Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQUIPMENT | |||
| 03/08/2012 | |||
| Rear hatch handle on 2004 scion xb continues to break off. had it replaced june 5 2009 and it broke off again march 2012. the engineering and materials are defective. | |||
| 07/14/2011 | |||
| After only about 3 years use, the rubber cover on the hatch release handle (the exterior handle of the rear hatch) of our 2007 toyota prius, melted into a sticky tarry black rubbery gooey mess. i can best describe it as being a viscous black glob like roofing tar. to open the hatch, you have to touch this black goo each time, which makes it difficult to operate the hatch release. we believe this melting process started at about the 2 yr. mark. i thought that this might be a singular issue, but have found that this has happened to several car owners, particularly in california. toyota knows about this, and is selling the entire wiring harness for $200 plus repair costs, and has done nothing about recalling this. from a safety perspective, this means you can experience extreme difficulty opening the rear hatch (a life safety access point), and will get sticky black tar on you from the melted down rubber cover of the exterior hatch release handle. to me, this is both a serious life safety issue and a serious quality defect that toyota is opting to ignore and only fixing on vehicles with extended warranties, since the failure appears to occur at around the 3 year mark (ie after 3 years of exposure to the bright sun in california for example). | |||
| 10/18/2010 | |||
| Four (4) failures for the same reason, car stops running, runs out of gas even though the gas panel shows three and four lines of gas available. the car has stopped running in the middle of the road while traveling with kids. was taken to the toyota dealer in feb 2008 and they claim they replaced the fuel system. after 2008 the car has had the same deffect and has stopped in three (3) different ocassions. it has been towed four times. i will pursue legally against toyota if i have to do so. | |||
| 02/01/2010 | |||
| I have a 2008 toyota camry, when starting my auto, the engine races for appx. 30 seconds, then goes down. also in the last 5 weeks i have notice that the car lurches forward then goes back to the spend i have it on. i am very nervous driving this car, this problem just started happening about 5 or 6 weeks ago, at first i thought i was just thinking it was happening, but it seems to be getting more frequent. i have to drive it, it is the only car i have, so doctors appointments have to be keep, fear or not, i hope it does not go speeding an not stop, my mother is 82 a very afraid to get into the car, but we have to go places. we live on roads with inclines. very steep hills, one has a stop sign at the foot of it, but so far it does stop. it makes a loud engine noise. like a grinding of the engine, at first the brakes hesitate stopping but i push really hard on them and they stop it. i took it in for an inspection sticker an they said it passed. i told them about the problem. they said they did not know what to do about it at this time. | |||
| 03/12/2010 | 1 | ||
| I was getting into a turn lane which had a red light, there were no cars ahead of me. when i hit the brakes to stop the car a 2005 toyota avalon would not stop. i put the shift in neutral and then in park and then turned the key of and got it by another car and my car still kept going, although it did slow down and stop after being hit. i brought this same car in for the recall fix on feb 24 2010. and this happened after the recall fix. *tr | |||
| 06/16/2009 | 1 | ||
| Sun visors on 2006 toyota tacoma 4wd, don't hold their positions especially when in use. this has occurred since truck was new. they were replaced under warranty, and continue to fail. *tr | |||
| 06/02/2008 | 1 | ||
| 1998 toyota 2wd 4runner, driver side rear tail light doesn't function properly. light comes on when braking, but not when running. installing new bulbs doesn't solve the problem. *tr | |||
| 10/08/2007 | 1 | ||
| Toyota has recalled the all weather floor mats under recall number 07e082000. i received my notice and took my mats to the toyota dealer in dublin, california. evidently, i was the very first person to return my mats, because they were unaware of the recall and had to look up the information. the dealers information said that the dealer would be reimbursed up to $115 by toyota, and the dealer did not have to provide any receipt to toyota - the dealer must get the vin from my vehicle. both the dealers information and my recall notice did not indicate that any receipt would be required to return the mats. the manager of the service department refused to give me a refund for my mats because i did not have a receipt. i called toyota customer service in la and they say they cannot change the dealers decision. so, here i am with the defective mats that were recalled and toyota will not honor the recall. my complaint is this - a dealer should be required to honor a safety related recall regardless if i have a receipt or not. can you help me with this? isn't there any rule that requires them to process a recall? *tr | |||
| 04/16/2007 | 20 | ||
| Since day one that i have purchased the truck i have complained that the brakes don't slow the truck down as it should. that you have to pump it at least one time for them to act normal when slowing down. some times it is over half way to the floor before you stop. and that is with out pulling a load. when i talked to the dealership (jay wolfe toyota of k.c) was told that it was magic brakes , i have had to go back to the days of old where you give it a pump then it works. i have almost rear ended several people. these brakes are dangerous. and i paid $50,000. for that. they did not consider this to be a problem that maybe i needed to get use to the truck. *tr | |||
| 12/28/2006 | 1 | ||
| While driving my 1999 rx300 on the highway, the transmission went out on me. i felt i was losing power and decided to pull over on the shoulder. i then try to turn off my engine to see if restarting it back up will resolve the issue. when i start the car back up and put it on drive, the car will not move. needless to say i had to call a tow to tow my car back home. *nm | |||
| 01/27/2006 | 2 | ||
| Not sure if this is your dept. i had taken my toyota tacoma to melody toyota in san bruno, california for a service check before i moved to ga. they replaced my spark plugs and after only 3000 miles i blew a plug right out of my cylinder. melody offered me a very small reimbursement for the new repairs but wants me to sign a waiver form that they are not responsible for any thing else related to the repairs they did. less the 3000 miles later, i blew another plug and they are not taking any responsibility. they replaced my plugs too tight in my cylinders causing them to strip. i have had to miss work, numerous long distance calls, and over 800.00 dollars to repair, on top of the 650.00 i paid to have it done properly the first time. if this is not you complaint dept, please forward to the proper one, if possible or e mail me at sanfranbruce@aol.com and robert.b.irvin@delta.com so that i may file with correct govt agency. thank you. *nm | |||
| 11/04/2006 | 100 | ||
| Repeated incidents of stalling of the gasoline engine. battery continues to fuel vehicle at low speed. will restart after shutting the engine off. continues to do this at any and all speeds. have had vehicle gas tank bladder replaced at our expense (over 600.00) computers replaced (multiple) on recalls. not only a nuisance but very dangerous. dealer has given no help in finding the cause. *nm | |||
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE | |||
| 10/31/2009 | 2 | ||
| I have a toyota rav4 2002. i am now experiencing a nightmare. a few weeks ago, my car started shifting gears, shaking, and the engine light went on. i brought it to hyannis toyota. the csr told me it was a defective computer. the car was under warranty and they would replace it. approx. 3 weeks later, my car started with the same problem. shaking, moving into a different gear and the engine light went on. i brought it back to hyannis toyota and was told, this is not the same problem. you need a new coil. it will cost you $250.00. also, i had to rent a car. of course at my own expense. now, i do not know how to deal with this company. if the computer was defective, and was replaced. why am i still experiencing the same problems? *tr | |||
| EQUIPMENT - ELECTRICAL | |||
| 11/15/2009 | 1 | ||
| Cruise control won't shut off at braking. vehicle suddenly accelerated when brake pedal is released. *tr | |||
| 09/25/2009 | 1 | ||
| Toyota prius headlights go out while driving. repair costs $600- $1000 per replacement. usually good for every 35,000 miles. someone could get killed if both go out at same time. toyota needs to be held accountable for repairs and any injury or death. *tr | |||
| 08/13/2009 | 1 | ||
| While under warranty, my 2003 sequoia's electronic stability control system activated when accelerating around corners. the dealer replaced the vsc computer. yesterday, august 13, while on vacation, the vsc, trac off, and abs lights came on. the dealer stated that the vsc computer was not functional and would again have to be replaced. the cost is between 1500-2100 dollars. the dealer (west ashley toyota, charleston, sc) stated if i did not replace it, it could activate and cause me to lose control. i asked if there was a fail safe and he did not know. i have not yet replaced the computer. *tr | |||
| 05/10/2009 | 1 | ||
| Right front headlamp operating intermittently. dealer repair quote was over $500. online advice suggested that toyota should/would repair at no cost. initially dealer service manager wanted owner to pay labor, over $300, and dealer would supply part. owner stated that since this was a safety and defect matter, toyota should pay full cost. after 24 hours, dealer agreed to replace headlamp at no cost. both headlamps were replaced at no cost to owner. owner is 30 year customer of this dealership. service manager stated that toyota will probably post a recall notice on this matter. *tr | |||
| 04/09/2008 | 8 | ||
| 1. out of no where on smooth straight highway during night time driving. 2. passenger headlight went out without warning. the light would not come back on until i pulled over, and turned the headlights all the way off, then put them on, and they re-lit themselves. problem occurred again 10 minutes later. because of the failure, i had much trouble driving at night and seeing very dark and later on windy roads ahead of me. 3. by switching the headlights off, and turning them back on, the light relites itself. this however only temporarily corrects the problem, as it seems there is something else wrong. *tr | |||
| 06/24/2007 | 1 | ||
| While entering a busy intersection my wife applied the brakes to avoid a collision, and they did not properly respond and dashboard warning lings came on. the toyota dealership diagnosed the problem as a defect in the car's computer system, stating the computer provided false signals to the brakes.*ak | |||
| 07/18/2005 | 4 | ||
| Toyota prius hybrid 1. tire blow out with the right psi and clear beautiful day. dealer will not warranty or change tire. 2. the car stop and started running only on electrical service. call toyota dealer and they ask me to start the car three times and it will go away. i did it and drove to the dealer they explained to me that the humidity was causing the problem. this had happen about four times and every time the humidity was high but this is and inconvenience not just to me but my wife. one of this days the easy fixing will not work them what? *jb | |||
| EQUIPMENT - ELECTRICAL - AIR CONDITIONER | |||
| 02/13/2006 | 10 | ||
| I purchased my vehicle from sunnyvale toyota in oct of 2002. it is a 2003 toyota sequoia. from the time i reached home found multiple problems. start with hub caps not seated correctly, defective roof racks, entry door molding with inked print on them. went on to a defective air conditioner compressor, pungent awful smell from the ac, defective radio/ cd changer. brakes are spongy and don't respond well. if you pump it once it works well. the vehicle repeatedly veers to the right. they have checked it at least 15 times. there is hair in the paint. i went through the ncds process and ended up with a judgment to have them repair the veering problem and air conditioning. toyota never complied and ncds closed the case without my consent. i worked with toyota and they finally worked on the trouble. i got a new set of tires but the veering returned. what happens is the tires wear more on the outside of the front right tire. as you rotate the trouble goes away until the tire wears and the problem becomes more pronounces. now the tires are bald and ncds is giving me trouble to reopen the case or stand behind the arbitrators judgment. now even the door molding are coming off even with no damage. *jb | |||
| EQUIPMENT - ELECTRICAL - RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. | |||
| 12/07/2008 | 1 | ||
| The prius has a mark on dash by center screen and is poor sign. *tr | |||
| 02/13/2006 | 10 | ||
| I purchased my vehicle from sunnyvale toyota in oct of 2002. it is a 2003 toyota sequoia. from the time i reached home found multiple problems. start with hub caps not seated correctly, defective roof racks, entry door molding with inked print on them. went on to a defective air conditioner compressor, pungent awful smell from the ac, defective radio/ cd changer. brakes are spongy and don't respond well. if you pump it once it works well. the vehicle repeatedly veers to the right. they have checked it at least 15 times. there is hair in the paint. i went through the ncds process and ended up with a judgment to have them repair the veering problem and air conditioning. toyota never complied and ncds closed the case without my consent. i worked with toyota and they finally worked on the trouble. i got a new set of tires but the veering returned. what happens is the tires wear more on the outside of the front right tire. as you rotate the trouble goes away until the tire wears and the problem becomes more pronounces. now the tires are bald and ncds is giving me trouble to reopen the case or stand behind the arbitrators judgment. now even the door molding are coming off even with no damage. *jb | |||
| EQUIPMENT - MECHANICAL | |||
| 03/08/2012 | |||
| Rear hatch handle on 2004 scion xb continues to break off. had it replaced june 5 2009 and it broke off again march 2012. the engineering and materials are defective. | |||
| 10/05/2011 | |||
| 2007 toyota prius - tailgate switch melted and makes opening the tailgate difficult and messy. | |||
| 02/25/2012 | |||
| 2008 toyota tundra sr5, when coming to a complete stop with the brakes depressed the vehicle lunges foward as if you have been rearended. when going across bumps etc.. the truck tends to accelerates because of the sensitivity of the gas pedal problem. | |||
| 03/03/2010 | |||
| Toyota gas peddle, i took my toyota truck for other repairs and while the car was in the brent brown toyota dealership they told me that the gas peddle recall was done and i asked for paper work that says or show that it was done and they gave me a paper stating that it is done, cause of all the other things that happened i took my truck up to another dealer and have them check it to see if it is realy done which it turned out it was not, so i have mark miller toyota do the recall, that is one of my complains. the other is that when they broke the air bag sensors while putting on the leather seats they told me that it was ok to drive the truck without the passenger airbag system being not working, not only one but two of the sales people told me that it was ok and even one of them said that if something did happen i am not to worry about it cause toyota has enough insurance to cover it. well i sure hope that nhtsa can help me resolved this issue with brent brown toyota. i just feel that they did not even give it a thought about what would happen to my family if something did happen. | |||
| 11/15/2009 | 1 | ||
| Cruise control won't shut off at braking. vehicle suddenly accelerated when brake pedal is released. *tr | |||
| 01/29/2009 | 1 | ||
| 2003 toyota tacoma 4wd crew cab pickup i would like to relate a recent experience i had with my 2003 toyota pickup. i was driving the truck through a parking lot in largo, maryland on january 29, 2009. suddenly there was a loud noise and the vehicle dropped down in the front end and i came to a stop. the front driver side wheel had dropped down into the wheel well. i had the vehicle towed by boswell auto service of waldorf, maryland near where i live. i was told by the mechanic that the castle nut on the driver side ball joint assembly had come off. i was told that this was an extraordinary event. the ball joint assembly separated and as a consequence front axle was broken as well. in reviewing my records i saw the recall for the lower ball joint for my toyota. i had this recall work completed at waldorf toyota on december 29, 2005. i brought this to the attention of the mechanic who fixed my truck. he told me i should make the dealership service department aware of this incident. in his opinion, this event should not happen if the ball joint castle nut is installed correctly. i took the information to waldorf toyota on february 3, 2009. i spoke with the service manager (michael pavan, 301-843-3700, mpavan@toyotaofwaldorf.com) and a man i believe was a mechanic or service supervisor. i showed them photographs and the broken ball joint assembly. they told me that the remnants of the cotter pin were still in so that they believe they had installed the castle nut correctly. i left the broken ball joint assembly with them. the service manager told me he would report it to his regional manager. *tr | |||
| 01/28/2008 | 1 | ||
| I have a toyota rav 4 4wd 2001 model. at 47,000 miles i had an engine replacement done by lynch toyota under warranty. 25,000 miles later vehicle was diagnosed with a cracked flex plate. repair was done by aamco and in their written report they state that due to an alignment dowel that was cut off when lynch replaced the engine, the engine became misaligned and the flex plate cracked. in addition the torque converter also had to be replaced. the reports were handed to lynch and their service manager does not accept responsibility for this and reported that the cracked flex plate was more than likely due to poor materials. i still have the flex plate and would like to know if there is a way to have it checked to find out if indeed it was made from poor materials. aamco don't appear to believe this to be the case. *tr | |||
| 02/05/2008 | 1 | ||
| While driving 55 mph, my driverside vent window popped out. staying connected to the sienna 2004 by only a wire. i pulled over and taped the window (not broken) back onto the van. the window did not fail, nor did the mechanism that opens the window. the adhesive that secures the window to the mechanical part of the vent window gave up. no acid rain, vandalism, mechanical breakdown was involved with this incident. toyota will not replace the gluing to make this safe again. they want to replace the whole system at my cost. $500 later we are considering trading in to get a kia. thank goodness the window did not come off completely into oncoming traffic. *tr | |||
| 12/12/2005 | 1 | ||
| We pruchased this 2002 toyota sequioa in 8/2001 we had the truck for about 6 mths and then the transmission went out the dealer replace the transmission. in 4/05 the right rear axle seal was leaking cause us to replace the seal. now 12/05 the rear differential has locked up and the truck is no longer under warranty causing us to pay for repair out of pocket. we dealer has refused to cover the cost for any of the repairs. *nm | |||
| EQUIPMENT - OTHER - LABELS | |||
| 08/28/2007 | 1 | ||
| I purchased a 2007 camry 4 cylinder xle aug. 2006. the immediate issue i had was its lack of acceleration. i was told by the dealership (competition toyota of new york) was to change the way i was driving the car to force better acceleration. feb. 10, 2007 i had my oil changed at the competition toyota, asked about the acceleration issue and was told nothing yet from toyota. aug. 6, 2007, i was told new software arrived to correct the issue. the verbiage on the work sheet states ?please review tsbeg036-07 for application performed calibration on ecm shift enhancement completed?. there was an improvement in acceleration from stop signs and traffic lights. aug .28, 2007 i took my first trip with the upgraded software. the acceleration getting on the highway was better but not great. i used the cruise control feature for the first time since the upgrade. i drove 200 miles, exited the highway, got gas (shut off the car). i did not reactivate the cruise control. i pulled into a parking garage, found a parking space, began to pull in when the car unexpectedly accelerated, hit the wall and i couldn't stop the tires from spinning even by depressing the brake. i threw the car into park and shut of the engine. there was substantial damage to the front of the car but no apparent damage to the engine. aug.29, 2007,i decided to drive it home. upon starting the car, the cruise control symbol displayed and went off only after i depressed the cruise control lever a couple times. the car was repaired sept. 17, 2007, competition toyota did a complimentary safety vehicle inspection on sept. 21, 2007 and found the car to be safe to operate. i know what happened and like a disappearing toothache i don?t want this issue dismissed by the people at toyota as a non-event. i still believe this is not a coincidence having the acceleration software updated then me having the issues i have stated above. i don?t want to see a re-occurrence of this incident to me or anyone else. *jb | |||
| 03/19/2006 | 3 | ||
| A gasoline and or oil smell in the car that permeates everything in the car. my clothes, computer bag, papers, just everything that comes in contact with the inside of the car. i also get sick from the odor ie headaches, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness. i also have a burning taste in my mouth, throat and eyes. i have been to the doctors and they there is no other reason for me to be feeling the way i do and that it is the environment of my car that is producing this very serious irritant . the dealer service center said it is from the broken bearing that was replaced, broken and not my fault. this must also be a recall problem because they said it happens alot. *nm | |||