Automotive Forums

We purchased a 2007 Camry in Sept 06.  Last week we took it to Service King for minor left rear quarter panel repair.  When we went to pick up the vehicle, it had blue like specs all over the paint.  We initally thought it was overspray, Service King said it was Sap, and yesterday they claimed it was "Rail Dust".  Ironic enough google has subjects on this rail dust, which causes mircoscopic negative charged dust particles to attach to vehicles positive charged body panels, and begin the onset of premature rust/corrosion.

I have been informed that the rust will now continue to spread into the underpaint of the vehicle, and Toyota will not cover it under their Warranty.  Although the Warranty states corrosion coverage for 60 months.

Looking for feedback of similar issues and final outcome of dispute.  I just started this journey and expect it to be a long one.  Looking forward to your kind comments.  

Update on Rail Dust issue...
For those having this similar problem I can assure you that persistance pays off.  I went back to our Dealer - Toyota of Lewisville, TX. and I am pleased to say after we discussed alternatives and options, they too realized that it would be in their best interest to simply provide me with a new Camry.  I'll admit it took all of my Memorial weekend to get it resolved, but at the end of the day they came through.  So I will chauk it up to some negotiating skills, and I'd like to think they wanted to please us as customers.  So for any others with this same issue, don't hesitate to be a little aggressive, persistant and remain calm through the ordeal.
As I have reviewed postings on this subject and on this website it seems there are quite a few with this problem.  Don't give up and do not forget the Lemon Law....  

Well just as I thought we had a firm resolution to this issue, surprisingly enough, when I went back to sign the documents for the replacement Camry from Totoya of Lewisville, they basically were trying to sell me another vehicle.  The agreement reached was that they would buyback the first Camry and transfer the new car to the existing contract.
I informed them that by extending the contract to another 72 months they were not extending credit for the 9 months of payments already made.  They refused to credit me for payments already made (almost $4,000.00 to date) and expect me to simply purchase a new car.  So I asked what happended to the Warranty consideration on this issue.  No response, except that that was the only offer they could make.  So I contacted Toyota Corp. They too are totally worthless, they sent me back to the Dealership to resolve the problem.  I told them it has been since April 25th, the Dealer already provided me with a replacement car, and now they want it back, and we can not reach a settlement.  Toyota said there is nothing they can do, although it is a Factory issue.  They recommended that I go to their Arbitrators - NCDS, of course retained by Toyota - so guess what the outcome of that decision will most likely be?
At this time I am on my way to purchase another car - anything but Toyota...  

WE bought a Mits Montero in April everything was fine in March the following year we notice that the whole rear gate was rusting a whole lot of little rust dots all over. WE live in Utah alot of snow I thought it was from the salt they put on the roads. Took it to a body shop they could not guarantee they could fix it said it was rail dust. Looked it up on the web they suggested Clay bar, We bought it used it miraculously the dots were gone looked great all summer, multiple washes, it is now feb washed the car 3 X's lot of salt and snow the spots are back with a venegence. I now know clay bar hides them does not remove them completly and body shops cannot fix rail dust and dealers will not waranty. You think the dealers/auto makers would learn to protect the vehicles a little more while shipping- This Montero cost me $35 grand and it has major paint issues that no one can help with- Your not alone out there Good luck!  

CAUSE
When vehicles are transported from the manufacturer by rail, iron dust particles created by friction between train wheels and the track settle on the finish. When exposed to oxygen and moisture, this dust corrodes and become embedded in the finish.
REPAIR
Use a 30x magnifying glass to verify the presence of rail dust damage. Use caution when accessing damage to prevent scratching the paint surface.
Wash the vehicle with soap and water, rinse and dry.
Solvent clean with appropriate surface cleaner.
Use an acid based rail dust remover following manufacturer's directions.
Rinse with cold water then inspect the affected area to see if all particles have been removed. Repeat step #3 if necessary.
If the finish is pitted, sand with 1200 or finer grit sandpaper to remove damage, then compound and polish to restore gloss.*
Or, sand and refinish.
PREVENTION
Unfortunately, since this type of damage usually occurs during shipment or storage, little can be done to prevent its occurrence.
*When sanding and buffing a basecoat/clearcoat finish, a minimum film thickness of the clearcoat (2 mils) is required to maintain adequate ultraviolet protection. If correcting the damage will result in removing more than .5 mils, refinishing is recommended.
 
Photo 1 Diagram
 
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