I just bought a new R-Dynamic f-type in Caldera Red this weekend and noticed paint chipping in the seam between the rocker panel on the left and right sides in front of the rear tires. I found several threads stating this was a known issue in 2015, which sounded like it was fixed by MY 2016 or so by the insertion of a foam strip between the rocker panel and the body.

Does anyone else have this paint chipping issue still with a 2018 f-type? From the threads I read it sounds like my car should have the foam insert but maybe not since I have the same issue.

My dealer said they would take care of it. Does the chipping generally get worse over time? If not, I may just leave it as is, rather than risk having to re-paint it with the chance that it could come out worse potentially.

Randy

 

My 2014 had this issue which was fixed under warranty and so far has not reappeared

 

The panel gap tolerances on the F-Type are factory measured in yeas rather than more common SI units like mm. Sometimes a yea can be a gnat's whisker larger than a pony's finger, or smaller than a couple sheets of paper, depending on which worker assembled your car and the phase of Saturn's third moon.

It is disappointing they haven't resolved this on the current cars because as you know this was a known issue with a service bulletin issued 2 years ago. It's a pita to fix out of warranty because you need to disassemble the inner sills to remove that part, which requires replacing them as removal is normally destructive. As you have the option to get it fixed under warranty then I would get it done.

Fortunately, as the factory paint finish on current Jaguars is not going to win any awards then a dealer repair (which should be done at a pro body shop) would probably be better than the factory finish. That panel does move about so any contact with the adjacent panel will continue to rub over time. You won't get corrosion on the plastic part, but you will on the aluminium body panel causing the paint to blister off so it does need resolving.

Also, you don't appear to have the triangle of clear plastic film applied to the rocker panel just below that damage. Did they omit that when they switched to the wider rockers with the 2016 MY? It is mandatory on the earlier models to prevent stone chips in that area from the front wheels. I have a 2015 with the slimmer ones but other 2016 and later owners could 'chip in' if they have them fitted.

 

Dave, I think you are slightly out with the location of the clear plastic protective "spats", on my MY2015 they are a fair bit lower than the areas shown in the OP's pics.

 

I could well be, the second photo showing directly under the first makes my eyes wonky when trying to trace the body lines to get the perspective right.

 

Your issue looks similar to my '14 - I never had anything done about it, as I didn't consider it quite bad enough to be worth the hassle, and I don't think it has gotten worse.

 

Thanks for all of the detailed information on this issue. My dealer is checking to see what the current recommended fix is for MY 2018. My car does have the clear protective plastic still.

@DJS: I'm glad to hear yours never got worse. If that is the case I may just leave mine alone as well, depending upon what info the dealer comes back with.

 

Known issue fixed on warranty. Mine took several trys until dealers body shop devised their own version of the factory fix. Since then no problem. They were still getting some '17 in with the problem from the factory at the time. It's a pain but will be fixed.

 

I just noticed this on my 2020 Checkered Flag. Wonder if I should just buy some touchup since it's in the crease and not that noticeable or take it to the dealer. Car is under warrantee for an other 3 years.

 

Less noticeable if you get an F-Type in white.

 

The other thing I wonder is would the dealer actually remove the rocker panel (or whatever its called), repaint it, and then put it back on with the additional clearance so it doesn't happen again like I think the service bulletin calls for? Or, are they more likely to send it to whatever body shop they use who will just tape it up, and spray it? I think number 2 and they will bill Jag for number 1.