Why no response from Toyota?

I sent an email to Toyota via "ask toyota". I know they got it due to an automated response.
I was planning on trading for a 16 taco this spring. I have had an 11, a 13, and currently a 14 taco as well as an 08 4runner. I informed them of this to let them know I am a good customer.
My question to them was re the many trucks that are being delivered low on ATF. It would seem like a quick and easy fix and i wanted to know if they were addressing the issue. I got no response. Am I being stupid/naive in thinking they would reply?

 

I wouldn't hold your breath for a response. I'm sure they've heard about it from several dealers doing warranty/tranny issue work.

They have to confirm the issue, track down what plant may be the culprit and spend many dollars topping off the already sold Tacomas.

They're also not big on admitting an assembly error like that.

 

if you do a deal make it part of the deal that they check the tranny fluid. they will do it to close the deal unlike those of us that have purchased and trying to get them to check it......

 

I'd be surprised to see a response from any company without its legal reviewing the response when answering such a question. You may get one but, I wouldn't expect it in a hurry.

 

Probably not, but there are some other considerations.

Unlikely that the entry level person opening such emails is going to know that answer, or have even heard of the issue.

At the very least they'd have to pass it on to some technical team. And they may not have heard of the issue either. I mean what assurance is there that much of anything found at the dealer level moves up into a bigger pile?

The hard part is likely knowing how to answer a question like that if they've not become aware of the issue or determined a corrective action. The sender will be unhappy with no response, as you are. They may be more unhappy with a 'we don't know this is a problem response'.

How would that have hit you?

Time to go up and back down the chain can be a huge factor in a bureaucracy like Toyota too. Who knows? You may get an answer yet!

 

Thanks for the responses. Not sure yet what I am going to do. I will likely will wait for the 17 to come out. I am not happy with the lack of response, but feel they have the best product out there. They are also the only one that gives you that back seat that folds flat giving my dog a great space lol.

 

How much of a loss do you normally take when you are trading in every 1-2 years like you have been?

 

Here is a snippet from the 2016 Tacoma Pre-Delivery Service Checksheet:



So, if somebody signs off they checked the ATF, and it is later found to be low, or the cause of transmission problems, you would have a paper trail.

Suggestion:
Get a copy of that document for your vehicle!

 

see the *ATM the * Inspect or install when equipped/REQUIRED.....hum!!!!

 

They have your money, they don't give a shit about you

 

Ain't it purdy to think so?

Someone checks the box. Who's gonna double check their work? How many shop foreman are gonna look over the shoulder of the just-promoted-from-Jiffy Lube techs that do vehicle prep?

While I like your idea of a paper trail, I like the idea of a dipstick better.

 

Yeah, i had thought of adding checking atf as part of deal. Was gonna add that i witness it.

Loss?
I'm an old guy, kids grown and out of college, i can afford it.

 

Being able to afford it doesn't make it not a loss.

 

I didn't ask if you missed it, or if you could or couldn't afford it. I asked what the loss was. It's okay if you don't want to answer. I was just curious is all. I've never owned anything new and traded it in within a year or two, so I wasn't sure how much of a hit the dealership gives you when that happens. Again, I was just kind of curious and looking for a straight answer.

 

You can go to kelly blue book or edmunds and look up the difference in value.
There is a long story behind the 13 to 14. I ended up with a really good deal.

 

We like long stories.


To answer the thread question though, for Toyota to answer you OP would be very rare. You have a valid question, sure, but as mentioned previously they will research, investigate, and it will go through an army of lawyers on how to best draft a response. After the "stuck accelerator" issue a few years ago, I'm sure Toyota is much more guarded about how it responds to questions.

 

The 13 had a brake issue. They vibrated (shuddered?). Got worse as time went by. I began taking it in to get corrected. At first i wasnt sure if it was my imagination, but as time went by it became clear. Had it in 4 times and dealer applied various repairs to include total replacement of rear brakes. Still got worse Until it was awful. The "director of fixed operations" accused me of riding brakes or driving with parking brake on. I came unglued. Went to sales manager and raved. As stated in orig post , i was a good customer. Bottom line, i traded a 1.5 yr old truck with 30k miles for a new 14 for $3k. Maybe should have held out for lemon law, but i flat didnt want to drive the 13 any further. My accuser lost his job over it.

 

The 14 has been perfect