Climate control, bodywork and interiorUrgency: Monitor

Rust or corrosion on the bodywork or underside: causes and the faults that trigger it

54 documented faults cause it in 54 cars. The most important:

Critical severity: Corrosion in the wheel arches, sills and, in advanced cases, the rear axle · Mercedes-Benz Clase C W203
High severity: Body corrosion: door edges, battery tray and suspension turrets · Mercedes-Benz Clase E W210
High severity: Corrosion of the boot, the spring seats and the door frames · Mercedes-Benz Clase C W202

What it means

Bubbles in the paint, rust on the wheel arches, tailgate or underside, or badly corroded suspension parts. Besides the appearance, corrosion can affect structural parts and the MOT.

General explanation from MotorFiable. How it shows up in each engine, with sources, is in the list of faults.

What to do now

Monitor

Have the car inspected on a lift before buying it. Treat surface rust early: the further it spreads, the more expensive the repair.

Reviewed on 5 October 202665 sources How we work

Faults that cause it

Suspension, brake, electronics and other faults on specific cars, from most to least important.

- Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonMercedes-Benz Clase C W203Corrosion in the wheel arches, sills and, in advanced cases, the rear axlePaint bubbles and visible rust in the wheel arches, sills, door edges and boot; in an advanced stage, corrosion can be seen underneath the car, on the rear axle carrier.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase C W203^[1]
- High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentMercedes-Benz Clase E W210Body corrosion: door edges, battery tray and suspension turretsRust and bubbling paint on the door edges under the seals, in the wheel arches, the sills, the boot lid and the fuel tank area.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase E W210^[2][3]
- High severityCommonFrequency: CommonMercedes-Benz Clase C W202Corrosion of the boot, the spring seats and the door framesRust on the boot lid, under the door seals, trim, aerial hole, jacking points and rear axle mounts.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase C W202^[4]
- Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHyundai TrajetCorrosion of the rear suspension armsVisible corrosion on the rear arms under the car. The DVSA does not describe any symptoms while driving before the part gives way: the campaign is based on measuring the thickness of the arms' metal to decide whether protective wax is enough or they need replacing.
Source for the symptom in the Hyundai Trajet^[5]
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonDacia Logan IBody rust: rear wheel arches, underside and doorsRust blisters and perforated areas appear on the underside, wheel arches, lower edge of the doors and exhaust mountings; the paint flakes off on surfaces exposed to the sun.
Source for the symptom in the Dacia Logan I^[6][7]
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonDacia Sandero IBody rust and fragile paintRust on the underside, doors and wheel arches, paint that flakes off and water getting in through the door seals; one report mentions a radiator punctured by road spray.
Source for the symptom in the Dacia Sandero I^[8]
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonFord Focus ICorrosion on the bottoms of the doors, tailgate and bonnetPerforating rust appears on the bottoms of the doors, the tailgate and the bonnet.
Source for the symptom in the Ford Focus I^[9][10]
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonMercedes-Benz Clase A W169Rust on the doors and bonnet on cars from before 2006Visible rust spots on the edges of the doors, the bonnet and the tailgate.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase A W169^[11][12]
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonMercedes-Benz Clase B W245Rust on door and tailgate seals in cars built before the 2008 faceliftSpots of rust on the door sills and seams and on the tailgate.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase B W245^[13][14]
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonMercedes-Benz Vito W639Corrosion of the tailgate, sliding door and sills on pre-2006 vehiclesRust on the tailgate, the sliding door and the sills.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Vito W639^[15]
- Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonOpel Vectra CNoisy front axle and fragile rear wheel bearingsVisible corrosion on the front axle's subframe mounts (supports), seen from underneath the car.
Source for the symptom in the Opel Vectra C^[16]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi A3 IICorrosion in the wheel arches, door sills and tailgate of the older vehiclesStains or visible rust on the wheel arches, the lower part of the doors and the tailgate.Appears at around 120,000 km
Source for the symptom in the Audi A3 II^[17]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën Xsara PicassoUnderbody corrosion and water getting in through the rear doorsCorrosion appears at the base of the chassis and on the underbody.
Source for the symptom in the Citroën Xsara Picasso^[18]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalJeep Grand Cherokee WKCorrosion on the chassis rails, sheet-metal folds and under the rear windowRust on the chassis rails and the sheet-metal folds underneath, and under the separately opening rear window.
Source for the symptom in the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK^[19]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda 3 IFragile paint and bodywork corrosion on the Mazda 3 (BK)Rust bubbles or areas of flaked paint, especially on edges and wheel arches.
Source for the symptom in the Mazda 3 I^[20]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda 3 IIRecall for corrosion of the tailgate damper bracketThe tailgate may not stay open on its own, or may slam shut, because the metal bracket holding the gas strut has rusted and broken.
Source for the symptom in the Mazda 3 II^[21]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda 6 ICorrosion of the rear wheel arches on the bodyworkPaint bubbles and visible rust on the edge of the rear wheel arch, eventually perforating the panel.
Source for the symptom in the Mazda 6 I^[22]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMazda 6 IIRecall over corrosion in the boot or tailgate gas strutsThe boot or tailgate can slam shut because the caps of the gas struts that hold it open have corroded.
Source for the symptom in the Mazda 6 II^[23]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalNissan Note IWater leaks and paint defectsThe paint or lacquer can peel or lose its shine, and rust spots can appear, especially near the rear lights and the tailgate.
Source for the symptom in the Nissan Note I^[24]
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen BoraBody rust at the front wheel archesPaint bubbles or rust at the front wheel arches.
Source for the symptom in the Volkswagen Bora^[25][26]
- Low severityCommonFrequency: CommonDacia Logan IIPaint that marks easily and fragile plastic door handlesThe paint marks or scratches easily, which encourages rust to appear if not treated in time.
Source for the symptom in the Dacia Logan II^[27][28]
- Low severityCommonFrequency: CommonFord Mondeo IIICorrosion on the door and boot edgesVisible rust on the door edges, the boot lid and the rear wheel arches.
Source for the symptom in the Ford Mondeo III^[29][30]
- Low severityCommonFrequency: CommonHonda Civic IXFragile bodywork paint: chips and lacquer loss on the Honda Civic IXChips on the bonnet, the roof or the front bumper after gravel impacts or pressure washing; in some cases the lacquer is described as lifting.
Source for the symptom in the Honda Civic IX^[31]
- High severityRareFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz GLK X204Chassis corrosion on the GLKVisible rust on the underside or the chassis, according to the reports.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz GLK X204^[32]
- Low severityCommonFrequency: CommonToyota Corolla VersoFragile bodywork paint that deteriorates easilyChips and marks in the paint after minor impacts or with the passage of time.
Source for the symptom in the Toyota Corolla Verso^[33]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo 147Underbody corrosion and broken exterior door handlesVisible corrosion on the exhaust pipe and other metal underbody parts over the years.
Source for the symptom in the Alfa Romeo 147^[34][35]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 7 E65Paint degradation on door handles and bodywork corrosionHandle paint that lifts or deteriorates, localised rust and headlights with internal misting.
Source for the symptom in the BMW Serie 7 E65^[36]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalDacia Duster IFragile paint that chips from gravel strikesSmall chips in the paint and lacquer, especially on the underside and front panels, which can leave bare metal exposed if not touched up.
Source for the symptom in the Dacia Duster I^[37][38]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalDacia SpringFragile paintwork and premature corrosionThe paint may chip or bubble, and corrosion may appear sooner than expected in some places on the bodywork.
Source for the symptom in the Dacia Spring^[39]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalDS DS 3Roof paint and lacquer deteriorationThe black roof paint lifts, the lacquer is fragile and stickers on the pillar peel off.
Source for the symptom in the DS DS 3^[40]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda Civic XCorrosion spots, weak paint and occasional water ingressCorrosion spots and marks or chips in the paint appearing sooner than expected for the age of the car.
Source for the symptom in the Honda Civic X^[41]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda CR-V IIIDeterioration of the paint and chrome plastic trim on the bodyworkPaint that chips or marks easily and chrome plastic trim that loses its finish.
Source for the symptom in the Honda CR-V III^[42]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda CR-V IVScratched or chipped paint and peeling lacquerPaint that marks easily, stone chips and peeling lacquer.
Source for the symptom in the Honda CR-V IV^[43]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHonda Jazz IIFragile bodywork paint: chipping and lacquer loss on the Honda Jazz IIChips on the bonnet, roof or front bumper after gravel impacts or pressure washing; in some cases the lacquer is described as lifting.
Source for the symptom in the Honda Jazz II^[44]
- Medium severityRareFrequency: RareHyundai Santa Fe IBody corrosion and roof perforationRust on the bodywork and, in one case, a perforated roof.
Source for the symptom in the Hyundai Santa Fe I^[45]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia VengaCorrosion on doors, wheels and body panelsRust inside the doors, on the wheels and on body panels.
Source for the symptom in the Kia Venga^[46]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz SLK R170Peeling bodywork paint and interior trim on the SLK R170The paint peels and the interior trim deteriorates.
Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz SLK R170^[47]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalNissan Juke IPaint and lacquer flaking on the bumpersPaint chips and lacquer loss on the front and/or rear bumpers.
Source for the symptom in the Nissan Juke I^[48]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalNissan Micra VPaintwork that is not very resistant to gravel chipsChips and marks in the paint after gravel impacts, especially on the underside and in the wheel arches.
Source for the symptom in the Nissan Micra V^[49]
- Medium severityRareFrequency: RareNissan X-Trail IRust and perforation of the Nissan X-Trail fuel filler pipeVisible corrosion on the filler pipe or neck and, in serious cases, a smell of fuel or a leak.
Source for the symptom in the Nissan X-Trail I^[50]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Clio IVPaint sensitive to stone chipsSmall chips in the paint and lacquer, especially on bumpers and sills, from stone impacts.
Source for the symptom in the Renault Clio IV^[51][52]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Twingo IIFragile body paint that flakes offThe paint lifts or flakes off the bodywork; the detail of the specific areas is not given in the source.
Source for the symptom in the Renault Twingo II^[53]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda Fabia IIThe rear axle and tailgate can start to rust with ageVisible rust on the rear axle (torsion beam), on the tailgate or on an alloy wheel.
Source for the symptom in the Škoda Fabia II^[54]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda Octavia IIFragile paintwork and corrosion spots on the bodyworkFlaking paint or rust spots on the bodywork, as described by the surveyed owners themselves.
Source for the symptom in the Škoda Octavia II^[55]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki SplashFragile bodywork paintCracked lacquer, paint loss on bumpers and traces of rust.
Source for the symptom in the Suzuki Splash^[56]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki Swift IIIFragile bodywork paintCracked lacquer, paint loss on the bumpers and traces of rust.
Source for the symptom in the Suzuki Swift III^[57]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki Swift IVFragile paint and bodywork corrosionCracked lacquer, paint loss on bumpers and traces of rust.
Source for the symptom in the Suzuki Swift IV^[58]
- Medium severityRareFrequency: RareToyota RAV4 IIRust on the chassis and underside of the RAV4 bodyworkVisible rust on the chassis and underside, according to the page.
Source for the symptom in the Toyota RAV4 II^[59]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota VersoCorrosion and leaks in the bodywork of the Toyota VersoRust at the seat mountings, damp in the boot and paint that flakes off.
Source for the symptom in the Toyota Verso^[60]
- Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Golf VIFragile paintwork and corrosion spots on the bodyworkFlaking paint or rust spots on the bodywork, as described by the owners surveyed.
Source for the symptom in the Volkswagen Golf VI^[61]
- Low severityRareFrequency: RareBMW Serie 1 F20Tailgate corrosion (early cars)Rust appearing on the tailgate (boot lid), according to gebrauchtwagenberater.de.
Source for the symptom in the BMW Serie 1 F20^[62]
- Low severityRareFrequency: RareHyundai ix20Bodywork corrosion and paint deteriorationRust and paint deterioration appearing on the bodywork.
Source for the symptom in the Hyundai ix20^[63]
- Low severityRareFrequency: RareMazda 6 IIIFragile Mazda 6 bodywork paintThe paint chips or marks easily, especially on the front end.
Source for the symptom in the Mazda 6 III^[64]
- Low severityRareFrequency: RareŠkoda Fabia IVEarly corrosion on fixings and axles, and the start of paint peelingCorrosion on fixings (bolts) and on the front and rear axles, along with the start of paint peeling, found in the test car's periodic inspections.
Source for the symptom in the Škoda Fabia IV^[65]

Rust by brand

Other symptoms: climate control, bodywork and interior

All symptoms

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

1.Mercedes W203 Probleme: Schwachstellen und KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
2.Mercedes-Benz W 210Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
3.Mercedes-Benz W210Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
4.Mercedes-Benz W 202Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
5.DVSA – base de llamadas a revisiónDVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
6.Dacia Logan (2005-2012): pannes et témoignagesfiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 4 October 2026 · in French
7.France: early Logans recalled for rust remedyjust-auto.com · Motoring press · published 18 January 2008 · consulted 4 October 2026
8.Dacia Sandero (2008-2012): pannes et témoignagesfiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 4 October 2026 · in French
9.Fiabilité et pannes du Ford Focus 1 (1998-2004)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
10.Ford Focus MK1 – Typische Probleme & Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · published 5 October 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
11.Mercedes A-Klasse W169: Diese Schwachstellen sollten Käufer kennenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
12.Fiabilité Mercedes Classe A (2004-2012) : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
13.Mercedes B-Klasse T245: Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
14.Fiabilité Mercedes Classe B (2005-2012) : pannes et avisFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
15.Mercedes Viano W639 – Typische Probleme & Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 3 June 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
16.Opel Vectra C (2002-2008): Probleme & Schwachstellengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · published 3 February 2022 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
17.Audi A3 (8P): Schwachstellen und KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
18.Fiabilité Citroën Xsara Picasso (1999-2010) : pannes et rappelsfiches-auto.fr · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
19.Jeep Grand Cherokee (Typ WH): Gebrauchtwagen-TestAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 3 February 2017 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
20.Tous les problèmes sur Mazda 3 2003-2009 (140 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
21.Mazda 3 BL (2009-2013): typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
22.Mazda 6 2002-2008: fiabilidad, averías y testimonios (206 testimonios)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
23.Mazda 6 II (GH, 2008-2012): typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
24.Nissan Note : pannes et fiabilitéfiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
25.Volkswagen Golf IV (1998-2003): fiabilidad y averías (plataforma hermana del Bora)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
26.Volkswagen Jetta (A4) (Wikipedia)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
27.Fiabilité Dacia Logan 2 (2012-2020) (122 avis)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
28.Dacia Logan 2 Mcv : avis des propriétairesCaradisiac · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
29.Fiabilité et pannes du Ford Mondeo (2000-2007)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
30.Ford Mondeo MK3 (2000-2007): Typische Probleme & Krankheitengebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · published 17 January 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
31.Tous les problèmes sur Honda Civic 2012-2017 (195 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
32.Tous les problèmes sur Mercedes GLK 2009-2015 (92 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
33.Fiabilidad del Toyota Corolla Verso (2004-2009) según testimoniosfiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
34.Fiabilité et pannes de l'Alfa Romeo 147 (2000-2005)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
35.Fiabilité et pannes de l'Alfa Romeo 147 restylée (2005-2010)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
36.Tous les problèmes sur BMW Série 7 2001-2008 (64 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
37.Fiabilité Dacia Duster (2010-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
38.Fiabilité Dacia Duster : quel moteur, version, boîte de vitesses, année... choisir ?La Revue Automobile · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
39.Tous les problèmes sur Dacia Spring 2021 (73 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
40.Tous les problèmes sur DS DS3 2009-2018 (549 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
41.Fiabilité Honda Civic (2017-2022) : pannes recensées par les propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
42.Tous les problèmes sur Honda CR-V 2007-2013 (123 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
43.Tous les problèmes sur Honda CR-V 2012-2019 (142 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
44.Tous les problèmes sur Honda Jazz 2 2008-2015 (112 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
45.Tous les problèmes sur Hyundai Santa Fe 1999-2006 (103 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
46.Tous les problèmes sur Kia VENGA 2010-2018 (89 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
47.Mercedes SLK (1996-2004): testimonios de averíasfiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
48.Fiabilité Nissan Juke (2010-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
49.Fiabilité Nissan Micra V (dès 2017) : pannes recensées par les propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
50.Tous les problèmes sur Nissan X-Trail 2001-2013 (280 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
51.Fiabilité Renault Clio 4 (2012-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
52.VOS AVIS Renault Clio 4Caradisiac · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
53.Tous les problèmes sur Renault Twingo 2 2007-2014 (409 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
54.Tous les problèmes sur Škoda Fabia 2 2007-2014 (174 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
55.Tous les problèmes sur Skoda Octavia 2004-2012 (248 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
56.Tous les problèmes sur Suzuki Splash 2008-2015 (43 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
57.Tous les problèmes sur Suzuki Swift 2005-2010 (213 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
58.Tous les problèmes sur Suzuki Swift 2 2010-2017 (150 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
59.Tous les problèmes sur Toyota RAV4 2001-2006 (306 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
60.Toyota Verso (2009-2017): problemas y averías (173 testimonios)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
61.Fiabilité et pannes de la Volkswagen Golf VI (2008-2012)Fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
62.BMW 1er Probleme & Krankheiten (E87, F20)Gebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
63.Tous les problèmes sur Hyundai IX20 2010-2018 (51 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
64.Fiabilité Mazda 6 (2012-2022) (33 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
65.Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo im Dauertest über 100.000 kmAuto Bild · Motoring press · published 31 July 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German