Highlander (2011) rear door problem

[carol.lilla]

My 7 month old 2011 Toyota Highlander's (4,800 miles) back door will no longer close on its own. I was told by my Toyota dealer the motor is too strong and it has bent the hinge (which is totally visible) and that Toyota has no fix for this problem. I was also told it has happened with pervious Toyotas so they installed a more powerful motor which now bends the hinge and still has not fixed the problem. After owning 7 Toyotals from 2000 on up between my husband and children - I am really so disgusted that I am not sure I will ever buy another Toyota! I read back in April that Toyota hoped to have a fix in the next two months, but come on Toyota this is September and still no fix.......????

[kingnba6]

wow if its a big problem in all the cars then they should really create a recall or fix it for free at dealerships

[matt0420]

No fix for the problem? They should be embarassed to tell people that...

Did they atleast fix your door? Or have they just pushed you off to the side until Toyota comes up with a solution?

[carol.lilla]

I agree - I could not believe they actually brushed me off with that excuse! I thought since I was a woman they were just giving me the bum's rush until I Googled it and found out I was not alone!

No they did not fix the door - told me there was nothing they could do right now!

[matt0420]

That seems completely ridiculous.

If it's just something that broke, they should be able to replace it with a new assembly and motor...even if they think it will just break again they should give you the new hardware until they find a real solution.

This is a brand new vehicle, I'd fight with them until they have your door working. If not try a different dealer. I've been to two in my area, both owned by the same owners, and the quality of service I've received from them isnt even comparable. One is nothing but great, and the other is a complete dump.


This whole Toyota does not have a fix for the problem is beyond unacceptable....

Good luck!

[jeffs3820]

Call Toyota customer service...address and phone number is in your owner manual. If your vehicle is fairly new, you should inform the service manager at the dealer that you want to initiate the lemon law process once you reach the 30 day mark of non-activity by Toyota. make sure you mention this to Toyota customer service as well. The Magnuson-Moss act was designed to prevent this behavior and to protect the value of your purchase.