2009 infamous "sticker", you got one?

mine is sticker free!

 

My question is how well will it work as a TSB dodge? It's not like the sticker isn't removable...

 

Just talked with service writer at dealer, who professed to know nothing about this. Talked to sales manager, same story. Want me to drop by with it, which I plan to do. Mine is Mexico made (didn't realize that, thought it was So. Cal.). They speculated that the TRD's had a higher rating. I wanted to know what about the TRD equipment would make 290 lbs of difference, and, uh, never mind. Major BS. I'm betting it' all about the springs.

 

TRD Double Cab -offroad I have the sticker- Mexican made

 

12/08 Fremont built
09 access cab, 4x4, mt, sr5 (bunch of buttons package)

I bought it on Friday and this is my first Toyota. I found this thread when I found the sticker.

When I was buying, I talked to the Toyota dealers about rear leaf problems. I was told by the Toyota dealers that Toyota had fixed the issue The acknowledged it. Now that I bought it (from another Toyota dealer), no one knows anything.

This is complete bull shit. I have talked to many people about their Tacomas before buying. Some were aware and Toyota provided the fix on 08s. You would think a Customer Service Manager would have heard of the problem.

I have two trucks sitting outside. One is a 2000 Ranger 2WD. It has a higher payload than the Tacoma. I bought the Tacoma specifically because the Ranger was under sprung. I may be taking the Toyota back. I don't need a grocery getter with a bunch of buttons.

 

Yeah, the company line from Toyota is that they "redesigned" the rear leafs for 09 and the harsh rear ride issue is no longer a problem. This is the same line the 08s got before being added to the TSB, I'm given to understand.

The part numbers are the same except for the suffix letter...a true redesign would've had a different part number. Essentially, it seems like Toyota doesn't want to admit that there's an issue with trucks still on dealer lots to avoid undercutting their dealers and themselves. Once we get into '10, that should be less of a concern and the 09s may show up on the TSB as well.

However, with this sticker business, maybe they won't, which is what worries me. My 09 is at the dealer having the TSB work done this week...I'd recommend getting your fight started with Toyota ASAP on having the work done.

 

I already started the fight. I am not driving the truck until it is resolved.

Their website says 1395. Their brochure says 1395. I specifically bought is based on information provided by Toyota. I made my purchase choice based on this information. They did not disclose anything different. I found the little yellow sticker found after the sale. I did not get what was advertised.

They can 1) fix it or 2) take the truck back.

What does TSB stand for? How did you get the dealer to do the work? What stall methods can I expect?

It sounds like the dealers have their marching orders and are in step. We have to stick together and figure out ways around this.

 

TSB = Technical Service Bulletin
Means they know it's an issue, but don't wanna make it a recall.

 

Update: I spent some time on the phone today with Toyota customer relations. They had to research the question and call me back. What they told me is that the stickers are a response to a regulatory requirement. Manufacturers must indicate that owners should deduct from the owners manual payload the weight of any optional equipment added to the vehicle. I gave my VIN to the rep I spoke with, and she passed it to a tech, who had looked up my equipment. He said that the correct amount to deduct in the case of my truck (dbl cab, 4x4, SR-5, towing package, CD changer) was 100 lbs. I asked why the discrepancy between that and the 290 lbs on the sticker, and no explanation was offered.

I strongly suggested that they need to provide owners of these vehicles with written guidance as to what the stickers mean and what weight limits really apply.

I'm with Willysnowman, this is BS and is about to turn into a serious customer relations and possibly a legal problem for Toyota. They can't advertise one set of specs, then say, never mind, we were kidding, it only carries four adults and a camper shell but you can't put anything in the back!!

 

Mine was built 05/09, no sticker. Built in Fremont, California.

 

I am posting the following on this "sticker" thread because of possible relativity to the rear springs TSB?:

Got the TSB 4 spring pack replacement approved on my 2009 TRD Sport Double Cab Long Bed Monday 6/15/09 with big caution
that the "unloaded" ride would be firmer (of course) and they would not put the 3 spring leaf pack back on if I did not like the ride. I
appreciate that. The dealer did need to do an "inspection" to confirm part no's, etc.

My Story:

On Friday brought truck in loaded with 'bout 500 lbs (Canopy and cargo back from trip). I provided copy of TSB (Rev1 9/30/08),
photos of my TSB Part numbers and complaint that I was bottoming out and not pleased with the soft rear end, especially as I am
using for work and also would be towing and concerned about the safety issues. Dealer's Service Manager "had heard of the TSB",
but said their technician would need to inspect (with a 3-400 lb load) - got that set up for Monday.

On Saturday I called Corporate 8003314331 and initiated a case (complaint that I had the TSB parts - provided photos and copy of
TSB to dealer and they still needed to "inspect"). They said my case manager would call me by Tuesday.

On Monday AM took my truck in Loaded with 'bout 600 lbs so they could see that I was hitting the bump stops. The technician took it
for a drive and into the shop (one hour). They said that I was near load limit because they found "reduced by 290# sticker" and that
is why it was bottoming out (they had no idea why the sticker was on the truck). I replied by showing them the brochure specs
indicating a 1260 lb payload. They also said that they could not do the replacement because the TSB did not include 2009 models. I
replied that I did not care, that it was the parts that were the issue. They then said they would pass my request on to their "Regional"
Service authority, but there was no promise as to getting an approval to replace the springs. I thanked them and left.

Monday afternoon my case manager left a message that I would need to have the vehicle inspected (they had communicated with
the Dealer). I called back and told her that I did have it inspected that AM. One hour later they called back to tell me that the Dealer
would be replacing the Springs and would be calling me, but to caution me that the ride would be "harder" with no load, and wanted to
make sure I understood that. I thanked the case manager.
Shortly after, the Dealer Service called to inform me that they would replace the springs, but the unloaded ride would be "harder" and
they would not put the original springs back on if I did not like the ride.
I accepted all he was telling me and told him I would like the springs replaced. He said he would order the parts. I thanked him.
Can not fault those I dealt with - professional, especially the corporate customer service folks.

Today 6/23/09 Dealer Service called and I am scheduled to have the replacement springs installed Thursday 6/25/09.

This was the process. Is it a hassle? I think it is in that I had to provide the vehicle in a loaded condition and plead my case (using it
in a loaded condition for work). Further thinking this over, the TSB states "heavy cargo", so I can see why the dealer would need to
see "heavy cargo", and not just take a customer's word.

I can also appreciate that most TW members know their vehicle specs and know what they want. This is probably rare compared to
who most dealer service departments deal with. The "dummy down" approach seems like how alot of producer/consumer
interactions take place these days.

Finally, I credit one post on another thread - relating how most (US?) customers probably like a soft "car like" ride and maybe Toyota
decided majority rules - at the factory.

I still do not know if it is worth the effort (will know more Thursday), or just to have done AAl on the 3 Spring - probably a push. HaHa!
Enjoy your Tacoma!

 

TSB is technical service bulletin. It's essentially an under-the-table notice to service personnel that there is an issue with certain vehicles, but the car company would rather not publicize it like a recall.

Getting the dealer to do the work on 2009 Tacomas is a bit of a voodoo process. Some people have simply asked their dealers and had no problems getting it done. Some people have had to fight through multiple layers of dealer and Toyo customer service obfuscation to get it done (most of us '09ers), and some people have been denied completely.

Common refusal tactics from the dealer/Toyo customer service include:

- TSB does not apply to 2009 trucks (technically true)
- Toyota redesigned the leaf springs on the 09 trucks (not true, part numbers match)
- Toyota redesigned the leaf springs even though the part numbers match (pretty much just straight lying)
- TSB does not apply to your particular vehicle configuration (4x2, Single Cab, etc. - sometimes true, sometimes BS)
- Dealer cannot replicate problem (who cares? they don't own the truck)


Most people have been able to get the TSB done on their 09s by going a few rounds between both parties. Typically the best results have been had by calling toyo customer service and opening a case with them. You are then instructed to take the truck to a dealer for inspection to make sure it is mechanically sound. Some dealers ask the owner to bring the vehicle in loaded, which is ridiculous. They're supposed to do the inspection, they can load it up themselves.

If still refused for one of the reasons above, call Toyo customer service back and raise hell about being unsatisfied with the purchase. Various tactics that have been used with success include:

- Noting that all part numbers and VDS numbers match the truck, even though it is a 2009
- Noting safety concerns (i.e. truck has handling problems with loaded even below max payload)
- Requesting to begin the arbitration process with the dealer (essentially taking them to court)
- Generally throwing a shitfit about being very dissatisfied with the product and customer service.

Even with all this, you're not guaranteed to get the job done. I was shut down on all avenues and had a little luck and an odd situation come into play in my favor that allowed me to get the TSB done.

There is some consolation in that the TSB was originally for 05 to 07 Tacomas. 08s were added in January 2009, and many people have heard rumblings that the 2009 model will be added in early 2010. However, the recent rise of payload reduction stickers suggests Toyota may be trying to weasel out from under this one.

Best of luck. I will say, the Tacoma is an EXCELLENT truck aside from this one issue. I couldn't've been happier with mine aside from the soggy ass end.

 

I can see that as a good market move for the US. They can stick all kinds of stickers all over it and jack up the price.

This should give them enough money to fix my springs.

 

I've had some small loads in my Taco, like 300~400 lbs, and was impressed by the improvement in ride quality. I think it's pretty harsh when unladen. If it wasn't for gas prices, I'd keep 300 lbs in the bed all the time.

(No sticker here.)

 

I just looked again, and I do have a tire sticker that limits load to 1200 lbs.

 

Good info. Any idea of where I can get a copy of the TSB report?

I don't think I will play their game and drive to the dealer for an inspection. It is too far, gas is too expensive, and my time it too valuable. It is up to their discretion and they control the argument.

The fact of the matter is that I was mislead. I cannot legally use this vehicle for it's advertised and intended purposes of carrying a payload up to 1395 lbs. It is of no use to me.

I am filing a claim with the BBB. If Toyota fight me, I will go the route of a small claims lawsuit. Judge Judy would side with us. I also think this sheds more light on Toyota's practice. If anyone gets hurt because of this, they cannot deny knowing about it. It is further public record. It makes Toyota think twice about pulling this shit.

BBS online:
https://www.auto.bbb.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=autoline/autoline/first.w

I know what you mean about the Toyota trucks. This is why I still have it.

 

There's a copy of it around here somewhere.

My only advice there (DISCLAIMER: NOT A LAWYER) is to re-study your paperwork you signed when you took delivery of the truck and applied for the title. You probably signed an agreement in there to resolve disputes with the dealer/toyota through arbitration, which may or may not affect your ability to go to small claims court. Most dealers include a statement to this effect these days.

 

Mine has it too but got my tsb done

 

Thanks! I will look for load specs on the part numbers. I'm still pretty new to Toyota's so I'm not sure how much luck I will have.

The arbitration does not include small claims! Arbitration contracts do not always hold up well in court anyways.*

I can file in San Francisco. This would force the dealer/Toyota to spend their time to come to me. I would then be arguing in front of a impartial judge rather than the Toyota employees.

*DISCLAIMER: I'm in bed with a lawyer who is giving me this info. I did not even personally read the contract. I'd fall asleep. My idea of a fix is to replace the springs and throw the old ones thru dealers window.

 

A little more information about small claims court. A lawyers is not allowed to represent either side. This means that the dealer or Toyota must send a company rep. This rep may just be the same service manager who denied knowing about the problem.