08 Yaris a lemon

[brokenpen]

Greetings all:

This is my fifth Toyota that I have purchased new. I buy Toyotas because they are reliable and fuel efficient. I have had minor problems with my previous one, but it turned out to be a bad set of tires.

But this new purchase is a real big problem! I first went to my local dealership where I bought my lemon and complained about the poor fuel economy-I was only get half of what I was expecting. Nothing was done.

Shortly after, my engine light goes one and I get it serviced. They cleared the error but did nothing. The engine light goes on and I go in, nothing done.
Again, light goes on but finally they do something; they replaced the mass air flow sensor (or something like that).

Engine light goes on again! This time they tear apart the engine and discover some manufacturing errors like loose connections.

Engine light goes on again. By this point I am also complaining about strange engine noises and sometimes when I hit the gas there would be a delay of a half to two seconds-this was rather scary as I pulled into traffic and discovered I wasn't moving!

This time they replaced the computer. I was without my car for three weeks (but they were kind enough to give me a loaner). This new computer did actually fix my problems, but only for one month. The engine light, strange grinding, whirling metallic noises, and delayed response on the gas pedal are all still here.

I tried to sell the car back to the dealership, but I would have lost out of $9000. And considering that I just literally bought the car months before, I felt really ripped off that they would do nothing. I had spent nearly $100 000 at this one dealership with no problems. But this $20 000 is a real kick in the teeth.

Is there anyone else out there with a lemon of a car, or am I alone stuck with Toyota's first lemon?

[ECHOKnight2000]

Originally Posted by brokenpen

Greetings all:

This is my fifth Toyota that I have purchased new. I buy Toyotas because they are reliable and fuel efficient. I have had minor problems with my previous one, but it turned out to be a bad set of tires.

But this new purchase is a real big problem! I first went to my local dealership where I bought my lemon and complained about the poor fuel economy-I was only get half of what I was expecting. Nothing was done.

Shortly after, my engine light goes one and I get it serviced. They cleared the error but did nothing. The engine light goes on and I go in, nothing done.
Again, light goes on but finally they do something; they replaced the mass air flow sensor (or something like that).

Engine light goes on again! This time they tear apart the engine and discover some manufacturing errors like loose connections.

Engine light goes on again. By this point I am also complaining about strange engine noises and sometimes when I hit the gas there would be a delay of a half to two seconds-this was rather scary as I pulled into traffic and discovered I wasn't moving!

This time they replaced the computer. I was without my car for three weeks (but they were kind enough to give me a loaner). This new computer did actually fix my problems, but only for one month. The engine light, strange grinding, whirling metallic noises, and delayed response on the gas pedal are all still here.

I tried to sell the car back to the dealership, but I would have lost out of $9000. And considering that I just literally bought the car months before, I felt really ripped off that they would do nothing. I had spent nearly $100 000 at this one dealership with no problems. But this $20 000 is a real kick in the teeth.

Is there anyone else out there with a lemon of a car, or am I alone stuck with Toyota's first lemon?

First I'm sorry to hear your problems. That has to be very frustrating for a a new car. Unfortunately all manufacturer's aren't immune to lemons. You will run in to a bad apple here and there. Isn't your car under warranty?? And no I'm %100 your not the first with a lemon. Toyota's aren't as frequent as others but unfortunately you got the not so frequent bad apple. Well if it makes you feel better i was reading the MINI forums and someone with an 07 model, the car burned down to a crisp!

Check the lemon laws in your state. Also maybe get hold of Toyota corporate. It might be in vain but it might be worth it. OF course they might say that's the dealers problem but if its a manufacturing defect then its Toyota's. I hope you kept all the records the car was in and what was done.

Best of luck!

[Dake]

Well, first off a quick Google search turned up Tennessee's Lemon laws right Here.

If there is a repeated problem with the same system then they are legally obligated in your state to replace the vehicle or give you your money back.

As for the gas mileage there are many variables there. What did you expect to get? What are you getting? What type of driving do you do? What type of tires and wheels do you have?

If everything is reasonable there, it's possible your fuel economy issue could also be related to the computer issues. So, I'd print off the lemon law for your state and take it with you to the dealer. The hesitation could easily be considered a threat to safety for the reason you mentioned.

[ihearttoyz]

I've not had a lemon from toyota, although I had a volkswagen lemon once and could not get much help from the dealers

[un4seen]

Ontario does not have lemon laws. We have CAMVAP, which is regulated by OMVIC.

Taken from OMVICs website,
http://www.omvic.on.ca/
http://www.omvic.on.ca/documents/Fil...ion_course.pdf


What is CAMVAP?

CAMVAP is an "arbitration" program that can help a buyer or lessee resolve disputes with an automobile manufacturer about the quality of the vehicle or how the manufacturer is interpreting or implementing its new vehicle warranty. Most domestic and imported passenger cars, light trucks, sport utility vehicles, vans and multi-purpose passenger vehicles that are purchased or leased in Canada are covered by CAMVAP.

The vehicle must be from the current or the previous four (4) model years.
CAMVAP is currently the largest consumer product arbitration plan in Canada.
CAMVAP was created in 1994, to help consumers resolve disputes with vehicle manufacturers or distributors in a way that is fair, fast, free, friendly and final.

CAMVAP is Fast.
From start to finish, the CAMVAP process takes about seventy (70) days. Some cases may take longer, particularly if the vehicle requires a technical inspection. By contrast, going to court will likely take longer than using the CAMVAP process. Because court calendars are often very crowded, it may take anywhere from 6 to 24 months from the time the customer files a claim until she/he gets into court. After that, it may take as long as a year before the judge makes a decision.

What Can An Arbitrator Order?
A CAMVAP arbitrator can order: (see CAMVAP web site for complete information):
- repairs to the vehicle;
- buy-back the vehicle;
- reimbursement for repairs made to the vehicle;
- reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses up to $500. (This covers fees for towing, taxis, accommodation, diagnostic fees, etc.)

- reimbursement of costs to obtain a summons to witness or subpoena up to $100 in certain circumstances

What Can An Arbitrator Not Order?

Arbitrators cannot order: (see CAMVAP web site for complete information):

- exemplary, punitive or other damages (except as allowed by the program);

- rescission of any sales or leasing agreements re the purchase or lease of the vehicle;
- reimbursement of expenses incurred in the purchase or lease of the vehicle (except as allowed by the program);
- a buy-back of the vehicle, once the vehicle is outside the buy-back eligibility requirements, even if repairs can no longer be made to the vehicle;
- provision of an extended service contract or an extension of the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty.

CAMVAP:
http://www.camvap.ca/

OMVIC (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council):
1-800-943-6002

[un4seen]

Oh, and be sure to call Toyota Canada corporate and cry bloody murder ... they want to avoid OMVIC and CAMVAP as much as possible

[texasspeedwayblues]

I work as a warranty manager at a dealership (not Toyota) and if you’re having a problem with your vehicle that your local dealer is unable to handle you need to contact corporate Customer Service. First by phone and follow this up with a letter. Be very specific in the letter and document ever issue and occurrence you have experienced,

Letters are taken much more serious than a phone calls and the letter start a process at corp. office to help you out. Japanese companies take customer service very seriously were the dealership may not.

Document everything.

I wish you luck

[mandiees]

Wow, I am so sorry to hear about your experience! As another poster said, but sure to document EVERYTHING and be comfortable with going over people's heads or asking for supervisors when you are not getting the help you need. Best of luck, let us know how it goes.