The Incredible Case of the Disappearing Recall

[18Cruiser]

I am sorry you guys are having such an issue. I also wish it was resolved sooner, but I can say I have been in a rental since March at Toyota's expense.

I do not know for sure if it is Toyota Corp. paying or if the dealer is paying, but other than one instance of rental car company calling and saying they haven't been paid, which I understand was straightened out pretty quickly, I feel I have been treated pretty fairly. My surmise (and that is what it is as no one has told me and I haven't bothered to ask) is that the dealer is paying and being reimbursed by Toyota Corp. on the rental.

Yeah I would prefer to have my LC, which is why a bought a Land Cruiser and not one of the various vehicles I have been given. On the brighter side I drive a lot for work both with clients in the car and without. All these miles are going on a rent a car, as are multiple family trips, so for both work and pleasure I do have to have a usable front seat.

All this to say, you can get a rent car from them and I would assume even if Toyota Corp (who have very deep pockets) is paying, they would take notice of paying for a lot of rental vehicles especially for a long period of time. That might spur some action, and if it doesn't at least you will have your front seat back. Follow the money.

 

[Markuson]

If I get the time next week, I may drop a dime on this too. It doesn't really affect me, it's extremely rare that I have a passenger, but this is pretty ridiculous.

I have a theory...

There are some excellent techs at random dealerships. But...there are a lot of techs that leave a lot to be desired (and I’m being KIND.

So...
Perhaps a lot of the delay is because Toyota lawyers are justifiably MORE concerned that random local techs are more likely to CREATE a problem (and even greater liability) as they dink around with critically important wires... possibly putting Toyota even MORE AT RISK than the currently-super-slim likelihood of the issue actually failing on perfectly functional trucks.

The more I think about this theory, the more I think it may be a legit reason for concern about a quick fix rollout as they do liability-probability math...

Random techs fiddling = GREATER chance of causing failure than current risk.

-Need an “idiot-proof** fix...before letting random techs Touch anything.

What’s-u-think?

 

[Chocolate]

I am sorry you guys are having such an issue. I also wish it was resolved sooner, but I can say I have been in a rental since March at Toyota's expense.

In retrospect, that was a really good idea. I knew I should have made that claim right when they put it out. I wouldn't have minded putting 7 months of free miles on Mr. T's car. What did they give you?

 

[Chocolate]

I have a theory...

There are some excellent techs at random dealerships. But...there are a lot of techs that leave a lot to be desired (and I’m being KIND.

So...
Perhaps a lot of the delay is because Toyota lawyers are justifiably MORE concerned that random local techs are more likely to CREATE a problem (and even greater liability) as they dink around with critically important wires... possibly putting Toyota even MORE AT RISK than the currently-super-slim likelihood of the issue actually failing on perfectly functional trucks.

The more I think about this theory, the more I think it may be a legit reason for concern about a quick fix rollout as they do liability-probability math...

Random techs fiddling = GREATER chance of causing failure than current risk.

-Need a **idiot-proof** fix...before letting random techs Touch anything.

What’s-u-think?

The simplest explanation is that the number of vehicles affected is so small compared to the rest of the Volume Toyota/Lexus sells, it is not a priority, and only a handful of people are taking advantage of a free rental.

 

[Bob Frame]

I have a theory...

There are some excellent techs at random dealerships. But...there are a lot of techs that leave a lot to be desired (and I’m being KIND.

So...
Perhaps a lot of the delay is because Toyota lawyers are justifiably MORE concerned that random local techs are more likely to CREATE a problem (and even greater liability) as they dink around with critically important wires... possibly putting Toyota even MORE AT RISK than the currently-super-slim likelihood of the issue actually failing on perfectly functional trucks.

The more I think about this theory, the more I think it may be a legit reason for concern about a quick fix rollout as they do liability-probability math...

Random techs fiddling = GREATER chance of causing failure than current risk.

-Need a **idiot-proof** fix...before letting random techs Touch anything.

What’s-u-think?

I have a different theory.

I was told by a service advisor at my Lexus dealer that they'd already received the necessary parts to repair their sales inventory and had done so. Given that there now appear to be lots of new and certified LX's for sale (following a "stop sale period"), this would appear to be true. So, if this is correct, it would appear that Toyota understands how to create the required parts, they have already done so in some quantity, the dealers appear to be capable of making the repair and yet we, the current owners and drivers of these vehicles, are stuck with no "remedy available".

What I find incredible is that big and rich Toyota appears to be knowingly ("What did he know and when did he know it?") exposing themselves to this liability. I think a first year law school student could absolutely rape them in the event of an wrongful death suit..."So, Mr. Toyota, you knew there was a problem, you fixed your new cars so the sales machine could keep running, but you left your existing customers completely exposed to this known danger?".

I must be missing something...this is making no sense.

 

[MrCWineMan]

I am sorry you guys are having such an issue. I also wish it was resolved sooner, but I can say I have been in a rental since March at Toyota's expense.

I do not know for sure if it is Toyota Corp. paying or if the dealer is paying, but other than one instance of rental car company calling and saying they haven't been paid, which I understand was straightened out pretty quickly, I feel I have been treated pretty fairly. My surmise (and that is what it is as no one has told me and I haven't bothered to ask) is that the dealer is paying and being reimbursed by Toyota Corp. on the rental.

Yeah I would prefer to have my LC, which is why a bought a Land Cruiser and not one of the various vehicles I have been given. On the brighter side I drive a lot for work both with clients in the car and without. All these miles are going on a rent a car, as are multiple family trips, so for both work and pleasure I do have to have a usable front seat.

All this to say, you can get a rent car from them and I would assume even if Toyota Corp (who have very deep pockets) is paying, they would take notice of paying for a lot of rental vehicles especially for a long period of time. That might spur some action, and if it doesn't at least you will have your front seat back. Follow the money.

If only that was a solution for all of us- I routinely take my truck on narrow difficult 4x4 trails and load a wet/ dirty dog - last time I said I was doing that the rental company blanched and politely asked that I don’t do that.

Wonder what is the best path for me here.

 

[Chocolate]

A few more rental cars on their dime and I'm betting the problem miraculously resolves.

 

[18Cruiser]

In retrospect, that was a really good idea. I knew I should have made that claim right when they put it out. I wouldn't have minded putting 7 months of free miles on Mr. T's car. What did they give you?

Well we started out with a Nissan Armada, I did have to lobby a bit for the size. However, I actually needed all the seats for both work and family trips. After a while, and a trip to Breckenridge and several to San Antonio (I originate out of Dallas), the change oil light came on and I took it back to the rental car company.

They then put me in a BMW X3, which was alright at the time but after more trips to San Antonio and Houston, I had to have a large vehicle again for work and an upcoming family vacation back to Breckenridge. Went back to the rental agency, they put me in a Suburban which I am still currently driving. Just in from Missouri last night for business and will be leaving for Houston this afternoon.

All in all I have put probably have already put over 10k miles on the rental, but it's unlimited mileage so that part is not hurting Mr. T.

Yeah, I would prefer my LC which is why I bought that vehicle but I honestly can't say I have been treated poorly. One day I will get Ole Blue back but for the time being I am saving those miles!

On a side note, I can say of the three vehicles that I probably would never have driven, surprisingly the Suburban is the best of the loaners averaging over 20 mpgs and lots of room. Of course, its a 2019 with less than 2000 miles when I got it so can't say how it will be long term but if this airbag thing drags on maybe I will be able to give a opinion on longevity.

 

[18Cruiser]

If only that was a solution for all of us- I routinely take my truck on narrow difficult 4x4 trails and load a wet/ dirty dog - last time I said I was doing that the rental company blanched and politely asked that I don’t do that.

Wonder what is the best path for me here.

Well...I will use an analogy.

My LC for instance, my wife is a very forgiving lady. However, she is not very permissive.

So when I wanted a new LC I just went out and got it. Surprise its done! Then, she (and according to her nature) forgave me for buying a new Land Cruiser!

Had I asked for permission, I would be in a used 4runner. Just say'n.

 

[MrCWineMan]

Well...I will use an analogy.

My LC for instance, my wife is a very forgiving lady. However, she is not very permissive.

So when I wanted a new LC I just went out and got it. Surprise its done! Then, she (and according to her nature) forgave me for buying a new Land Cruiser!

Had I asked for permission, I would be in a used 4runner. Just say'n.

Ha! Awesome.

 

[Markuson]

Well...I will use an analogy.

My LC for instance, my wife is a very forgiving lady. However, she is not very permissive.

So when I wanted a new LC I just went out and got it. Surprise its done! Then, she (and according to her nature) forgave me for buying a new Land Cruiser!

Had I asked for permission, I would be in a used 4runner. Just say'n.

Bingo.
-Markuson’s little poem fer y’all...

Git’n permissions...?
...y’allz a-dreamin, son...
Jest yells “Ima saw-reh!” git it...& RUN!.

-JEST DON’T FERGITS TA HIDES THE GUN...

 

[Bob Frame]

Its been two weeks since I complained to the NHTSA about Toyota/Lexus slow rolling this recall.

Haven't heard a peep.

 

[indycole]

Tensioner recall completed on my 2016 today.

 

[RiDE]

Just purchased a 2010 570 today from a private party and Lexus of Seattle completed the recall on it today, free of charge. I actually had the truck sent in to them on Monday for a PPI and they ordered the recall part for me. I was able to buy/pickup the truck from a PP and brought it straight to them for the fix. Glad it all worked out for timing.

 

[Bob Frame]

Just purchased a 2010 570 today from a private party and Lexus of Seattle completed the recall on it today, free of charge. I actually had the truck sent in to them on Monday for a PPI and they ordered the recall part for me. I was able to buy/pickup the truck from a PP and brought it straight to them for the fix. Glad it all worked out for timing.

What was the recall that was completed for you?

 

[Sandroad]

Tensioner recall completed on my 2016 today.

How long did it take them to do the work?

 

[Bob Frame]

How long did it take them to do the work?

Different recall than the one I started this post about. Curious if anyone has had the passenger airbag recall completed yet?

 

[Sandroad]

Different recall than the one I started this post about. Curious if anyone has had the passenger airbag recall completed yet?

Same recall. There is only one. It’s the passenger seat belt tensioner that fails and causes the passenger air bag sensor problem. So yes, some have had the recall done and I’m interested in knowing how long the fix takes.

 

[ceb]

Let me dig out my NHTSA hat, it is here somewhere....

As far as I can tel (on Saturday from my house), this is the latest information on the air bag issue. Toyota still doesn't have the parts in place and you need to decide what the interim remedy is. As this is a significant safety issue, there is the option of a rental car.

Of course, you could pursue a buyback under the lemon laws of your state. Even if your car is out of the time period (within reason), you could argue that the safety hazard mandates a buy back in any case. If you want to look at that option, then find a lemon layer in your state that is well versed with Lexus/Toyota so that they'll have the proper contacts.

If the car is financed through Lexus/Toyota, then you could argue that you're paying for something you can't use (even if you have a rental/loaner) and Lexus might throw some money at you. Again, a lemon lawyer can advise you.

There isn't much that NHTSA can do at this point. There is a stop sale on affected cars and Toyota is providing long term loaners.

However, more calls to NHTSA will reinforce that Toyota is dragging their feet on this recall which will result in a few nasty calls to Toyota - something they don't want.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCMN-18V887-3279.pdf

 

[Bob Frame]

Same recall. There is only one. It’s the passenger seat belt tensioner that fails and causes the passenger air bag sensor problem. So yes, some have had the recall done and I’m interested in knowing how long the fix takes.

If there is only one recall, how did RiDE get his fixed when I am repeatedly told there is no parts solution?