Toyota paint peeling class action: What to do now

Last updated on August 5th, 2025

Are you a Toyota owner frustrated by the manufacturer’s failure to fix paint flaking off your vehicle? You may be eligible to join the Toyota paint peeling class action.

William Roberts Lawyers launched the class action in the Federal Court this month on behalf of Toyota Corolla owners, claiming the auto giant had breached Australian Consumer Law.

They allege that white Toyota Corollas made between July 2010 and September 2014, or finished in the factory colour code 040, were coated with paint that may peel over time due to a defect in the adhesion process.

Handle My Complaint CEO, Jo Ucukalo, said the Federal Court action was a welcome step in a long-running battle.

“We began advocating on behalf of Toyota owners more than three years ago when we saw the pattern of complaints about paint peeling issues,” Ms Ucukalo said.

Complaints from people like Chris McInerney, whose 2011 Toyota Corolla had so much paint peel off, it was already starting to rust. Or Patricia Exten, who was told she would have to supply information such as how often her 2009 Corolla was washed and where it was kept before Toyota could determine if the paint peeling was a manufacturing issue.

 

 

“The response from Toyota has been unacceptable,” Ms Ucukalo said. “Australians have watched their cars plummet in value almost overnight, with great chunks of paint peeling off, and been too embarrassed to drive them. It's Toyota that should be embarrassed.”

Paint adhesion defect

The Japanese car manufacturer acknowledged the issue in July 2022, which it attributed to “a specific factory-applied white paint colour”, and launched a Warranty Extension Program. But many owners have been refused help. This is in stark contrast to the response overseas, with Toyota recalling millions of affected vehicles in Canada and the US, where it is covering the costs of repairs.

Disgruntled owners formed the Facebook group Toyota Australia Peeling Paint, which now has more than 7000 members. Handle My Complaint also continues to receive complaints from Toyota owners distressed at the state of their car and the way the company has responded to their complaints.

It isn’t just Corollas that are affected either, with owners of other Toyota models - including Landcruiser Prado Grande, Hiace and RAV4 - lodging complaints about peeling paint. There are also complaints from consumers whose cars are much newer than the models cited in the Toyota paint peeling class action.

 

 

Can I join the class action?

If you bought or leased an affected Toyota Corolla on or after 1 January 2011 you may be eligible to join the class action. The car will need to:

• • Have been manufactured between 12 July 2010 and 30 September 2014
  • Be a sedan or hatchback manufactured in designated periods
  • Have been painted with factory code 040, also known as Glacier Pure Super White, Super White, or Super White II

Omni Bridgeway, which is funding the class action, outlines the requirements and other important information, including how to sign up.

As the class action is being brought on an open basis, you are automatically part of the class action whether you sign up or not. If you do not want to be part of the class action, you will need to opt out.

The funders encourage anyone who is eligible to sign up so they can be included as a “known” group member. This means you will receive regular updates on the action, as well as any proceeds you may be entitled to if the class action is successful.

The more people involved, the bigger the message you send as consumers that Toyota’s response is unacceptable.

“We always say there is power in numbers – the more people affected by an issue, the harder it is to ignore,” Ms Ucukalo said.

 

 

As Omni Bridgway has funded the class action on a no-win, no-fee basis, and will cover legal fees if the class action is unsuccessful, there is no cost for taking part.

What information do I need to supply?

If you are a Toyota Corolla owner who has already lodged a complaint with us, now is the time to review the information you supplied.

Have you submitted everything that relates to the state of your car? This includes the vehicle’s model, year and make; where you bought it and how much you paid; photographs of the peeling paint; and records of phone calls, emails or any other contact with your car dealer and/or Toyota. The more evidence you provide, the stronger the case

If you haven’t yet lodged a complaint with us, please do. We keep all your evidence securely in one place and are here to answer all your questions. Making a complaint is free and you will receive a free 365-day membership. See our Toyota peeling paint class action page for more details.

 

 

Not a Corolla owner?

You can still make your voice heard. The current class action might focus on Corolla models, but the peeling paint problem doesn’t stop there. We’re hearing from plenty of Toyota drivers with the same issue on other models — and your complaint could help drive wider accountability.

If you’ve experienced Toyota paint peeling, head to our investigation page. You’ll find out what’s happening, what you can do, and how your voice can help push for action across the board.

And if you’ve had other issues with your Toyota, don’t hesitate to speak up. Whether it’s paint peeling or something else, lodge a complaint with us. We help keep your evidence in one spot and ensure your concerns are heard.