As promessed new thread to inform you what Toyota is doing about my rips. Please keep discussions in my first thread.
I just got back from the dealer with my rig. All started to go as I thought it would. The Service Manager said " This is Toyotas stand. Since the vekicle is lifted that would void the waranty". Then I told him of others and in particular of 1boredclerk being stock no lift or bumper, who is only 45 min. away. Thats when he said let me check on something. He came back with a camera,took some pics, and said this is the first Toyota ever heard of this. He left again and came back with sheet of paper prompting the FTS (field test speciallist) to look at the rig. He had me sign it and said he whould call to set up the appointment. I hope this will start something rolling. I urge you all that are showing the signs of bulging and ripping to take your vehicals into your Service Centers and Talk to the Person in charge. Toyota needs to be aware that there are a lot of us out there. I wish you all the best and I will keep you updated as to what becomes of this.
This is a BAD one if it turns to serious numbers...would be nice to have someone document multiple points on the frame & body if they have cracks beginning.
Mine looked clean tonight from the top (w/ a flashlight), but I'm going to look more closely @ the underside and snap photos tomorrow as a reference because I still plan on running it pretty hard (not hard core).
I bang it good offroad maybe 10% of the timen and do hit the bump stops often...no jumping (on purpose).
TRD no mods w/ heavy steelies and E rated MT's 10,000 miles
BTW: It looks like there's factory "goo/caulk" under the paint/cracks on some of the pics I've seen. Mine seemed like clean pressed metal but I wonder if those upper & lower dimples closer together than the others are adding to the issue.
let me tell you what steps I was going through. It may help you guys on escalating this quick without a lot of research:
1) take it to the dealership and have the field representative inspect the vehicle
2) the answer will be: warranty void due to whatever reason: mods, scratches...
3) file a complain through toyota custom experience center: 800 332 4331
4) costom relation manager at dealership will get back to you with the answer: "i concur with the initial findings - case is closed"
they will tell you that this is the highest level of escalation possible. you have the choice of a law sue. this information is wrong: there is a next higher level
5) contact custom executive office in Torrance, CA 310 468 4000
you have to leave a message. they do not pick up, but return your phone call (at least they did after my second try). state your case and send them some hard facts including pictures.
that was as far as i could get: unfortunately with the same reply as from the custom relation manager: "we concur with the initial findings"
no further comments were given, no explanation to what can cause this issue.
i would assume that if everyone with a problem contacts them, they may start looking into this. no guarantee for action tho.
Ugh... is there a possible class action suit just waiting here?
Maybe I'll sell the FJ and get a Lotus.
I hope it is not necessary and Toyota takes responsibility and steps up. However, I'm concerned that this is going to happen. And a class action could be an option...
Let's see what happens within the next days.
I referred my wife to the main thread and she's going to take pictures. Hopefully mine isn't experiencing any of this yet. It's quite possible that it is. Quite possible if there are no signs there will be in the future.
Can anyone get close to a Trail Team rig, check under the hood, and take pics of what you find? I think there are still a couple of events left. Haven't checked yet.
I referred my wife to the main thread and she's going to take pictures. Hopefully mine isn't experiencing any of this yet. It's quite possible that it is. Quite possible if there are no signs there will be in the future.
Can anyone get close to a Trail Team rig, check under the hood, and take pics of what you find? I think there are still a couple of events left. Haven't checked yet.
The trail team is going to wheel with some of us on the 25th in payson AZ...
I will be there and see what they have to say...
Ugh... is there a possible class action suit just waiting here?
Maybe I'll sell the FJ and get a Lotus.
Before there is any justification for any type of lawsuit or to pressure Toyota into avoiding a lawsuit if necessary, the cause of failure needs to be well understood. A common element must be found amongst the failures and it must be explained how "normal" use would cause this failure.
If the plaintiffs don't provide a convincing argument or theory in advance, the Field Test Specialist has a legion of engineers at his disposal to argue the contrary.
I was part of an action against another car company in th 90's for a rust problem on the winshield frame. The number of plaintiffs was large, the cause was obvious and it still took 18 mos for a mediocre settlement.
Do you think they can justify how it's not their fault despite the fact that they clearly market this as a capable offroad vehicle? I think there's alot on our side that suggests we were made to believe we could treat this vehicle as if it were almost as capable as a Jeep Wrangler. Obviously this thing isn't trail rated. If they make ads and show how it can compete well in a Baja race, they're conveying a message that says your FJ can offroad.
A large portion of owners must be concerned about this. Hopefully if something does happen we can all rally together.
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