Bulletin: Toyota does not approve of Paintless Dent Repair

[David Fermani]

SOURCE: ALL DATA COLLISION
TITLE: PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR
SECTION: REFINISH BULLETIN #60
MODELS: ALL

Toyota’s Technical and Body Training Development has completed its evaluation of “paintless dent repair” procedures marketed to the collision repair industry. In general, the damage is “door ding” type where an obvious point of impact exists.

Toyota does not approve of this repair procedure based upon the following analysis:
1. The vehicle is not returned to a “pre-accident” condition in these areas:

*The paint film no longer has its original strength due to microcracking, the immediate appearance may not look acceptable, over time however, ultimately refinishing may be required. Microcracking of the paint film can range from fine cracking visible only by magnification to the very obvious (easily seen with the naked eye), depending upon the initial damaging impact.

*Potential exposure of the metal substrate to condensation accelerates rust penetration. The base coat may also be degraded by ultraviolet (UV) light penetration through the clear coat.

2. Mechanical manipulation disrupts the factory applied rust and corrosion protective coating, and in some cases removes it completely from the back of the panel. Repair technicians experience difficulty replacing this important component of longevity, potentially reducing the long-term value of the vehicle.

3. In some cases, gaining access to the backside of a door panel is accomplished by unacceptable procedures:

*Using blocks as a wedge between the window molding and the glass for a tool access damages the window rubber/molding and relieves the factory designed pressure on the window glass.

*Drilling holes in the end of a panel allows corrosion to begin at the site or a path to the back of the panel.

In the interest of customer satisfaction and safety, Toyota doe not approve of these methods. As new tools and technology come to market, Toyota will evaluate the process for appropriate application.

[weekendwarrior]

Seems like a risk / reward type of thing...

If a person can pay $50 to get a ding removed, versus replacing the panel, they will probably pay the $50 for the PDR and take their chances....especially if it is a lease return or a vehicle getting ready to be traded or sold.

[slicknickis3]

Interesting read, thanks for sharing. I don't blame Toyota for covering their ***...

[Yal]

Originally Posted by slicknickis3

Interesting read, thanks for sharing. I don't blame Toyota for covering their ***...

Nor do I.

[bwalker25]

thanks for the info, I can't blame toyota either.

[Scottwax]

In other words, bring it back to a geniune Toyota dealer for refinishing.

I've yet to see an issue with work done by a quality PDR guy.

[bwalker25]

Originally Posted by Scottwax

In other words, bring it back to a geniune Toyota dealer for refinishing.

I've yet to see an issue with work done by a quality PDR guy.

+1 agreed a quality PDR guy can do factory quality or bettery work. I just need to get my front fender done, my wife scrapped a tree/fence or something and cracked it and scrapped the paint (to deep for polishing)

[advs1]

Originally Posted by Scottwax

In other words, bring it back to a geniune Toyota dealer for refinishing.

I've yet to see an issue with work done by a quality PDR guy.

i bet if a toyota dealer were to get into the PDR business they wouldnt even mention this to a customer.

[StrutMotors]

Toyota Corporate is just covering their caboose. Even franchised Toyota dealers will continue to utilize PDR guys on their own lots to keep costs down. This bulletin is to circumvent any rust/corrosion warranty claims, and an opportunity to deny those who choose to repair a vehicle by the PDR method.

It makes sense to me. If I compound the clear off a two year old Camry- is it covered under the 7 year paint warranty? If someone upgrades their turbo on an 07 STI and ends up running lean enough to pop a cylinder- is Subaru going to replace the motor? Third party parts or service won't ever be covered by the factory warranty- do it their way or don't expect support.

This won't effect the high end PDR tradesmen, their work is flawless and will leave no trails of service.

[David Fermani]

Imagine all those hail claims on Toyotas where PDR won't be allowed if they go the dealer body shops for repair? If the shops show the insurance company this bulletin, they won't be allowed to do PDR. No matter how reputable the PDR tech is. This could have a direct influence on insurance premiums and PDR techs.

[jimmie jam]

that's really funny because a know a Lexus store that PDR's all the time.

[David Fermani]

JM Lexus has a PDR guy on staff don't they?