I suggest you google CAMVAP and check out their site for guidance. The courts will likely punt your case because there is an existing impartial tribunal setup as a last recourse to deal with problem cars. But I can say this - you will have a hard time proving your case to CAMVAP and go through hell since you'll have to prove it's a lemon (3rd party independant assessments - which cost $$) and show that after several instances you tried unsuccessfully to get a Toyota dealer to fix/resolve the SAME problem. If they're continuing to deal with and fix problems, then CAMVAP will punt it too.
From what you describe, your case sounds like you're identifying a problem, take it to the dealer, and they fix it (after one or many visits). So while that sounds odd for a Toyota, the reality is that they are dealing with the problem under warranty. The inconvenience is not something most people can sue for.
As for the issues you've described, you haven't said why the rear window, sunroof rail, and door panel had to be replaced...but I'm gonna guess (your rear window issue sounds familiar from another thread) it was what they've done to resolve the same rattle that avoids detection. If that's the case, that's a tough one since CAMVAP consider rattles somewhat of a nuisance (ie: cosmetic). Personally even the smallest rattle pisses me off...and I don't let the dealer get away without resolving it...but invariably unless it's deafening, it's often subjective. And rattles often require multiple visits. Rattles are tough finds. Now have you tried another dealer in the GTA? Not all dealers are the same - and I know that from personal experience...so I don't get my service done there.
My personal recommendation is that if you're planning to escallate the matter, you should call 1-888-TOYOTA-8 and file your complaint formally. They'll assign the matter to a 2nd level CSR agent who will contact you back to discuss you matter. Keep it pleasent (always), explain the situation in detail with facts, set your reasonable expectations for what you want (or feel you deserve), and ask them for help. The CSR's are quite helpful in cases where the customer has been pleasent, stated their case, and given them an option to help. In some cases, if the dealer feels they can't resolve the issue, they may bring the car into Toyota's QA shop for longer term assessment. But like your boss, if you go over their head to CAMVAP first, best of luck in getting help.
That said, if you'd bought ECP, you'd have a replacement car while they work things out. But they might offer something for you anyways considering the number of instances. I can't say. I've never personally pushed that button...
And of course, there's always selling the car. But that never works out well for anyone - except the dealer.
If the dealer is fixing the problems as they come up suggest you continue with this path.
If your satisfied (as much as you can be with this situation) with the dealer service (the dealer did not build the car) but upset with Toyota (who did), suggest you still let the dealer handle the repairs. As Rolla states don't go over their heads to Toyota customer service, this just causes more issues. Your goal is to get the car fixed.
If you go the lemon law route Toyota will take a VERY hard line.
From what you describe, your case sounds like you're identifying a problem, take it to the dealer, and they fix it (after one or many visits). So while that sounds odd for a Toyota, the reality is that they are dealing with the problem under warranty. The inconvenience is not something most people can sue for.
My personal recommendation is that if you're planning to escallate the matter, you should call 1-888-TOYOTA-8 and file your complaint formally. They'll assign the matter to a 2nd level CSR agent who will contact you back to discuss you matter. Keep it pleasent (always), explain the situation in detail with facts, set your reasonable expectations for what you want (or feel you deserve), and ask them for help. The CSR's are quite helpful in cases where the customer has been pleasent, stated their case, and given them an option to help. In some cases, if the dealer feels they can't resolve the issue, they may bring the car into Toyota's QA shop for longer term assessment. But like your boss, if you go over their head to CAMVAP first, best of luck in getting help.
And of course, there's always selling the car. But that never works out well for anyone - except the dealer.
Good luck!!
Listen to this guy, this is some of the best advice I've seen on this site in a while.
Please pardon these exchanges (since I answered this thread 1st), but I am becoming somewhat confused with a few of your replies. (no insult is intended)
I am not sure if the 2009 "engine maint light" is adaptive in nature, or a simple mileage (km) counter, but it sounds like it is doing what it is supposed to do...that is, come on when oil service or other required service is due. Why would you want to reset that light now anyway?
In the States the normal oil chg interval is 5000 miles. (Not sure what the conversion in KM is, but I have always used the severe schedule, as I live in the dusty desert and my driving is mostly city these days..
A few questions arise:
1) when was the last oil service performed on the Corolla (Mileage?) and who did it. Was it the dealer, who would reset the light at the same time as the service is completed? That light is only supposed to be reset AFTER it reminds you to have the service done. If you are using a Jiffy lube type place, I strongly recommend against it. They can really mess your "Rolla" up if not done properly, and they really don't save that much $$ anyway, on top of using questionabe quality parts!
2) Without a lift, It seems pretty hard to get under the car to do it yourself, and I would hope that you are using oem filter cartridges and proper weight oil of good quality or the same in a good synthetic. IN ANY CASE, IF A TOYOTA DEALER IS NOT DOING THESE CHANGES, PROPER DOCUMENTATION MUST BE KEPT BY YOU, THAT IS NOT QUESTIONABLE, IN CASE OF A WARRANTY ISSUE. Ramps would leave some Old oil in the pan judging by the angle the engine would sit at while on the ramps.
People say the Corolla is a "cheap" car. $15000-$20000 is not cheap by my standards even though this is my 1st economy car. Looking back, My 1st car was a new 1965 Pontiac Le Mans for $2900 ....by todays standards, that was cheap...and a new Volkswagon was $1600!!! Now I have dated myself!
I sincerely do not wish to appear judgemental here, and my questions are for the sake of you and your car!!! (especially if you plan on taking further action that will change the approach of the problem.) Any manufacturerer would look for the slightest deviation from the norm when faced with a damaged engine warranty or a possible lawsuit.
PLEASE listen to the other posters that have your interests at heart.
As stated earlier by another poster, a hard line with Toyota Corp.(maintaining a good relationship with your dealer, especially with what you are considering is paramount) will only make Toyota Corp. put their backs up, and your chances of winning are VERY VERY small indeed., Besides, the dealer is doing what they can to help you, judging by your previous posts. if the tranny problem persists, you can always ask that it be escalated and toyota will send a Rep out to look at it.
I am old enough that I remember doing my own changes on older cars for recreation, (way back when) LOL. It is hard for me not to be able to simply change my own oil, like the "good ole days"....but I will have the dealer do it anyway. The risks of doing otherwise are just too great with these new vehicles as well as the repair $$ if something goes wrong. Saving a few dollars could wind up costling you a bunch. At least by having the authorizd dealer do it, you will be well armed if need be!!!! We are only talking about the basics here as stated in your manual....NOT the xtras that many dealers try to push on you which are to be avoided!!!
best of luck and I am sorry if I have offended you with my apparent lecture
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