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Imagine the surprise of going from a robust Toyota Tacoma pickup to a compact Corolla.
That’s the unexpected switch the Toyota dealer gave Nazim Jungli when he took his 2019 Tacoma in for the Tacoma White Paint recall.
It isn’t good because you would rather drive your wife’s minivan than the Corolla. Why can’t the dealer provide a like-for-like replacement and a loaner vehicle to drive while your truck is in the shop?
Nazim says on the Taco Nation Facebook page, “My Taco’s in the shop (the white paint recall). The Toyota dealership gave me a Corolla to drive. So if you see me in my wife’s van, mind yo business.”
“I like my wife’s minivan a lot better than the little car. I have to look up to see the curb in the Corolla.”
“It’s been over a week, and I still do not have the truck back. It’s hard getting out of the Corolla; it feels like a mini-car.”
“My Tacoma is a 2019, and it’s the third dealer I went to for the recall. My usual dealer said to go to one in another city because they had a paint and body shop, but that one was booked up, so I went to a larger dealer that’s a little closer to me.”
“They asked why I didn’t go to my original dealer, the service guy seemed ticked off, and he said, ‘All dealers can do it, but some choose not to because they don’t benefit.’
“I’m not sure if that’s true or not, but that’s the road I had to go down.”
Understanding the Toyota Tacoma White Paint Recall
The Toyota Tacoma recall, or more accurately, Customer Support Program, for the Tacoma’s white paint is due to peeling issues, specifically on certain double-cab models with the original factory-applied Super White paint.
This issue is most prominent on the exterior window door frames and front inner fender edges. The problem is thought to stem from a potential flaw in the clear coat or primer, leading to the paint and clear coat separating from the metal and causing peeling and flaking.
The Toyota Tacoma white paint recall primarily affects 2016-2022 model years. The issue is linked to a specific manufacturing facility and the original factory-applied Super White paint.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Specific Models: The recall primarily affects 2016-2022 double-cab Tacomas with the original factory-applied Super White paint.
- Affected Areas: The paint peeling is most noticeable on the exterior window door frames and front inner fender edges under the hood.
- Cause: The exact cause isn’t definitively stated, but it’s believed to be related to either the clear coat or the primer used during the original paint application.
- Customer Support Program: Toyota has initiated a Customer Support Program (CSP 23TE08) to address this issue, where affected vehicles will be repaired at no cost to the owner.
- Blizzard Pearl: While the primary focus is on Super White, some reports indicate that the Blizzard Pearl color may also be affected.
- Dealership Actions: Dealerships are authorized to repaint the affected areas of the vehicle for free as part of the support program.
- Interim Process: Some owners have reported that the repair process is still ongoing, with some dealerships awaiting updates from Toyota corporate.
The Toyota Loaner Vehicle Dilemma
This whole scenario for Nazim and others raises the question: Why can’t Toyota dealerships give customers a similar-sized loaner car?
Toyota Support says that Toyota dealers are not required to provide a loaner vehicle while a customer’s Tacoma is being repaired, even under warranty. While some dealerships offer loaner vehicles as a courtesy, it’s not a standard policy across all Toyota locations.
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Whether a loaner is provided often depends on the dealership’s policy, the nature of the repair, and the availability of loaner vehicles.
What Should Tacoma Owners Expect?
If a loaner is provided, it may not necessarily be a like-for-like replacement. Some dealerships may offer whatever is available, while others may try to get you a vehicle close to your Tacoma, according to a Facebook post from a Toyota Tacoma group.
Nick Dunham says, The Toyota dealership has had my 2017 Tacoma for a week and a half. Timing cover gasket. Crankshaft seal. Coolant crossover hose. Power steering hose. All under warranty. They just agreed to provide a loaner vehicle today. Look here. It’s a small Corolla.
So, Nazim is not the only Tacoma owner who has received a Corolla as a loaner vehicle while their Tacoma is getting repaired by the dealer.
However, he says he would rather drive his wife’s minivan than the Corolla because it’s impossible even to see the curb and hard to get in and out of. Many owners agree with him.
Tanya Hall says, “I feel like they could have given you something comparable in size instead of a Corolla. At least the paint is getting fixed, though!”
Zak Longe – “I picked up a girl for a date one night in a brand new Corolla S. She asks, “What kinda car is this?” I answered “A Toyota Corolla”. She says, “Well, at least it’s new.”
In The End
If you’re taking your Tacoma in for the white paint peeling issue or another warranty repair, it’s wise to plan ahead. When scheduling your service appointment, inquire about the dealership’s loaner vehicle policy.
However, don’t be surprised if you are driving a Corolla while your Tacoma is getting repaired.
How About You?
What kind of loaner vehicle did you receive, if any, while your Toyota Tacoma was in the shop? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Toyota Tacoma story: And So It Begins, I Picked up My 2025 Toyota Tacoma Yesterday, It Has 30 Miles On It, and It’s About to Be Torn Apart
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, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Nick Dunham
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Source: torquenews.com
