Purchased the car new in May 2012. At the time of purchase we had no problems. Now with 23,000 miles on the vehicle we are experiencing a BURNT odor on start up of the engine. The odor occurs when neither the heater or AC is in operation. Because of the type of odor, there is great concern about this problem from the safety aspect. Since this was not a problem when the car was first purchased, there has definitely been a change in the vehicle.
I took the car into the dealership this week. I left it with them over night and they confirmed they smelled the BURNT odor at start up the next day. They could give no concrete reason for the smell only to say that they "believe it to be normal odor or cause by PTC heater (quick heate) in HVAC system." They suggested that I bring in outside air. They also said to wait until the weather changes and see if the BURNT odor leaves. So, in the meantime, we tolerate something that could be an indication of a serious and safety concern.
We are returning to the dealership tomorrow to speak with the Service Manager.
Update from Oct 1, 2013: We returned to the dealership and spoke with the service manager. He could not give us a reason for the BURNT smell that is present. The problem was presented to the regional representative--he was absolutely clueless and really had no motivation to help in any way.
I would urge anyone who has had this problem to file a complaint. Perhaps if there are enough complaints Toyota will take notice. But, in the meantime, I am driving a car that may be unsafe and is very unpleasant to be in because of the odor.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Purchased the car new in May 2012. At the time of purchase we had no problems. Now with 23,000 miles on the vehicle we are experiencing a BURNT odor on start up of the engine. The odor occurs when neither the heater or AC is in operation. Because of the type of odor, there is great concern about this problem from the safety aspect. Since this was not a problem when the car was first purchased, there has definitely been a change in the vehicle.
I took the car into the dealership this week. I left it with them over night and they confirmed they smelled the BURNT odor at start up the next day. They could give no concrete reason for the smell only to say that they "believe it to be normal odor or cause by PTC heater (quick heate) in HVAC system." They suggested that I bring in outside air. They also said to wait until the weather changes and see if the BURNT odor leaves. So, in the meantime, we tolerate something that could be an indication of a serious and safety concern.
We are returning to the dealership tomorrow to speak with the Service Manager.
Update from Oct 1, 2013: We returned to the dealership and spoke with the service manager. He could not give us a reason for the BURNT smell that is present. The problem was presented to the regional representative--he was absolutely clueless and really had no motivation to help in any way.
I would urge anyone who has had this problem to file a complaint. Perhaps if there are enough complaints Toyota will take notice. But, in the meantime, I am driving a car that may be unsafe and is very unpleasant to be in because of the odor.
- unhappy owner, Taylorsville, NC, US