Toyota Quality

[MJinZ]

In case anybody wanted to know what Toyota quality is all about, here are a list of fixes I had to do on my car (a 2009): ^_^

1) Rattles from delivery - fixed rear window rattle, front dash rattle, speaker rattle, and continues to rattle today for unfixable gear shift rattle and some sort of window rattle. AC fans have started to rattle in cold weather.

2) Brake TSB, worn rotors and pads at 25,000 miles. Rotors resurfaced, pads replaced.

3) Replaced weather stripping on 2 windows, wind leaks were extremely loud.

4) VVT-i oil line TSB - to be done (after 5 years of neglect, Toyota finally decided to issue this when people have had ALL of their oil leaking out in their V6s (Avalon, Rav4, Camry etc) between 60 -75,000 miles. Of course, it took a few deaths from the recent accelerators to actually push them to this.

5) 3x Recalls -

Accelerator pedal modification,
Floor mats
Brake override

NOW, if I had a 2007 model, I could add to the list bunch of replacement transmissions, shifting issues, ECU reflashes, etc etc.

Have fun buying a Toyota, or consider waiting 10 more years when they decide they've lost enough money to stop cost cutting like a Detroit maker.

 

[Bignate603]

It's taking people a while to realize that Toyota's reputation for quality isn't necessarily holding true anymore. They've let things slide quite a bit and during that time their competitors have been catching up and often times passing them.

 

[HannibalX]

Your average bozo uses consumer reports to choose car. It has more to do with each specific model than an entire brand. Every car maker has good models and bad models, the trick is learning the good ones.

 

[MJinZ]

Yea, Toyota has good models. They're all Lexuses though LOL. For example, the VVTi fix is to replace the rubber ones (which degrade) with metal lines. Toyota Camry - rubber, Lexus ES - metal.

 

[Pliablemoose]

My dad was pretty sophisticated for a country boy, and bought the first generation VW Rabbit imported into the US...

After 8 months of owning it, he traded it off. We got recalls on it for years afterwards.

The thing that pissed him off the most wasn't even listed in the recalls, the clutch cable housing disintegrated and he slammed into a tractor while trying to park it one day. He let it sit there for a month, had the VW dealer send him the part, installed it, and carefully drove it to a Ford dealership to trade it off.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 06E018000
Summary:
CERTAIN HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES, P/N 171.611.107B, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1975-1985 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) RABBIT; 1985-1992 VW GOLF; AND 1980-1992 VW JETTA PASSENGER VEHICLES. POSSIBLE BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD OCCUR WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 106, "BRAKE HOSES."
Consequence:
BRAKE HOSE RUPTURE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 77V175000
Summary:
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS". THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE INADVERTENTLY EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE FLUID CONTAINER CAP ON WHICH THE WARNING TEXT WAS PRINTED IN GERMAN.
Consequence:
There is no summary currently available
Remedy:
THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A SUPPLEMENT LABEL, PRINTED IN ENGLISH, ON THE BRAKE FLUID CONTAINER, DISPLAYING THE REQUIRED STATEMENT, FREE OF CHARGE.
Notes:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: EQUIPMENT; CERTIFICATION LABELS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: BECAUSE THE CAPS ON THE VEHICLES HAVE WARNING TEXTSPRINTED IN GERMAN, OWNERS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE GERMAN LANGUAGE MAY USE THEWRONG TYPE BRAKE FLUID. THE WRONG TYPE OF BRAKE FLUID WILL IMPAIR THE VEHICLE"SBRAKE PERFORMANCE THUS INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 77V245000
Summary:
THE ACCELERATOR CABLE ASSEMBLY IN THE INVOLVED VEHICLES COULD FAIL PREMATURELY UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS. THIS WOULD EITHER PREVENT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION OR CAUSE A LOSS OF ADEQUATE ENGINE POWER.
Consequence:
There is no summary currently available
Remedy:
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW ACCELERATOR CABLE, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 79V120000
Summary:
DUE TO AN IMPROPERLY SEALED ANTENNA MOUNTING HOLE, WATER COULD SEAP INTO THE FUSE RELAY BOARD. THE WATER ENTERING THE FUSE RELAY BOARD ACTS AS A CONDUCTOR OF CURRENT, THEREBY CHARGING THE STARTER.
Consequence:
There is no summary currently available
Remedy:
THE DEALER WILL SEAL ALL RADIO ANTENNA CABLE HOLES. IN ADDITION, ELECTRICAL PARTS OF THE RELAY/FUSE BOARD WILL BE CHECKED AND REPLACED IN THE CASE OF CORROSION.
Notes:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STANDARD TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; STARTER RELAY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE STARTER COULD BE ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE COULDMOVE IF THE TRANSMISSION IS IN GEAR AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED.THIS COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PERSONS STANDING IN THE PATH OF THE MOVING VEHICLE.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 80V035000
Summary:
ON SOME VEHICLES, THE FENDER OPENING THROUGH WHICH THE ANTENNA CABLE IS ROUTED MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED. AS A RESULT, SPLASHED WATER FROM THE TIRES COULD ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE OPENING, ENTER THE FUSE RELAY BOARD AND CAUSE CORROSION OF THE TERMINALS. ALSO, BECAUSE WATER IS A GOOD CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY, THE STARTER CAN BE ACTIVATED ACCIDENTALLY; THE HIGH FLOW OF ELECTRICITY MAY EXHAUST THE BATTERY WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THUS RESTARTING THE ENGINE WOULD BECOME IMPOSSIBLE AND PARKING LIGHTS AND EMERGENCY FLASHERS WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence:
There is no summary currently available
Remedy:
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, SEAL THE RADIO ANTENNA HOLES AND REPLACE CORRODED COMPONENTS WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER..
Notes:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; ANTENNA CABLE OPENING.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: VEHICLE WOULD BECOME DISABLED AND A VEHICLE ACCIDENTCOULD OCCUR IF TRAFFIC IS PRESENT.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 83V116000
Summary:
BRAKE LINES INSTALLED UNDERNEATH THE CARPETING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT MAY RUST DUE TO THE ENTRY OF WATER AND ROAD SALT. IF RUSTING REMAINS UNCHECKED, IT PRODUCES LEAKS IN THE LINES AND BRAKE FLUID MAY BE LOST.
Consequence:
There is no summary currently available
Remedy:
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INTERIOR BRAKE LINES AT NO COST TO OWNER. OWNERS ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT ALL BRAKE LINES SHOULD BE INSPECTED AT TWO-YEAR INTERVALS.
Notes:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: SERVICE BRAKES; BRAKE LINES.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: FAILURE OF ONE BRAKING CIRCUIT OF THE DUAL SYSTEMINCREASES THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.FAILURE OF BOTH MAY CAUSE TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES.NOTE: OWNERS ARE CAUTIONED TO HAVE VEHICLES WITH FAILED BRAKES TOWED TO THEDEALER. INDICATION OF FAILURE IS EVIDENCED BY SOFT RESISTANCE OF THE PEDAL ORTRAVEL OF THE PEDAL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR.

He couldn't say the word "Volkswagen" without putting "fucking" in front of it for the remainder of his life...

As for Toyota's issues, I dunno, they're pissing a lot of people off, it'll be interesting to see what happens to Toyota management over the next couple of years...

 

[PhoKingGuy]

2002 Tahoe - Oil changes ever 5k miles with mobil 1 synth, new tires at 50k, recall to put a piece of plastic in seat hinge so you dont get your fingers smashes (Stupid)

1999 I30 - oil changes, 3 sets of tires, front and rear brakes, front CV boots

2008 GTI - 1 oil change, DSG recall

Pick the right models and it all works out fine

 

[BassBomb]

Which car do you have OP?

We've got 07 ES350, the only recalls we have had are the pedal/mat issue (don't think we've been issued a fix) and the oil line fix

 

[MJinZ]

Which car do you have OP?

We've got 07 ES350, the only recalls we have had are the pedal/mat issue (don't think we've been issued a fix) and the oil line fix

Dup.

 

[MJinZ]

Which car do you have OP?

We've got 07 ES350, the only recalls we have had are the pedal/mat issue (don't think we've been issued a fix) and the oil line fix

Camry. 07 ES350s are tough, I think starting in '08 models they started using metal VVti oil lines.

By the way, I see 14 TSBs for your 2007 model. There are a lot more out there than what ODI shows for some reason though.

 

[Pulsar]

In case anybody wanted to know what Toyota quality is all about, here are a list of fixes I had to do on my car (a 2009): ^_^

1) Rattles from delivery - fixed rear window rattle, front dash rattle, speaker rattle, and continues to rattle today for unfixable gear shift rattle and some sort of window rattle. AC fans have started to rattle in cold weather.

2) Brake TSB, worn rotors and pads at 25,000 miles. Rotors resurfaced, pads replaced.

3) Replaced weather stripping on 2 windows, wind leaks were extremely loud.

4) VVT-i oil line TSB - to be done (after 5 years of neglect, Toyota finally decided to issue this when people have had ALL of their oil leaking out in their V6s (Avalon, Rav4, Camry etc) between 60 -75,000 miles. Of course, it took a few deaths from the recent accelerators to actually push them to this.

5) 3x Recalls -

Accelerator pedal modification,
Floor mats
Brake override

NOW, if I had a 2007 model, I could add to the list bunch of replacement transmissions, shifting issues, ECU reflashes, etc etc.

Have fun buying a Toyota, or consider waiting 10 more years when they decide they've lost enough money to stop cost cutting like a Detroit maker.

I'm trying to feel sympathy. However, the obvious logical fallacy of purchasing a Toyota after already knowing about all their engine (sludge), tranny issues, and general fit stuff was pretty silly to begin with.

Then, to top it off, you go and insult the US makers - two of which are actually doing extremely well quality wise.

Nope. No sympathy. If you're going to make snide comments about other car makers, don't be surprised when people return the favor and point out some pretty foolish mistakes on your part.

 

[exdeath]

Good luck finding any car that doesn't have TSBs and other quirks, I don't care who makes it.

 

[MJinZ]

I'm trying to feel sympathy. However, the obvious logical fallacy of purchasing a Toyota after already knowing about all their engine (sludge), tranny issues, and general fit stuff was pretty silly to begin with.

Then, to top it off, you go and insult the US makers - two of which are actually doing extremely well quality wise.

Nope. No sympathy. If you're going to make snide comments about other car makers, don't be surprised when people return the favor and point out some pretty foolish mistakes on your part.

LOL. You totally do not get this thread. I have no sympathy for Toyota nor am I asking for sympathy for myself (why would I want your sympathy lol? I want to dissuade people from buying Toyotas). The Domestic makers are still behind in many aspects, so who cares? You get the news like Oooh brand new Ford Fusion finally a decent car. Yea, against a bunch of 4 year old cars. Brand new Buick LaCrosse does well against Lexus ES. That's pathetic.

 

[spaceman]

ill say it in every thread
my 2005 tacoma was THE WORST(and most expensive) truck ive ever ownd
heater went at 18k
clutch assembly went 2x
master cyl @26k(prolly due to pedal assbly)
leaf spring bushings all had to b replaced
the truck sqauked constantly, toyota warranty tried passing buck(and did to some extent)
rust breaking out all over it by end of 7...esp at frame seams..
truck of the year my ass
sold it with no regrets at 28,000 and was glad to be rid of it.


the bright side is they HAD good resale value
ill never buy a toyota again i BABIED that truck.
i was out of it 4-6 weeks in the ~2 yrs i owned it
just junk

 

[Demo24]

ill say it in every thread
my 2005 tacoma was THE WORST(and most expensive) truck ive ever ownd
heater went at 18k
clutch assembly went 2x
master cyl @26k(prolly due to pedal assbly)
leaf spring bushings all had to b replaced
the truck sqauked constantly, toyota warranty tried passing buck(and did to some extent)
rust breaking out all over it by end of 7...esp at frame seams..
truck of the year my ass
sold it with no regrets at 28,000 and was glad to be rid of it.


the bright side is they HAD good resale value
ill never buy a toyota again i BABIED that truck.
i was out of it 4-6 weeks in the ~2 yrs i owned it
just junk

Sounds like you got a lemon to be honest. All companies have them, and they will fight you to avoid getting it considered one but if I had so many problems I sure as hell wouldn't be paying to fix it.

 

[IronWing]

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Sticking A/C switch, replaced under warranty while I was getting the 30k service.
That's it. No other issues.

2008 Honda Fit Sport
Reset tire pressure monitor at about 100 miles. Toyota forgot to deflate tires during prep or at port. Apparently cars shipped from Japan have their tires inflated to sidewall or beyond for shipping. Not sure why.
Window motor recall - haven't gotten the notice yet, I'll call the dealer this week on that.

All the other cars I've owned have been well used and driven by others so I can't say much about their inherent quality other than that I sold a 1986 Toyota pickup at 285k and it was still running and my 1988 Olds Custom Cruiser is still running at 275k.

 

[MJinZ]

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Sticking A/C switch, replaced under warranty while I was getting the 30k service.
That's it. No other issues.

2008 Honda Fit Sport
Reset tire pressure monitor at about 100 miles. Toyota forgot to deflate tires during prep or at port. Apparently cars shipped from Japan have their tires inflated to sidewall or beyond for shipping. Not sure why.
Window motor recall - haven't gotten the notice yet, I'll call the dealer this week on that.

All the other cars I've owned have been well used and driven by others so I can't say much about their inherent quality other than that I sold a 1986 Toyota pickup at 285k and it was still running and my 1988 Olds Custom Cruiser is still running at 275k.

Your FJ cruiser is not a TOyota! Not really hehe. Hino as far as I know doesn't build any other Toyotas sold here.

 

[IronWing]

Your FJ cruiser is not a TOyota! Not really hehe. Hino as far as I know doesn't build any other Toyotas sold here.

There was a lot of discussion about that on the FJ forums. Some posters claimed that FJs were thrown together out a mixed bag of Toyota and Lexus parts but posters couldn't really point to any specific part and say it was off a Lexus. As long as it keeps working, I'll be happy.

 

[evident]

In case anybody wanted to know what Toyota quality is all about, here are a list of fixes I had to do on my car (a 2009): ^_^



4) VVT-i oil line TSB - to be done (after 5 years of neglect, Toyota finally decided to issue this when people have had ALL of their oil leaking out in their V6s (Avalon, Rav4, Camry etc) between 60 -75,000 miles. Of course, it took a few deaths from the recent accelerators to actually push them to this.
.

this is the biggest crock of crap that toyota failed to recall this when it was virtually happening on ALL of their V6's
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2045403

needs to be recalled ASAP.

My 96 Camry is bulletproof and besides from this damn problem my GF's RX350 is very nice to drive and fall asleep in. It's ashame toyota is going downhill but i'm sure they will turn it around very soon

 

[mztykal]

I've got a '07 (built in '06) Camry 4-cyl and it's been fine *knock on wood*. Just oil changes and top off fluids since we've had it.

 

[OS]

my parents bought an '04 solara new back then, the car somehow had a bad set of tire valve stems from the factory, it leaked air esp when you drove around higher altitudes, and it had left them stranded twice.

Toyota dealerships and corporate wanted nothing to do with fixing it, or making good on it, they were pretty stonewall "eff you" about it.

Although the acceleration thing is a bit over done, i am only playing a small violin for them.

IMO i saw that Toyo interior parts/assembly was also slipping a bit compared to comparable Hondas.

For now I would not buy a toyo, they have been cruising a bit on both quality and service, they will have to work to rebuild trust on both aspects.

 

[zerocool84]

It's taking people a while to realize that Toyota's reputation for quality isn't necessarily holding true anymore. They've let things slide quite a bit and during that time their competitors have been catching up and often times passing them.

Everyone with a brain knew this was going to happen. Becoming the #1 car company in the world, we knew they'd cut back on tons of things and #1 thing to but back on would be quality and it's definitely been showing.

 

[Squisher]

The Domestic makers are still behind in many aspects, so who cares?

Only in perception.

 

[MJinZ]

Only in perception.

That's why even basic features like projector headlights and LED tail lights are standard on these cars like Fusion and Malibu right? Oh wait, no, they're not.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

LED tails were on the Fusion I was behind on the freeway today (2010 model)

 

[PhoKingGuy]

That's why even basic features like projector headlights and LED tail lights are standard on these cars like Fusion and Malibu right? Oh wait, no, they're not.

I think the Fusion and Malibu also have an accelerator that wont kill you also, thats a pretty good standard feature