Complaint Review: Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc

I purchased a beautiful 2007 Toyota Solara Convertible from Bohn Bros. Toyota in Harvey, Louisiana. The vehicle resides in the garage when not in use. Some months after purchase but with a little more than 2000 miles I became aware that the vehicle leaks. Initially, the dealership insisted that there was no leak. Eventually Toyota agreed that there was leaks. However, they were unable to repair the leaks.

Different employees of Toyota insisted that all convertibles leak and that water in a new convertible is acceptable. The manager of the service department pointed out that his Black 2006 Solara convertible also leaked. The general manager of the dealership tried to convince me that a leaking vehicle is OK. A service assistant told me that their technical support stated that a little water in a convertible is acceptable.

I also had problems with the front end shaking more than I believe to be reasonable. There were several rattles that Toyota was also unable to repair. I did a little reseach and found many customers complaining about the leaks, rattles and shakes. Many of these complaints can be found on Edmunds. com in the automotive forum. Some of the complaints seemed to have disappeared. However, other forums also have complaints regarding this vehicle.

Toyota stated that they would purchase the vehicle back, but never presenting a firm deal in writing. When I tried to get them to make me whole as required by the Lemon Law, they withdrew the offer. The offer seemed to be only a facade. I went to the arbitration, but the arbitrator was not impartial. A friend told me that the arbitrators would not likely be impartial as they may be Toyota's people. The arbitrator ignored the facts that I had met the requirements of the Lemon Law and Toyota previously stated that they could not repair the leaks.

At this time I am still fighting with no intent to give up. Page 316 of the owners manual states that the hose should be held at a 45 degree angle when washing the vehicle to avoid leaks. However, no one can ensure that rain will come at a 45 degree angle. This statement shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Toyota was aware of the leaks prior to selling the vehicles and as such could be guilty of fraud by misrepresentation.

The quality of the Toyota Solara is not what one would expect of the so called Quality Car Manufacturer. Beaware when purchasing from Toyota that they may not be the nice company with the high quality they are advertised to be.

Others with this problem should also contact the Federal Trade Commission, state attorney general and the Better Business Bureau in California. Even so, it may still be necessary to file a lawsuit. If you must file a lawsuit, be sure to file not just under the Lemon Laws for your vehicle but seek significant damages under fraud statutes.

Katrina survivor 1104
Gretna, Louisiana
U.S.A.