My daughter purchased a new 2002 Toyota RAV4 on 6/24.in May (45K miles), the check engine light came on with codes P0420 and P0430.
Toyota of Concord reprogrammed the car's computer.in Sept (71K miles) the check engine light came on again with the same codes (P0420 and P0430).
At this point, the dealership replaced the catalytic converter, which was under warranty. However, when the converter was replaced, three of the four sensors that fit into the converter were damaged when they attempted to remove them and had to be replaced, costing me $545.00.
In Oct of (110K miles) the check engine light came on again with the same codes (P0420 and P0430), along with a rattle in the tail pipe. My mechanic (28 years experience) checked the car over and determined that the rattle appeared to be due to the converter coming apart and leaving debris in the tail pipe.
I contacted the Service Manager at Toyota of Concord (Tracy Wease) who informed that, because the converter had been replaced under warranty, it only was guaranteed for one year and the guarantee had run out. She added that if the converter had been replaced OUT OF WARRANTY, it would have been guaranteed for 8 years or 80K miles.
I have been a licensed driver for 51 years, owning many cars during this time span and have never had a problem with a catalytic converter. To have two defective converters in a two year time span is amazing to me and I believe the dealership should replace the defective converter, at their expense.
I have spoken with the Toyota of Concord Customer Relations Manager (Vernita Reveron) a number of times in the past month and she tells me there is nothing that the dealership can or will do.
I am astounded that Toyota expects their customers to replace catalytic converters every two years. The price of the converter, the four sensors, and the labor could run as much as $1545.00
After this experience, neither I nor anyone in my family will ever purchase another Toyota, or do any business with Toyota of Concord again.
I currently drive a 1996 Ford Escort (130K) and a 1987 Ford F150 (140K). I have never had a catalytic converter on either vehicle.
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