Leaking 2017 Tacoma BAD MOLD need advice

I own the truck outright.... the mold doesn’t show up on a car fax or so I’m told. I’ve told them I won’t accept the truck back and I’m waiting to hear from some divisional guy.

I own the truck outright, but I did let them know I’m not willing to accept the truck back and I’m willing to take it as far as I need to.

 

Not yet that I know of, I did take a sample and have it at my house sealed up

 

This seems like a good solution. Especially the Serve Pro part. After removing the interior to the metal and disinfecting, they will likely VHP sterilize the car effectively killing every living thing in the vehicle including any mold in the the dash, which I am doubting there is any significant amount. You should demand a similar treatment. Also, the entire interior is being replaced.

I get the emotional hurdle to overcome here, and there will definitely be a hit to the value of the car. But at the end of the day, the vehicle will be cleaner than it would have without the water breach. If you just want to be done with it, strongly suggest a trade in for a new car. But I/d definitely feel comfortable driving this vehicle for many years after the work.

 

I shouldn’t have to take a hit on value for a design flaw... that’s my stance on that.amd I’ll never feel comfortable putting my kids back in it because it CANT be guaranteed to be mold free.

 

Good! Take it all the way, if you have the time and patience. This is not right.

 

I agree. But short of a lawsuit, I dont know of any remedy that makes you whole. There are some insurance policies that will compensate you for loss in value, but Toyota is probably just charged with fixing the problem, which they are.

As a buyer of a used car, I'd consider this on the same level as a rusted frame replacement. In which case I wouldn't fall over myself buying it, but if I was getting a good deal it would be a non factor. Especially with all the documentation you will have. Considering how popular tacomas are, the car is still in high demand on the used market with this work. Especially if you drive it for a few years and establish the mold issue has been taken care of.

 

the dash is just plastic i think will be fine with all that replaced personally.

 

It sounds like the dealership is being reasonable.

 

If they have you take it back, I would sell it right away and then grab a 2019 if you want to have a Tacoma again. They are deeply discounted and you should be able to make it just fine. The carfax stuff problably takes some time to post if it even will in this case. Just remember fight it to the end, but if need be there are options if you want a Tacoma again.

 

It doesn’t show up in car fax period, that’s per the dealer..

 

There is fabric like a carpet in under the dash....

 

You could always legally park a trailer (you don't have the truck) across from the dealership with a billboard on it explaining what the dealership wants to do. See how fast they mitigate the problem to your satisfaction.

 

So far they have been good to work with... should hear from the divisional guy Monday. No complaints as of yet

 

Can you get them to put that in writing? If yes then present that to Toyota. Politely mention that you sure hope you don’t have to get a lawyer involved.

Edit after finishing reading your post #241 about the entire interior being replaced - Will the airbags be replaced? If they are replacing the speakers then it sounds like they intend to replace everything paper or fabric. I’d ask if they are replacing the airbags too as they are fabric.

Second edit (I really need to get all my thoughts together ) - They’re not replacing the dash, which supposedly has some type of matting behind it, because it did not get “wet”. Well, did the doors get wet? The speakers got wet? The front seats? Mold spores get everywhere, that’s why it’s spreading so quickly. Sounds like corporate wants to replace the cheap and easy make it look right again parts and send you on your way. Hope you get a new truck.

 

Nuke it from orbit. It's the only way.

 

I would call the local news guys, you know the ones the get answers to tough questions. They love a story like this. Le t the dealer know you have made that connection, and are willing to move forward in letting the story be broadcast on the evening news. Bad publicity will make the dealer more willing to get you into a new vehicle with minimal cost, plus save you the cost of an attorney. Thats what pushed them over the edge when I dealt with the exact same situation. FYI.. all the mold specialist are correct. You will NEVER fully remediate it. Just ONE spore left behind and the process begins again.

 

Dealer has nothing to do with this. They’re a privately owned business that only helped facilitate the sale of the vehicle and contractually (through Toyota) for any warrantied repairs.

They make no decisions in the process and in the request of a new vehicle, would be out of their pocket unless Toyota paid the bill for that.

There’s no logical or rational conclusion that can think the dealer owes anybody a new vehicle. If that’s what someone wants, that’s directly with the manufacturer and likely only done through litigation.

 

True. And they sure as hell didn’t design the rear brake light and pick the defective gasket materials.

Toyota Corporation needs to make this right.

 

Incase you guys wanna see a stripped Tacoma, unfortunately there are multiple spots of exposed bare metal now where the sound deadening was scraped off.. I imagine they paint it but idk. The rust issue makes me nervous too living in Oregon

 

Honestly this is a acceptable solution. While they have everything out, they can fog the truck with the vents on. This will kill everything in the hvac system and any loose places.

While they have all that stuff out, you should get a ton noico sound deadener and install it. Perfect time for some upgrades there. Also you could use this chance to run any wires you may need in the future.