I JUST bought a 2018 Rav 4 Hybrid (in Galactic Aqua) on May 21, 2018. In just over one month (on June 27, 2018), I found a portion of my spoiler and mirror cap damaged/warped/melted. The damage is significant and I was informed it would cost approximately $700 to replace both pieces.
Here's the entire story... I called CarMax Laurel Toyota (where I purchased the car) on June 27, 2018 and notified them of the damage. I brought my car in for inspection approximately one week later. The CarMax Tech Manager had a Toyota Field Supervisor look over my car. The Toyota Field Supervisor stated the car was in a "hot spot" for some time and as a result, the spoiler and mirror cap melted. He stated this was "An Act of God" and Toyota was not responsible for the damages. Are you kidding me? I've only had the car for one month. The next day, I met with the CarMax Tech Manager, Chris, in his office to discuss the matter further. He stated this type of damage is NOT covered under ANY warranty. The "hot spot" could have resulted from low-emitting windows in my home or in an office building or from someone placing something hot on the area. He informed me he would reach out to Stephanie (Toyota's representative who handles issues that are not under warranty) to see if Toyota would pay for some or all of the repair. Stephanie declined and stated Toyota will not cover this type of damage.
Prior to the Rav 4, I owned a Toyota Highlander. I parked my Highlander in the same place in front of my house and at work and it did not experience any damage/warping/melting from the sun. I owned the Highlander for 9 years prior to purchasing the Rav 4. Toyota was VERY quick to dismiss the damage/warping on the Rav 4 as well as state they were not responsible. However, the Rav 4 parts are new and could have been defective. The sun should not affect a car (especially a new car) if the parts are well-manufactured. Furthermore, the Galactic Aqua color is a new color for Toyota (approx. 2 years old). Is it possible this new color can attract more of the sun's rays causing damage to plastic areas of the car? I just cannot imagine that a car (less than 2 months old) would experience this much damage if the parts are well-manufactured.
Has anyone experienced damage/warping/melting to their car from the sun before? I really need some help with this issue.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
click to see larger images
I JUST bought a 2018 Rav 4 Hybrid (in Galactic Aqua) on May 21, 2018. In just over one month (on June 27, 2018), I found a portion of my spoiler and mirror cap damaged/warped/melted. The damage is significant and I was informed it would cost approximately $700 to replace both pieces.
Here's the entire story... I called CarMax Laurel Toyota (where I purchased the car) on June 27, 2018 and notified them of the damage. I brought my car in for inspection approximately one week later. The CarMax Tech Manager had a Toyota Field Supervisor look over my car. The Toyota Field Supervisor stated the car was in a "hot spot" for some time and as a result, the spoiler and mirror cap melted. He stated this was "An Act of God" and Toyota was not responsible for the damages. Are you kidding me? I've only had the car for one month. The next day, I met with the CarMax Tech Manager, Chris, in his office to discuss the matter further. He stated this type of damage is NOT covered under ANY warranty. The "hot spot" could have resulted from low-emitting windows in my home or in an office building or from someone placing something hot on the area. He informed me he would reach out to Stephanie (Toyota's representative who handles issues that are not under warranty) to see if Toyota would pay for some or all of the repair. Stephanie declined and stated Toyota will not cover this type of damage.
Prior to the Rav 4, I owned a Toyota Highlander. I parked my Highlander in the same place in front of my house and at work and it did not experience any damage/warping/melting from the sun. I owned the Highlander for 9 years prior to purchasing the Rav 4. Toyota was VERY quick to dismiss the damage/warping on the Rav 4 as well as state they were not responsible. However, the Rav 4 parts are new and could have been defective. The sun should not affect a car (especially a new car) if the parts are well-manufactured. Furthermore, the Galactic Aqua color is a new color for Toyota (approx. 2 years old). Is it possible this new color can attract more of the sun's rays causing damage to plastic areas of the car? I just cannot imagine that a car (less than 2 months old) would experience this much damage if the parts are well-manufactured.
Has anyone experienced damage/warping/melting to their car from the sun before? I really need some help with this issue.
- Stacey N., Elkridge, MD, US