2005 Avalon front bumper chips

[Stickbo]

I have a black 2005 Avalon. The front bumper has major chips from rocks etc from the road. Looks like the car wash did further damage. Appears that there is some type of clear coating over the bumper and when it chips, it like flakes off. It looks terrible.

My question is is this a common problem? Has Toyota ever addressed it? Is there a way to fix it?

Thanks

[Tom in Tacoma]

It's not an uncommon problem. I know my '07 started chipping soon after I bought it. But, in fairness, it sees a lot of road time on freeways (78k miles in about 2.5 years).

The paint is clear coated. Perhaps that flaking you're seeing is that.

Don't know if Toyota has addressed this or not. I doubt there's much they'd be willing to do about it. But there is one way to fix it - strip and repaint! (and follow up with a clear plastic protective film).

[alangc]

I have a 2005 Avalon Limited with 40k miles on it. I noticed chips the first year I had it. The service manager advised that Toyota swtiched to a more environmently friendly paint a few years ago and that has contributed to the problem. I would recommend an after market paint protector to anyone buying a new Avalon.