Body RIPS UPDATE!

[fjdave5341]

FJDave,
You could always just put a dent in the area, take it to the dealer and have it documented as a bulge! That way you are protected if you do ever develop a problem. I know it is dishonest, but I don't really care. I guess I have loose morals to say the least!

That would be almost as low-down as Toyota not covering all vehicles regardless or mileage ).....actually I am afraid dealerships are pretty good at sniffing fake stuff like that.......Bottom Line for me is Toyota either covers it pas 36K or I am in the market for another vehicle......thanks for the advice though )

 

[NYCTRD]

I'd be curious if anyone else with this problem was also given the impression this WOULD NOT be handled after the initial warranty period of 3 years/36,000 miles.

I'm NOT in a hurry to have a New Jersey body shop tear my rig (literally) apart at the seams...and would like to put this off until I have MAJOR cracks.

Please share your experiences.

 

[Jim S.]

Our fj was documented by the dealer several months back. Later examined thoroughly by regional rep. Was informed that a repair would be accomplished when the new fenders were available. .... But the fix would have to be accomplished before the warranty runs out.

 

[FJCRUZR]

regional rep.

The Regional Rep. in the Atlanta area is an ass

Sorry...I m done now.

 

[Toledo FJ]

I wasn't being too serious about denting your fender. I can't imagine you'd want to do that anyhow. I have a slight dent in the area in question that I think was caused by a careless tech during the CAI instal. It is almost invisible, but I didn't want to take any chances with bulges. So I had it documented at the dealer as a possible early bulge just to be careful in the event that I actually do develop bulges. I agree with NYCTRD. I think this problem is eventually going to effect many vehicles. It is clearly an engineering flaw, so it will be widespread. Keep in mind that the vast majority of FJ owners never open their hoods, don't stay informed about vehicle issues, and probably wouldn't know how to spot a problem even if they did see it. I love my truck and I'm keeping it forever regardless of if it bulges or not. I don't even know if I'll bother with the repair if it does happen. If it doesn't impact the safety or overall integrity of the vehicle I may just say **** it. Once the fix is available, I can always decide to have it done and it will be covered because of the early documentation. Gook luck everyone!

 

[spaldam]

I seriously doubt that a recall will never happen for this, because it's not a safety issue, and can only be seen if you lift the hood. I'm also doubt that every vehicles will develop the problem. Even if most of the FJCs get bulges, most will probably be minor enough that most people won't even notice it. I really don't see a need for a recall.

As for warranty issues, it really depends on your state's laws. Some will require them to fix it as long as it occurred before the warranty was out regardless. In other states they can get away with not fixing it after the warranty is over.

Toyota Warranty and Coverage

 

[NYCTRD]

Your mother sez: Be nice!

The Regional Rep. in the Atlanta area is an ass

Sorry...I m done now.

I was lucky...the rep I had in NJ was great. Got right back to me, was clear & concise.

Now that this is (more or less) "out in the open" as far as Toyota's concerned, there'll likely be more uniform responses across the country. But a friendly rep (and dealer) does help.

Toyota's gonna go the way of Detroits big 3 if they don't watch their act!

 

[Brock]

can someone post a picture for us with new FJs and no bulges...so far?

 

[FJCRUZR]

The Regional Rep. in the Atlanta area is an ass

Sorry...I m done now.

I was lucky...the rep I had in NJ was great. Got right back to me, was clear & concise.

Now that this is (more or less) "out in the open" as far as Toyota's concerned, there'll likely be more uniform responses across the country. But a friendly rep (and dealer) does help.

Toyota's gonna go the way of Detroits big 3 if they don't watch their act!

I now use a much friendlier dealer and have no problems with them even if my truck is modify...