Awful Sounding 2012 Access Cab Rear Channel Speakers INSIDE the Headliner?

What were they thinking ( or more likely NOT thinking)? Only complaint I have so far on our new 4X4 2012 Access cab. Came with the SR5 package including the high end radio with Bluetooth, iPod sync, and SiriusXM. When I added extra bass and cranked it a bit, I heard lots of rattling and what sounded like overdriven speakers. Adjusted the front rear fader and realized the source was the two rear channel speakers that apparently are stuffed INSIDE the headliner in the cab ceiling. WORST design ever. With the fader on full rear channel, all you hear is some tinny muffled sound and rattling at high power from deep bass. In addition to being muffled by being buried in the headliner, they appear to be rattling either due to the speaker cones contacting the headliner on deep bass excursions, or are not capable of handling any significant amount of power. Who would ever have the audacity to actually sell such a lame design? Stupid, stupid stupid. Would have been better off to just hook the rear channels to dummy load resistors. If I were a member of Toyota's engineering management, I would would be deeply embarrassed by this design.

System sounds very good with the fader on full front just using the front door mounted speakers but sure would like to be able to fully use the capability of the radio with some properly mounted rear speakers as well.

I really feel that this design error should be corrected on Toyata's nickel. I assume that they won't though. That said, looking for recommendations on adding a set of decent surface mount speakers either in the overhead or elsewhere to fix this dopey factory as built setup.

 

Its the speakers not the location, you will know why when you pull them out. They are paper cone and at any volume over 30 they start crackling. I put new coax's in and it sounds pretty well amazing.

Just my $0.02

 

This...just get any other speakers and they'll be fine.

 

They haven't changed from this design since 09 so I doubt they will now lol. I didn't like them either and they are a pain in the ass to remove from the headliner. I just added some coaxials in the rear doors and called it a day!

 

What makes it more sad is that they are made in China!!!! Chinese speakers in a Toyota.

 

AJ,
I have a 2012 Access Cab 4x4 SR5 also.
I don't believe I am Bluetooth capable. Is there an OEM replacement radio that would get Bluetooth in my vehicle??

Terry

 

Is there a write up somewhere that explains how to drop the headliner without mangling it and especially without activating/damaging the side curtains?

Oh and what size are these speakers?

 

The general consensus here is to disconnect the craptastic "Exciter" panels in the headliner, and replace the front door speakers, potentially add a sub, rear door speakers if you want to cut the plastic, and don't expect much impact. I did some of that over the weekend; put in a new HU, disconnected my speaker harness, ran speaker wire to the Boston coax speakers in the front doors. I also will be putting in a Kicker Hideaway, under the front passenger seat. Trying to mess with that headliner, then find something that you could use up there, is a lotta work, for litte return.