I Can’t Believe the Toyota Dealer’s Wild Claim about My 2024 Tacoma’s Chipped Paint. I Said, WHAT? and I’m Still Shaking My Head

Have you ever heard someone say something, and you do a double take? You can't believe what the person said? 

It happened to Mitch Chapin when he took his 2024 Toyota Tacoma in for an oil change on his new pickup. On the Toyota Tacoma Owners Facebook page, Mitch tells why he left, shaking his head.

He says, "I am at my local Toyota dealership getting the oil changed in my 2024 Tacoma, and I bring up the paint chips on the front part of the bed.  I explain I also own a 2017 F150 with 100,000 more miles on it, and I don't have rock chips in that and drive on the same roads."  

“I can’t believe the wild claim the service advisor responded with. He said, 'Well, the F-150 is geared a little more for off-road than a Tacoma.'" 

"I responded with WHAT?!  Tacoma is a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts. I do a lot of off-roading, but that's just a wild response. I’m still shaking my head.”

Here's an account of how the head-scratching conversation likely went down. 

It was a typical day when Mitch took his new Tacoma pickup to the Toyota dealer for an oil change. As he pulled into the service drive, the fluorescent lights of the Toyota dealership service bay hummed, casting a sterile glow on his Tacoma. 

"Just getting the oil changed," he told the service advisor, "but I wanted to ask about these paint chips." He gestured to the front of the bed, a constellation of tiny flecks against the white paint. 

"It's odd," he says.  

I also have a 2017 Ford F-150, with 100,000 more miles on it, and it only has a few chips in its paint. And I drive the same roads in that as I do my 2024 Tacoma. What gives with all the paint chips?"

The Toyota advisor leaned in, squinting at the truck. "Hmm, I see," he mused, then straightened up with a confident nod. "Well, an F-150 is geared a little more for off-road than a Tacoma."

Mitches jaw nearly hit the polished concrete floor. "What?!" He blurted, the word hanging in the air. "A Tacoma? Big in the off-road community? I do plenty of off-roading, and so do the guys I know who have one, but that's just a wild response!" 

The advisor, clearly unaware of the irony, offered a weak smile, leaving Mitch shaking his head and wondering if his truck's paint was too delicate for the roads he drove on or if he'd stumbled into an alternate reality where Tacomas were delicate city cruisers.

What's Up With the Tacoma's Paint?

Mitch is not the only one facing this issue. Other owners have also reported paint chipping issues with the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, particularly with the Super White color. 

Some owners have reported that the paint chips soon after purchase, with some experiencing this issue in the same spots on multiple occasions. 

There are also reports of paint defects, scratches, and swirls present on the paint as it leaves the factory. 

What Other Tacoma Owners Are Saying

Dustin Jones - My 2024 Tacoma with 4,000 miles on it is loaded with chips in the exact location, and my truck doesn't leave the pavement. I am very disappointed in this vehicle.

Steve Rossetti - My Toyota dealer said they never heard any complaints and also supposedly called in to cooperate, and they said the same thing. I had already undergone stage 2 paint correction due to excessive scratches and chips. I paid out of pocket. They deny any fault. It's very disappointing, after spending the money on this truck, that it's so difficult to get issues addressed.

Logan Silva - I have had the same issue, and Toyota is investigating it. I noticed at about 5k that the truck is brand new. They were saying that another guy came in after me with the same issue. I don't know what's going to happen, but we are definitely not alone with this issue, and Toyota is definitely aware of it.

Here's a breakdown of the issues: Super White Paint:

There are numerous reports of the Super White paint chipping, peeling, and flaking, particularly on edges and in areas such as the hood, doors, and tailgate. 

Paint Quality: Some owners have reported that the paint is thin and fragile, with some even finding primer underneath. 

Factory Defects: Some trucks have been delivered with paint defects, scratches, and swirls, indicating potential quality control issues at the factory. 

Dealer Issues: Some dealerships have been reluctant to address paint issues, with some owners reporting that they were told their trucks are too new for a recall or being dismissed by Toyota corporate. 

Recall and Warranty: Discussions about a recall for Super White paint peeling are ongoing, as it's unclear whether it has been officially implemented for all affected vehicles or if it's limited to specific model years or paint types. 

Other Colors: While the Super White paint is the most commonly cited, reports have also surfaced of paint chipping and damage on various colors, including Supersonic Red. 

Rock Chips: Some owners have also reported excessive rock chips, particularly in areas such as the front of the rear wheels, which may be due to the flared fender design. 

Recommendations:

• Inspect Carefully: If considering a 2024 Tacoma, thoroughly inspect the paint, especially the Super White color, for any signs of chipping, peeling, or defects.
• Consider PPF: For added protection, consider applying paint protection film (PPF) to areas prone to rock chips, such as the hood and fenders.
• Document Issues: If you encounter paint issues, document them with photos and contact your dealership and Toyota customer service. 

Customer Support Program:

A customer support program, rather than a formal recall, is available for certain 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma models with the "Super White" paint color (color code 040) that are experiencing paint peeling on the exterior door window frames and front inner fender edges, according to the NHTSA. 
This program covers the cost of repainting affected areas. While not a recall in the strict sense, it offers a remedy for this specific paint issue. 

How About You?

Do you own a 2016-2024 Toyota Tacoma with chipping paint? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Toyota Tacoma story: I Didn't Think My 2024 Toyota Tacoma Off Road Would Lose So Much Value After Just One Year, the Dealer Only Offered Me $38,000 Trade-In

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Mitch Chapin