Jan 2013 model
I have just noticed several areas on the rear drivers side wing where the paintwork looks like its blistered above the wheel arch!!

Now I read somewhere that with the exception of the bonnet and rear boot which are aluminium the rest of the panels are zinc powder coated prior to being primed and sprayed so I'd be surprised if this was corrosion or I hope its not to be honest.
On closer inspection its almost like something was on the panel prior to being sprayed.
I'll attach a picture

What do you reckon?

Do you know the history of the car? It could be a repaired panel after damage. 2019 5.0 SC SVA (Current)
2012 5.0 SC AB. Sadly written off by a campervan
23 plate Focus ST (Current)
1942 VEP Ford GPW Jeep (Willys) (Current)
1943 Whites M16 Halftrack (Current)
16 plate Eurofighter Typhoon, 2 x Eurojet engines with 20,000lbs thrust each. 1380mph

Looks like it's rusting from the inside out??

Brit Plumber wrote:

Do you know the history of the car? It could be a repaired panel after damage.

I'm afraid I don't know the history buddy
Took a leap of faith earlier and REALLY pressed hard on the largest affected area as I could and relieved to say its solid underneath.
Vehicle is 6yr10mth old and the manufacturers warranty for bodywork is 6years so really off at the moment tbh

Could it be a reaction to diesel spillage from the previous owners ?

I doubt it’s diesel, but could be wrong.
Looks to me like a reaction to a chemical that has been spilt/splashed onto the paintwork

Looks a bit like it's actualy under the paint to me, not sure what would cause it unless posibly a flaw in prep. from new.

Cheers
Col

It looks like aluminium/galvanising surface corrosion under the paint. If you were to scrape the paint away I bet there is a white powder (the equivalent of iron oxide with a steel panel) under the paint. 07MY RRS TDV6
Arctic Frost
Aspen Interior

Could the OP post a wider angle photo? Give us an idea of where on the vehicle and the direction of the marks. I’ve seen similar when body filler has been wet sanded and not had chance to dry before being painted. The filler is hdrascopic and the moisture leaches out. 2019 5.0 SC SVA (Current)
2012 5.0 SC AB. Sadly written off by a campervan
23 plate Focus ST (Current)
1942 VEP Ford GPW Jeep (Willys) (Current)
1943 Whites M16 Halftrack (Current)
16 plate Eurofighter Typhoon, 2 x Eurojet engines with 20,000lbs thrust each. 1380mph

Just re-read the first post, I wonder if it could be brake fluid contamination? Not sure how it affects modern paints. 2019 5.0 SC SVA (Current)
2012 5.0 SC AB. Sadly written off by a campervan
23 plate Focus ST (Current)
1942 VEP Ford GPW Jeep (Willys) (Current)
1943 Whites M16 Halftrack (Current)
16 plate Eurofighter Typhoon, 2 x Eurojet engines with 20,000lbs thrust each. 1380mph

Brake fluid chews through everything, including modern paints. Factory service manuals (for sure Subaru) always have something that goes like this "always wash off spilt brake fluid because it is corrosive or will damage painted surfaces or whatever". So that is a possibility.

Follows the contour of the wheel arch just as it flares out
Could be a repair??

Last edited by Rusty Novice on Sun Aug 04 2019 8:58pm. Edited 2 times in total

garrycol wrote:

It looks like aluminium/galvanising surface corrosion under the paint. If you were to scrape the paint away I bet there is a white powder (the equivalent of iron oxide with a steel panel) under the paint.

Looks like brake fluid. Have you fallen out with anyone lately?

If it was vandalism I’d expect to see it on the bonnet and doors rather than a few bits at the rear.

I bet your already looking at getting it repainted. 2019 5.0 SC SVA (Current)
2012 5.0 SC AB. Sadly written off by a campervan
23 plate Focus ST (Current)
1942 VEP Ford GPW Jeep (Willys) (Current)
1943 Whites M16 Halftrack (Current)
16 plate Eurofighter Typhoon, 2 x Eurojet engines with 20,000lbs thrust each. 1380mph

Rusty Novice wrote:

garrycol wrote:

It looks like aluminium/galvanising surface corrosion under the paint. If you were to scrape the paint away I bet there is a white powder (the equivalent of iron oxide with a steel panel) under the paint.

I know the later models are aluminium . I'm under the impression this model is steel .However I read somewhere the panels are zinc galvanised/plated first which would make them very robust indeed but I can't seem to find that link or any info regarding the L320 construction .I'm hoping yourself or anyone of the knowledgeable guys on here can provide that information
The thought has crossed my mind though but I'm not brave enough to get sharp implement out yet!