraying and practice. Don't forget to tape anywhere you don't want the clear to cover like windows and moldings. Or Start off small and get a rattle can of clear, sand a part of the roof with 600 grit, clean off sanding dust and tac with tac cloth, spray a small section of the roof. If it meets your satisfaction, let it cure for at least 24 to 48 hours, if not sand the section with 800 grit wet dry and try your luck again. If you still want it better and to shine like new, sand the section with 1000 grit, clean off dust, tac cloth it and spray again, this time with just a bit of a thicker coat of clear. Spraying in direct sun or any breeze is not going to give good results unless really really lucky. The more light you can get on the area being sprayed the better. After happy with spray results, Inspect for impurities with a strong flashlight up close. If going to buff out? , wait at least 24 hours. Don't use enamel clear on the car. If that's all you can get (and this is good practice for whatever is being sprayed) test the paint on a non visible patch of paint to see if it lays flat and hardens clear on the cars OEM paint.
2010 dark blue Prius 3 now has blistered clear coat on roof after spending the SW Michigan winter outside and visiting a car wash in June. Toyota Dealer won’t deal with a blue Prius, just the white ones.
I am having the same problem with my 2018 Prius C. Same blue color and paint is delaminating all over roof, hood, and under windows. Toyota dealer says paint is no longer under warranty. The car is not that old and has never been parked in the desert or near the ocean. Never had this problem with other, older Toyotas. 2 paint shops told me it is faulty Toyota paint. Toyota corporate says there is nothing they can do. I am so mad my car looks like crap and I have to pay to get it painted. I wonder if more people are experiencing this and we can make a complaint somehow?
I agree. I was hoping to find enough people to elevate the complaint. There is a class action for white-painted vehicles. Seems to be a clear coat issue across the board. Not sure what the next step is. It's so frustrating. I did see this - Toyota Paint Damage Lawsuit Says Tacoma, Other Vehicles Not as Rugged as Advertised Greif v. Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Filed: May 16, 2024 A new class action lawsuit alleges Toyota has falsely advertised that certain vehicle models will be free of clear coat and paint damage for 'many years.'
