Disappointed with the Paint on My Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

[tpmacleod]

I didn’t expect to be writing this.

About two months ago, I picked up my brand new Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. It was one of those purchases you look forward to for a long time. Black paint, brand new, and something I planned to take care of properly from day one.

Fast forward to today. The truck has just over 1,000 km on it. It hasn’t been off-road. It hasn’t been near bushes or tight trails. It’s been parked in a garage every night.

And yet, the paint tells a completely different story.

What I’m Seeing

After a single careful hand wash using a new brush and clean cloths, I started noticing swirl marks and light scratches across the surface.

Not just a few. A lot.

More than I ever saw on my 2014 Toyota 4Runner Limited after 10 years.

That’s the part I can’t wrap my head around.

What Makes This So Confusing

I did what most people would consider “everything right”:

• No automatic car washes
• No off-roading
• No contact with branches or debris
• Garage kept
• Careful, hand wash only
• Dealer-applied clear coat protection before delivery

And still… the finish looks like it’s already been through years of wear.

Possible Explanations (Trying to Make Sense of It)

At this point, I’m trying to stay objective. A few possibilities come to mind:

1. Soft clear coat on newer vehicles

Modern paints, especially on darker colours, can be surprisingly soft and prone to marring.

2. Dealer prep damage

It’s possible the swirls were already there from the dealership prep process (machine washing, drying, etc.), and I’m only noticing them now under the right light.

3. “Clear coat protection” issues

If a coating was applied, it may not have been done properly, or worse, it may have locked in existing imperfections.

4. Washing tools

Even a “new” brush can cause micro scratches, especially on black paint. That one is tough to accept, but it’s possible.

Where I’m At Right Now

I’ve reached out to the dealership and I’m waiting to hear back.

The dealership has been great to deal with overall. No complaints there. I’m hopeful they’ll stand behind the product and help figure this out.

But I won’t lie it’s taken a bit of the shine off the experience.

When you spend this kind of money on a new vehicle, especially something like a TRD Pro, you expect it to feel new for more than a few weeks.

Right now, it doesn’t.

What I’m Hoping For

I think a fair outcome would be:

• A proper professional paint correction (not a quick polish)
• Re-application of a quality ceramic coating if needed
• Honest transparency about what may have caused this

I’m not looking for perfection — just something that reflects what a new vehicle should look like.

Curious — Has Anyone Else Experienced This:

• Are you seeing similar swirl issues early on?
• Did your dealer address it?
• Any tips on preventing this moving forward?

Final Thoughts

I still love the truck. It drives great, looks incredible at a distance, and it’s everything I expected mechanically.

But the paint?

That’s been a surprise, and not a good.

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[Undefeatable]

Welcome to modern paints, where its thinner and seemingly softer than ever!

But what your experiencing is spot on with I think what everyone is experiencing when it comes to new Toyotas, Hondas, Mazdas, etc...

 

[tpmacleod]

All I do now is look at other cars, paint finishes, and they look perfect compared to mine. I’ll have to find some other new 4Runners and take a closer look.

 

[Undefeatable]

All I do now is look at other cars, paint finishes, and they look perfect compared to mine. I’ll have to find some other new 4Runners and take a closer look.

Just curious, what is your wash process/tools that you use? Good on you for not doing the automatic washes.

 

[tpmacleod]

I washed the truck once. It honestly wasn’t even that dirty.

I used a brand new Simoniz brush and a clean microfibre mitt. I also used a Costco nozzle with a built in soap dispenser. My process was simple and careful. Rinse the vehicle, apply soap, gently brush, rinse, and then rinse the brush before moving on.

It was, without question, the most care I’ve ever taken washing a vehicle.

What makes this more frustrating is that I upgraded my tools specifically for this truck. My previous brush was over 12 years old and I never had any issues like this.

 

[Scrappopatamus]

I have an early 25 Pro Black Black. I had mine ceramic coated and the paint appears flawless

 

[tpmacleod]

I have an early 25 Pro Black Black. I had mine ceramic coated and the paint appears flawless

My supposedly had a ceramic coat put on.

 

[Scrappopatamus]

Who installed it?

 

[tpmacleod]

Who installed it?

Toyota.

 

[Scrappopatamus]

Toyota the manufacturer or your dealer?

 

[Undefeatable]

Couple things:

1. If the ceramic was done by the dealer, I would bet money that they didnt actually apply a real ceramic coat. At best, they used a spray sealant with the word "ceramic" written on the bottle.
2. I would ditch the brush. I know you used one successfully on the last 4Runner, but with softer paint, you should stick to microfiber mitts/microfiber towels, etc...

 

[tpmacleod]

Thanks. Thats good knowledge for me to know when I talk with them.

Yes, I agree about the brush. I wanted this thing to be a tank and not have to worry about it. I guess those dreams are done.

 

[TrdProGirl84]

Toyota the manufacturer or your dealer?

I’d never let a Dealership do ceramic coating period.

 

[TrdProGirl84]

What color TRD Pro do you have? if it’s black or underground that’s just a thing for those colors. But Toyota does not have the best paint it’s thin in general.

 

[Scrappopatamus]

My vehicle was in the shop for about a day and a half getting paint correction , then it sat a day to allow the ceramic to cure. I had the paint, wheels and glass done for $2500. Ive seen the dealer doing one, completely half assed for $800

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