Hole In Paint Just Underneath Nose of Hood

[JayceeP]

Was just in the garage checking the oil as I'm now past due and just wanted to make sure the level is up until I can get it in either this week or next weekend.

Anyway, as I am about to close the hood I noticed just underneath the nose of the left 1/4 of the hood, where the pointy section is, a hole in the paint. It's almost like it was a big bubble that popped. I'll be bringing it to the dealer's attention at this week's service as it could easily expand to the top side of the hood and rust- especially with road salt just a couple of months away at most.

 

[MarkEdm]

I will have to check under my hood tomorrow because mine is going in for service.

It's a 2010 with about 51,000 km. I noticed this weekend that the paint is flaking off a bit by the windshield by the passenger side.

I also noticed that the plastic on the door handle on the driver's side has worn through a bit such that the black plastic underneath is now showing through.

I'm not very pleased with these issues, combined with the driveshaft issue and the headlight fogging. I expected better. I like my 4Runner, but it has had more issues than my last Pathfinder with way more mileage and years on it.

 

[JayceeP]

Yeah, I was a little surprised to see it... Especially so close to the top side of the paint. I also have a couple tiny pimple-like bumps above the rear passenger wheel well.

Anyway, I will report back with any dealer comments/solutions if any.

 

[eddiebx]

I can't tell from the pictures but it almost seems like it is just a clearcoat bubble that poppped? It appears that under the bubble, it is still coated with the base paint color? I would definitely keep an eye on this, but it might not be cause for concern just yet. Hopefully the dealer gives you a favorable resolution in case it is worse than it looks in the pictures, good luck!

 

[JayceeP]

Update:

Took the 4Runner to the dealer's collision centre for inspection of the paint defect. I also had them look at those 2 little paint pimple/bumps above the rear passenger wheel well and I also pointed out some very minor bubbling on the left edge of the lift gate (where it's pointy above the tail light). I also had them look at how the rear passenger door doesn't close as flush as the driver side.

They called me 2 hours I left saying the dealer has approved all work and I have it booked in for early June. They have to keep the 4Runner Mon-Fri and will provide me with a rental of a similar style/model.

Seems like a big deal for just a minor defect(s) but I think it's better to be safe than sorry (and rusted).

 

[T4RT]

Update:

Seems like a big deal for just a minor defect(s) but I think it's better to be safe than sorry (and rusted).

I agree! From the sounds of it they are going to be refinishing several panels. Did they disclose what they were going to refinish? Keep us posted!

 

[dekeman]

I bet that silver 2014 LE looks even more tempting now.

 

[JayceeP]

I agree! From the sounds of it they are going to be refinishing several panels. Did they disclose what they were going to refinish? Keep us posted!

Everything I listed above is approved. I assume they'll have to do the whole hood, tail gate, and panel above the rear pass wheel well. Lol. Ridiculous.

I bet that silver 2014 LE looks even more tempting now.

Shhh. I'm trying to forget about it. I think I've got myself beyond it though. Now that the sun is higher and brighter, the Shoreline Blue is such a great colour. In the end it's just not worth the $10k I'd have to spend to upgrade and I've only had the 4Runner 1 year so it'd be a big hit for trivial upgrades. I'll probably wait until the 6th Gen before I do any trading... which I suppose is only a couple of years away until unveiling.

 

[JayceeP]

I'm taking the 4Runner in on Monday for the work. I'm terrified lol. It sounds like I will be receiving a Toyota rental and I told them it better be an SUV. Better not give me a RAV-4. They will have my 4Runner until Fridayray:.

One other nuisance is I will have to remove my OEM hood protector and therefore the rubber bump ons that stick to the paint. Not sure how I'm going to get new ones but I know the dealership only sells them as a kit with the protector. Given that it is warranty work, I'm hoping they will get me some.

It will be nice to have a newly painted hood. Not sure how they will deal with the edge on the lift gate, or the pimples over the rear passapenger wheel well, but it appears they would have to do the same there too.

 

[VoodooTitan]

I'm taking the 4Runner in on Monday for the work. I'm terrified lol. It sounds like I will be receiving a Toyota rental and I told them it better be an SUV. Better not give me a RAV-4. They will have my 4Runner until Fridayray:.

One other nuisance is I will have to remove my OEM hood protector and therefore the rubber bump ons that stick to the paint. Not sure how I'm going to get new ones but I know the dealership only sells them as a kit with the protector. Given that it is warranty work, I'm hoping they will get me some.

It will be nice to have a newly painted hood. Not sure how they will deal with the edge on the lift gate, or the pimples over the rear passapenger wheel well, but it appears they would have to do the same there too.

If it's an OEM hood protector shouldn't they re-apply it for you at no cost? Did you pay for it originally when you purchased the vehicle?

 

[JayceeP]

If it's an OEM hood protector shouldn't they re-apply it for you at no cost? Did you pay for it originally when you purchased the vehicle?

It is an OEM protector but I bought it a few months after getting the 4Runner and installed it myself. I don't know if I trust them to install it without scratching something.