Tiny problem on new Prius gets a lot bigger

[Joekc]

My 5-day old Prius is now in the body shop. When I went to put new plates on my 2008 Prius, I found I could not remove the screw on the left side of the back plate. (The dealer had temporararily put my old plates on when I traded my old Explorer.) I went back to the dealership and when they tried to remove it, the interior screw receiver fell inside the hatch lid and could not be recovered.

It seems a spot weld had come loose. The dealer said this was the second Prius in the last two weeks with the problem. So now I'm driving a loaner while Toyota takes apart the hatch lid and tries to re-weld the screw receiver. I don't know anything about welding, but I don't see how they can weld the inside of the hatch without damaging the outside paint. I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem?

[FL_Prius_Driver]

I have had a similar problem with a window guide rail nut that was out of position on a Camry. As a first step, let the dealer do the work. The dealer is probably just as put out as you are and letting Toyota USA know that someone is falling asleep at the wheel at the plant.

Yes, there may be some paint damage doing the welding, but the dealer will fix that as well. I have seen some excellent work by real professionals. Make absolutely sure you inspect it fully before driving the car off. It is either perfect or you make it clear that it is unfinished.

[auricchio]

Originally Posted by Joekc

It seems a spot weld had come loose.

Sounds like some clown with a high-torque driver overtightened the screw.

Especially if it's happened twice!

You might suggest that they watch the guy while he installs the license plates.

[Joekc]

I got the car back today and it seems fine. Yes, I was also thinking that an electric screwdriver might have been to blame. Car salesmen always seem to have them around.

It appears that no welding was done. Both holes have some sort of metal insert on the outside which seems much sturdier than the welded-from-behind configuration. I put my new plates on and both screws tightened down firmly. I made it home from the dealer minutes before our first snowstorm hit. I'm still not ready to subject this beauty to salt and slush.

[SW03ES]

Thats why I install my own license plates...

[David Beale]

Sound like they used "Pop rivit" threaded inserts. Good solution. It holds to the body on both sides of the metal, so doesn't rely on a weld. Can be replaced if crossthreaded as well.

[fruzzetti]

That's a hugely inconvenient problem to have. Too bad. On a related note, my rear license plate frame actually vibrated to the point where it took some paint off (and of course the spot is visible).

I guess that's what I get for installing that sound system :/

~ dan ~

[Joekc]

I put on a frame that includes a clear plastic cover -- sticker thefts are common around here, and mine goes to 2010, so it would be tempting.

Also, I hate riding around with dealer advertisements on my car. Both front and rear license plates frames had dealer advertisements, plus a decal on the back for good measure. I got rid of all of them. Just a pet peeve. It doesn't seem to bother most people.

[davidtm]

Brief high-jack, please:
What's the best way to remove the decal?

[Joekc]

Originally Posted by davidtm

Brief high-jack, please:
What's the best way to remove the decal?

I think you have to do it soon before the sun bakes it on. Actually, mine wasn't exactly a decal, but letters and a logo that had to be peeled off individually. I used my fingernails to get under them to pull them off. I've done this before.

Some dealers use an adhesive and stick a gaudy plastic plaque on your car. That would be more challenging. As I say, it's a pet peeve. I can't see spending $25,000 for a car and then spend eight years advertising for the dealer.

On top of it, the dealer logo was put on crooked!