Cars Most Likely to Have Paint Problems

These cars, SUVs, and trucks stand out in Consumer Reports’ surveys for having frequent problems with bubbles, peeling, and flaking

By Jeff S. Bartlett

Automotive paint science has come a long way. Today’s cars have durable, attractive finishes that can stand up to harsh sunlight, foul weather, and dirty birds. The colored paint is protected by resilient clearcoats that preserve a shine for many years with just periodic car washes and seasonal waxing. But there are some models that develop paint problems—including bubbles, peeling, and flaking—that detract from the car’s appearance, risk corrosion, and require expensive repairs.

In scrutinizing CR’s car reliability data, we identified 10 models that have had more than their share of paint problems over the past decade. CR members reported issues with these vehicles that include bubbling, fading, and peeling paint.

Paint problems are often isolated to a single model year, underscoring the importance of doing research when shopping for a used car. Knowing what to look for can inform inspections and may steer you to other models or model years.

“Paint problems are sometimes associated with the first year for a new or redesigned car,” says Steven Elek, Consumer Reports’ program leader for auto data analytics. “This underscores our standing advice to approach a vehicle’s first model year with caution.”

As with all reliability issues, it’s important to understand that specific anecdotes can be interesting, but trends matter most. Bearing that in mind, we also recommend that used-car shoppers search for brand- or model-specific online forums for further owner experiences.

For instance, the previous-generation Hyundai Sonata didn’t show up in our last analysis. At the time, we saw numerous complaints online about peeling paint on white sedans in particular. Since then, it has stood out in our surveys, and Hyundai has informed dealers about how to address the problem. Such insights could influence how you inspect cars and might make other colors seem a bit more appealing.

The good news, at least, is that paint problems won’t leave you stranded like other defects. But when paint issues occur outside of the warranty period, they can lead to unplanned repairs because you don’t want to risk a small problem spreading and exposing bare metal to the elements and inviting rust.

“Unfortunately, when it comes to paint-related items, repairs need to be done by a professional, and the work is often expensive if you have to pay out of pocket,” says John Ibbotson, Consumer Reports’ chief mechanic. He recommends addressing them as they arise because paint problems can spread and become increasingly expensive to fix.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a used car to buy, with reliability being chief among them. By looking at Consumer Reports’ reliability ratings, you can see how cars compare with their peers. There’s an overall reliability rating as well as ratings for up to 20 trouble spots. These reveal where problems are more likely to be expensive and debilitating. The ratings can serve as a warning that owners should be especially vigilant to reduce any potential repair costs and vehicle downtime.

Consumer Reports’ reliability data can be found on the car model pages under the Reliability tab, where you see detailed insights.

The 10 highlighted models are presented below in rank order, starting with the one with the greatest paint-related problem rate among CR members. Most are older models that are beyond their warranty period.

We show the model year with the greatest problems (and when applicable, a range of years affected by this problem). Plus, when available, we share owner comments submitted to CR.

Where possible, we included a link to related technical service bulletins (TSBs)—documents from the automaker that advise dealerships on how to address paint problems on that model.

Got Paint Problems? Do This.

Photograph and track them. Work with your dealership if your vehicle is still under warranty. Otherwise, consult a body shop, which can assess the problem and suggest options to improve the appearance and hopefully reduce the spread.

To find TSBs for your car, try a Google search. Or go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recalls page and enter your car’s year, make, and model in the Recalls search field. TSBs are listed in the results under Manufacturer Communications. Paint problems are categorized as “structure.” You can also see feedback from other owners under the Complaints tab.

Photo: Brian Goldstein/Consumer Reports

2016 Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL

Model years affected:

2015-2016

One owner wrote: “After about 5 years, paint faded across the top of the vehicle.”

Technical service bulletin 1, 2 (PDF)

2015 Hyundai Genesis

One owner wrote: “The paint on both bumpers has peeled off in large areas, and where it hasn’t peeled, it has faded to a yellow-green tint. The car is a pearl (Casablanca White) clearcoat.”

Technical service bulletin (PDF)

2016 Ford Explorer

Model years affected:

2014-2020

One owner wrote: “Blistering paint along the front of the hood.”

Technical service bulletin (PDF)

2022 Toyota Tundra

Model years affected:

2022-2023

One owner wrote: “Paint cracking at the seam of lower part of the bed on the driver’s side.”

Technical service bulletin (PDF)

2022 Tesla Model X

Model years affected:

2018, 2022

2017 Hyundai Sonata/Sonata Hybrid

Model years affected:

2014-2018

One owner wrote: “Known defect specific to white Hyundais within a specific year range. Paint on the roof is peeling in large pieces down to the metal of the car. Our local dealer is working with us and Hyundai to repair the problem.”

Technical service bulletin (PDF)

2014 Ford Taurus

2020 Ford Mustang

Model years affected:

2014, 2016, 2018, 2020

One owner wrote: “The edge of the hood had ‘bubbling’ on the edges.”

Technical service bulletin (PDF)

2016 Hyundai Elantra

Model years affected:

2014-2019

One owner wrote: “Both bumper covers, all door handles, and the shark fin antenna have paint peeling and look terrible.”

Technical service bulletin (PDF)

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Model years affected:

2014-2015

One owner wrote: “Protective coating on handles and fuel tank cover is coming off.”

Technical service bulletin (PDF)

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2024, Consumer Reports, Inc.