Toyota has created a TAS case for leaking 3rd brake light

Had 3rd brake light replaced per recall then discovered wet, moldy seats. Assume Toyota Tacoma was leaking prior to replacement but hadn't noticed. Now, Toyota wants us to pay for infusion test and damaged seat replacement. Toyota rep has started a TAS case to determine liability. Now, after claiming no leak per infusion test results, they are saying there is a leak from a roofrack installed after purchase. They are billing us for infusion test, replacement of moldy seats and repair of leak. What recourse do we have? Seems awfully convenient that they suddenly found a roof rack leak. Plan to appeal to corporate.

 

I (think) had one of those open for when the gas tank flap on my truck wouldn't fully open and gas would rush up the filler neck and pour out. They had to contact Toyota and wait to see.

I had my gas tank replaced for free. So from my experience it was pro-customer.

 

Maybe Toyota is investigating the dealer who replaced the light without checking for water intrusion. Either Toyota or the dealer needs to make this right for you and perhaps they’re discussing who’s gonna pay? (not you).

 

TAS, it’s technical assistance. Someone from Toyota (not from dealership) will look into it . I’m pretty sure it’s not your fault . It’s like risk assessment. They will look into what went wrong and how to avoid it in the future

 

The Toyota Dealer I bought my 2018 from replaced the brake light as a recall when then fix my fuel pump recall (or should I say refixed as the gas line leaked about 8 months after the fuel pump recall.

 

TAS is what in the past was always referred to as the factory zone rep coming out to the dealership, who's job is to make judgment on warranty claims such as yours. This factory rep will inspect your truck to see if the "leak fix" was properly performed and if not they will lay blame with the dealership to either have them make the repair on their dime or tell you to pound sand.

Factory Toyota will wash their hands of this if they believe the dealership caused the issue when they repaired your truck. There are times when the factory will cover the second repair even if caused by the dealership but usually there will be some reason for doing so. Decades of buying Toyota's is one reason, having a consumer news reporter contact Toyota is another possible reason, among others.

 

When you refer to consumer news reporter, can you give me an example? I was thinking of contacting BBB or state attorney general after first writing letter to corporate demonstrating my long history of Toyota purchases and loyalty as a Toyota consumer.

 

When you ask someone a question, don't assume they'll see it. It's best to quote them (like I did you here) or you can tag them by using their name, as @Frankburke1966

Anyway, here is a sample from a station local to me. https://www.wfla.com/8-on-your-side/better-call-behnken/

 

Consumer advocate reporting by local newspapers & tv stations is a dying segment of our current media conglomerates although depending on where you live you may still see this.

In my opinion a leaking brake light is not enough of a draw for a consumer reporter to take on, your leak doesn't relate to the majority of readers/viewers out there but if you want to give it a try call your LOCAL tv station and/or LOCAL newspaper and ask if they have a consumer advocate reporter, if they do sent this person a letter asking for help but be prepared not to hear back from them.

 

I received my TSB fix in the mail but have yet to go in to have it looked at. My light isn’t leaking seats are dry so I was not in a rush, after reading this I’m glad I have waited. Hopefully this will make the dealerships take extra steps to do it right not just do it fast.

 

Did you discover the leak after rain or a carwash?

 

What year is your truck?

 

My truck wasnt leaking and had dry seats so all they did was glue a little plastic ring around the original light.

 

Mine was leaking and I've been waiting over 3 and a half months for new carpet padding to finish the repair / restoration. They informed me of the damage the same day it went in for the repair.

Toyota is picking up the tab including the cost of the 4runner loaner I've been driving.

 

Tell them not to worry about the repair if they just let you keep the 4Runner

 

I have a 2021 DC TRD Off Road, does anyone know if that particular year/model is affected by the leak problem?

 

Trust me, it's been considered almost daily, the only thing I don't like about the T4R is the color. It's an MGM SR5 Premium so it has power leather seats, seat heaters, actual buttons instead of a touch screen, large climate controls placed far away from the 4wd knob. Tons of backseat room.

It's not that the color is bad, it just seems to be the most popular color for a 4runner so I have to be very careful in remembering where I park it. I've walked up to the wrong one a few times already.

I'll be honest, I'll be happy to get my truck back but I'm going to miss the 4runner.

 

My taco is MGM and that's the exact 4Runner I've been oogling...the SR5 Premium. The only color I wouldn't be wild about is white. However, if I even so much as think new vehicle a year after buying my truck I'd be divorced within 5 min, and I'm certainly not unhappy with the Tacoma. I suppose it will have to wait till more time passes if I want to sleep inside the house

 

OP, what year is your truck?

 

Was yours leaking when you had it replaced? I took my truck in to get the break light changed per the recall but the dealer says they will only change it if its leaking and they will fix the damage if it has any.