Hi group, this is my first official post on the CL forum. My 2013 ES350 is 3 months old, treated like a baby, and today I noticed paint peeling on the left front rim in two places (white areas on photo below). I never hit a curb (or anything else), and there is no dent or scratch associated with this. I've e-mail the dealer but thought that I would ask if anyone has noticed this problem before.

Thanks.

 

Something on the road might have chipped the wheel.

Doesn't look like peeling.

John

 

Looks like peeling to me.

Definitely take it back. Do you use any kinds of wheel cleaners? Do you wash it yourself or use a carwash?

 

Thanks, I agree. I wash it myself- no automated car washes. Have not been using any wheel cleaners on it- they have been easy to clean without it. I've e-mailed the dealer and will see what they say. This has never happened to me before...

Steve

 

They'll replace the wheel I'm sure.

 

This is the entire response I just received from my service manager about the wheel- I will not mention his name or dealership but I was hoping for something a little more satisfying:

"Saw the picture of the wheel. Don’t know what to make of that?"

That was it- no suggestion that I bring it in for a look. I expected more and will try to talk to him by phone. It's been like pulling teeth to have problems addressed with my dealership. Maybe time for a change...

Steve

 

You should have just brought it in to the SM to see..
Bring it in.
He has to see the wheel.

 

since the peeled area is along the outer edge, i bet they're gonna say its curb rash.

 

I agree. Too easy for them to blow you off in an email. Take it in and have them look at it.

 

I bet they will replace the rim..
That looks like a defect to me.. Let us know what happens!

 

Take it in. They'll replace it.

 

Thanks to everyone for their input. I appreciate it. I'm taking it to a dealer located much closer to my home who I spoke with on the phone today. I can't bring it in for 10 days due to my schedule, but will keep everyone posted. This new service manager was responsive and seems like a good guy.

Steve

 

I found some time this afternoon to stop by the new dealership that I called yesterday, located close to my work (Lexus of Watertown). They were very receptive and professional. The service manager took one look at the wheel and concluded that it is likely to be a paint/finishing defect. He is putting the paperwork through Lexus central for a brand new wheel, just as many of you suspected. Needs to be approved by Lexus but he is confident that it won't be a problem.

I'm relieved...

Steve

 

Great to hear!!

 

Good! Glad it worked out.