Factory mud flaps should be replaced by dealer

[FlyAngler]

Yes, I know this is a "known issue". Still, there was only one post that mentioned mud flaps when I searched this Issues forum and none that had "mud flaps" in the title. So here it is...

I have not had issues with rocks dinging the paint yet, but as we get more snow and slush on the roads it has become obvious that the mud flaps do not protect the vehicle nearly enough. I question whether they might not meet legal standards in some states that are designed to protect vehicles driving behind you. I have no direct knowledge of specific laws and perhaps there are not any. While I would expect Toyota to be on top of something like that, I am surprised at how ineffective these mud flaps are. I think this could even be a safety issue with liability consequences for Toyota (not an attorney). In my perfect world , there would be a recall and dealers would replace these with something that actually functions to protect the vehicle and others traveling behind it.

My wheels and tires are stock.

I wonder if this design choice has something to do with clearance offroad(?).

I know there are a TON of posts about aftermarket mud flaps. Please don't bother posting your recommendations for that. While I appreciate how helpful everyone is on this forum, I'm writing this in the frame of it being an issue that I think Toyota should resolve rather than looking for a recommendation for an aftermarket solution. I know there are several good options and there are many posts about that already.

Here are two pics that together show the issue pretty clearly.

Front factory flap too small

Rear slush pattern resulting from inadequate stock flap on front

Comments/discussion welcome, of course.

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[CrispyTacoLover]

Yes, I know this is a "known issue". Still, there was only one post that mentioned mud flaps when I searched this Issues forum and none that had "mud flaps" in the title. So here it is...

I have not had issues with rocks dinging the paint yet, but as we get more snow and slush on the roads it has become obvious that the mud flaps do not protect the vehicle nearly enough. I question whether they might not meet legal standards in some states that are designed to protect vehicles driving behind you. I have no direct knowledge of specific laws and perhaps there are not any. While I would expect Toyota to be on top of something like that, I am surprised at how ineffective these mud flaps are. I think this could even be a safety issue with liability consequences for Toyota (not an attorney). In my perfect world , there would be a recall and dealers would replace these with something that actually functions to protect the vehicle and others traveling behind it.

My wheels and tires are stock.

I wonder if this design choice has something to do with clearance offroad(?).

I know there are a TON of posts about aftermarket mud flaps. Please don't bother posting your recommendations for that. While I appreciate how helpful everyone is on this forum, I'm writing this in the frame of it being an issue that I think Toyota should resolve rather than looking for a recommendation for an aftermarket solution. I know there are several good options and there are many posts about that already.

Here are two pics that together show the issue pretty clearly.

Front factory flap too small

Rear slush pattern resulting from inadequate stock flap on front

Comments/discussion welcome, of course.

I bought aftermarket mudflaps before picking up my truck, knowing the $70 ones coming from Toyota were worthless.

 

[Sagebrush]

The first thing I did with my truck was to cover the forward portion of the rear fenders with PPF. Mud flaps aren't going to fully protect them.

You can buy rolls of 3M PPF on Amazon and there are plenty of how-to videos on Youtube.

 

[Vidman]

Did the same as others..changed them out for better ones the day I picked up my TH. I knew that the factory ones sucked before even purchasing my truck so I had nothing to fuss about

 

[Sner]

Those mud flaps look very different than the ones we received in Canada. What I know is that they are not a "factory" mudflap. Mudflaps would be a "port" install when they arrive. So different markets would receive different mudflaps. Seems to me I remember a thread here on someone citing the Canadian mudflap part number saying they were a better fit/quality.

 

[ridetime]

I'm writing this in the frame of it being an issue that I think Toyota should resolve

So your looking for advice on how to engage Toyota? Or are you looking for forum members to validate your complaint? Yes, the factory mud flaps are rediculous but then you knew or should have know that when you bought the truck.

Ask your dealer for a set of the "Canadian Mud Flaps", maybe they will goodwill you a set.

 

[Sner]

Yes, I know this is a "known issue". Still, there was only one post that mentioned mud flaps when I searched this Issues forum and none that had "mud flaps" in the title. So here it is...

I have not had issues with rocks dinging the paint yet, but as we get more snow and slush on the roads it has become obvious that the mud flaps do not protect the vehicle nearly enough. I question whether they might not meet legal standards in some states that are designed to protect vehicles driving behind you. I have no direct knowledge of specific laws and perhaps there are not any. While I would expect Toyota to be on top of something like that, I am surprised at how ineffective these mud flaps are. I think this could even be a safety issue with liability consequences for Toyota (not an attorney). In my perfect world , there would be a recall and dealers would replace these with something that actually functions to protect the vehicle and others traveling behind it.

My wheels and tires are stock.

I wonder if this design choice has something to do with clearance offroad(?).

I know there are a TON of posts about aftermarket mud flaps. Please don't bother posting your recommendations for that. While I appreciate how helpful everyone is on this forum, I'm writing this in the frame of it being an issue that I think Toyota should resolve rather than looking for a recommendation for an aftermarket solution. I know there are several good options and there are many posts about that already.

Here are two pics that together show the issue pretty clearly.

Front factory flap too small

Rear slush pattern resulting from inadequate stock flap on front

Comments/discussion welcome, of course.

Here's your solution - that's already been posted.

 

[saerandy]

Directly to your question, I doubt it's required. Most all the Tacomas I saw at two different dealers had no mud flaps on them at all. When they had them they were on the window sticker for ~$60 for the set. I'd call Toyota Customer Care and explain the issue and see if they would be willing to replace the flaps you got with the so-called "Canadian" flaps which are part PK389-35R00-P1. I don't think they're for the Canadian market but they are made in Canada. Maybe Canada has a law requiring mud flaps?

Anyway, the linked video shows the difference between Muslogy flaps which are pretty much identical to the OEM flaps you have versus the Canadian-made ones. They are much wider (like tire width). See them side-by-side around 5 mins into the video.

 

[Sagebrush]

Me? I took off the factory flaps and put on a set of Arks. The real deal.

 

[Swizzard24]

ARK. Replaced ones that came on OR.

 

[Fireguy67]

Or make your own. I did!

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