I would agree that this may have not risen to a recall status. Nevertheless, the problem does exist for some and it is a design flaw which should be addressed by Toyota. My concern as well as others on this forum is why are we tied to the 3y/36m warrant to have coverage. Many of don't have rips and may never have them, we are simply looking for some assurance that if they appear @ 38k, 40k, ect TMC will cover us as well. I don't think that's too much to ask. I don't need a recall and a case by case basis is fine. How about a simple letter that states should the rips appear, we will take of it, even after the basic warranty expires.
Once again, if there are such a small number of FJ's affected , what do they have to worry about? Just back your product, let your loyal customers know you will take care of them (if the bulges would appear) and move on. I think most of us would be happy with that. I would.
If everyone here took as sane an approach as you then this would be a much more pleasant thread.
I agree that Toyota should take care of their customers and as far as i can tell they have been taking care of them as the problem arises. If everyone here were to rally to simply have the issue recognized past the warranty time frame then we would have a unified voice asking for something that is feasible. So far as i can tell they are offering to cover the problem after warranty as long as it is noted prior to that time so I dont' think they are hiding from the problem and i don't think that if we act sane and demand that anyone's be covered regardless of mileage that we wouldn't get it. But if we get in their face demanding recall and the like we are likely to have to fight alot harder to just get what we need.
__________________
2008 6MT Sandstorm Convenience package and Offroad package, black tundra door handles, black mirrors, tow hitch,SCUBA MOD DONE, trail gear sliders..
Fingas
I have read the thread front to back being a new FJ owner concerned for my recent investment and it really has been a pleasant thread.
Sure, there have been a few who come off torrid or harsh but when you factor in that they are finding out the 20-30K they dropped on their "Special off road rig" may have come with a clear Manufacturers defect in design that "May" cost them nearly 2/3 of the purchase price to have repaired if Toyota does not step up. Sounds like good reasoning to be riled a bit. In Toyota Japan production, somebody in engineering would be sharpening a ritual knife about now. This is Toyota America, where the first corporate instinct is to “Blame the user first” while you figure out how to cover your butt and design a plan that will make any act on their part look like magnanimous intervention for the public good.
This is clearly a “design flaw” no doubt meant to work for impact safety but overly weakened to the point of failure under “As advertised use”. What we, as owners, must do is hold the pressure on Toyota for accountability for their product and give them the opportunity to redesign the problem with a proper fix. If they over strengthen the area and it does not respond as needed for crash protection, I see the personal injury lawyers drooling now. (they might drool even with the current problem as I could make a case that in a frontal accident I received greater injuries because perhaps my fenders “were” cracked from the defect and they did not respond properly)
Until someone files a class action or personal injury suit, Toyota looks to be dealing with this on a case by case basis and stepping up when and where they need to with out the crippling loss of a full recall. Lets keep a thumb on them and make sure they continue to do the right thing.
And if they stop doing what right....gather the torches, hay forks and scythe's and its off to the castle!!!
__________________
Life is a Bad Hare Day
“Why can we remember the tiniest detail that has happened to us, and not remember how many times we have told it to the same person.”
And if they stop doing what right....gather the torches, hay forks and scythe's and its off to the castle!!!
I agree, but at the current time they are not denying claims for repair so there is no reason to revolt YET. As far as i can tell the only people refusing to put anyone on a list are the DEALERS. I know it is hard to do when you are looking at possible oncoming damage to your vehicle but look at it from Toyota's side for a second. You have a problem showing up in a small percentage of the vehicles you made and you are fixing them as they appear no questions asked then you have some people calling you saying "I don't actually have a problem but i want you to promise to take care of my non-existent problem even after warranty".
__________________
2008 6MT Sandstorm Convenience package and Offroad package, black tundra door handles, black mirrors, tow hitch,SCUBA MOD DONE, trail gear sliders..
Fingas has valid points on toyota's response and only 1% of owners having the problem IMHO. Now am I worried about it? Nope. If it happens, I'll deal with it.
Back to the sky falling...
I do not see it as 1 percent, Of the owners here, less than 10 percent have ever seen this thread.
My dealer's service manager told me they check ever FJ that comes in, and a lot have the buldges, infact he states the stock ones are worse.
Problem with saying less than 1 percent have the problem is that a very small percentage even come here more than a few times. they read a bit and are not internet junkies. I do not say the sky is falling, I just say they have a major design flaw, If you want to ignore that, you are an ostrich. No matter what you say, this is a problem with the truck you own. Ignoring it will only help Toyota, getting vocal will help you, remember that warranty period gets shorter every time the clock ticks.
What is the number of FJs sold? What was it? something near 120K for a span of 2 years? 10% of that number if 12,000, correct? Can you say for certain those FJs who not a member of this board are experiencing the same thing? You can't.
No one is disputing that there is flaw with the inner fenders but the overall percentage of failed fenders is not significant enough for Toyota to enact a TSB or a recall. If its a major safety issue, the recall would have been started already.
What is the number of FJs sold? What was it? something near 120K for a span of 2 years? 10% of that number if 12,000, correct? Can you say for certain those FJs who not a member of this board are experiencing the same thing? You can't.
No one is disputing that there is flaw with the inner fenders but the overall percentage of failed fenders is not significant enough for Toyota to enact a TSB or a recall. If its a major safety issue, the recall would have been started already.
Structural Integrity of your front end is definitely a "Safety Issue"........
Should have a a "Recall" and problem solved..
Space Shuttle loosing a few 'Ceramic Tiles " was a "Structual safety Issue"....
Just like a crack in a Bridge.....
when a life is involved, it isn't worth the change of just saying "No Problem".
I'll probably see this on Fox News(Bill O'Reilly) real soon when someone sends them this whole Thread.. """"""""""""""""""""""""""""Recall"""""""""""""""" """"""""""""
Last edited by Dontfollowmeb : 03-28-2008 at 11:07 AM.
I to have read this thread from front to back and have posted several times on it. Toyota did deny me and my rips. It came down to the area rep (Shawn) Michigan and northern Ohio. According to the dealer he has denied several people with this same problem, saying that the vehicle was/must of been in a front end crash...Mine was never in a front end crash/jumped. My next step was to go to court and fight Toyota, I think I would of won but it was taking to much out of me dealing with this on a day to day basis for a new, $32k vehicle that was bought because Toyota is seen as dependable. I had had 3 jeeps prior to FJ and even sold my last to purchase this piece of sh**. I had also posted pics of the 2008 TRD all white from the Detroit auto show that had the buldge on the drivers side...So there is your proof that it can and will happen to the 2008. I have since sold my FJ, missing her at times but over all very happy that the head ache is gone. What I went thru w/ Toyota I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I wish all of you good luck w/ your FJ's and the inner fenders and the long up hill fight you face against Toyota. I have again attached the 2 photo's of the 08 at the Detroit Auto show and a few other om my favs.
Well I have been approved. For what? We still don't know. TOyota Canada isn't going the same route as the americans. They apparently just hopped into to swapping them out with ones that aren't tested against failing again. my case is documented and when there is a legit fix, Im covered. No Worries!
__________________
07 VooDoo C Package
Expedition One front bumper w/ 12000 LB Titan winch
2.5" Fox Racing coilovers w/ AllPro UCA's and HD links
2.0" Fox Racing rear shocks w/ AllPro Springs
295 70 17 Nitto Terra Grapplers on Stock Alloys
AllPro shock and trailing arm skids
AllPro rockblocker
Cobra CB w/ 4' K40 on BandiMount
PIAA Ion foglights
JL Audio speakers
ScanGaugeII
, what do they have to worry about? Just back your product, let your loyal customers know you will take care of them (if the bulges would appear) and move on. I think most of us would be happy with that. I would.
