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pumpkin cat

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I have just recently realized that my new white 2019 RAV 4 has rust on the body in numerous places, particularly in the crevices and sections of the car. I think I am getting the runaround from the dealer. I have done some research and found that indeed, Toyota has had numerous problems with rust on the body and even the frame of the cars and trucks for some time. Has anyone else encountered this problem and, if so, what is being done about it? Is there any type of class action lawsuit in the works?
 
I have just recently realized that my new white 2019 RAV 4 has rust on the body in numerous places, particularly in the crevices and sections of the car. I think I am getting the runaround from the dealer. I have done some research and found that indeed, Toyota has had numerous problems with rust on the body and even the frame of the cars and trucks for some time. Has anyone else encountered this problem and, if so, what is being done about it? Is there any type of class action lawsuit in the works?

Where was your toyota manufactured?
 
rust on frames? This is a unibody vehicle. Yes there were some rust frame issues, I believe on some Tacoma vehicles (body on frame) but that was many years ago (like more than 10)
so not sure why you are talking about that or why it would have any relevance here.

Please post pictures. Will be very easy to determine if it is surface contamination. Use clay bar as posted above.
 
Yeah, we are going to need pictures. To get paint blistering/bubbling in this short of time would mean a great many things. I am suspicious of iron contamination which shows up way more visibly on white vehicles.
 
It’s likely edge of surface rust visible on lighter coloured vehicles. My 2012 had it early on, showing along the spot welds and unfinished edges, as the paint it too thin on the edges and any high points. I took it for a fix but they only resprayed it without grinding the surface rust and treating the metal before painting. Pain in the @$$. I’ve since just applied touch-up paint along the edges, at least it’s in hidden areas.

If it’s little rust spots in the middle of a panel, everyone else is right - rail rust. Metal filings in the air get caught in the softer water-based paints and clear coats used for about the last 15 years. I truly miss the paint on my 2002 Explorer - never had a problem with environmental contaminants. If it’s this, the dealership will do nothing for you as this is excluded from the warranty. Do a full wash/clean/clay bar treatment. RTexasF has some outstanding advice in other threads about detailing and protecting your paint job. Do a search for detailing with his ID.
 
My dealership here in Utah told me Toyota won't honor any rust warranty in areas/states that use road salt. Not sure if that's true or a line of bullshit.
Don’t know about USA but I find that to be a line, and a reason to look for a new servicing dealer. Toyota Canada honours it in the rust belt of Southern Ontario, had a claim for that myself a couple years ago where it was rusting on the spot welds around the trunk opening.
 
Don’t know about USA but I find that to be a line, and a reason to look for a new servicing dealer. Toyota Canada honours it in the rust belt of Southern Ontario, had a claim for that myself a couple years ago where it was rusting on the spot welds around the trunk opening.
Well, hopefully it won't be an issue. I was a bit concerned about Toyota's rust issues in the past, but I still chose the RAV4 over a new Honda CR-V. Besides, it won't really be a dealer issue anyway. That would be Toyota's call and independent of what any dealer says. It's THEIR warranty.
 
It really depends on the type of rust spot. If it comes up through the paint it’s almost always covered. If it’s from any damage like a stone chip or something then likely not. Bubbles = troubles for metal but should be covered.

Orange spots in the finish on the other hand (as it sounds like OP has) are not, as they are from outside factors.
 
100% sure it’s rail / brake dust. All vehicles have it, and will get it. Ya just see it on white cars.
Yes clay bars work, but do yourself a huge favor and buy this stuff:


it smells bad. I mean really bad, like rotten egg fart bad, lol. But it will remove 95% of iron (rail dust) from your paint. It turns purple You will be shocked at the amount of iron on your vehicle.

further remove bonded contaminants from your paint,with this instead of a clay bar:


you attach this to a polisher. Will save your hands, and lots of time.

this is the first step before polishing that will give you a nice smooth surface.

but seriously if you don’t want to go down the rabbit hole of detailing, just spray the first chemical on your paint. Let it sit and gently scrub with a wash sponge. Rinse, and enjoy no more “rust” on your car.
 
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