Issues with service department--anyone have similar experiences?

[engineeer]

Looking for input specifically from people with somewhat modified 4Runners.

My dealership's service department (advisor, techs, everyone) really like to blame every issue with my 4Runner on the fact that I have 275 tires instead of 265. Mind you the vehicle is functionally stock besides that--I've done nothing to the suspension.

From the day I picked it up (3 miles on the odo), my 4Runner has pulled to the right. I've taken it in 6 or 7 times now to get the alignment fixed and every time they put up a huge fight and say they can't fix the alignment because my tires are not the stock size. When pressed to explain why a tire that's less than 2% larger would result in something that can't be aligned, they unsurprisingly can't explain why.

They finally fixed the alignment about 2 months ago, but in doing so managed to somehow set the steering wheel's center position to be about 5˚ to the left meaning if I'm driving straight on a flat road my steering wheel is slightly to the left.

I took it in yesterday and asked them to fix it and they again blamed it on the tires, then told me that they could either fix the alignment or zero the steering wheel, but not both. I pressed them on that and they begrudgingly fixed the issue, although it's still about 2˚ to the left, which I'm just going to deal with.

I've also had the 55-60mph steering wheel vibration issue which they refuse to diagnose until I switch back to 265 tires. It stopped doing it for a couple of months, but has recently started up again. This one is somewhat understandable.

Prior to this, I had a strange rattling coming from the blower motor that I took it in for. Despite me explaining to them that it happens even when the vehicle is stopped, they tried to blame it on the tires.

The next time I have an issue I'm going to take it to a different dealer, but this level of service leaves a lot to be desired. Curious to see if this is a dealer-specific issue or if Toyota dealers tend to do this with modified 4Runners (even if it's just slightly bigger tires).

Cliff notes: service department tries to blame any and all issues I have on my 275 tires.

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

Looking for input specifically from people with somewhat modified 4Runners.

My dealership's service department (advisor, techs, everyone) really like to blame every issue with my 4Runner on the fact that I have 275 tires instead of 265. Mind you the vehicle is functionally stock besides that--I've done nothing to the suspension.

From the day I picked it up (3 miles on the odo), my 4Runner has pulled to the right. I've taken it in 6 or 7 times now to get the alignment fixed and every time they put up a huge fight and say they can't fix the alignment because my tires are not the stock size. When pressed to explain why a tire that's less than 2% larger would result in something that can't be aligned, they unsurprisingly can't explain why.

They finally fixed the alignment about 2 months ago, but in doing so managed to somehow set the steering wheel's center position to be about 5˚ to the left meaning if I'm driving straight on a flat road my steering wheel is slightly to the left.

I took it in yesterday and asked them to fix it and they again blamed it on the tires, then told me that they could either fix the alignment or zero the steering wheel, but not both. I pressed them on that and they begrudgingly fixed the issue, although it's still about 2˚ to the left.

I've also had the 55-60mph steering wheel vibration issue which they refuse to diagnose until I switch back to 265 tires. It stopped doing it for a couple of months, but has recently started up again. This one is somewhat understandable.

Prior to this, I had a strange rattling coming from the blower motor that I took it in for. Despite me explaining to them that it happens even when the vehicle is stock, they tried to blame it on the tires.

The next time I have an issue I'm going to take it to a different dealer, but this level of service leaves a lot to be desired and makes me want to go buy something else.

I have not done the upgrade to my 4Runner, but my 2006 Xterra ran 275's on it from day one without getting the run around from anyone, ever. The truck tracked perfectly for 10 years. Factory setup is 265 like the 4Runner. That was the only upgrade that impacted the suspension too.
Toyota should be ashamed of themselves going the extra mile to be so determined to look like dumb asses just to avert doing work.

 

[BluT4R]

Go to Firestone, pay $185 for a lifetime alignment. They will put it on the rack anytime you want, nationwide support.

I would probably use someplace like Firestone or NTB over the dealer anyhow, they do alignments constantly, the dealer has the machine to be "full service".

Just my 2 pennies...

 

[MattAK]

My '16 was way out of alignment when I first picked it up. Pulled to the right all the time. It took me a week to get time to get it into the dealer and the service adviser tried to pass it off as "it's just the crown in the road that you're noticing". I told him dude, I'm a commercial driver, I know what the crown of the road is and this isn't it. The begrudgingly took it back and what do you know, the alignment was way out. A different service guy checked me out and was impressed at how far out of alignment it was from the factory. My steering wheel is sliiightly off of center but I barely notice it.

This was before I had 275's on it but I've had no issues with them working on it or fixing things even with the larger tires and different shocks. They've even checked the torque on all the shock bolts for me when I thought one may have come loose. I get compliments from several of the service advisers whenever I go in on how much they like what I've done to it.

 

[comtn4x4]

Sounds like you should go to a different dealer. My rig is modded way more than yours and they have never said bo about anything

 

[PeoplecallmeIan]

Mine brand new and was off 2 degrees and pulled right as well. I haven't been back to the dealership since I lifted and put 285's on. I'm hoping they won't pull this crap with me because I have lifetime oil changes with them. Also 4 years of scheduled maintenance included.

 

[3wbdriver]

I heard a low level grumble in mine on the way to work today. Only when stopped, in gear, at an idle. I turned off the radio thinking bad speaker, jiggled several things around in the dash area, no good. I finally got to work and could concentrate on really moving around to find it. I then moved the box of Tic-tacs out of the rubber boot well for the transfer case. Der........ :twitch:

 

[engineeer]

Go to Firestone, pay $185 for a lifetime alignment. They will put it on the rack anytime you want, nationwide support.

I would probably use someplace like Firestone or NTB over the dealer anyhow, they do alignments constantly, the dealer has the machine to be "full service".

Just my 2 pennies...

I'll probably bite the bullet and do this. I've already spent $150 on Lyfts from the dealership to work and back because they don't offer loaners and their shuttle service takes forever.

 

[bimrunner]

I once had the local dealer try and wiggle out of something due to my mods (warranty). It had nothing to do with my mods and I called their BS and they did fix it but clearly didn't want my business. I now don't even remember what the issue was lol. I am out of warranty and will not be going back to a dealer for anything. :hatsoff:

 

[HELOTESTXTRD]

I would speak with the service manager and sales manager at the same time. Make them aware of your issue and let them know you are considering taking your business to another dealer including future sales.


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[nglayton]

The next time I have an issue I'm going to take it to a different dealer

Bingo

Cliff notes: service department tries to blame any and all issues I have on my 275 tires.

This would be simple enough to test......

If it bothers you that much I would call them on it and borrow a set of stock size tires every time you take it in for service. I sold mine long ago or I would lend them to you.

 

[ClevelandTrail]

Just pray that you.never have a kdss issue like I have, "are you able to service kdss?"...dealer service" KD huh what???!?"

 

[Lester Lugnut]

OP - find a good independent alignment shop. May be easier said than done, but forget about using the dealer you've been taking the 4R to.

 

[K9 HAULR]

Local Toyota has known me for almost 30 yrs and have seen/worked on everything from a stock '70 FJ40 to a SOA/383 converted rock crawler to my '97 40th Anniv Model that I lifted/armored and added the TRD blower to. Service manager used to have me assigned to a specific Tech to keep the explanations to a minimum, and they always liked to see what I'd done via mods or trail carnage.

Most of the "old timers" have moved on during my 7yr break from 4x4 building, and I now get a mixed look of horror and awe from the sales guys and shop when "Frosty" rolls in to pick up parts. Can't wait to see their face once I get the roof rack and snorkel installed.

Bottomline - it's your truck to mod/drive/enjoy and the FTC has provided protection for you (via the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) to ensure a stealer-ship doesn't try to pull the whole, "Oh you added tires, so the problem with your ECU is obviously related and you've voided your warranty..."

 

[billnourse]

Guess I have a good dealer. They do all kinds of mods in house (lifts, tires, wheels, bumpers, winches, etc.) So far, any issues I have had, they take care of without question.

Bill