Good day! 1st time 4runner owner

Hi there from Newfoundland, Canada

I bought a 2023 4runner LTD new from the dealer to discover RUST covering the hinges of the 3-row seats... the dealer has since received a couple more 4runner to find out they too have the same issue! to add insult to injury I now drive with an ongoing squeak from the seats!

The LTD is not what I wanted but I settled and now regretting that decision!

 

Welcome to the forum, have you looked for rust in other areas of the vehicle? I would have the dealer take care of it, and contact Toyota to let them know.

 

Welcome!
The dealer should accept responsibility and make it good.

 

Yes, I have... the dealer filed paperwork and pictures and such and waiting for Toyota Canada to come back with directions. Apparently, the issue is due to them using a soft metal for the hinges. This metal is exposed to the air and not treated and so is pulling moister from the air and rusting.

 

Welcome Jax,

Sorry to hear about the disappointment. give Toyota a chance to make it right.

I think you will still fall in love with it

 

I hope you are right!! But I have had this issue since July and every trip to the dealer is 8 hours of driving for a round trip. And I have had a seal go on the dif already as well which they replaced under warranty! It is very frustrating seeing as this is my 1st Brand New Toyota ... I was always with FORD for the majority of my 41 years of being a driver and owner. The good news is the sales persona and Service manager have been excellent to work with.

 

Welcome from the center of the bourbon universe. I think they'll end up working everything out to your satisfaction.

 

welcome

 

I’m feeling your frustration and for the price of a new 4Runner, it just doesn’t seem right. I’d be upset too. Put a cap on how long you can tolerate this issue, maybe till the first of the year. Here in California we have a lemon law, but documentation is paramount. Make a log of phone conversations as to what was discussed. That log should include date/times, driving mileage, out of pocket gasoline costs, wear and tear on a new vehicle and time spent away from home or work. At some point make them aware of how much time and money this debacle has caused you and ask for some remuneration as a result. I worked for a Honda dealership for seven years and have seen personally the crooked underhanded tactics they use. Take the “Pit Bull” approach, bite down and squeeze them into submission, because they want you to get tired of the hassle and deal with it on your own. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Keep us posted as to the outcome. Good luck and Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!