CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Janet Smoot noticed last year that the paint on her 2010 Toyota Corolla was fading and the roof was rusting.
"I want to throw up because it looks like throw-up," Smoot said.
Action 9 found a Consumer Reports forum with similar complaints about 2010 Corollas.
Other Corolla owners posted that paint on the front bumper was peeling, the roof area was fading and the paint was completely coming off the hood.
[Action 9: Woman says car $1,900 car warranty worthless]
Toyota emailed Action 9 that it's "committed to customer satisfaction" and unhappy customers should contact their local dealer or Toyota's Customer Experience Center.
Smoot said she contacted both but that her car’s warranty ended so she couldn’t get the help she needed.
Carfax said modern cars are built better so people are keeping them longer, which means more exposure to the sun, bird droppings and tree sap – all of which are paint killers.
If you have paint problems, chances are your vehicle isn't under warranty anymore.
Make sure you:
- Wash your car regularly, not just for looks, but because it actually protects the top coat.
- Wax your car consistently.
- If you have a choice, don't park in the sun.