Did I Buy a Lemon?

Update for anyone who cares:

Took it to Toyota of Renton today. Explained the issues that were happening. Emphasized the issues were mostly happening under load and during shifts.

They told me it would be 4 hours to check everything over, so I stuffed my giant body into their Corolla loaner and left.

3.5 hours later, and some text messages with the service guy and they say it's ready to pick up. They said that they didn't experience any issues, and that everything they checked is fine.

This would have put me at ease, but I asked them what they checked specifically. They said all of the fluids, belts, hoses, battery, brakes, etc.

I know the trans is sealed and somewhat difficult to check, so I pressed them asking to verify they checked the fluid and that it was full. This is when it got super enjoyable.

They start to explain that it's a sealed trans (no sh*t) and they say it's impossible to check. I explain the process I've read (adding fluid to overfill, heating it up, letting it drain out till at right level, check how much came out).

They then tell me that this would have been a charge and they didn't do this to save me money. I started to get frustrated because they basically had my truck for the entire day to check the oil dipstick and drive it around. I said I would have paid for the check, but they never even told me. This is when they said to check the trans they need to do a complete service, including a full drain and fill (lol)

Safe to say, I was not pleased. Even checking their report it lists all of the items that were checked. It specifically says the trans fluid was checked and that it was good. So basically they didn't do the work, and then checked off that it was all good.

I decided to take my truck to another dealer (the one I bought it from). Unfortunately, after wasting all these hours with the other dealer, the service center stopped accepting new vehicles for the day.

I am basically now back right where I started. The grinding noise happened again about 15 mins after I left dealer no. 1.


TLDR: Wasted entire day at dealer for them to check oil dipstick. Truck still having issues

 

Doesn't matter where you take it, you're never going to be happy.

 

You need to go with the tech and show them the noise. If they dont know how to replicate it, they cant do anything.

As for the BS about the transmission fluid, next place ask right when you bring it in about the level.

 

At the least, I would bring up the issue to corporate about them stating they cannot check the trans fluid and still checking it off. Toyota will be paying for a service that was not done and specifically discussed as such..not cool.

 

Yes, I will definitely be driving with the tech next time. The issue is that it happens almost every drive, but maybe only once or twice within a 30-45 minute span.

For the trans fluid I'll make sure that gets done even if I have to pay for it. It's not worth having something that simple cause issues if that's actually the source.

 

I definitely thought about going to corporate. I know Toyota is a great company, but the dealers are not great to interact with. I have all of the paperwork saying they checked the fluid, so I might go this route.

 

Was one of the dealers Michaels’s Toyota of Bellevue?

 

Here are some additional steps I would accomplish if I were in your shoes:
-Try to record the grinding sound with your phone video, so you can play it for the dealership, post here, provide to Toyota corporate etc.
-As said before attempt to drive with a tech so the tech can hear it. Try to figure out under what circumstances it typically happens so you have a better chance of duplicating with a tech.
-Figure out who the best independent mechanic is in your area and take it to them. If they agree there’s a problem ask them to put it in writing, this will be enormously helpful ammo.
-Read ever word of the state lemon law so that you understand what it covers and what’s required. Pay particular attention to what defects it covers, because the defect has to be substantial. Assuming you live in WA state, here it is:

https://www.atg.wa.gov/general-lemon-law

-As far as remedying the issue, I would stick with the dealership who sold you the vehicle if logistically possible. I’d angle nicely for a free transmission service. Ask if there are any TSBs that could be applicable to the symptoms you describe and if they could please be applied.

 

First I have not read all the posts here.

It is hard when you have such a major investment and something does not seem right. The last post with the recording the sound like a great idea.

I think you may have gotten more un helpful advice and attention because of the lemon title. Post updates if you can. I am interested how it turns out.

Good luck and don't worry in the grand scheme of things it will be a minor bump in the road. ( but still a pain, granted).

 

I had a 13 sti brand new and experienced a similar issue. After many trips to the dealer I myself figured it out. The motor mounts were loose to the point one nut came off and the grinding noise I was hearing was the threads grinding on the Mount hole. Worth a look

 

Beginning to think the op is a hypochondriac, and will never be happy with any outcome. To begin with these trucks are not perfect, no vehicle imo is. Thats what the initial warranty is for. If you think theres still an issue get another evaluation from a different dealership.

 

Hmm you wasted "your" entire day 4 hours despite being put in a loaner vehicle? What did you do sit in their parking lot in said loaner and listen to Cardi B and Halsey?

 

Sometimes....you need to handle tasks on your own.

OP, you say you know the procedure to check the trans fluid....right? So, why don't you squeeze 30 minutes from your busy schedule to check yourself? The check should be very simple. Get the truck into Temp Check mode, pull the check plug on the transmission, you should get a trickle of fluid. Seems to me you could have had this answer 2 weeks ago.

Many times a service crew is responsive to the clients demeanor. You asked them to check the fluids.....they did and they drove it. They can't diagnose something that doesn't manifest. Intermittent problems are the worst to find and sort.

 

For my 25 years living here, I've been to all Seattle dealerships (from Edmonds to Burien) with new and old cars. I've been treated fairly at all of them.
The issue is not a dealer....

 

Have you taken their master mechanic on a ride along with you? You drive the vehicle and when you hear the issue tell the mechanic this what you are talking about along with the tranny shifts etc.

 

Exactly this ^ OP, it seems like you know what's wrong with your truck and what's wrong with your truck is what you know so handle it yourself or find an independent shop which can do an auto trans fluid check.

BTW How was that Corolla? Pretty swanky, right?

 

He doesn't know. He just sat in the parking lot listening to the audio system.

 

...^^^.... Video and audio the problem with your phone and take that in to prove your point ... you can tape or wire tie your phone to the engine bay to catch good sounds and videos if necessary ...

My buddy wire tied his phone under his truck to show and hear his driveline vibrations.

 

If nothing else I would for that reason. I suspect Toyota won't like to be paying the dealer for work not being done.

 

Was able to record a video of it happening. The noise only lasts for a second or two, and is louder the faster you're driving.

I was only going 25mph when I recorded, so it isn't super loud, but definitely noticeable. The noise happened again later in the drive on the highway, and was louder, but I was not recording.

https://youtu.be/n3oXug1TFGw