I'd start with a claybar treatment, on a few inconspicious areas and see if it removes the rust spots.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Smooth-Surface-Clay-Kit/dp/B00063X7KG

Likely rail dust, which is a VERY common contaminant on paint surfaces.

Usually removed by the dealer during pre delivery prep, but might have been missed on yours.

 

Had a '20 Limited (traded for a '20 Ruby) and still have the '20 Rav4, both in Blizzard. Neither had/has a spec of rust particles.....asked the dealer and you are correct ...it's "rail dust" from train transport, he said they routinely address and decontaminate all new vehicles during their comparatively inexpensive $299. prep

 

As far as I remember the hatch door is not metal. I doubt plastic/composite would rust

 

It’s also on the side doors and stuff as well

 

Nothing to worry about. I come across these spots all the time while detailing cars. You can easily remove them with an iron remover such as CarPro Iron-X, Optimum Ferrex or any other iron remover. You can also use an automotive clay bar with some detailing spray as a lubricant.
These are caused by contaminants in the air that land on your paint. People get them a lot if they park their vehicles near train tracks where rail dust is very common.

 

Welcome to the land of white and light colored vehicles

As @huevito rightly advised, these are very small iron pieces that are embedded in the (clear coat) paint and are now 'blooming' rust. The next time you are out and about, find any white car and you will see them everywhere if you look closely, especially if you are somewhere where it is wet and you get snow.

The process is, again, use an iron remover - like P & S Iron Buster (my favorite) to break down and remove the particles as much as you can before you move to physical removal with a good quality clay bar.

Iron blooms on your car will be continual issue and are will be an ongoing part of your detail routine. They are on all cars, but will be more noticeable on white and light colored vehicles.

 

Not rust. That is called railroad metal from being shipped to the dealer. Clay bar will remove it.

 

As stated, its just iron deposits on the paint. Happens on my white car over time. Just collects from the road I suppose. Clay bar will take them off, might take some elbow grease.

 

Rail dust or even brake dust. During emergency braking hot particles detach and land on your clearcoat. Due to the fact that they are hot they embed in the clear/paint and rust. Noticeable on white easily. You can even see it on plastic bumper. Its how i explain that the car itself is not rusting and its foreign matter.

 

Are you sure it is rust? My wife's Blizzard Pearl white highlander has patches of peeling paint on top and on one of the A pillars. You pay extra money for "premium" paint and when it peels off in large flakes, Toyota basically says, "screw you". After owning at least one Toyota for the last 30+ years, I never thought I'd see the day you would be treated this way by Toyota. Seems you can't trust anyone these days.

 

Sorry to hear this. I hope you finally moved on.....

 

As others have mentioned that's fairly common with all cars, but it's more visible on white. It's called rail dust, "the term originated when cars first started being delivered by train – small particles from the track would fly up and land on the cars." Today it's caused by all manner of contamination on the roads to residue from your brakes wearing.

You can remove it yourself with a spray that helps dissolve the contamination followed by the use of a clay bar. There are a lot of products you can use, personally I like FerreX by Optimum. You can search YouTube videos on how easy this is, but be sure to follow up with a quality wax, sealer, or ceramic coating.

 

I just posted the same thing in the 12th gen corolla forum I just got mine cleaned yesterday... No worries your ok

 

Google "Toyota paint issues" and check the listings. Toyota admitted they have an issue with Blizzard Pearl Paint flaking and peeling on their vehicles. However it does not mention Highlander. That does not mean it could happen. Something about the chemicals / pigment of the paint. I'm not saying that is the problem with yours but it is worth looking in to.

 

Howdy,
It would covwr under warranty, no charge to you, get it done asap by the dealership you bought.
Once done wash your highlander atleast once a week, Cheers!

 

It’s rail dust as mentioned before. Just needs a good detail.

 

Rail or brake dust. Normal. Needs addressed. You will even see it on plastic bumper and plastic cannot rust.

 

What year, since you posted that in both the 2nd Gen and 4th Gen forums?

 

Could it possibly be rail dust? I haven’t heard anyone mention it.