2016-2017 Tacoma Cargo Light Leaking- I Talked to TOYOTA

So, My local Toyota dealer (Atkinson Toyota) says they won't fix the leak without a TSB. I called Toyota and they said they can't do anything unless there is a TSB released or some sort of customer support program for that particular problem has been created. They said the only way for that to happen is for us to flood the phone lines with calls and complaints.

This really sucks because now my truck is going to mildew on the inside until I can get it fixed or I have to drive around with my 3rd brake light covered in duct tape. I'm not seeing the awesome customer support from Toyota that everyone keeps talking about.

 

Sorry, but that doesn't make much sense. TSBs are usually related to problems that aren't typical warranty issues, like unusual noises and minor design flaws, that are happening to a number of vehicles. They are not typically safety related. Your light leaking water into the interior is a straight up warranty problem. This commonly because either the paper wasn't pulled off of the adhesive tape before installation or the housing was cracked. DCs and ACs have slightly different lights. I can't tell what you have and the designs are slightly different. I was sure to check mine on my AC, and I at least know that the sticky back was exposed and properly installed.

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

With that, TW'ers flooding Toyota CS shouldn't really help you. Maybe try a different dealer?

The replacement is a PITA since they have to drop the headliner. That might be why there is some resistance?

If it is just a matter of the light not being installed properly and you are handy with tools and trim removal, maybe fix it yourself? I had to do that with my AC door panel. It was squeaking because a clip was smashed and not in the proper hole. I fixed it instead of going to the dealer.

 

I thought it was odd that she had said that they could do nothing unless there were enough people calling in and reporting the problem. It seemed as if she was having a busy monday....

 

Just thinking out loud, you might not even have to drop the headliner to fix the adhesive paper problem. Just unscrew the light, tear the paper off, swab the cab area with alcohol, and carefully stick and screw that puppy on?

 

How many miles on your truck? Within 3/36 it's simply warranty. If you outside of that then you are on your own.

 

Go to another dealership. Got mine replaced under warranty no problem at all. Just have to make sure they can duplicate it

 

Yeah, I broke my third brake light loading canoe (stupid, stupid, stupid). After some research and a thread her, I had to go to the dealer for a fix. They have to pull the headliner as mentioned. Anyhoo, the light assembly was a national back order, so I had to wait ~5 days. They fixed it for about $315 - expensive canoe trip

 

Instead of duct tape, maybe you could use clear caulk?

 

Warranty is expired for OP. He posted the same thing last Saturday.

 

Thanks!

This would be something that I'd fix on my own then, esp if the leak hasn't happened in the warranty period. I wonder what has changed or if it just now being noticed?

 

I was within the warranty period and brought mine in. Showed the stained headliner and they fixed it no questions asked. Happened at 34000 for me so glad it started leaking when it did.

 

i haven't hit it on anything or loaded anything that high that could hit it. there are no cracks. the 2 year warranty has expired by 2 months. i did post a comment in an earlier thread, but i did hear some people say that toyota fixed theirs' outside of the warranty.

 

Don't rag the dealer or Toyota on this. It's outside of warranty, so it's yours. Sounds like your dealer might not be one of those 'here's some grace' kinds, so you could try another dealer and see if you find a kind hearted soul.

TSB has nothing to do with it. TSBs are 'how to's' for dealers to use to fix complaints during warranty periods and beyond (for a fee if beyond).

I suspect what your call taker was trying to refer to was how a recall or special service campaign is initiated, where work is done regardless of warranty position.

So, pony up like the guy with the canoe did, or brave a DIY repair.

But you are correct. If you don't get it done, you'll have a mess.

 

Shouldn't it be covered under the 3yr/36,000 mile warranty? The two year thing is just for the free Toyota Care maintenance. How many miles on your truck? Is that why you're out of warranty?

 

IMO it's a crappy design.

 

74k miles.

 

well, Clearwater Bill.... i can chalk it up to a piss poor design. If there are that many people out there with the issue then it is a design flaw.

 

Um, there's not that many people out there with the problem. Toyota builds 20K Tacomas a month. Even with those with a problem, the issue was not with the design it was during the assembly. They didn't put the seal in properly.
Just because you read about it here does not make it a problem in the real world.