At 47,190 miles purchased new tires and noticed all 4 alloy wheels were starting to corrode and peel in spots on the spokes. I did not realize these wheels are painted/coated unlike true high grade alloy wheels. I uncovered the spare tire to find that wheel was in perfect condition; it was under the spare tire cover since new. Today at 84,000 miles the wheels are peeling severely, on spokes and rim. And the underlying aluminum is quite corroded in several areas. The car looks pristine.....waxed and kept in perfect shape; however, the wheels are disgusting and detract severely from the overall "curb value". Dealer suggested having the wheels refurbished by a wheel specialist who will remove the coating, treat the wheel and recoat them. Estimated cost is $150 per wheel. The cost of new wheels or a true alloy equivalent wheel is prohibitive. Clearly Toyota's product quality continues to slide ("recall king" for 2012). This should not be happening on a 6 year old car that is garaged and treated with kid-glove care.
Update from Mar 9, 2013: Reconditioned and recoated wheels to factory stds are available on-line for approximately $145 each plus shipping. This is a little better option as it only takes one trip and maybe 1/2 hour to swap wheels and remount tires. Plus the peeled wheels can likely be sold for use by someone else as they are structurally fine, recover some of the cost. Avoids having the car in the shop for 3 days up on blocks while wheels are being reconditioned. I plan to purchase wheels on-line soon and get rid of this ugly problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
At 47,190 miles purchased new tires and noticed all 4 alloy wheels were starting to corrode and peel in spots on the spokes. I did not realize these wheels are painted/coated unlike true high grade alloy wheels. I uncovered the spare tire to find that wheel was in perfect condition; it was under the spare tire cover since new. Today at 84,000 miles the wheels are peeling severely, on spokes and rim. And the underlying aluminum is quite corroded in several areas. The car looks pristine.....waxed and kept in perfect shape; however, the wheels are disgusting and detract severely from the overall "curb value". Dealer suggested having the wheels refurbished by a wheel specialist who will remove the coating, treat the wheel and recoat them. Estimated cost is $150 per wheel. The cost of new wheels or a true alloy equivalent wheel is prohibitive. Clearly Toyota's product quality continues to slide ("recall king" for 2012). This should not be happening on a 6 year old car that is garaged and treated with kid-glove care.
Update from Mar 9, 2013: Reconditioned and recoated wheels to factory stds are available on-line for approximately $145 each plus shipping. This is a little better option as it only takes one trip and maybe 1/2 hour to swap wheels and remount tires. Plus the peeled wheels can likely be sold for use by someone else as they are structurally fine, recover some of the cost. Avoids having the car in the shop for 3 days up on blocks while wheels are being reconditioned. I plan to purchase wheels on-line soon and get rid of this ugly problem.
- spacecadet, Avon, CT, US