2012 V^ Highlander Limited Torgue Steer to right

[Dano22T]

I purchased a new 2012 Highlander limited 1100 miles ago and I am really disappointed thus far. The vehicle pulls "Hard" right when accelerating at all speeds but especially from a stop. It always feels like I'm having to push down,(or steer), to the left with this vehicle to track straight. Makes no difference as to the crown of the road. Took it back to dealer after 2 weeks and he said the tow was wrong. Drove it afterwards same problem.Took it back yesterday and the head mechanic said there was no problem it and that it was normal for a FWD and even if there was he couldn't do anything about it.I told him if that were the case they'd never sell a one of them and told him to prove it to me by driving another new one. The service guy,(not the mechanic), got another new one and he and I drove it. the other unit did not do it. The service guy fed me a line of BS about Toyota having an 1800 mile break in peroid before they could do anything bout it and to bring it back after 1800 miles. Any ideas? Thanks

[deadrx7conv]

Alignment is still off.

Check your tire pressure.

Move the tires around to see if it follows a tire.

Trade the vehicle in. Check your location's lemon laws.

[JMSinMD]

Originally Posted by Dano22T

The service guy fed me a line of BS about Toyota having an 1800 mile break in peroid before they could do anything bout it and to bring it back after 1800 miles. Any ideas? Thanks

Complete nonsense re: 1800 miles, tell him to put that in writing or to discuss that with you and the service manager/dealer principle.

[Dano22T]

I'm pretty sure the alignment is still not correct but I think the problem is more serious than that. I checked the tires first thing and asked the same question about moving the tires around to see if anything changes. The service guy started talking the break-in nonsense to which I replied that it was getting worse and that it wasn't going to fix itself by putting more miles on it. He assured me to bring it back then and he'd have a car for me to drive and they'd look into at that time since that was Toyota's policy and they frowned on them doing anything before the break-in...lol.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by Dano22T

the head mechanic said there was no problem it and that it was normal for a FWD and even if there was he couldn't do anything about it.

That's the biggest pile of horse I've ever heard. Course of action #1: Find a new mechanic.

[JMSinMD]

If I were in your shoes I'd contact http://www.hunter.com/company/Findre...5080&remLoc=on

In exchange for their assistance in checking over the alignment specs put in a good word with the dealer service manager for new equipment/retraining?

[z27ls3]

all they have to do is find the tire thats the issue and warranty it. the dealer can do 100% replacement within first 2/32" of wear thru dealer tire if filed as ride disturbance.
personally I'd make them swap a full set of tires and drive with you, if better make them leave them on your car.
I can assure you there is no 1800 mile break in deal, thats a flat lie.
that car should drive and track dead on center and you do have a repairable condition.
ask for an appointment with the DSPM and FTS, that will get their attention.

[MI-Silver-HL]

While it's normal for there to be a small amount of torque steer with FWD it should be no more than what you can control with one finger. The BS about an 1800 mile break in is exactly that - BS, find a new mechanic or at least ask him to show you that in writing while his boss with you.

Another possibility, other than alignment, is you could have a brake pad dragging which would create a distinct pull to one side. If that's the case you should be able to notice it while driving a straight line as well.

[Dano22T]

What does DSPM & FTS stand for? Thanks

[nevada]

Originally Posted by z27ls3

all they have to do is find the tire thats the issue and warranty it. the dealer can do 100% replacement within first 2/32" of wear thru dealer tire if filed as ride disturbance.
personally I'd make them swap a full set of tires and drive with you, if better make them leave them on your car.
I can assure you there is no 1800 mile break in deal, thats a flat lie.
that car should drive and track dead on center and you do have a repairable condition.
ask for an appointment with the DSPM and FTS, that will get their attention.

agreed. sounds like a bad tire to me.


take it to a tire shop of your choice, and pay the $5 to have them swap the front tires side to side.

if the pull goes away, or changes direction, take that information, and your receipt back to the dealer.

[Dano22T]

Thanks, I probably should do that just to prove it one way or the other. It just pisses me off to no end because it's brand new and I shouldn't have to do a thing. Should have bought the MDX like I wanted...lol

[deadrx7conv]

The 1st thing you want to do is escalate this to the Sales and Service Managers at your local dealership. Escalate the issue at the dealership as high as you can go. And, with a warranty issue, you do NOT have to go to the dealer that you purchased the vehicle at. Visit another Toyota dealer.

DSPM... District Service and Parts Manager
FTS...Field Technical Specialist
STS...Service Training Specialist

The above are the guys that order the incompetent dealers around. Then, you can tell the dealer, "I told you so but you wouldn't believe me".

If the dealership managers fail, exercise the Toyota toll-free customer service number in your owners manual. Its important to be polite, direct, and honest, with them.

http://www.toyota.com/help/contactus.html

NATIONAL HOTLINE: 800-331-4331
REGIONAL OFFICES:

• Boston Office (ME, NH, VT, MA, RI) 508-339-5701
• New York (NY, NJ, CT) 973-575-7600
• Central Atlantic (PA, VA, WV, MD, DE) 410-760-1500
• Southeast Region (NC, SC, AL, GA, FL) 954-429-2000
• Cincinnati Region (MI, OH, KY, TN) 513-745-7500
• Chicago Region (MN, WI, IL, IN) 630-907-0150
• Kansas City Region (ND, SD, NE, KS, IA, M0) 816-891-1000
• Gulf States Region (OK, TX, MS, LA, AR) 713-580-3300
• Portland Region (AK, WA, OR, ID, MT) 503-493-4900
• Denver Region (WY, CO, UT, NM, AZ, NV) 303-799-6776
• San Francisco Region (Northern CA) 925-830-8300
• LA Region (Southern CA) 949-727-2700

[Dano22T]

Thanks so much for all the info! That's all good stuff. I will follow your advice and let you know the end results...

[JMSinMD]

One of my coworkers used to be high up in the Maryland CAT region, worst case I can ask her if she still has a contact in the GST region that could step up. (If the other channels don't work out for you).

[Dano22T]

Thanks. I just opened a case # with Toyota National. They said they do have a break in period but not on something like that. He assured me that the dealer customer relations person would be contacting me. I'll keep you posted.