I was told by the dealership Jackson's Toyota in Ontario Canada that the problem I was encountering with the back hatch was a factory defect. I have found the exact same problem with my vehicle as another owner has posted on this site so I know that I am not the only person with a factory defect issue. My back hatch would not open automatically so I took it to the dealership and was told that it could be repaired simply with a bolt to the lift arm. This was conveniently repaired while under warranty.
A short time later the bolt once again fell off and my back hatch would not lift and could not be replaced with another bolt as it was now stripped! Then I was conveniently told that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. They presented me with a bill for $2,093.55 to replace the entire back hatch! When we complained about the cost that should've been fixed while under warranty they decided to reduce the cost to $1,333.13. I stated that this should've been fixed under warranty, not simply with a bolt.
I was stunned that Toyota conveniently came up with the excuse it was no longer under warranty! As Toyota is aware of this problem as a result of past complaints and inquiries, I feel that I was purposely cheated. A quick fix with a bolt until the warranty expired was their cheap fix! I now have the parts to my back hatch rolling around in my trunk with no automatic lift. Jackson's Toyota dealership in Barrie, Ontario was a complete joke and was not interested in valid consumer concerns nor repairs. I then took my concerns to the Escalated Claims department through Toyota Canada who then rubber stamped the dealerships offer - disgraceful!!
I purchased this Highlander in good faith that I was buying a superior vehicle with a trusted reputation. I was so wrong! At this point I will never recommend a Toyota purchase to anyone but rather refer them to the Honda dealership across the street!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I was told by the dealership Jackson's Toyota in Ontario Canada that the problem I was encountering with the back hatch was a factory defect. I have found the exact same problem with my vehicle as another owner has posted on this site so I know that I am not the only person with a factory defect issue. My back hatch would not open automatically so I took it to the dealership and was told that it could be repaired simply with a bolt to the lift arm. This was conveniently repaired while under warranty.
A short time later the bolt once again fell off and my back hatch would not lift and could not be replaced with another bolt as it was now stripped! Then I was conveniently told that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. They presented me with a bill for $2,093.55 to replace the entire back hatch! When we complained about the cost that should've been fixed while under warranty they decided to reduce the cost to $1,333.13. I stated that this should've been fixed under warranty, not simply with a bolt.
I was stunned that Toyota conveniently came up with the excuse it was no longer under warranty! As Toyota is aware of this problem as a result of past complaints and inquiries, I feel that I was purposely cheated. A quick fix with a bolt until the warranty expired was their cheap fix! I now have the parts to my back hatch rolling around in my trunk with no automatic lift. Jackson's Toyota dealership in Barrie, Ontario was a complete joke and was not interested in valid consumer concerns nor repairs. I then took my concerns to the Escalated Claims department through Toyota Canada who then rubber stamped the dealerships offer - disgraceful!!
I purchased this Highlander in good faith that I was buying a superior vehicle with a trusted reputation. I was so wrong! At this point I will never recommend a Toyota purchase to anyone but rather refer them to the Honda dealership across the street!
- Ellen S., Barrie, ON, Canada