2008 4Runner misleading marketing
- Thread starter Wyatt27
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Even Steven
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I think it's important to actually define what is considered an active headrest system before you can claim false advertising.
I've seen things like this in the past where the perception was one thing, but in reality it was something different.
I've seen things like this in the past where the perception was one thing, but in reality it was something different.
I had a similar situation on my 92 Landcruiser. There were some electronic features shown in the sales brochure, listed with the trim level I purchased, however they weren't there. When I asked Toyota about it, they pointed me to the very fine print in the brochure, net, all of the material in this brochure is subject to change.
In your situation, I feel for you as you made a purchase based on a safety improvement. If you look on the Toyota.com web site under the 2008 4R, the under safety, you won't find anything listed under active headrest.
I didn't realize that Toyota was even working with this technology. I purchased my 99 Volvo for this very feature, they call it whips.
More than likely it will show up in the 09 if it's a total rework.
I don't however think that you will have any recourse as Toyota will have that issue covered.
Paul C
In your situation, I feel for you as you made a purchase based on a safety improvement. If you look on the Toyota.com web site under the 2008 4R, the under safety, you won't find anything listed under active headrest.
I didn't realize that Toyota was even working with this technology. I purchased my 99 Volvo for this very feature, they call it whips.
More than likely it will show up in the 09 if it's a total rework.
I don't however think that you will have any recourse as Toyota will have that issue covered.
Paul C
The 4Runner was built 08/07, and purchased 10/07 the 2008 4Runner sales brochure printed 08/07 shows on the next to the last page that active headrest is one of the standard safety features. This brochure is still currently available at toyota dealers. I have a toyota 4Runner press release generated 08/07 that is almost six pages and has the same drawing of the active system as attached. With the sales brochure and press release printed at the same time the SUV was built they should be accurate. I also have an e-brochure that I printed on 10/03/07 from toyota's website showing the active headrest as a standard feature, it have revision dates ranging from 9/23/07 to 10/02/07. On 11/20/07 toyota edited it's online e-brochure to remove that info. The dealer's service director closed the repair order with comments that the vehicle is not equipped with the active headrest that is supposed to be standard equipment.
Attachments
There's a lot of standard equipment that's not listed on the window sticker, although I'd think that they would make a point of mentioning the active headrests.
Given all of the written documentation that you have stating it should be there, I'd press the issue with Toyota, and maybe even a local news outlet. Those investigative reporter segments would eat something like this up. They can't advertise that the vehicle has a safety feature, and then later say "oops, that's not really accurate". Mistakes happen, but not in several different places at the same time like brochures, web sites, and press releases.
Given all of the written documentation that you have stating it should be there, I'd press the issue with Toyota, and maybe even a local news outlet. Those investigative reporter segments would eat something like this up. They can't advertise that the vehicle has a safety feature, and then later say "oops, that's not really accurate". Mistakes happen, but not in several different places at the same time like brochures, web sites, and press releases.
Chrome Systems Corporation is the one to blame. Those web sites ALL use the same system to decode a vehicle.
My webside uses edmunds which is also terrible (can never get a color right) and there are so many on the market.....
Dealer Web sites are operated by the dealers ...... not by Toyota and the dealers should have a disclaimer.
The active headrests means they are in every active seating position. They are not listed under safety items.
Look at the fine print on pg 12 of the e-brochure there is a disclaimer.
I have never heard of the active headrests being advertised but we do push the 5 star safety system.
Your issue is with whatever hit you in the rear. You are alive and actively blaming Toyota? Hey buy a Ford explorer next time or a jeep or whatever company you would want to blame next time. Did you actively ask the salesperson about each safety feature?
My webside uses edmunds which is also terrible (can never get a color right) and there are so many on the market.....
Dealer Web sites are operated by the dealers ...... not by Toyota and the dealers should have a disclaimer.
The active headrests means they are in every active seating position. They are not listed under safety items.
Look at the fine print on pg 12 of the e-brochure there is a disclaimer.
I have never heard of the active headrests being advertised but we do push the 5 star safety system.
Your issue is with whatever hit you in the rear. You are alive and actively blaming Toyota? Hey buy a Ford explorer next time or a jeep or whatever company you would want to blame next time. Did you actively ask the salesperson about each safety feature?
ProMed
New member
Is it possible that the tech at your dealership didn't know exactly what an active headrest system is and that is why he/she said you didn't have it? The online brochure below does list active headrests as one of the standard features on page 8.
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist/2008_4runner.pdf
Also from: http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist42008.html
" Active Headrests - Toyota Motor Corporation announced that it has developed the Active Headrest, a new head restraint that reduces the stress on the neck during low-speed, rear impacts. TMC plans to introduce the head restraint shortly, starting with new vehicle models.
At Toyota, the utmost importance is placed on improving vehicle safety through the analysis of accidents, and this approach has led to advances in passive safety technologies, such as the concept of omni-directional compatibility, pedestrian injury-lessening vehicle bodies and front seats based on the WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) concept. The Active Headrest has been developed to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries sustained during rear-end collision.
Main Features of the Active Headrest
The Active Headrest is an extension of the WIL concept seat, in which both the seatback and head restraint simultaneously cushion the head and lower back to reduce stress on the neck. Specifically, when the occupant's back presses against the seatback during a rear-end collision, a built-in lower unit triggers the head restraint to move diagonally upward. This action swiftly and securely catches the back of the occupant's head, thereby reducing the risk of whiplash injury sustained by the neck upon collision (results will differ according to the physique, position and posture of the occupant inside the vehicle; however, in-house testing of the Active Headrest showed that it reduced the severity of whiplash injury by 10-20% on Toyota's neck injury evaluation index compared with the traditional WIL concept seat)."
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist/2008_4runner.pdf
Also from: http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist42008.html
" Active Headrests - Toyota Motor Corporation announced that it has developed the Active Headrest, a new head restraint that reduces the stress on the neck during low-speed, rear impacts. TMC plans to introduce the head restraint shortly, starting with new vehicle models.
At Toyota, the utmost importance is placed on improving vehicle safety through the analysis of accidents, and this approach has led to advances in passive safety technologies, such as the concept of omni-directional compatibility, pedestrian injury-lessening vehicle bodies and front seats based on the WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) concept. The Active Headrest has been developed to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries sustained during rear-end collision.
Main Features of the Active Headrest
The Active Headrest is an extension of the WIL concept seat, in which both the seatback and head restraint simultaneously cushion the head and lower back to reduce stress on the neck. Specifically, when the occupant's back presses against the seatback during a rear-end collision, a built-in lower unit triggers the head restraint to move diagonally upward. This action swiftly and securely catches the back of the occupant's head, thereby reducing the risk of whiplash injury sustained by the neck upon collision (results will differ according to the physique, position and posture of the occupant inside the vehicle; however, in-house testing of the Active Headrest showed that it reduced the severity of whiplash injury by 10-20% on Toyota's neck injury evaluation index compared with the traditional WIL concept seat)."
Did a bit of searching for official Toyota information and the active headrests are being advertised for the Highlander.....
You certainly have been spouting off that Toyota has falsely advertised and marketed and your testimony that it was not there.....all over the internet...... are you sure?
Did you read the disclaimers .....No Representation or Warranty
Toyota reserves the right to modify the information contained on this site at any time without notice. While Toyota makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that all material on this site is correct, accuracy cannot be guaranteed and Toyota does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or authenticity of any information contained on this site. This site and all information and materials contained herein, is provided to you "as is" without warranty of any kind.
Quit bashing Toyota..... you had an accident unless you backed into something intentionally at high speed.
You certainly have been spouting off that Toyota has falsely advertised and marketed and your testimony that it was not there.....all over the internet...... are you sure?
Did you read the disclaimers .....No Representation or Warranty
Toyota reserves the right to modify the information contained on this site at any time without notice. While Toyota makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that all material on this site is correct, accuracy cannot be guaranteed and Toyota does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or authenticity of any information contained on this site. This site and all information and materials contained herein, is provided to you "as is" without warranty of any kind.
Quit bashing Toyota..... you had an accident unless you backed into something intentionally at high speed.
rook
New member
Chrome Systems Corporation is the one to blame. Those web sites ALL use the same system to decode a vehicle.
Dealer Web sites are operated by the dealers ...... not by Toyota and the dealers should have a disclaimer.
If you put your name on it, you should be prepared to take ownership and responsibility.
The active headrests means they are in every active seating position. They are not listed under safety items.
see footnote 21 it is in SAFETY ITEMS
[21] Active headrests can help prevent or limit the extent of whiplash in certain types of rear-end collisions.
Look at the fine print on pg 12 of the e-brochure there is a disclaimer.
fine print is a lawyer whispering "cya" perhaps buyers can put fine print into a contract... that would go over like a fart in church!
Your issue is with whatever hit you in the rear. You are alive and actively blaming Toyota? Hey buy a Ford explorer next time or a jeep or whatever company you would want to blame next time. Did you actively ask the salesperson about each safety feature?
The OP is not blaming anyone! He's been a loyal, informed customer who got disappointed when what he expected out of the vehicle was not there. We're not talking about floormats or a change in color from Champagne to Burnt Sienna, but a safety item. The OP is merely stating fact. No manufacturer wants to refer back to the fine print. It is a bad way to do business.
If Toyota or the dealer would merely take ownership, speak with the customer and explain why the feature was eliminated the customer may be more understanding. Legally, the dealer and Manufacturer are covered, but when issues of this sort arise, you don't shove fine print in someones face and say go buy a Ford :bash:
fine print right here... caveat emptor
**2008 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, excludes the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee of $660 for Cars and $685 for Trucks, Vans and SUVs. (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing,
handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota's charge for these services is called the "Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee" and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota's overall
pricing structure. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX
will be higher. Actual dealer price may vary. Pricing, specifications, standard features and available equipment are based on information available when this page was produced and are subject to change without notice.
rook
New member
Bob_VT said:
Bob,
You clearly bring valuable knowledge and perspective to the forum, but at the end of your posts, I noticie you react emotionally. Take it easy on the OP, present your facts and end your post. Don't throw out some suppositional banter at the end like a backhanded insult.
Link to a description of Active Headrests
http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/TECHNOLOGY/INTRODUCTION/HEADREST/index.html
Rear-end collisions even at relatively low impact speeds can result in back or neck injuries and in some cases lead to subsequent discomfort such as whiplash injuries. Nissan has developed, as an occupant safety measure in rear-end collisions, an Active Head Restraint in Japan. Nissan thoroughly investigated real-world traffic accidents and has effectively incorporated the resulting data in the development of a revolutionary safety system based on actual human body movement.
Nearly half of all accidents are rear-end collisions, with 90% of the injuries being to the neck
Traffic accident statistics in Japan show that rear-end impacts account for a large proportion of all injury-causing accidents, representing nearly 50% of the total. Over 90% of the injuries sustained by occupants whose vehicles are struck in rear-end collisions are to the neck region. More than 200,000 people suffer such injuries annually.
Annual fatal and injury-causing accidents involving vehicle occupants in Japan in 2000
Reduces the impact to the neck by helping to minimize excessive rearward movement of the head in a rear-end collision
The Active Head Restraint uses the force of the occupant's body against the seatback in a rear-end collision to move the head restraint forward instantaneously to support the head, thereby helping to reduce the impact to the neck of a front-seat occupant. The mechanism of whiplash injuries closely involves two factors resulting from the impact: the force acting to bend the neck backward and the force that causes the head to tilt rearward. Because the Active Head Restraint is effective in controlling these two factors, it can help reduce the load on the neck at the moment of the collision
The Active Head Restraint effectively helps reduce the force (moment) acting to bend the neck backward in a rear-end collision. It reduces the resultant bending force by approximately 45%.
http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/TECHNOLOGY/INTRODUCTION/HEADREST/index.html
Rear-end collisions even at relatively low impact speeds can result in back or neck injuries and in some cases lead to subsequent discomfort such as whiplash injuries. Nissan has developed, as an occupant safety measure in rear-end collisions, an Active Head Restraint in Japan. Nissan thoroughly investigated real-world traffic accidents and has effectively incorporated the resulting data in the development of a revolutionary safety system based on actual human body movement.
Traffic accident statistics in Japan show that rear-end impacts account for a large proportion of all injury-causing accidents, representing nearly 50% of the total. Over 90% of the injuries sustained by occupants whose vehicles are struck in rear-end collisions are to the neck region. More than 200,000 people suffer such injuries annually.
Annual fatal and injury-causing accidents involving vehicle occupants in Japan in 2000
Reduces the impact to the neck by helping to minimize excessive rearward movement of the head in a rear-end collision
The Active Head Restraint uses the force of the occupant's body against the seatback in a rear-end collision to move the head restraint forward instantaneously to support the head, thereby helping to reduce the impact to the neck of a front-seat occupant. The mechanism of whiplash injuries closely involves two factors resulting from the impact: the force acting to bend the neck backward and the force that causes the head to tilt rearward. Because the Active Head Restraint is effective in controlling these two factors, it can help reduce the load on the neck at the moment of the collision
The Active Head Restraint effectively helps reduce the force (moment) acting to bend the neck backward in a rear-end collision. It reduces the resultant bending force by approximately 45%.
J.A.
Senior Member
I have been corresponding with Wyatt on this issue for a while now. I have seen both the e-brochure and the July 2007 press release.
Although the brochure may be caveated it does say "All information in this eBrochure is based on data available at time of posting, is subject to change without notice and pertains specifically to continental U.S.A. vehicles only." Sure the data can be subject to change... but at the time he purchased his vehicle Active Headrests were still posted in the brochure. That's a fact.
The quote that ProMed posted from Top4runners is indeed what was straight from the press release dated July 3, 2007 and found at the Toyota Global site. The info since has been removed from Top4runners history page as it has turned out that Active Headrests are not included on 2008 4Runners.
Although the brochure may be caveated it does say "All information in this eBrochure is based on data available at time of posting, is subject to change without notice and pertains specifically to continental U.S.A. vehicles only." Sure the data can be subject to change... but at the time he purchased his vehicle Active Headrests were still posted in the brochure. That's a fact.
The quote that ProMed posted from Top4runners is indeed what was straight from the press release dated July 3, 2007 and found at the Toyota Global site. The info since has been removed from Top4runners history page as it has turned out that Active Headrests are not included on 2008 4Runners.
