Arbitration with Toyota

rcatz4 · 05-08-2007, 07:10 PM

I have a 2006 Seaside Pearl that I absolutely love. It has been a dream car until recently. One afternoon about 6 weeks ago, the entire dash lit up with warning lights (master warning light, etc.). I immediately pulled over and turn my car off. When I attempted to restart, I was not able to shift out of neutral. I called the dealer and they towed the car in. The next day they returned my car to me telling me that a "code had to be reset" but this was a "very rare thing to happen" and would probably never happen again. Well on my way home that afternoon, it occurred again. So again the car was towed. The dealer told me they honestly didn't know what the problem was since it went away as soon as the code was reset. So the technical manager decided to keep it for a week and drive it around to see if the error occurred again. It did not so they returned the car to me with the order for me to drive the car to them without turning the engine off so they could see it with the "error lights displayed". That same afternoon it occurred again so I took it back to them so they could see the warning lights. This time they decided to replace the "power inverter". It was then returned to me and immediately showed the warning lights again. Then the dealer replaced the "computer system". This time it didn't even make it out of the lot before the warning lights came on again. The last attempt to fix the problem was last week when they replaced the transmission. I picked the car up on Friday and Saturday morning the warning lights were back. The technicians say they are stumped as to the problem. They have called other Toyoto service departments and cannot figure out the problem. I am fed up to say the least. I know the mechanics have tried really hard to fix the problem and overall I have been treated well by the dealer (given a rental car etc.) but I cannot go indefinitely while they keep trying out different parts. I was told they have already spent more than $10,000 trying to fix the problem. So yesterday I contacted Toyota to begin arbitration. At this point, I want my money back or my car replaced. I honestly do love the Prius and I hope this was just a fluke so if I decide to go with another Prius I won't have this kind of problem again. I drive more than 120 mile a day and need a reliable car. Has anyone gotten a refund or replacement for a "lemon"? Anyone with similar mechanical problems?

SomervillePrius · 05-08-2007, 07:17 PM

I feel your pain.

I agree that at this point your car should be replaces or your money back. It's clearly something wrong with it. It's rare that priuses breaks down so I hope you will consider a replacement.

Let us know what happens!

/Robert

brick · 05-08-2007, 08:20 PM

Do you know what that code was that they kept resetting? I'm surprised they kept replacing expensive parts without a little more certainty that the problem would be fixed.

hobbit · 05-08-2007, 08:27 PM

Yeah -- what code? And did they actually sic a *diagnostics* guy on
it, rather than just trying to parts-swap it away? One loose
connector can ruin your whole day, y'know, and it's their job to
find it.
.
_H*

priusmaybe · 05-08-2007, 10:32 PM

This is disturbing.

What dealership in Georgia?

I have wondered about everything for the ac/radio/etc being run off of one computer screen. - It was my big concern for this car.

It seems like enough of these cars are out there now that they could diagnose it.

galaxee · 05-08-2007, 11:42 PM

diagnostics is hard stuff and there aren't a ton of people who are really any good at it, especially with the hybrids, but they have a technical assistance line for that.

there are lots of 'computer systems' in the car... to say they replaced a computer system doesn't say much. without more detailed information we can't say much as to the actual problem, but it is definitely time to check out the lemon laws in your state. whether it's the car that's just mortally screwed up or the service department, the liability doesn't fall on you to figure out what's wrong and fix it.

good luck!

rcatz4 · 05-09-2007, 06:41 PM

Thanks for everyone's responses. I am sickened at the idea of losing my car but I know it is time to have closure on this issue. I don't exactly understand how the arbitration thing will work but I hope to either get a replacement Prius or purchase another if I am refunded. Up until this problem, I was absolutely in love with the car so I really want to give it another shot. I know the Lemon Law for Georgia covers the first 12,000 miles and my car has right at 34,000 miles on it. So I assume it will fall under warranty guidelines instead of the Lemon Law. If anyone has any experience with arbitration, I would love to hear your experience. I was told this matter should be resolved in about 40 days. Until then, I continue to drive a rental car (a 2007 Toyota Corolla provided by the dealer) but I don't enjoy driving it nearly as much as the Prius and the extra cost in gas ($30-$40 weekly) is making me sick.

Unfortunately I am a middle aged lady without much mechanical knowledge so I haven't known what kinds of questions to ask the technician. He only indicated resetting a "code" but did not say which one. I don't know what computer parts were replaced, I was just told the "main computer system". I have no idea why a transmission was replaced. Supposedly the diagnostics guy here (Valdosta, GA) has been consulting with the diagnostics guy in Jacksonville, FL. I was told they did run a diagnostics check and still are not sure about the problem. They seem to feel it is some intermittent problem which is making it difficult to diagnose. They claim they have worked on lots of Prius and never encountered this problem before.

JimN · 05-09-2007, 09:24 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rcatz4 @ May 9 2007, 05:41 PM) [snapback]438605[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Thanks for everyone's responses. I am sickened at the idea of losing my car but I know it is time to have closure on this issue. I don't exactly understand how the arbitration thing will work but I hope to either get a replacement Prius or purchase another if I am refunded. Up until this problem, I was absolutely in love with the car so I really want to give it another shot. I know the Lemon Law for Georgia covers the first 12,000 miles and my car has right at 34,000 miles on it. So I assume it will fall under warranty guidelines instead of the Lemon Law. If anyone has any experience with arbitration, I would love to hear your experience. I was told this matter should be resolved in about 40 days. Until then, I continue to drive a rental car (a 2007 Toyota Corolla provided by the dealer) but I don't enjoy driving it nearly as much as the Prius and the extra cost in gas ($30-$40 weekly) is making me sick.

Unfortunately I am a middle aged lady without much mechanical knowledge so I haven't known what kinds of questions to ask the technician. He only indicated resetting a "code" but did not say which one. I don't know what computer parts were replaced, I was just told the "main computer system". I have no idea why a transmission was replaced. Supposedly the diagnostics guy here (Valdosta, GA) has been consulting with the diagnostics guy in Jacksonville, FL. I was told they did run a diagnostics check and still are not sure about the problem. They seem to feel it is some intermittent problem which is making it difficult to diagnose. They claim they have worked on lots of Prius and never encountered this problem before.
[/b]

Regardless of who is paying for the repair it is YOUR car. You are entitled to precise explanations, lists of parts replaced, and trouble codes found. Everything should be in writing from the dealer. If not, make your own detailed notes. Politely suggest that if the guys from 2 dealers can't figure it out then find someone from Japan who can. I would also contact Toyota directly and get them involved in the resolution. If you want another Prius hold out for another --same color and option level. Toyota can either find one or build one. I seriously doubt 2 Prius techs have worked on "lots of Prius" as the car doesn't seem to have a long list of mechanical or electrical problems. (Galaxee, if you disagree, I'll stand corrected.)

ystasino · 05-10-2007, 02:03 AM

Sorry for your situation.

It is really disturbing that they cannot find the error. I mean EVERY bolt and error should be traceable. I'm very surprised they have replaced all these parts without knowing what the problem is.

Why didn't they just call Toyota saying they have an unknown error code?

I know little about cars and much less about the hybrid, maybe someone here could help...

NoMoShocks · 05-10-2007, 02:58 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ystasino @ May 9 2007, 11:03 PM) [snapback]438886[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Sorry for your situation.

It is really disturbing that they cannot find the error. I mean EVERY bolt and error should be traceable. I'm very surprised they have replaced all these parts without knowing what the problem is.

Why didn't they just call Toyota saying they have an unknown error code?

I know little about cars and much less about the hybrid, maybe someone here could help...
[/b]

What is the LEMON LAW in Georgia? Out West, more than three times for the same problem = NEW CAR.

05-08-2007, 11:42 PM	#6
galaxee resident lab rat Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: boilermaker territory Posts: 9,675 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 94 Times in 37 Posts Friends: 26	diagnostics is hard stuff and there aren't a ton of people who are really any good at it, especially with the hybrids, but they have a technical assistance line for that. there are lots of 'computer systems' in the car... to say they replaced a computer system doesn't say much. without more detailed information we can't say much as to the actual problem, but it is definitely time to check out the lemon laws in your state. whether it's the car that's just mortally screwed up or the service department, the liability doesn't fall on you to figure out what's wrong and fix it. good luck! __________________ black 2005 prius, a few mods that make me happy g: class of '09 in intense science DH: class of '09 in medical equipment hoping to discover the 'reward' part of the sacrifice-reward cycle soon!

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05-08-2007, 07:10 PM	#1
rcatz4 Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I have a 2006 Seaside Pearl that I absolutely love. It has been a dream car until recently. One afternoon about 6 weeks ago, the entire dash lit up with warning lights (master warning light, etc.). I immediately pulled over and turn my car off. When I attempted to restart, I was not able to shift out of neutral. I called the dealer and they towed the car in. The next day they returned my car to me telling me that a "code had to be reset" but this was a "very rare thing to happen" and would probably never happen again. Well on my way home that afternoon, it occurred again. So again the car was towed. The dealer told me they honestly didn't know what the problem was since it went away as soon as the code was reset. So the technical manager decided to keep it for a week and drive it around to see if the error occurred again. It did not so they returned the car to me with the order for me to drive the car to them without turning the engine off so they could see it with the "error lights displayed". That same afternoon it occurred again so I took it back to them so they could see the warning lights. This time they decided to replace the "power inverter". It was then returned to me and immediately showed the warning lights again. Then the dealer replaced the "computer system". This time it didn't even make it out of the lot before the warning lights came on again. The last attempt to fix the problem was last week when they replaced the transmission. I picked the car up on Friday and Saturday morning the warning lights were back. The technicians say they are stumped as to the problem. They have called other Toyoto service departments and cannot figure out the problem. I am fed up to say the least. I know the mechanics have tried really hard to fix the problem and overall I have been treated well by the dealer (given a rental car etc.) but I cannot go indefinitely while they keep trying out different parts. I was told they have already spent more than $10,000 trying to fix the problem. So yesterday I contacted Toyota to begin arbitration. At this point, I want my money back or my car replaced. I honestly do love the Prius and I hope this was just a fluke so if I decide to go with another Prius I won't have this kind of problem again. I drive more than 120 mile a day and need a reliable car. Has anyone gotten a refund or replacement for a "lemon"? Anyone with similar mechanical problems?

05-08-2007, 07:17 PM	#2
SomervillePrius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 946 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	I feel your pain. I agree that at this point your car should be replaces or your money back. It's clearly something wrong with it. It's rare that priuses breaks down so I hope you will consider a replacement. Let us know what happens! /Robert

05-08-2007, 08:20 PM	#3
brick Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 895 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 10 Thanked 21 Times in 15 Posts Friends: 0	Do you know what that code was that they kept resetting? I'm surprised they kept replacing expensive parts without a little more certainty that the problem would be fixed.

05-08-2007, 08:27 PM	#4
hobbit Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bahstahn Posts: 3,625 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 216 Times in 118 Posts Friends: 0	Yeah -- what code? And did they actually sic a diagnostics guy on it, rather than just trying to parts-swap it away? One loose connector can ruin your whole day, y'know, and it's their job to find it. . _H*

05-08-2007, 10:32 PM	#5
priusmaybe Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 309 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	This is disturbing. What dealership in Georgia? I have wondered about everything for the ac/radio/etc being run off of one computer screen. - It was my big concern for this car. It seems like enough of these cars are out there now that they could diagnose it.

05-09-2007, 06:41 PM	#7
rcatz4 Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Thanks for everyone's responses. I am sickened at the idea of losing my car but I know it is time to have closure on this issue. I don't exactly understand how the arbitration thing will work but I hope to either get a replacement Prius or purchase another if I am refunded. Up until this problem, I was absolutely in love with the car so I really want to give it another shot. I know the Lemon Law for Georgia covers the first 12,000 miles and my car has right at 34,000 miles on it. So I assume it will fall under warranty guidelines instead of the Lemon Law. If anyone has any experience with arbitration, I would love to hear your experience. I was told this matter should be resolved in about 40 days. Until then, I continue to drive a rental car (a 2007 Toyota Corolla provided by the dealer) but I don't enjoy driving it nearly as much as the Prius and the extra cost in gas ($30-$40 weekly) is making me sick. Unfortunately I am a middle aged lady without much mechanical knowledge so I haven't known what kinds of questions to ask the technician. He only indicated resetting a "code" but did not say which one. I don't know what computer parts were replaced, I was just told the "main computer system". I have no idea why a transmission was replaced. Supposedly the diagnostics guy here (Valdosta, GA) has been consulting with the diagnostics guy in Jacksonville, FL. I was told they did run a diagnostics check and still are not sure about the problem. They seem to feel it is some intermittent problem which is making it difficult to diagnose. They claim they have worked on lots of Prius and never encountered this problem before.

05-10-2007, 02:03 AM	#9
ystasino Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 395 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 0	Sorry for your situation. It is really disturbing that they cannot find the error. I mean EVERY bolt and error should be traceable. I'm very surprised they have replaced all these parts without knowing what the problem is. Why didn't they just call Toyota saying they have an unknown error code? I know little about cars and much less about the hybrid, maybe someone here could help...