Dealer Service Ends With Damage/Repair

I apologize for the lengthy post, but I have to vent.

I dropped my Tacoma off at the dealer for a 5k service earlier this week and noticed smudges to the passenger front window, passenger front door, and passenger rear door at pickup. I figured it was the result of water spots, residue associated with the curtesy car wash that I forgot to specifically refuse at drop off.

As I was looking at my truck, the service manager pulled up next to me and asked if I heard about the incident. The service manager proceeded to tell me a customer’s vehicle damaged my truck. He mentioned the dealer hired a vendor to remove the dent using paintless dent removal. The service manager looked at the passenger side rear door of my truck, and then speculated whether the incident involved my truck or another Quicksand Tacoma that was serviced at the dealer the same day. Somewhat bewildered at the moment, I dismissed the incident as perhaps involving the other Quicksand Tacoma. Afterall, I couldn’t help but consider the service advisor would have informed me if my truck had been damaged. So, I left the dealer and drove home.

I further inspected my truck after arriving home, well, as best as I could at night with a flashlight in hand. I noticed more residue and swirl marks confined to the passenger side rear door. The more I looked, the more certain I became that my truck had been damaged.

The next morning, I returned to the dealer and met with the service advisor and service manager. The service advisor admitted my truck was indeed damaged and she mistakenly called another Tacoma owner regarding the incident. The service manager explained a customer’s child opened a door into my truck causing a small dent. I voiced concern that I should have been contacted and given the opportunity to pursue the customer/insurance carrier to resolve the matter. I’m still bothered by the incident, moreso by the fact the service department performed a repair without my authorization. I was offered a full detail for free but declined. The service manager asked what he could do for me in light of the incident. I accepted his business card and told him I’d follow up with him later. I still debating the incident and my next response.

 

What are you hoping to get out of the deal?

 

I’m not sure at this point.

 

The Dealership damaged my old truck, (not another customer). After a couple months of back and forth they decided to order a new truck and sell it to me at invoice. Their mistake still cost me money since I got a more expensive truck.

 

Accident happened on the dealerships property. If they failed to retrieve the information of the other driver for you, the dealership is liable for damages.

 

I asked for photos of the damage, but they denied any photos were taken. I feel like the other customer got the best end of the deal.

 

I'd pursue a set of pro wheels... I mean their ass is on the line here. They are vulnerable to a big lawsuit. So go big.

 

I would be so pissed I’d have to be sedated! They should have told you up front. If the repair is visible I’d make them correct it.

 

Call Corporate and have them investigate.

 

IDK sounds like they made an honest mistake about informing the owner, but took responsibility when another party damaged the vehicle. I’d say unless you are unhappy with the repair and want it done better, they have done what they should.

 

When you have your follow up conversation you can see what they have to say and if they are offering a solution

 

Get them to install a new door.

 

This, but just the panels.

 

Yeah new door or sections that were damaged. Other than that at least they told you and are trying to fix it. They could have not and you would most likely never had known

 

How bad is the damage pic please. If it’s a minor scratch and dent just have them repair it end of story. If your looking for any other compensation other then the repair, don’t be that guy or don’t take your truck back to that dealer.

 

I’d have them fix it to your expectations and then move on with your life. Life’s too short to worry about a door ding that someone is willing to fix.

 

damn sorry that sucks. i would tell them you would want a new truck..... its not the same knowing that something happened to your truck and you didnt know about it and they tried to slide it under the rug. Get what you can out of them for messing up... dealerships are stealerships.... you are a customer and that should not happen at a dealership... so take what you can get out of them. I would.

 

Over a door ding. You’re out of your mind a few hundred bucks in body work you guys crack me up

 

I love people who call them stealerships like a business is not supposed to make a profit. You are always free to shop elsewhere

 

Don’t do this ^. Paint or clear coat won’t perfectly match, nor will the door. A factory fitted door will always be better than a door fitted after the fact.

I’d get some swag and some free service and call it even. Life is too short.