I have a 2007 ES350 Obsidian color. My hood has so many chips exposing the gray primer undermeath. I'm convinced it's a paint problem. I hear it's an EPA issue that has forced automobile makers to use water base paints. Has anyone had similar issues with their Lexus? Any advice on what to do? Thanks

 

My 07 had no paint issues

 

If it were, it'd be widespread. It's not.

Paint and equipment manufacturers solved this problem years ago. Water based auto paints first appeared in 1990.

No.

Take it to an auto body shop.

 

I guess ill chime in here even though it seems as if it wont do much to help tbh.

Toyota/Lexus (Japanese in general) paint is a lot softer than its German counterpart due to the clear coat hardness. Is there a problem with the paint? NO. If you want to see a real defect look at Honda and the hazing/peeling of the clear coat on the last 10+ years of dark colored vehicles like the civic.
It is more likely attributed to the way in which you drive and the vast amount of rocks, pebbles and debris on California roads.
Let me ask you these questions because you have probably never have given it any thought and have rather blamed the paint. Do you drive behind construction trucks carrying dirt or sand? What about suvs, trucks, semis? Or following too close to other cars on the road?
These all contribute to higher chances of receiving chips. Over the years they accumulate into what you have currently. Some are avoidable but some are not. That is the nature of driving. Either pay to get them filled or live with it.

 

I had two ES350's, a 2007 and 2010 and no problems with the paint chipping any more or less than previous cars. Over time the chips add up on just about any car.

 

This was a widely reported issue back in '06 and '07. It was not sporadic. In fact the front of my '07 looks like Swiss cheese. And I do not tail gate nor do I make a habit of driving behind construction trucks. It's soft paint is what it is...or was. Like all the other issues with the '07s they corrected it.

 

Just curious...Where was this widely reported in '06 and '07?

 

Sorry, poor choice of words. There were scores of threads about soft paint in this forum. Most of the posters were folks like me who had early '06 builds. They dried up after awhile...just like the paint.

 

Lexus paint chips very easily. A clear bra is a must for these cars IMHO, but I was able to keep my 2010 ES mostly chip free by driving very carefully when following trucks. Got a clear bra when I got my 2013 GS and will do that from now on...

Its not a paint problem, its just the way it is.

 

It really heavily depends on the roads and area your drive in. For example, if you are in the North or rural areas there will be salt and/or small stone/rocks everywhere and your car will be at higher risk of chips than urban Southern centers (generally speaking )...