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Carbon Fiber Baby Rattle

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Stefan Battermann, Mar 17, 2019.

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  1. Stefan Battermann

    Stefan Battermann New Member

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    I bought a 2018 Prius Prime and I'm very disappointed by the quality control issue which I've uncovered. As many if you in know, the liftgate on the hatch of this vehicle is made of carbon fiber to offset the weight of the battery in the back. When the liftgate is opened or during hardish cornering it sound like a giant baby rattle. I suspect that this is the result of remnants from drilling into the carbon fiber to attach pieces to it. I would have thought Toyota would have done a better job in QC on an issue like this. Is anyone else seeing the same issue?
     
    #1 Stefan Battermann, Mar 17, 2019
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  2. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    Mine is pretty solid sounding - no rattle.
     
    #2 a_gray_prius, Mar 17, 2019
  3. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    Not with mine.
     
    #3 schja01, Mar 17, 2019
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  4. pghyndman

    pghyndman Active Member

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    Ditto with ours. Solid with no rattles.
     
    #4 pghyndman, Mar 17, 2019
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  5. Old Bear

    Old Bear Senior Member

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    hmmm... I don't think this is a normal occurrence. I've had no problems with rattles.

    rattle.jpg
    Did you buy your 2018 new? If not, could there have been some undisclosed repair work done?
     
    #5 Old Bear, Mar 17, 2019
  6. Marine Ray

    Marine Ray Senior Member

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    No rattle with my hatch.
     
    #6 Marine Ray, Mar 17, 2019
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    should be under warranty. every once in awhile, a disgruntled worker will leave an empty beer can in the body somewhere
     
    #7 bisco, Mar 17, 2019
  8. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Welcome to Prius Chat! No rattles here, either. I'd try taking it back to the dealer. It's probably an easy fix and I'd think the warranty would cover that.
     
    #8 jerrymildred, Mar 17, 2019
  9. citiprius

    citiprius Active Member

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    no rattles neither. May be you can try to remove all personal items from the car and see if it still rattles. Sometimes those items create noises, or, it is simply the license plate mount?
     
    #9 citiprius, Mar 17, 2019
  10. Stefan Battermann

    Stefan Battermann New Member

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    Thanks for the feedback. I did a closer inspection and found the source of the issue and it is glass shards and not carbon fiber bits which are the culprit. It looks like the rear window broke and was replaced without anyone bothering to clean out the glass shards from the liftgate. Remember that this is a brand new card. I'll be having a few words with the dealer tomorrow. Any thoughts about what they owe me for this?
     
    #10 Stefan Battermann, Mar 17, 2019
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  11. DavidA

    DavidA Prius owner since July 2009

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    No rattle on my hatch either. 2017.
     
    #11 DavidA, Mar 18, 2019
  12. eskudo12791

    eskudo12791 Junior Member

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    I would look into some type of dimished value adjustment. Depends on how far you want to push it, they sold a new car, with damage that wasnt expressed to you.
     
    #12 eskudo12791, Mar 18, 2019
  13. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    You might not get anything from the dealer. They may say that it happened at the port or regional preparation facility. Not their problem. At best, you might get a free loaner while they clean out the glass bits.
     
    #13 FuelMiser, Mar 18, 2019
  14. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Sorry to hear your unpleasant discovery on the brand new car. It is hard to say what the dealer will do for you. Did you check your document to see if it was disclosed anywhere? I am not even sure in your state, if they are required to disclose such repair before selling the car as "NEW". I think law differs by states.
     
    #14 Salamander_King, Mar 18, 2019
  15. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    This is the most useful insight here. You probably have some leverage by leaving poor reviews on the dealers business listings, but it's likely not so effectual (though if you do, your case is made much stronger by including lots of photographic evidence).

    Some reading:

    What Happens When The Dealer Wants To Sell You A Damaged New Car?

    This appears to be legal advice for your state:

    I Purchased a Damaged Car. Do I have a Claim for Consumer Fraud? Do I need a consumer lawyer to sue the dealership? :: Eatontown, New Jersey Lemon Law Lawyer The Law Office of Jonathan Rudnick LLC
     
    #15 a_gray_prius, Mar 18, 2019
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  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    there was a problem with early primes and cracking rear windows, they had to redo the hatch in some way. held up production for awhile.
    but yours may simply have been an accident. they should certainly clean it all up.
     
    #16 bisco, Mar 18, 2019
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