Busted rear diff not cover by warranty!

[MudHunter]

Originally Posted by LandCruisers4Life

Wow, what wisdom from a 23 year old snot nose kid. Who is slandering anyone here? Go back and read my post again slowly so maybe you will totally grasp it this time.

You just made my point about just keeping to the cold hard facts, and my reading comprehension is fine. You asked who is slandering, go back and read the sentence before you asked that question! I was not directly refering to you or your post, but if you see correlation between my post and your actions, then maybe I struck a cord??

PS - I have far more than 23yrs under my belt these days.

[gray]

Originally Posted by FJCRUZR

Way to go Toyota!

Great service...



Follow the link in my sig

Sometimes if you can get to the area representative, ie: beyond
joe cool at the service counter, you can get things fixed that
might not normally get fixed under warranty;

I would also try a few different dealerships; you may find one
that would help out.
g

[Eric Winkworth]

I hate to say it guys, but that's the risk you take when buying a new model truck or car... just hope a rear diff and cracking crumple zones are all that's wrong with the FJC's

[ropedrag]

Sheared teeth off my ring gear and had NO ISSUE with my dealer fixing the thing under warranty. Hell my FJ is fairly modified and my BudBuilt skids look like they have been to war and not one word was mentioned about abuse! I will state this however, regardless of your view, I am very disappointed that the ring gear sheared, there was no reason for it other than what I'd consider a bad part to start with.

Two FJ's same thing same day except I was able to drive home, Tick tick tick tick.... , the other.... not so lucky. Then I heard they lost 5 out of 7 rigs in a different group in a trail team run to ring gear issues. I don't know how true that is not being involved.

It's all a numbers game however. A few hundred busted ring gears compared to the thousands of FJ's sold.

[NYCTRD]

Originally Posted by Eric Winkworth

I hate to say it guys, but that's the risk you take when buying a new model truck or car... just hope a rear diff and cracking crumple zones are all that's wrong with the FJC's

Why do you hate to say it?! It's true. That's why I did what I NEVER do...buy the Platinum warranty.

Toyota tends to be a little more progressive & agrresive in rolling out interesting new products. Honda (the only other top-tier Japanese auto manufacturer IMO) tends to err a wee bit more on the side of caution and do a little more real world testing from what I've read, seen & experienced. Both are in a very competetive environment and design flaws are gonna happen (deadlines-too juch reliance on CAD).

I'm not thrilled at all that my TRD is cracking (I LIKE and want to KEEP my all black toy)! Or that the rear end could blow backin' out of my driveway. It's the risk we take. But like a person, Toyota will be judged by it's actions in foul weather. They'd better own up to THIS one...it ain't a bad $30 pully, switch, connector, etc...it's a fairly MAJOR mechanical issue when the structure or drive train disintegrates.

[Manhattan]

But what good is a "Platinum" warranty - Toyota won't even back the factory warranty. These trucks are failing well inside the mileage and age limitations of the factory warranty.

Toyota is trying to have its cake and eat it too - they want the image (that we provide) of a rugged "real" 4x4... so the masses will buy it. But they aren't supporting the 3% of its FJ buyers who are using (and breaking) these things.

[Manhattan]

Originally Posted by NYCTRD

It's the risk we take.

I disagree. The reason I bought a Toyota - a Toyota under warranty was to eliminate risk. If I wanted risk (of mechanical failure that I have to pay to fix), I'd have kept my 2002 Grand Cherokee - with a long expired warranty.

[uzj100]

You need to contact 60 minutes or Dateline and you need to copy the legal counsel of Toyota NA and explain why you are doing it. I would go ape $hit on someone if my truck cracked or diff broke, especially on a new vehicle. Lukily on my 100 they covered front diff under the powertrain warranty. Do not wait. The top legal person I believe graduated from UCLA. I found her one time when Toyota tried to not cover my leaking cv boots on my 100 that was still under the powertrain warranty. That when on for like a month and then one day out of the blue the dealership calls and says Toyota has agreed to fix all cv boots on my truck for FREE. Only one side of one boot was leaking. Get fired up, present the facts and Take care of business.

I would also explain nicely to Toyota that Chevy, Ford and everyone else in the car business will here about this is something is not done. Toyota is number 1 and everyone is gunning for them and looking for ammunition. The information world is alot smaller now with the internet and do not be afraid to use it.

On the diff, I would use the new part number as the reason and the obvoius fact that something was wrong.

On the cracked body, I would use structural integrity and pull the "SAFETY CARD OUT"!

Kick butt and take names!

[NYCTRD]

Originally Posted by Manhattan

I disagree. The reason I bought a Toyota - a Toyota under warranty was to eliminate risk. If I wanted risk (of mechanical failure that I have to pay to fix), I'd have kept my 2002 Grand Cherokee - with a long expired warranty.

I simply mean you risk having to accept the potential of dealing with the consequences of potential flaws in a new design if you buy the first model year (v 1.0). But dealing with it should mean a quick warranty repair.

And cons,idering these flaws are pretty MAJOR, I too am quite PO'd @ Toyota. My first BTW and the way Toyota deals with the cracking body will determine if it's my last...

[Manhattan]

Originally Posted by NYCTRD

I simply mean you risk having to accept the potential of dealing with the consequences of potential flaws in a new design if you buy the first model year (v 1.0). But dealing with it should mean a quick warranty repair.

And cons,idering these flaws are pretty MAJOR, I too am quite PO'd @ Toyota. My first BTW and the way Toyota deals with the cracking body will determine if it's my last...

Ahh... I see what you mean - and agree. The first year of any car - even a Toyota is likely to have more issues than the 7th year. The "risk" is/should be dealing with getting it taken care of at the manufacturer's expense. Agreed.

[milkyxj]

I blew my rear diff at Beasley Bash and Toyota refused to warranty mine as well. I paid to have it fixed and will be at Gray Rock this weekend wheeling again. However, I got a lawyer and am taking Toyota to court over this because they slapped me with the vehicle abuse tag without even asking me what happened. Several other Ga Cruisers FJ's have broken and been fixed under warranty and so far I am the only one that hasn't been. I had them put the factory Toyota diff back in it so I can justify sueing them, and if I get my settlement then I will do 4:56 front and rear with the money. Anyone in GA with diff troubles should go to Cobb County Toyota, they're the ones fixing diffs. I went to Milton Martin in Gainesville and Toyota Mall of Georgia and got blacklisted by both of them. I have to say when a truck that's less than a year old with 19k miles on it breaks and they refuse you warranty coverage you tend to get pretty irritated. Good luck to other FJ owners with an early build, I hope you get yours warranted without any problems.

[valkyrie610]

Originally Posted by FJCRUZR

Toyota says:
As Toyota website stated, the FJ Cruiser is designed as an off-road vehicle.
Driving your FJ Cruiser off-road does not automatically void your warranty but any component damaged by the off-road driving or performance problems resulting from the off-road driving would not be covered.

I would be very interested to know who actually told you this.

Unfortunately, many Southeast Toyota (SET) dealerships are reluctant to warranty things. This is a reflection on the (private) distributor (SET = JM Family Enterprises) and the independent dealerships, and not on Toyota/TMS.

I have a very good rapport with the Trail Teams, and have been aware of the ring gear problem since it first started with the new generation Tacoma, well before the failures were reported by the Trail Teams and later, consumers. I know for a fact Toyota is not reluctant to replace them- they have authorized warranty replacement for failed ring gears at my dealership and many others.

Many people here throwing a hissy need to simply stop posting garbage until they take the time to understand where to correctly place the blame.

Not only has (and will) Toyota (TMS) stand behind the product, but they will replace the affected part, as they have in the past.

In fact, I am personally working with GST and TMS on the product report for the bulging/cracking aprons, and will be meeting with them today to begin analysis of the failure on Graham's well known, heavily modified and often wheeled Dune Beige FJC.



Toyota is very involved in these and other product issues, and to suggest they are not is simply ignorant.

For the original poster, just how far up the chain has your case gone? I would be happy to see what I can do... email me names & details if you want and I'll try to poke a few folks.

[uzj100]

Sounds like what SET tried to pull on me on my cv boots. The Toyota website clearly stated it was covered and SET refused it. I sent off a few emails to the higher up legal folks at Toyota and they called me and replaced the cv boots free of charge.

Good luck!

[Manhattan]

That's great that Toyota is willing to take care of this - but most people don't enjoy the relationships that you have. As a consumer, is it really our responsibility to dick around with multiple levels of distribution - no. It is Toyota's responsibility to inform and instruct the dealer network - not ours.

I continue to be amazed at the level of ignorance at the dealership at which I bought my FJ - the service manager got in my FJ and then said "Huh, didn't know these came with a manual transmission..." He also has not heard anything about the ring gear issues...

[valkyrie610]

Has nothing to do with my relationships- the ring gear issue has been covered by warranty all over the country (except SET it appears).

The distribution network where it exists is confusing, and yes, it is Toyota's responsibility to inform the dealer network.

Unfortunately in this case, the ring gears have all failed under what Toyota considers 'unusual or extreme use conditions', therefore there is no TSB nor explicit instruction to warranty it, but like wise there is no instruction to exclude it either.

Sadly, often people have to work through steps to achieve a resolution, steps that are often seem redundant and unnecessary. Having seen the other side though, I can certainly understand the approach... believe it or not, sometimes when it comes to money, people lie.

[ShottsUZJ100]

With Toyota setting the example of the FJC being an off-roader via the FJ Trail Team I think they are stuck fixing these diffs unless they can prove the particular vehicle was abused. That would be tough.

[uzj100]

Sounds like someone needs to sue SET and maybe Toyota in order to get their attention and stop pulling this nonsense on people.

[Aggie]

Originally Posted by valkyrie610

yada yada yada... I suck at the interweb

I need to rip my body panels this weekend so we can go ahead and R&R the fender. Which trail you going to spot me up to rip the body?

[Aggie]

Originally Posted by uzj100

Sounds like someone needs to sue SET and maybe Toyota in order to get their attention and stop pulling this nonsense on people.

ha now that is funny.

You are going to get so much attention that way! What are you going to get a class action suit for everyone that offroads in the state of Florida?

[valkyrie610]

Originally Posted by ShottsUZJ100

With Toyota setting the example of the FJC being an off-roader via the FJ Trail Team I think they are stuck fixing these diffs unless they can prove the particular vehicle was abused. That would be tough.

I think you missed the point. Toyota isn't denying anything as far as I know- they have replaced everyone that has failed that they are aware of.

Furthermore, Toyota has even had to fix the Trail Teams busted ring gears.

Issues seem to be at the dealer and/or distributor level. Since there are only 2 privately owned distributors left in the US, and one of them (GST) has warrantied failed ring gears, the issue seems to be with individual dealers and possibly the SET distributor.

[uzj100]

It sounds like a scandal to me. SET refusing warranty claims (that Toyota would cover) saves them money which increases their profit.

[ShottsUZJ100]

Originally Posted by valkyrie610

I think you missed the point. Toyota isn't denying anything as far as I know- they have replaced everyone that has failed that they are aware of.

Furthermore, Toyota has fixed the Trail Teams busted ring gears.

Issues seem to be at the dealer and/or distributor level. Since there are only 2 privately owned distributors left in the US, and one of them (GST) has warrantied failed ring gears, the issue seems to be with individual dealers and possibly the SET distributor.

Yes, but the dealer then has no choice but to R&R the broken diff. Just go over the dealer's heads.

[uzj100]

Correct, go over the dealers head especially in the SET region.

[FirstToy]

Originally Posted by valkyrie610

I think you missed the point. Toyota isn't denying anything as far as I know- they have replaced everyone that has failed that they are aware of.

Furthermore, Toyota has even had to fix the Trail Teams busted ring gears.

Issues seem to be at the dealer and/or distributor level. Since there are only 2 privately owned distributors left in the US, and one of them (GST) has warrantied failed ring gears, the issue seems to be with individual dealers and possibly the SET distributor.

Thanks for the info, I think this will help FJC owners with this issue.
Toyota is supporting FJC owners, some at the dealer level are not (ie; SET)

So, if you are having problems with them covering it, head up the food chain.
Is there a direct number or email FJC owners can call if they are in this situation?

Let's move on instead of going in circles Shotts

[MudHunter]

Know thine own enemy - A very quick internet search turned this up:




About Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Ranked No. 1 in the National Automobile Dealers Association's dealer attitude study, Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) (http://www.buyatoyota.com) is the largest franchised distributor of Toyotas in the world. The company distributes vehicles, parts and accessories to 167 Toyota dealerships in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North and South Carolina. SET dealers sell approximately 20 percent of all Toyotas sold in the country. Its vehicle processing facilities are located in Jacksonville, Fla. and Commerce, Ga. Headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Fla., SET is a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises, Inc. (http://www.jmfamily.com), a $9.4 billion diversified automotive corporation ranked by Forbes magazine as the 17th-largest privately held company