2007 XR - Back in shop after 25Kms

[stevenspc]

Well, I picked up my 2007 Matrix XR last night. At delivery it had all of 5kms on the odometer (3 miles). We drove it away and on the way home this 'rubbing' or friction noise showed up. Sounded like a wheel bearing when its going.

Drove it a few more kms but it was very apparent it wasn't brake pads or break wear sensor. So after 25kms (15 miles) its back at Toyota. They had two of their 'best' mechanics looking at it and they can't figure out what it is.

So I'm now driving a loaner Camry for the long weekend while they try to figure this out. So far I am not impressed. I can just see that this particular Matrix is going to be the Poster Child for whats going wrong with Toyota quality control right now.

If they don't have a solid explanation of what the problem is by Tuesday (Monday being the Holiday) then I'm asking for another 'new' vehicle.

Right about now I'm wishing I had my Passat back I traded in to them - 200,000kms and all!

[JALOOS]

Yup I would go for new car. 25k seems to be a bad omen.

[lakeport233]

Hi I have an 06 Corolla CE..it has just over 8000kms and I too have a howl/grind at highway speeds when letting off throtlle..sound like its in the transaxle..I can make it change noise by depressing clutch...intresting to see what it is they could see me due to holiday also..

[mistamatrix]

Sucks to hear man. Hope they figure it out or settle it under your terms.

[Frank@toronto]

OUch!!!

First problem after the first three miles...

Good job on the inspection dealer (not)...

[stevenspc]

I'm trying to look at this with the 'glass half full' and not the 'glass half empty' approach. A manufacturing defect can happen to any organization, even Toyota.

It will, however, give me a good idea of how our Barrie area Toyota dealer's Customer Service is. So far they have treated me very well and have come to the front to get me a car rental and putting me to the top of the service list.

Now lets see what happens on Tuesday when I call to find out whats going on. i'll keep this post updated with a status.

[Corolla_Dude]

Ya great car i hope it is nothing too major.
Did you buy the car from Jacksons Toyota in Barrie
Because i would be very carefull the service department can be hinda shaddy and the sales department a little greesy. Congradulations on your purchase i hope they fix the problem swiftly

[stevenspc]

Heard back from the dealer/service this morning. They had to change the left front axle and wheel bearing. I'm picking it up tonight and will take it out for a good run to see that the problem no longer exists.

So far the dealer/service has been very attentive and have lived up to their promises. I hope this is a good omen for things to come 'cause it's been bad Karma right out of the gate.

If this doesn't fix it I've already noted to them there is no second chance for this vehicle. It'll be another 'New' Matrix - no more repairs.

[XR2003]

what is the final word? did the dealer fix the problem?

[stevenspc]

It appears so. They replaced the left front axle and wheel bearings. In their worksheet notes it indicated that the axle was not machined properly thus not only a problem in itself but that it caused the bearing problem as well.

I've only had it back for 1 night (took it out for a 100km/60 mile run) so I'll keep an eye on it for the next little while.

I'm happy with the dealer's response to this issue which is almost as important as getting the problem fixed. I hope this will continue for the future.

Any problems surface and I'll update this post.

[alltracman78]

Good to hear they took care of you.

Crazy thing to consider.
The average car has ~ 20,000 parts.
If it is 99.9% perfect, that still leaves TWENTY parts that will fail.....
Could be a axle, could be a sensor, could be a trim piece....

Just something to stew about.

With that said, I myself am not really happy with Toyotas current manufacturing [I work as a tech]. They use SOME AC Delco [GM supplier] and Bosch [German supplier] parts.
BOTH infierior to Denso IMO. And alot of other techs.

For me, if I ever buy a new Toyota, I will select one made in Japan and not the US/Canada....

[XR2003]

sounds expensive to ship over. J/K