2013 Toyota RAV4 Body & Structure Problems

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that large pieces of paint had separated from the hood and contacted the front windshield while driving, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.

The paint on the roof of my 2013 Toyota Rav4 has begun to peel (delaminate). I first noticed it in May 2025. More recently, in June, while driving I saw in my rearview mirror what was clearly a chunk of white paint fall off the blowing from the top of my vehicle behind me - which is poses a safety hazard on the road. There are two areas on the roof now peeling. One is about 8inches in diameter (which has grown since May) and the newest area peeling and flaking/flying off is 1 foot long and 4 to 5 inches wide. Areas of the roof where the paint has peeled are beginning to rust and compromise the integrity of the body. I contacted Toyota twice recently regarding my case (#250701000710) which is considered closed. Two representatives said they were sorry I was having this issue but advised that I would have to go to a dealer and take care of it myself. Please be aware that there was a prior/known paint peeling issue that affected cars in blizzard/pearl white (which my car is). They offered what was called a "goodwill service" at the time under which they only paid to repaint any areas of the car that were already peeling at the time. The body of my car had many large areas of peeled paint that were repainted. However, the "goodwill service" program has since expired but now the roof is peeling. So, even though aware that the painting was flawed and prone to significant peeling they did not repaint affected vehicles as a whole and so it appears this issue has resurfaced.

I am reporting a paint peeling issue on my 2013 Toyota RAV4 Limited that has the potential to be a safety hazard. Large sections of paint have peeled off, exposing bare metal on the hood, roof, and/or doors, and I am concerned about its impact on visibility, corrosion, and potential flying debris while driving. 1.Visibility Obstruction & Glare Risk: The paint on my hood is peeling off in patches, causing sun glare and reflection issues that impair my ability to see the road under certain lighting conditions. This is particularly dangerous during sunrise, sunset, or nighttime driving under streetlights. 2.Risk of Corrosion Leading to Structural Integrity Issues: With the bare metal exposed, the affected areas are at risk of rusting and corrosion, which could weaken the vehicle’s structure. If left untreated, corrosion could affect critical safety components such as the hood latch or airbag crash sensors located behind painted surfaces. 3.Potential for Peeling Paint to Become Road Debris: While driving at highway speeds, I have noticed paint flaking off and flying away. This could become a hazard to other vehicles, especially for motorcyclists or drivers behind me who could be hit by the debris. 4.Compromised Vehicle Visibility to Other Drivers: The exposed, uneven patches of primer and metal create an irregular surface, which could affect how my vehicle is seen by others, especially in low-light conditions. This may increase the risk of rear-end collisions due to diminished contrast. Toyota Response: Toyota previously acknowledged this issue with a Warranty Enhancement Program (WEP ZKG) for peeling paint, but I was informed that my vehicle is one year past the extended coverage period. Despite the defect being well-documented, Toyota has refused to assist. This is not just a cosmetic issue—it has clear safety implications. I urge NHTSA to investigate this problem further to determine if additional action is needed.

Water leaks inside from the sunroof and out of corner of sun visor

The vehicle has experienced premature and widespread paint peeling and clear coat failure on multiple body panels. The paint began deteriorating without impact, collision, or environmental damage and has progressively worsened over time. This condition is consistent with a known manufacturing defect affecting certain Toyota vehicles, which Toyota acknowledged through a Customer Support Program. The defect results in exposed metal and body surfaces, increasing the risk of corrosion and long-term structural damage. The issue has been visually confirmed and documented and is reproducible across affected panels. No warning indicators were present prior to the failure. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request.

Paint peeling on car. Paint could come off hood while driving and obstruct vision while driving.

TOYOTA RAV4 WITH THE BLIZZARD WHITE PAINT HAVE A PAINT PEELING PROBLEM WHICH CAN QUICKLY BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN IT PEELS OFF THE ENGINE HOOD AND FLIES UP ON THE WINDSHIELD BLOCKING YOUR FIELD OF VISION ON I-84 AT 90FT/SEC.TOYOTA WILL ONLY PAINT PARTS OF THE CAR AS THEY PEEL FROM THE PRIMER BUT THEY SHOULD PAINT THE ENTIRE CAR SINCE THE PAINT AND PRIMER ARE THE SAME ON THE ENTIRE CAR.THEY DID SOME BOGUS TESTS AND TOLD ME THE REST OF CAR WAS OKAY.I PICKED THE CAR UP ON FEBRUARY 6 AND ONE WEEK LATER THE PASSENGER CAR DOOR STARTED TO PEEL.I HAVE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT ON MARCH 9 TO PAINT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR.THE WORK IS BEING DONE AT GREENTREE TOYOTA IN DANBURY,CT.TOYOTA IS PROCRASTINATING HOPING THESE PROBLEMS WILL DISAPPEAR.

THE PAINT ON THE HOOD IS BUBBLING AND PEELING OFF.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED AND OPENED. THE OWNER WAS ONLY ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE MASTER LOCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE DOORS HAD PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AND THE DOOR ACTUATORS WERE REPLACED. ANDREW TOYOTA (1620 W. SILVER SPRING DR., MILWAUKEE, WI) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

ROOF PAINT PEELING OFF

WHILE OPENING THE TRUNK, WHICH IS ELECTRIC, THE RIGHT LIFT GATE PISTON BLEW AND SEPARATED FROM THE BALL MOUNT. AT THAT POINT THE TRUNK/HATCH WOULD NOT WORK ELECTRICALLY OR BY HAND. IN FACT THE MALFUNCTION OF THE PISTON WAS SO INTENSE IT CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE BODY OF MY CAR, BUCKLING THE BACK ROOF, SHIFTING THE DOOR AND BUCKLING THE HINGES. THE GRAND TOTAL OF DAMAGE IS WELL OVER $5000. TOYOTA WAS WELL AWARE OF THIS DEFECT. IN FACT I HAVE THEIR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM TOYOTA THAT DISCUSSES THE PROBLEM IN DETAIL (T-SB-0168-13 FOR WHICH I AM SENDING YOU A COPY). THE PISTON, KNOWN AS AN ACTUATOR HAS BEEN CHANGED AFTER A CERTAIN VIN # (SEE PAGE #2 OF ATTACHED BULLETIN). BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE UNAFFECTED PISTON ALSO. EACH PISTON COSTS $686.16 FOR THE PART ALONE. IF THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY THEY COVER REPAIR, AS I HAVE OWNED MY CAR FOR ALMOST 4 YEARS, IT IS NOT COVERED. TOYOTA NOT ONLY KNEW ABOUT THE DEFECT, THEY CHOSE NOT TO NOTIFY THE CAR OWNERS'. IF THE PISTONS HAD BEEN REPLACED, ALL OF THE OTHER DAMAGE WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. SEVERAL MECHANICS I SPOKE WITH COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS WAS NOT A RECALL. IF AN ANIMAL HAD BEEN IN THE BACK OR WORSE YET, IF IT OCCURRED AS IT WAS OPEN, IT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY OR WORSE. APPARENTLY TOYOTA DOES NOT HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO REPAIR THIS AS IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. IF DEEMED A RECALL THEY WOULD NEED TO ADDRESS THIS AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. WE CONTACTED TOYOTA; THEY HAVE OFFERED US $2500 AS 'GOODWILL', WHICH IS LESS THAN 50%. AT THIS POINT I AM HAVING THEM DO THE ACTUAL MECHANICAL WORK, AND WILL ALSO HAVE TO PAY OVER $1100 OUT OF POCKET TO COVER THE FULL COST OF THE MECHANICAL REPAIR. THIS STILL WILL NOT ADDRESS THE BODY WORK. THEREFORE THIS WILL DEVALUE MY CAR, AND ALSO RUNS THE RISK OF RUSTING AS THE PAINT IS DAMAGED.

CAR PAINTING IS DETACHING. A SMALL HOLE IS FORMED AND THEN BECOME BIGGER EVERY DAY.

2/20/2017 2013 TOYOTA RAV4 LIMITED PEAR WHITE. ONE WEEK AGE ON A SATURDAY I WAS WETTING MY SUV WITH A GARDEN HOSE WHILE IT WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE OFF BEFORE WASHING AND WHEN I GOT TO THE PASSENGER DOOR ON DRIVERS SIDE PAINT STARTED FLAKING OFF. I STOPPED SPRAYING AT THAT TIME AND I WAS LEFT WITH A 3 INCH DIAMETER AREA THAT HAS NO PAINT LEFT, BUT A GRAY BASE. I DID REPORT THIS TO LAKE CHARLES TOYOTA IN LOUISIANA AND WAS TOLD SINCE THE FACTORY WARRANTY HAS ENDED AND I HAVE 60,000 MILES, THAT TOYOTA WOULD NOT COVER, TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I QUESTIONED THEM ABOUT MY 'BUMPER TO BUMPER' EXTENDED WARRANTY AND IT WAS LEFT UP TO THE MANAGER OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND HE SAID THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT. THIS IS THE WORST TREATMENT I HAVE EVER RECEIVED FROM THEM. THE SERVICE STARTING GOING DOWNHILL ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO AT LC TOYOTA. I HAVE REFERRED SEVERAL PEOPLE THERE FOR PURCHASE OF THEIR NEW VEHICLE. BUT WILL ONLY GIVE NEGATIVE REVIEWS ON THEM NOW. MELINDA D. IN LOUISIANA

DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED IN EVERY DOOR. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER ACTUATORS FAILED COMPLETELY AND THE TWO BACK DOORS WILL WORK SOMETIMES AND WON'T OTHERS.

PAINT PEELING OFF MY CAR. TOYOTA STATED OVER A YEAR AGO THAT THEY WOULD REPAI NT THE AFFECTED AREA BUT HAVE NOT DONE SO YET.

"BLIZZARD PEARL BISQUE" PAINT PEELING BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE SUNROOF. PAINT IS COMING OFF IN LARGE PIECES THE SIZE OF SILVER DOLLARS. PAINT "BLISTERS" FIRST THEN JUST FALLS OFF THE ROOF OF THE CAR. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN THERE FOR THE BETTER PART OF THE YEAR AND SEEMS TO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CAR BEING STATIONARY, IN MOTION - OR THE ENVIRONMENT. IT HAS BEEN PARKED IN THE SAME PLACES THAT MY PRIOR TOYOTAS HAVE BEEN PARKED, AND THIS PROBLEM HAS NEVER OCCURRED BEFORE. MY WIFE AND I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM, WITH THIS COLOR PAINT ON OTHER RAV4S, PRIUS, AND LEXUS MODELS.

I PURCHASED THE 2013 RAV4 LIMITED WITH NAVIGATION AND A BLIND SPOT MONITOR, HOWEVER I DO NOT BELIEVE THE MONITOR WORKS CORRECTLY, IT DOES NOT GIVE ANY INDICATION THAT SOMETHING (ANOTHER VEHICLE) IS APPROACHING UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS AT THE SIDE DOOR OF MY VEHICLE, WAY TOO LATE TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT TO YOUR CHANGING LANES. I HAVE HAD IT BACK TO MY TOYOTA DEALERS TWO TIMES, ON THE FIRST VISIT THE CAR WAS IN FOR A 6 MONTH CHECK UP AND I SAID SOMETHING ABOUT IT AT THE TIME, BUT NOTHING SHOWS ON MY VISIT THAT IT WAS CHECKED SO I ASSUMED THAT IT WAS CORRECTED. AFTER THAT VISIT I REALIZED THAT THE BLIND SPOT MONITOR WAS STILL NOT WORKING, SO ON MY ONE YEAR INSPECTION AND CHECK UP I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR THE BLIND SPOT MONITOR TO BE CHECKED AGAIN. THIS TIME WHEN I GOT MY BILL FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA EMISSIONS TEST I NOTED THE BLIND SPORT MONITOR WAS NOT PART OF MY REPAIR BILL, SO I QUESTIONED THE SERVICE REP, WHO EXPLAINED THERE WAS NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THIS PART. I WENT TO THE SALES MANAGER ABOUT IT AND SHE SAID SHE WOULD HAVE TOYOTA CONTACT ME. WHEN I WAS NOT CONTACTED BY TOYOTA I SENT A EMAIL TO TOYOTA OWNERS WEB SITE AND MADE A COMPLIANT, THEY RESPONDED THAT I SHOULD TAKE IT BACK TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND TELL THEM I NEED AN ADJUSTMENT ON THE BLIND SPOT MONITOR, WHICH I DID, WHEN I RETURNED TO PICK UP MY RAV4 I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM AND THERE WAS NOTHING COULD BE DONE. MY COMPLIANT IS IF IT IS NOT ADJUSTABLE THEN IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. THANK YOU *TR

THE CENTER CONSOLE TOP ARM RESTING PAD BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER DOES NOT LOCKED IN POSITION SO IT MOVES BACK AND FORTH DEPENDING ON HOW YOU ARE LEANING ON IT, IF YOU HAVE YOUR ARM ON IT AND YOU MOVE YOUR BODY IT SLIDES BACK AND FORTH. IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE HAND ON THE STEERING WHEEL WITH YOUR ARM ON THE CONSOLE PAD, IF THE TOP PAD MOVES BACK IT WILL MAKE YOU GO RIGHT INTO THE DITCH OR IF IT MOVES FORWARD YOU GO LEFT INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. *TR

THERE IS HUGE SUN REFLECTION ON NAVIGATION SYSTEM & YOU HAVE VERY POOR VISION ON NAVIGATION. TIME TO TIME YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR HEAD POSITION TO FIND RIGHT ANGLE TO READ NAVIGATION DISPLAY. THIS WILL DANGER THE LIFE OF DRIVER TREMENDOUSLY. *TR

TELL ME WHO TO TALK TO ABOUT HOW YOU DECIDE SAFETY FEATURES FOR THE NEWLY IMPROVED ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS IN CARS. OR FORWARD THIS TO THEM. FIRST OF "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR". HAVE YOU DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY LATELY? DID YOU NOT NOTICE HOW EACH AND EVERY CAR GETS IN FRONT OF A SEMI W ONLY 3' DISTANCE? THAT MIRROR THING NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED BECAUSE NO ONE IS PAYING ATTENTION. I DON'T SEE ANY CARS IN MY BLIND SPOT. THEN THERE IS THAT NEW THING ABOUT PUTTING THE DIALING PAD ON MY NEW PANEL? WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THAT AND MY DIALING ON MY PHONE. ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. NOW, SOME CARS HAVE AUTO ANSWER WITH A BUTTON, OTHERS DON'T. MINE HAS THE ANSWER WHICH SHOULD BE PAINTED GREEN BUT IT'S NOT, BUT IT DOES NOT HAVE THE "CALL BUTTON" VOICE ACTIVATED. ONLY UPGRADED VEHICLES DO. SO, I'M ON THE HIGHWAY AND FORGET WHAT EXIT OR WHAT CITY I'M SUPPOSED TO GET OFF ON. IT'S RUSH HOUR AND THE TRAFFIC IS MOVING SLOWLY. I HAVE TO PULL OFF TO THE CURB AND CALL?. THEN I HAVE TO MERGE ONTO THAT CRAZY TRAFFIC. REALLY? WHO ACTUALLY DOES IT. AND YOU ASK WHY THERE ARE SO MANY ACCIDENTS? THIS SHOULD BE A MANDATORY FEATURE ON ALL CARS FROM NOW ON FOR AN ACTUAL HANDS OFF EXPERIENCE. BLUETOOTH IS THE BEST NEW INVENTION FOR DRIVING, BUT WE NEED TO UTILIZE IT TO IT'S BEST. NEXT: MY CAR HAS A METALLIC DECORATING RIM ON THE DASHBOARD. I WAS ALMOST BLINDED BY THE SUN THE OTHER DAY. I HAD THAT AND THE WINDOW OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SHINING ON MY FACE. I COULD BARELY FIND A SAFE SPOT FOR ME TO SEE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND MAKE CERTAIN THINGS MANDATORY STANDARD FEATURES (NO METAL RIMS ON DASHBOARD.). YOU WANT SAFETY? LEND ME EACH NEW CAR AND I BET YOU I WILL FIND STUFF WRONG WITH IT WITHIN THE MONTH. THANKS FOR LETTING ME VENT. *TR