Poll: Defective / physically broken 3rd brake light

Dealer and is denying warranty repair of my third brake light and subsequent damage to headliner and possibly rear seat belt, alleging that the light has broken due to “external influence”. Pic below if interested. My 3rd light is broken internally and loose on the sheet metal. I have never messed with it and there is absolutely no damage - not even a scratch anywhere on the lamp.

I opened a case with Toyota, they are suggesting I get a second opinion from another dealer. I will request an arbitration hearing if it is denied again.

Please, no naysayers. Yes I can fix it myself and get on with life, but this is about principle, not (yet, anyway) about time or money.

I’d like some numbers to present as evidence that this is not an uncommon issue, as I’ve read plenty about it happening to others.

 

Didn't do the poll as I don't have any issues. Hope it gets sorted out for you.

 

Thanks.

 

Yep

 

Time for a custom 3rd brake

 

Dude! I’ve been trying to get one from you for weeks! I tagged you in your thread and even pmd you!

You got any on the shelf?!?!

 

Fuck the dealer.

Be a big Toyota boy and fix it yourself.

 

How does it come loose like that.

 

Threaded mounting Stud is overmolded into the plastic. It can separate really easy(causing the light housing to pull away easily like OP’s pic)

 

No option for no problem?
Gonna be tough to show anyone that "many" or "a lot" are broken if there is no control number.

 

Good call

 

Why's the seatbelt messed up?

 

If I pull the belt out a couple feet, there’s rust on it directly under the leak. It’s minimal and maybe no issue but I wanted it inspected and documented in case something happens down the line. I also thought they might want to look a little closer at it since it’s a potential safety issue, in the event that the belt doesn’t lock up in a collision etc.

 

What lead them to believe it was "external influence"

 

The reduced rate they earn on warranty repairs I suspect.

 

It's just strange to me that they'd deny a known issue with the third brake light. Is there scuff marks? Pry marks? It doesn't add up

 

Nada. I have lots of pics that I took after they denied me.

 

That's wack. My dealership rules man. Idk if it's the way I approach them or if they're nice or both but super pleasant to work with. Bummer man.

 

Yea, I know the good ones are out there. I’ve just got to find one around here.

 

Good luck