Lemon of a 4Runner

dareames

dareames

New member
I've been having a recurring problem with my 4Runner. If you want to see the history behind it, look at this thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9848. Following the instructions in the Arkansas Lemon Law, I sent a certified letter to Toyota informing them of the history of the problem and notifying them that they have a fourth and final repair attempt to fix the problem. The problem being a loud whining noise coming from the rear-end at highway speeds.

They sent a specialist from Houston to look at it and he told them to replace the rear-end for the 3rd time and also to replace the axles and differential casing. My local service guy tried to tell the guy to just go ahead and give me another 4Runner, but he wanted to give it one more try. I am confident that if this doesn't fix the problem, that Toyota will give me a new 4Runner. Like I've said before, I don't think it's a problem with the whole 4Runner line, just this particular vehicle. I will want another 4Runner, not my money back. I'm suppose to get it back today. I will post updates here as needed.

Doug
 
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Don't be surprised if Toyota doesn't give you another 4runner. I won my case against Mazda, and before the arbitration, they made no attempt to replace. They kept telling me that it was not their call and at the same time would not refer me to someone that does make the call (whomever I was speaking to at Customer Service). They tried to trick me into giving me an extended warranty which didn't even cover the problem. I too went through 4th and Final Attempt. Mazda wanted a 5th and tried to scare me into bringing vehicle claiming that they had the right. NY Lemon refers only to 4th.

My advice is...don't be nieve (spelling?). All manufacturers are not willing to just give you another vehicle. They ALL have been down this road before.

I'm not a lawyer and do not profess to be one. Just my thoughts.
 
Doug,
I would not bet on them replacing it. As of right now, I have had four failed repair attempts regarding my 2005 4Runner due to a steering/suspension problem (my car pulls to the right even after 2 wheel balances, alignments, and tire rotations) that 2 dealerships have not been able to solve.
I agreed to have a Toyota Factory Representative come inspect the vehicle. However, I'm in Maryland and the law states clearly my car meets the definition of a lemon through the following:

1) Failure to fix the vehicle in 4 attempts or fix a brake or steering failure not corrected after the first repair attempt.

2) Failure to resolve the problem within thirty days.

I sent the Toyota Customer Experience individuals certified, return receipt mail with all documents imaginable regarding my vehicle and its problems.

To date:
I received a letter from the Toyota Central Atlantic Distribution asking for documents (i.e. Buyer's order, copy of title, registration, repair order coduments etc.) This letter was very unprofessional.

I received two phone calls from the Customer Relation individuals from the original dealership I purchased it from and the one I'm currently trying to get the problem resolved with.

In a perfect world:
Toyota would be kissing our behind's and reviewing everything. Then when the smoke settles and they realized we purchased brand new vehicles and have problems, they should replace or even upgrade us with brand new 4Runners.

In the real world:
Toyota will try and try and try to fix the vehicle. Then whenever you trade it in, the value will be significantly lower even if nothing ever occurs because of all this repair work on a brand new vehicle.

My next step:
I've spoken with my attorney and he told me to have them call me after they take a look at it August, 31, 2005.

Forget being polite and trying to work with them, file a lawsuit.

I've begun to think this was a $27,300.00 mistake.......

In addition, mine is also Stratosphere Mica, maybe the color is cursed.

Good Luck, keep us updated.
 
If you've met the conditions for a lemon buy-back / replacement in your state, call a qualified Lemon Law attorney. Many of them will take your case without cost to you. They'll write a letter stating the facts and your rights and the manufacturer, knowing you're informed and willing to defend your rights, will offer to settle as specified in the law AND pay your lawyer.

I did this with Ford and had a check (my option) in hand within 45 days. Arbitration is a manufacturer created scam. Avoid that waste of time.
 
Lemon

I had a problem with a Chrysler lemon. My whole family picketed the dealership for 3 weeks straight. Had Tshirts and signs. The dealership sank to new lows trying to get rid of us, didn't work. We made a "deal" LIke a previous poster said, make no mistake, any large corporation does not give a d@mn about individuals. That is my experience.
 
Re: Lemon

94_4RunnerSoCal said:
I had a problem with a Chrysler lemon. My whole family picketed the dealership for 3 weeks straight. Had Tshirts and signs. The dealership sank to new lows trying to get rid of us, didn't work. We made a "deal" LIke a previous poster said, make no mistake, any large corporation does not give a d@mn about individuals. That is my experience.
Click to expand...

Very cool :D
 
Thank you all for your advice and previous experiences. I will keep all of this info tucked away for future use.

I got my 4Runner back after the final repair attempt this past Monday. It runs quiet now, just like after the other attempts. In the past, the "quiet" lasted about 2 weeks.

The "Specialist" from Houston came and looked at it and told them he thought the problem was a mis-aligned pinion. However, they come from the factory with no way to adjust them, all one piece. He checked the new one and it was aligned properly. He thinks that the casing is misaligned and over time causes the pinion to get out of line. So, this time they also replaced the casing. He told the dealership that they needed to get it right this time because this was the final repair attempt. So, I'm optimistic that if the problem comes up again, that Toyota will make things right. Maybe I am naive, but I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt. Actually, the service manager at the dealership argued with the Specialist that I deserve a new truck now! They actually had a heated argument about it. Makes me feel good about my dealership.

By the way, kgatch, I hope it's not the color because I absolutely love Stratosphere Mica!!!

Doug
 
Update....

Well, it's been over 2 weeks since I got my 4Runner back from the final repair attempt. It seems to be doing fine, so far. I took it to the dealer today for the 10,000 mile oil change and tire rotation and on the way, I thought I heard a faint whining noise coming from the rear-end again. I asked them to take it out for a spin and see if they heard it. They didn't hear it. I'm hoping that it IS coming back so I can get a new one. Only time will tell.

Doug
 
update...

Well after a couple of more days, the whining has gotten really bad. I took it back to the dealer last Friday and they agreed that the problem is back again.

It is Monday now and I'm waiting on a call back from the dealer as to where we go from here. I will keep you guys updated.

Doug
 
hmm, I just read all the posts on this thread, very interesting stuff, but it's not good for you.

Hopefuly you get a new one!

Doo keep us updated though, I can't wait for the next episode! :awais:

(sorry if that was offensive, just trying to bring some light to the $hitty situation)
 
update...

Well, I'm STILL waiting for a call from the Regional Toyota office. It just so happens that my Regional office is in Houston, TX, which has been evacuated. I'm sure most of the people are returning, so I'm going to give them the rest of this week before I start hounding them again. My dealer still says that I'm getting a new 4Runner (or my money back), so I'm going to be patient. I just hope this 4Runner holds out until I get the new one.

Oh, by the way, thork86, there was no offense taken. I enjoy humor as much as the next guy. And, this does have a lot of drama to it!!

Doug
 
well, hopefuly you do get either a new truck or some money back, and also hopefuly sooner than later.

good luck again!

-Thor K.
 
Toyota Called!

Well, Toyota finally called me yesterday afternoon. They offered to either buy back my 4Runner or replace it. I have to give up about $1000 for the 3800 miles I used it before it went bad. Of course, I've used it for another 7000 miles since then, too.

I think I'm going to go for the replacement option. I get the replacement at dealer cost. So, I'm going to go by the dealer today and see what they can get for me. I'm going to look at an 06. What do you guys think?

Doug
 
Either way, looks like Toyota did the right thing for you, so congrats on that.

Maybe take the cash and get a nice '02 with hopefuly not as many problems as the new ones? :p

06's look nice too though, I guess just see what they have and take it from there.
 
Tell us how it goes, unfortunately they discontinued the Stratosphere Mica for 2006 and are going with Nautical Blue Metallic......
 
Doug-

I'm in AR and considering a 4Runner purchase. Sounds like your dealer offers pretty good customer service.

If you don't mind sharing, which dealer have you been dealing with during this ordeal?
 
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