Rear panel and fender separation. 2017 SR5

Starting a few months after it was purchased new, there is a section of the rear sheet metal panel that has opened up a gap between it and the fender. There was no impact that I know of to have caused this, and no evidence of a collision that I just never saw. This is only happening on one side. The problem has gotten worse over time. Has anyone else experienced a similar issue?

 

I have never seen this happen before. Looks like the flare pad adhesive has given up. Not an expensive part to replace but the flares are not easy to get off without breaking the clips and tabs.

 

Looks like a broken tab...take it to the dealer and exercise your performance contract i.e. the warranty.

 

They tried hard to tell me it was some rogue shopping cart collision. I wasn't having any of that.

 

I don't thing there is a tab in that location. There is a clip or two there though.

 

From the angle of the photo is sure looks like it's bent and the fender is straight. Maybe it's just a bad camera angle. Can you get us a better one of the bodylines?

 

Have them reduce that conclusion to writing verbal carries zero weight...then you will be able to file a claim under the warranty...the warranty is a performance contract between you and Toyota...and not you and the dealer. In other words they don’t have the authority to deny the claim as they are not a party to the contract. Only the regional rep can act on Toyota’s behalf.

 

Both sides shown. Only the left side has the issue.

The sun is setting right now so the sun isn't cooperative at the moment.

 

Looks like the drivers side bedside got pushed in a bit. You sure one of your fat butt friends didn’t bump against it?

 

LOL

 

Push the flare with some force to see if the clip sets in.
If not, may need to chage the clip.
Easy to fix.