Recall Success

[shakedown727]

First time post but thought I would share a recall story.
I was driving the other night and I began to hear a clicking noise. Wasn't sure if it was me or the car in front of me. The noise got louder so I pulled over to check the oil. No oil!! (btw I haven't heard of the oil line campaign, never relieved a letter) Walked to the station and picked up 2 qts. Next morning the 2qts were on the ground.

Added some more oil and drove 2 miles to the dealership. They informed me of the oil line recall and fixed it, plus adding some oil. Got my car and the clicking was still there, so I made an early appt for the next day.

Took it in this morning and the service dept informed me that my engine was trashed. 3 options. 1. New engine $16g, 2 rebuild $10g or 3 trade in. I told them that that those were none of my option. My only option is Toyota fix whatever needs to be fixed.

So my service guy headed back to work and called Toyota Corp and they agreed to fix my highlander!! They will be sending a engineer to overlook the whole process and determine whats broke and whats not. Hopefully they won't try to save every little piece. For some reason they don't have loaner cars but they did rent me the cheapest car at Enterprise, since they are quoting 2 weeks.

Thought I'd share this info and If anyone has not fixed there VVTI line please head straight to your dealer. Also i have 2008 Highlander sport with VIN starting with J.

[kkovak]

Haven't heard of this recall. What years/models of Highlander are affected?

Thanks
Ken

[q-lander]

This was a major problem with the 2008 Highlanders:

2GR-FE engine oil line failure

[TrailDust]

I just had the oil line and gas pedal recalls done on the same day this week. Took me so long because I use my HL a lot and didn't want to have it out-of-service too long. Besides, I figure these dealership mechanics have done enough of this recall work by now that perhaps...perhaps the probability that they'll bungle the job is less than if it's the first week or month they started performing the recall work.

[shakedown727]

Not sure when they started the oil line campaign but I had it at Toyota early 2010 and they did the exhaust tip recall. I don't take it there for oil changes cause it's always a hassle. I am definitely glad Toyota stepped up this time.

[Tech1984]

Where did you take it to? Freds? They'll do good work over there.
As a side note:
This is what disappoints me about Toyota and their modern engines.
What the heck were they thinking when the put a rubber hose with
just spring clamps supplying critical oil to the VVTI????
Oh sure, now its done right with the steel lines, but damn, Toyota!
The recall hose and lines seem to be holding up well, but it pays to
keep a watchful eye under the hood every now and then.

[sweeneyp]

Originally Posted by Tech1984

Where did you take it to? Freds? They'll do good work over there.
As a side note:
This is what disappoints me about Toyota and their modern engines.
What the heck were they thinking when the put a rubber hose with
just spring clamps supplying critical oil to the VVTI????
Oh sure, now its done right with the steel lines, but damn, Toyota!
The recall hose and lines seem to be holding up well, but it pays to
keep a watchful eye under the hood every now and then.

the 2009+ have the steel line (I think) but my 08 (after the recall) had the original rubber hose replaced with a NEW rubber hose.... so if it is actually completely fixed who knows...

[JMSinMD]

Originally Posted by shakedown727

Added some more oil and drove 2 miles to the dealership. They informed me of the oil line recall and fixed it, plus adding some oil. Got my car and the clicking was still there, so I made an early appt for the next day. Took it in this morning and the service dept informed me that my engine was trashed. 3 options. 1. New engine $16g, 2 rebuild $10g or 3 trade in. I told them that that those were none of my option. My only option is Toyota fix whatever needs to be fixed.

For some reason they don't have loaner cars but they did rent me the cheapest car at Enterprise, since they are quoting 2 weeks.

A)It really is a reflection of Toyota dealers as a whole as to why they play these games. Your engine was damaged due to a recall issue but they expected you to agree to pay for the engine damage?!? I would have told them to put in a new engine and then after the work was done, reminded them that it was on Toyota's dime and to open up a warranty issue.

B)There is no way you should be responsible for the cost of the rental, once the work is done contact the Toyota Customer Experience to resolve it.

[AXMACD]

16k for a new engine

Isn't engine failure covered by insurance?

[JMSinMD]

Originally Posted by AXMACD

16k for a new engine

Isn't engine failure covered by insurance?

Engine failure would be covered by a warranty, not insurance. If the engine was stolen out of the vehicle or damaged in a car accident that is another story.