Toyota is currently facing a class action lawsuit in Australia stemming from widespread complaints of peeling paint on certain white-colored vehicles, particularly Corolla models manufactured between 2010 and 2014. The lawsuit alleges a manufacturing defect in Toyota's "040 white paint" (marketed under various names like Glacier White and Super White) that causes it to degrade and peel when exposed to sunlight and UV radiation. Owners claim Toyota failed to disclose this defect, leading to significant repair costs and diminished vehicle value, despite Toyota having previously acknowledged that UV exposure can compromise the paint's adhesion.
The Fading Finish: A Persistent Problem
For years, owners of certain white Toyota vehicles have reported a frustrating and visually jarring problem: their car's paint, particularly the "040 white" color code, begins to peel, flake, and delaminate, often in large sections. This issue is particularly pronounced on surfaces regularly exposed to sunlight. While individual complaints have been widespread, the problem has now escalated into a formal class action lawsuit in Australia, shining a spotlight on what many believe is a systemic manufacturing defect.
The lawsuit, filed by legal firm William Roberts on behalf of disgruntled Toyota Corolla owners, specifically targets vehicles manufactured between July 12, 2010, and September 30, 2014, that were finished with the problematic "040 white paint." This color is known by various names, including Glacier Pure Super White, Glacier White, Super White, or Super White II, depending on the model and market.
Allegations of Defects and Non-Disclosure
The core of the class action lawsuit rests on several key allegations:
Manufacturing Defect: The plaintiffs argue that the peeling is not merely cosmetic wear and tear but a fundamental defect in the factory-applied paint. Toyota Australia itself acknowledged in a July 2022 statement that "sunlight/ultraviolet exposure over time degrades the adhesion between the factory-applied paint primer coat layer and the base metal electrodeposition layer, causing paint to peel from the metal body panel." This admission by Toyota forms a significant basis for the plaintiffs' claims.
Breach of Consumer Law: The lawsuit asserts that this paint defect breaches Australian Consumer Law, specifically the guarantee of "acceptable quality" for vehicles purchased from 2011 onwards. Cars with peeling paint are clearly not of acceptable quality, affecting both their appearance and resale value.
Failure to Disclose: A crucial claim by William Roberts lawyers is that Toyota was aware of this paint peeling defect during the manufacturing periods of the affected vehicles but failed to disclose this critical information to consumers. This alleged non-disclosure left buyers unknowingly purchasing vehicles with a latent defect that would manifest over time, leading to unexpected repair costs.
Impact on Owners and Calls for Compensation
The consequences for affected Toyota owners are significant. The peeling paint not only detracts from the vehicle's aesthetic appeal but also exposes the underlying metal to the elements, potentially leading to rust and further damage. Repairing the issue often requires a full repaint of the affected panels, or even the entire vehicle, which can be an expensive undertaking, reportedly ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
A Facebook group dedicated to the issue, boasting over 7,000 members, is filled with photos of severely peeled paint on various Toyota models, with many members expressing their intention to join the lawsuit. Owners are seeking compensation for the loss and damage incurred due to the defect, including the cost of repairs and the diminished resale value of their vehicles.
Toyota's Response and Broader Context
Toyota Australia has acknowledged the class action lawsuit and stated its intention to "vigorously defend" the claims. While they have previously offered "Customer Support Programs" or extended warranties in various markets (including North America) for certain models affected by peeling white or "Blizzard Pearl" paint, the current class action suggests these measures may not have fully addressed the scope of the problem or satisfied all affected customers. These programs often covered specific models and years for a limited duration, sometimes up to 10 or 14 years from the date of first licensing.
The outcome of this Australian class action will be closely watched by Toyota owners globally and could set a precedent for similar actions in other markets. It underscores the importance of manufacturing quality and transparency, particularly for an automotive giant like Toyota, whose reputation for reliability is a cornerstone of its brand.