Follow us today…
A recent post on the Rav4World forum reports that some owners of Toyota Rav4 models are discovering an unsightly “melting” of their roof racks extending to vehicle roof trim.
OP lindaferiod is justifiably upset not only over the fact that her relatively new Rav4 is showing severe signs of what looks like melted and warping plastic on her Rav4’s body but the fact that Toyota is refusing to warranty her claim because it does not cover “solar convergence.'”
A Summary Of the OP’s Story
I purchased a 2024 Rav 4 hybrid in November 2023. I loved the car the first few months I owned it, but then my Rav4 started to melt within the first 5,000 miles.
The dealership I purchased the car with said it was due to solar convergence, and it was not covered.
The OP was surprised by this because she lives in the Northeast, where the winters are cold and not particularly sunny, and has kept her Rav4 parked in her garage.
I went to a different dealership, and they replaced the racks last fall…now the new racks are melting, and the plastic piece above the back window is melting.
Here is What the Damage Looks Like on Her Car:
I can’t imagine how much my car will melt this Spring or Summer.”
Solar Convergence in Modern Cars
Solar convergence damage in modern cars refers to a phenomenon where sunlight gets focused through curved or angled glass surfaces, like windshields or rear windows, and concentrates on interior parts, causing localized heat damage.
So hot, in fact, that it can melt or warp plastic trim, discolor or scorch leather or fabric on dashboards and seats, and even cause cracks in displays or infotainment system screens.
In short, it is a magnifying glass effect happening inside your car.
But how is this happening outside of the vehicle?!
Others Report Outside “Solar Convergence” Damage
As it turns out, the problem of “solar convergence” claimed by Toyota is not limited to some Toyota models but also to other makes and models.
And it is also happening to the outside trim and body areas of the vehicles.
- In San Antonio, Texas, a woman discovered that the rear end of her Toyota Prius had become wavy and distorted.
- A 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback owner noticed the plastic on the passenger side mirror warping and separating.
- Owners of Toyota RAV4s have reported melting and bubbling on rear spoilers and door moldings.
In all 3 cases, the cause was attributed to solar convergence caused by reflections from nearby modern building windows.
Social Media Posts Claim It’s Not Solar Convergence and Wants Toyota to Own Up To It
From the forum thread posts, we can see that not everyone is buying Toyota’s “Solar Convergence” theory and is blaming it on Toyota resorting to cheap plastic parts, which is a problem with all manufacturers of modern-day cars.
The thread post makes a good point and demonstration of it. Others, however,state that solar convergence is possible, but that Toyota needs to have concrete answers about why exactly it happens to some Rav4 owners and not others:
Still, we can understand why Toyota owners are upset. As the OP points out, pinning the cause on cheap plastic is more believable and may be a good reason not to buy a Toyota until this question is satisfactorily resolved.
Toyota knows they are using cheap plastic on their cars and that is why on my bumper to bumper warranty they exclusion solar convergence. I purchased Honda’s for 20 years what was I thinking buying a Toyota. Never Again!!!!
Tell Us What You Think: Is solar convergence real, and is Toyota in the right in denying warranty coverage? Or do you feel that Toyota is trying to weasel out of any responsibility?
Let us know in the comments section below.
For additional Toyota Rav4 articles, here are a few for your consideration:
- Common Problem on Toyota RAV4 Many Owners Fix Incorrectly
- My 2019 Toyota Rav4 Repair Was Quoted $500 for Parts and Labor at a Local Shop, but I Found The Replacement Piece On Amazon For Only $80.
- My Daughter’s 2024 Toyota Hybrid RAV4 She Bought New At The Beginning Of December, Has Serious Electrical Issues…She Says It’s Now Been In The Shop More Than Her Possession. She’s Already Made Two Payments!
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.
Follow us today…
Source: torquenews.com
