Automotive rust increases as manufacturers adopt cheaper anti-corrosion methods

Automakers are increasingly moving away from full galvanization in favor of cheaper, partial solutions to reduce costs, leading to a resurgence in vehicle corrosion. While technologies like paint coatings and waxes exist, rust often begins invisibly within closed profiles, making it difficult for owners to detect until significant damage has occurred.

Data from technical inspections conducted by the German Technical Association (GTU) since 2020 identifies several models under five years old that are particularly susceptible to rust. The list of most problematic models includes the Lada 4x4, Opel Combo, Skoda Rapid, Ford Galaxy, Ford Ecosport, Ford Transit/Tourneo, Nissan Micra, Suzuki Jimny, Seat Ibiza, and Dacia Duster.