Head gasket failed a 2nd time...
I have a 1993 4Runner truck bought used. I too bought a Toyota thinking they were reliable and well manufactured. I believed that if I maintained my truck properly and changed the oil every 3,000 miles that it would go well over 100, even 200 thousand miles before I had to worry about any major problems. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Before even 100k miles I blew a head gasket. My independent mechanic told me that this always happens to these vehicles with these engines as it is a design flaw. I researched and found that my vehicle had already had the gasket replaced via the special service campaign when it had 59k miles on it.
Two blown head gaskets in less than 100k miles. I would think that Toyota would not base their reputation on this kind of thing happening and for me this was not acceptable.
I found a family friend who had a 95 Tacoma with a second head gasket failure that Toyota reimbursed him for. I followed his advice and wrote a certified letter to Toyota asking to pay for the repair cost, which was over $6,000 at a Toyota dealership. I also called the Toyota customer service number.
I can't even begin to tell you how badly I have been treated by Toyota customer service, the dealership, and the corporate representative, Sherlong Moore. She was the most detestable—asking for information which I then provided but then changing her story to suit Toyota's ends. She claims in her letter to me that she has done a thorough investigation and the matter is closed. What investigation?
The story is too long and involved to be typed all out here I am afraid. I just wanted to share my story with others who have had unhappy experiences with Toyota. I will never again buy another Toyota and I tell everyone who is interested not to as well.
I am filing complaints with all the agencies but I think my only recourse now is to sue Toyota in court. I would be helpful for any information on similar cases as well as statements from customers who have had this problem. I would like to bring these statements in to show the judge, hopefully it will help my case.
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