Toyota Recall Hits Home. Not so Bad
By: Keith
I took my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid in to the dealership today after receiving notice, by mail, that my vehicle is now included among the other models subjected to the sticky gas pedal issue. I’ve never had a single problem with the car, and my initial response was to just ignore the letter. But, the letter did say it was important so I said to myself, “Fine, I’ll suck it up and do it.” I called them on Wednesday and they got me in for the fix this morning (Friday). The recall notice said the fix would take an hour which is a bit inconvenient but not too bad. However, I was happy that they were completely upfront with me, when I set the appointment on the phone, saying that the fixes were actually taking closer to 3 hours. They didn’t even try to lie to me (which for a car dealership is really impressive). Thus, instead of being pissed, I — well, wasn’t. To make things easier on me (we’re a one car family) they offered shuttle service to wherever I needed to go during those three hours. Impressive.
True to their word the repairs took about 3 hours and the results of a now shrunken gas pedal are virtually undetectable except if I look at it; I can’t tell a difference while driving. It was inconvenient to wait for 3 hours, but I did get a free multi-point inspection (whatever that means) out of the deal. They checked the chassis, electrical system, powertrain and some other multi-pointy sorts of things. I guess it was their way of saying Sorry, My bad. How’s the car now, you ask? Well, it’s fine, thanks. I’m still a happy customer because, despite the inconvenience, they were honest and seemed to understand they were responsible. Maybe it’s a case of lowered expectations for car dealers, but I’m impressed with their professionalism anyway. The experience has not put me off of Toyota.
Related posts:
Way to go Toyota– to make a Toyota Recall a win, instead of a disaster!
I’ve actually been waiting on a letter saying the recall has been extended to the Sienna. I’m thinking it is only a matter of time. While this whole situation hasn’t turned me off from buying a Toyota, based on the products out there today they wouldn’t be my first choice.
.-= PJ Mullen´s last blog ..Sweatshirt Blanket’s Spread Your Warmth Campaign =-.
I’m glad you got it “fixed” and was treated so well. Outside of the very tragic deaths associated with this problem, I must say, it’s about time the illusion of Japanese perfection cracked. Ashley has bought Nissan’s for years but after this latest lemon I doubt she’ll buy another. My ’91 Toyota pick-up serves me well with none of the modern problems. No computer to fail, my hand cranked windows are reliable as hell plus every Mexican gardener wants to buy it.
I think Toyota will be just fine! I just worked catering a Toyota grand opening, and it was VERY crowded, lots of happy content faces. It was nice to see. I still love Toyota and look forward to my…well I’m going back and forth on the Highlander or Sequoia.
It’s good that they were honest with you. They’re too big to consider this whole thing as any real issue.
.-= Ben´s last blog ..Week Fourteen: You married it, you lucky thing… =-.