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| COMPLAINTS
CORNER |
complaints.motorsm.com |
| "Complaints Corner" provides an online billboard to publicize problems or complaints about your car or poor after-sales support from dealerships and manufacturers. Good news about exceptional customer service etc. will also be published. N.B. MotorSM is not responsible nor endorse views expressed by contributors. | |
| MARCH 2008 - COMPLAINTS CORNER 2/08 1/2008 12/07 11/07 10/07 9/07 8/07 7/07 6/06 5/07 4/07 3/07 2/07 1/07 2006 |
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MITSUBISHI MAGNA V6 2000: RE: STARTING INTERMITTENT *REPLY* |
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ISSUE: |
Hi All. |
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| POSTED BY: BOLTON - BRISBANE, QLD, AUS, 31/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "MITSUBISHI MAGNA V6 2000: STARTING INTERMITTENT - For 3 months, have had intermittent start problem. Had it to the experts, however, faults do not show on computer diagnosis. Hard to fix? Engine fires, but then dies. After any where from one to 15 start attempts, it will fire. Once started, no problems. Has anyone come across this fault? Please help, I am at the end of my tether. Good car otherwise." POSTED BY: P MENYWEATHER - GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS, QLD - AUS 18 FEB 2007 ========== REPLY ========== I too have a V6 2000 Magna that's just started to do this. Only does it when cold and once started runs fine. When investigating the problem I noticed that my cruise control cable fitting is broken at the bracket and hanging loose. Apparently the cc and throttle cables need to be balanced so I'm wondering if this is affecting the automatic choke settings at startup?" POSTED BY: DAVID NOBLE - KAREELA, NSW 10/04/2007 ========== REPLY ========== Try the connection to the distributor. The terminals corrode. You may need a new connector. POSTED BY: M KURAN - MELBOURNE, VIC 11/4/2007 ========== REPLY ========== It isn't any ov that it is your battery is the problem. Our next door neighbours have a TJ Magna and it did the same thing. He replaced the battery and since then never missed a beat. I hope this helps. POSTED BY: CHRIS ANDERSON - MARYBOROUGH, QLD 14/4/2007 ========== REPLY ========== Onya Chris. My sister has had 2 Magnas/Veradas and have both done the same when the battery was low/failing. A good idea to check all power and ground points from the battery, especially the ground cable from body to motor. Another symptom is remotes failing due to low voltage for the receiver. POSTED BY: L DAVIS - BOMADERRY, NSW 16/4/2007 ========== REPLY ========== I own a TJ had the same problem. Your battery is stuffed. When you change the battery put an independent power supply thru your cigarette lighter 9 volt from auto shops so you don't have to reset your ecu and radio. POSTED BY: RAY SEAL - ADELAIDE, SA 18/04/2007 ========== REPLY ========== Had same problem with 02 Verada, cleaned out iac valve on throttle body with carby cleaner. Never had problem since. POSTED BY: TREVOR MORRIS - CARRUM DOWNS, VIC 9/1/2008 |
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KIA CARNIVAL LS 2001: SHOULD WE RENAME IT THE COILING SYSTEM INSTEAD OF THE COOLING SYSTEM? *COMPLAINT* |
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ISSUE: |
Yep! It’s another KIA Carnival with oil in the cooling system. Bought secondhand 13 months ago with 71000 on the clock. We’ve added 13,000 in the time we have had it and KIA have told me something about projected/expected kms per year. I think they were seriously questioning the legitimacy of the kms on the clock. My dealer is trying to help but doesn’t like my chances. Says that because the car is over five years old KIA are likely to turn me away. |
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| POSTED BY: MELINDA MILLER - BENDIGO, VIC, AUS, 31/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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TOYOTA RAV4 2002: HARD 2/3 SHIFT *FEEDBACK WANTED* |
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ISSUE: |
Looking for others that have experienced problem with hard shifting from 2 to 3rd with 2002 Rav4. |
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| POSTED BY: JOANNE MOORE - FRANKLIN, USA, 31/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== REPLY ========== Had the same problem with my 2002 Rav4. Transmission rebuilt still have the same problem. I was told by Toyota no new update to flash computer. They suspects the problem is in the transmission. Rebuilt not done by Toyota. POSTED BY: HOPETON - ALBANY, NY USA 16/4/2008 |
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LANDROVER DISCOVERY II 2001: RE: THE 3 AMIGOS: ABS, TC AND HDC LIGHTS - ANOTHER ABS MODULATOR FAILURE *REPLY* |
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ISSUE: |
What is the status on a factory recall? |
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| POSTED BY: MATTHEW LAMM - AUSTIN, TX, USA, 31/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "LANDROVER DISCOVERY II 2001: THE 3 AMIGOS: ABS, TC AND HDC LIGHTS - ANOTHER ABS MODULATOR FAILURE - I own a 2001 LR discovery II with the same issue and don't know what to do about it. My wife and my three children ride in the SUV. I'm afraid that until someone get hurt or even killed, Land Rover will not take responsibility for it. You have my full support in our effort to seek help with this matter. Regards, James Croffie" POSTED BY: JAMES CROFFIE - COLUMBIA SC, USA 1 FEB 2008 |
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TOYOTA RAV4 2002: RE: TRANSMISSION FAILURE AFTER 106K *REPLY* |
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ISSUE: |
I wanted you to know there is a group of 23 people who are in the process of class action suit for this Toyota problem. Please contact me for further information. |
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| POSTED BY: JOANNE MOORE - FRANKLIN, USA, 31/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "TOYOTA RAV4 2002: TRANSMISSION FAILURE AFTER 106K - I just went through rebuilding my transmission for $3,760 and the problem of hard shifting/jerking in 1, 2 and 3rd gear did Not go away. This is a major issue with these cars. I am looking into suing Toyota. These cars need to be recalled in a Major way. Please contact me if you're interested in fighting the fight with me. " POSTED BY: MELODY BERRY - SEATTLE, USA 16 FEB 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Hi, I have a 2001 Rav4. I have been into 2 Toyota dealerships and expressed my fear of ECU/ECM failure and subsequent transmission failure. They said if a Rav owner gets hard shift problems, don’t replace the transmission, replace the ECM/ECU. I have 77,000 KM on my Rav. POSTED BY: CHRIS - VANCOUVER BC, CANADA 8 MARCH 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Yes I had my 2002 Rav4 for 5 months when this happened and paid around $5,000 for repairs. They put in 3 different transmissions with no luck and then a solenoid part. Now 1 year later the solenoid B electrical is failing. The Dealership tried to sell me a new car rather than deal with it. They kept telling me it was safe to drive when it wasn't. Finally the repair specialist I took it to, had to consult with engineers from Detroit? To get the answer - try the solenoid part. That finally work, now its happening again. The engine light is on and the acceleration is slow. It’s not jerky yet I am taking it in as this should be covered under warranty. POSTED BY: KAROL - PORTLAND, OREGON USA 22 APRIL 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Going through the same issues. I'm in on the lawsuit. POSTED BY: BRIAN - LOUISVILLE, KY - USA 23 APRIL 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Please let me know if a class action suite has been started. You can add me in! POSTED BY: CINDY - STEVENSVILLE, MI - USA 21 JAN 2009 ========== REPLY ========== My 2002 Rav4 had 96K miles on it when the engine warning light came on. Four miles later, it died from oil sludge. No help from Toyota after numerous phone calls over many many months. They are actually quite rude at corporate. I finally paid over 6000 dollars for a Used engine. After 2 months with the used engine, now my catalytic converter needs replaced, and I was told by the repair shop that it was an effect from the engine problem. I am definitely not done with Toyota until they make good on this lemon of a car. POSTED BY: CONNIE MEADE - CINCINNATI, OHIO - USA 3 FEB 2009 ========== REPLY ========== My 2001 Rav4 is starting to have the same issues with Solenoid B Electrical malfunction, and I have about 126k miles on it. I already had to replace the O2 sensors and catalytic converter, which the shops tell me are a frequent repair on the Rav4. Wish I'd known that sooner. Keep me posted on the status of the class action suit. POSTED BY: BEN - RICHLAND, WASHINGTON - USA 6 FEB 2009 |
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FORD FALCON AU III 2003: RE: FUEL INJECTOR SYSTEM WITH GAS *REPLY* |
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ISSUE: |
If you can afford the injected system best to go for that. You do not need it but it definitely stops backfiring. I got an 05 Ford wagon done for $4200 over here so far so good, it’s been 7 months? Up to you though good luck. |
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| POSTED BY: MARC - MELBOURNE, VIC, AUS, 31/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "FORD FALCON AUIII 2003: FUEL INJECTOR SYSTEM WITH GAS - I have Ford Falcon AU Series III 4 ltr. I want to covert to Gas. Some installer says that Fuel injector system is also required which will cost $1500 more. If you do not install Fuel injector system you may face back fire and also not safe. Some installer says Fuel injector system is not required and you will not face any problems. This is required only for model 2004 onward. I am not sure which statement is correct and which system I should install. Can anyone guide me? Thanks" POSTED BY: BK GUPTA - PERTH, WA, AUS 29 MAR 2008 |
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TOYOTA RAV4 2001: RE: TRANSMISSION FAILS ON 6 YEAR OLD CAR *REPLY* |
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ISSUE: |
Please contact me re 2002 Rav4 4 transmission problems. I am part of 23 people who have gotten replies from that are gathering information for a class action suit on this problem. |
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| POSTED BY: JOANNE MOORE - FRANKLIN, USA, 31/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== REPLY ========== I have a 2001 Rav4. I took my car to the dealer for the required maintenance as I always do. I asked them to check my transmission because my car was slipping into 2nd gear. I was told that I now need an ECU because the computer is not telling the car to change gears the way it is supposed to. I see that this is a common problem, I was quoted $1500.00 for the replacement. It sounds like I need to get rid of my car. POSTED BY: ADRIAN - GA , USA 20 FEB 2008 ========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "TOYOTA RAV4 2001: TRANSMISSION FAILS ON 6 YEAR OLD CAR - After 6 years, and 90,000 kilometres of having my 2001 RAV4 regularly serviced by the dealer at considerable expense, the ECU (transmission computer) has faulted and caused "transmission burning clutches and contaminating internals". The repair has been quoted at $7000.00. I would like to know if this is a problem others have encountered and to warn others considering a RAV4 of this possible issue. The car has only been driven on the road under normal conditions." POSTED BY: CORRINE MARSHALL - MELBOURNE, VIC - AUS 27 SEP 2007 ========== REPLY ========== Just went through exactly the same problem. Our repair bill was just under $8000. I have a five door 2002 RAV4 automatic cruiser. First the car was slipping in gears. It was not a gradual thing eihter ... it just suddenly failed. Upon inspection the clutches were burnt out. The gear box was repaired and it flamed another box. I had the computer checked by Toyota and an independent specialist and no fault codes etc. indicated a problem. In the end a new computer was put in, problem solved! Basically the ECU malfunctioned causing the gear box clutches to burn out. The ECU didn't even indicate any fault codes or go into the safe mode like they are suppose to. Gear box had to come out twice and so did the engine. I got a 24 month warranty on repairs ... make sure you do as well. Will be selling **** before that though! I was lucky that the workshop I go through is owned by a friend and was not charged for the engine coming out 2 and a half times. POSTED BY: SCOTT - BRISBANE, QLD - AUS 24 DEC 2007 ========== REPLY ========== I have just had the same problem. Cost of repairs 4500 to $6000. I have a RAV4 2002 114.000ks. It will take 2 weeks to repair then sell. POSTED BY: LEIGH - BRISBANE, QLD - AUS 5 FEB 2008 ========== REPLY ========== I have a 2002 Rav4. Same problem. The gearbox started slipping due to the computer failure, and I have been told the repair bill will be $6500. I am not sure what to do, as I will not be getting the money back when I try to sell the car. POSTED BY: PAUL GRUNDY - SYDNEY, NSW - AUS 4 MAR 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Hi, did you get the ECM/ECU recalibrated according to the TSB issued in March of 2006? POSTED BY: CHRIS - VANCOUVER, BC - CANADA 8 MAR 2008 ========== REPLY ========== I would like to get more information about the class action suit. I am starting the debacle that I see is going to get very costly... POSTED BY: BEVERLY TOOKEY - CARY, NC - USA 15 APR 2008 ========== REPLY ========== I bought my 2002 RAV4 in November of 2006. The check engine light stayed on constantly. I was told it was an O2 sensor and that it would take $300 to fix but that it did not affect the car's performance. In February I received a notice that I should take the vehicle to the dealer to have a recall taken care of, which I did. The check engine light went off but I started having transmission problems. I took it to the dealer and they charged me $150 to check it out. They said I needed a new computer ($1,300). I then took it to a transmission specialist to check out ($85.00). He said it was not my transmission but the computer (EMC). I started researching and found out about this problem being not just mine. Being a single mother with two children and on a very tight budget, this is my only transportation, which I do not consider safe until this gets fixed. I was having this shifting problem in a very busy intersection and was very upset with the fact that Toyota would not stand behind their product and fix the EMC at no cost to the consumer. POSTED BY: KRYSTIE DUNN - MOBILE, AL - USA 26 JUN 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Having same problems - have to replace the computer in mine but will hold onto the bad one just in case Toyota ever decides to step up and back their product. Please let me know if anything develops. POSTED BY: JAMES THAMES - MARIETTA, GEORGIA - USA 30 JULY 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Me Too! Same thing just happened to our 2002 Rav4, 5 door. I got up one morning, started to drive to work and the gears started slipping. I took it Straight to the garage and they said the ECU needed replacing... $4000! This has to be some kind of design fault. We simply don't have the money to repair it! I can't tell you how angry I feel about this! POSTED BY: LYNN MORESI - MELBOURNE, VIC - AUS 1 SEP 2008 ========== REPLY ========== If there is a law suit going on I would like to get the info on it. My Rav4 just started its trip downhill. POSTED BY: GSINGLE381 - MONTGOMERY, AL - USA 5 SEP 2008 ========== REPLY ========== I have just bought a 2001 Rav cruiser auto and the gears were also slipping. This is after 2 **** days of owning it. I took it back to car yard yesterday and it is at the mechanics now while I wait for an answer. I was issued a 3 month warranty but after reading all these comments I now feel like **** and can see it is obviously a common problem! I will keep you posted to see what it ends up being. It has really **** me off. POSTED BY: JODIE B - NOWRA, NSW - AUS 19 SEP 2008 ========== REPLY ========== For those of you being quoted $7-$8k to repair the gearbox, you are being ripped off, get an exchange box." POSTED BY: ROBERT GREGSON - NOWRA, NSW, AUS 21 SEP 2008 ========== REPLY ========== I have a 2004/5 model Rav4 Cruiser, fully loaded. It has traveled 67,000 km. No problems so far. It is very reliable and quality can be felt when driven. I hope people with the same year model have not faced transmission problems. Seems that Toyota has rectified the problem. Any feedback on my model? POSTED BY: RONEEL KUMAR - PALMERSTON, ACT - AUS 21 SEP 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Toyota in Melbourne area has only 2 dealerships that service transmissions and they could not even look at my car for 3 weeks then it was going to take 6-8 weeks for them to repair, what a disappointment in Toyota. Luckily I found another transmission expert to fix it and had it back in a week! Saving thousands in rental car fees! If you have a 2001 RAV4 get it rid of it before this happens. By the way Toyota quoted me $6000.00 to fix it and I would be without the car for almost 3 months, what a deal! POSTED BY: DANA - PORT MELBOURNE, VIC - AUS 22 SEP 2008 ========== REPLY ========== TOYOTA RAV 4 2001 1007,000 KM. ECU - TRANSMISSION ISSUES - I have had the same issues with the ECU as you all manifesting with the transmission suddenly slipping, literally an overnight phenomenon. I had the car checked by usual mechanic whith handheld computer diagnostics, no fault codes; however symptoms still there so stopped driving the car and started to ring around to inform myself. The answers came back thick and fast, it was as if every one could diagnose the problem without even seeing the car. They literally told me what year and model car I had after briefly describing the problems. "Change the ECU ($1700- $2100) and if you are lucky that may fix the problem, if unlucky and you drove the car without noticing in time the transmission will need replacing ($3500 -7500)" was the standard reply. After reading all the posts on web about this and speaking to dozens of independent transmission workshop Experts & Mechanics, I have contacted NRMA, Dept of fair trading, and Channel Seven and Nine regarding doing a story on their "Current Affair", & "Today Tonight" programs as there are some massive safety issues related to this situation - my wife & two young children were nearly rammed by other vehicles several times at traffic lights because of transmission suddenly slipping, the media are interested in this ! I have several experts willing to go on record and speak about this issue. Let me know if you want to form a group to bring this issue into public awareness thus encouraging Toyota to take responsibility for their products and stop sweeping this under the carpet. After my local Toyota workshop replaced the ECU ($1682) the vehicle seemed Ok, but as the transmission will not show up any fault code if it is damaged only time will tell! Confidence in the brand Toyota is now at a very low point with me. Before paying my repair bill I contacted Toyota customer relations Sydney / Taren Point / Tel: 02 9710 3333 and made a serious complaint regarding this issue and informed them of my awareness of just how widespread this issue is and how the media is interested in doing a story on this matter (in 2006 these vehicles were recalled in the USA for software upgrade a free service). Anyway they spoke to the dealer, the dealer spoke to the warranty department and lo and behold they came to the party and reduced my repair bill by $800. This is a start however I am convinced that this should be a free recall service and if transmissions are damaged due to a faulty ECU that controls it the transmission is by definition Collateral Damage for which Toyota also should be responsible and prepared to assist their loyal (till now) customers. If you have your car repaired by Toyota you could try to call customer service prior to paying your bill and hopefully this way you too can at least save some money and collectively we will eventually encourage Toyota to adjust their denial strategy about this matter. Please raise awareness about this issue & tell everyone you know! POSTED BY: RICKY STRONG - SYDNEY, NSW - AUS 28 SEP 2008 ========== REPLY ========== I have just had a similar failure. Cost of repair still unknown. Is this just manifesting itself because of the age of the car and if so is this going to become a more frequent event I wonder. My local Toyota garage say that this failure is unknown by themselves and Toyota. In fact it is the first one. POSTED BY: MAURICE LUSCOMBE - READING, UNITED KINGDOM 8 OCT 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Well I got my car back after 2 weeks after a new computer was put in and a reconditioned gear box. I was so excited, but after another 2 days there was a sound like a helicopter blade going round and round in the 2 front tyres so once again back to the car yard to wait another 4 days and the wheel bearing needed replacing! I am totally over this piece of **** I have had my new car a total of 4 days out of 3 weeks and Toyota have A Lot to answer for I tell you! My local car yard have been fantastic but they have done what needed to be done no questions asked given me a loan car when by law they don’t have to. They are also out of pocket with this being that mine is still under warranty. I also thought of contacting Today Tonight or ACA over this. Some attention has to be brought to this serious Fault with this car! So fingers crossed I get this piece of **** back tomorrow! POSTED BY: JODIE B - NOWRA, NSW - AUS 9 OCT 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Me too. Exactly the same thing has just happened to my 2002 3 door Rav Cruiser at 65,000 K and I've been quoted $6000 for repairs to the transmission and ECU. It too has been regularly serviced and only driven on surfaced roads. As soon as I was told about it I googled the problem and found pages and pages of complaints in the USA as well as all the Australian ones here. I will approach Toyota Customer Service on Monday as a start, but clearly we can have more effect if we work together. I would like to be part of any campaign or group action to get Toyota to take some responsibility for this. I will post feedback on this site. POSTED BY: ANDREA STERN - COOGEE, NSW - AUS 12 OCT 2008 ========== REPLY ========== I have a question, is the shifting problem only in automatic 2002 Rav4 's or in the 5 speed manual too? Let me know thanks, Tasha POSTED BY: TASHA - PETERBOROUGH ONTARIO - CANADA 23 OCT 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Hi Andrea I keep getting angrier and angrier each time I read this complaint forum! I can’t believe the exact same thing keeps happening with all of these cars. Clearly it is a major fault which the customer is paying for! Just wanted to know if you had any luck contacting Toyota? Cheers, Jodie POSTED BY: JODIE - NOWRA, NSW - AUS 12 NOV 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Is this only a problem with automatics? I'm considering buying a manual 2001 or 2000. But the one I was going to look at this weekend ia an auto. Will steer clear. I am assuming these are all auto's having this problem. Look forward to advice. POSTED BY: MICHELLE - MELBOURNE, VIC - AUS 13 NOV 2008 ========== REPLY ========== I have just had the same problem with my 2002 RAV4 98,000kms which I have had from new. Without any warning the auto transmission started jolting badly when put into reverse and then two days later the car was slipping gears when I was driving to work. I had it towed to my auto transmission specialist and he said this is a very common problem with the RAV4 at approx 100,000kms - he has just repaired 6 in the past few months. My ECU needs replacing and I won’t know until this is done as to whether I also will need to have the clutch replaced. Total cost $1,000 for the ECU and $2800 if it is the clutch. I hope this is the end of this! My car has always been serviced at Toyota and they never warned me about this problem. Not happy! POSTED BY: D BOYLE - CROYDON, VIC - AUS 21 JAN 2009 ========== REPLY ========== I am interested in the class action suit against Toyota for the ECM problem on the RAV4. I have went through the same sort of headaches that others have mentioned on this thread. Thanks, POSTED BY: GEORGE BATES - SPARTA, NJ - USA 11 FEB 2009 ========== REPLY ========== Last week, just before leaving for vacation, my 2001 Toyota Rav 4 started having problems shifting gears. It would rev up and then clunk into 1st or 2nd gear. I had it towed to a mechanic where he suggested that I trade the car in for another! He told me it would cost $5300 to get a whole new transmission and then they'd have to put a new computer in as well. Who can afford to do that? I'm very interested in the class action suit against Toyota! Please, whatever I can do to help the progress, let me know. I thought Toyota's were supposed to run forever! Mine only has 126,000 miles on it! POSTED BY: ANNETTE SCUTELLA - NASHVILLE, TN - USA 13 JUL 2009 ========== REPLY ========== Hi check out rav4ecm you can get a fix for the computer for less than half the cost of a new one. Unfortunately you may still need the gearbox. Toyota have little idea the damage they have caused to their credibility through ignoring the problem which they were well aware of back in 2006. POSTED BY: CLIFF - TAREE, NSW - AUS 17 JUL 2009 ========== REPLY ========== I am having the same problem with my 2001 RAV4. I just got the news from my mechanic and I just feel sick about it. Did anyone ever find out anything about the class action? Thanks, Kathy POSTED BY: KATHY - ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI - USA 29 JUL 2009 ========== REPLY ========== I have also had the same transmission problem with my 2003 RAV4... I spent over $4,000.00 in repairs along with a lot of stress. I contacted Toyota via phone and letter and have gotten no where. Please, if anyone knows about a class action suit I would like to be involved. Thank you! POSTED BY: AVA GRUTTADAURIA - EAST NORTHPORT, NEW YORK - USA 1 SEP 2009 |
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MAZDA 2 MAXX 0: RE: MAZDA 2 MAXX DRIVER SEAT PROBLEM *REPLY* |
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ISSUE: |
Hi I'm a vehicle inspector from Sydney. You have already notified Mazda that’s good. I can tell you go and visit a motor trimmer ASAP get them to check it and write you a report. |
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| POSTED BY: ALEX - SYDNEY, NSW, AUS, 30/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "I wonder if anyone has had a problem with a Mazda 2 Maxx driver's seat? About 6-12 months ago I felt something "give" in the driver's seat i.e. in the part one sits on (I weigh 55kg). One day when I got into the car, I felt something like a band had buckled or bent underneath me. It happened to a lesser degree a couple of times after that. I feel as though something is not quite right with the seat when I am driving but of course I could be imagining it. A Mazda service man had a look and pressed the seat down with his hands, also sat in the seat. Said he could not find anything wrong but would make a note of it on their computer. I went back to Mazda last week and saw a senior person in service and he also said he could not feel anything wrong, plus he raised and lowered the seat and moved it forward and back. As the 3 year warranty runs out in a few days, I want to be sure in case a problem develops. Any feedback on the seat problem would be very much appreciated. Thanks." POSTED BY: MARGARET GRAVES - SYDNEY, NSW - AUS 31 JUL 2007 PROVIDE FEEDBACK ========== REPLY ========== Hi, just letting you know that if you’re worried about your seat take it to a marine / auto re-upholsterer. Ask them for advice only because they’re not a dealership. They will be honest with you. POSTED BY: TONY NICKLASON - LOGAN CENTRAL, QLD 1/8/2007 |
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HONDA CR-V 2003: HONDA CRV AIR CON *COMPLAINT* |
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ISSUE: |
Further to a recent posting I read concerning Honda CRV air con failure. I bought a 2003 Honda CRV about 18 months ago. Within two months the compressor failed. I was telling a mate who also has the same make and model CRV and he said his failed about a week prior to mine. Both units were only a few months out of warranty. I paid just under $2000 to get a new part fitted and the system flushed and cleaned. It lasted two days. The second unit was replaced under warranty and has lasted 1 and a half months and no longer blows cold air so it also is going back. I have never had such failure in an air conditioning unit. |
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| POSTED BY: GRAHAM BURRIDGE - CAIRNS, QLD, AUS, 30/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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PRESS-RELEASE AAA 2008: WORKING FAMILIES PAY LESS FOR PETROL ON “CHEAP TUESDAY” *PRESS RELEASE* |
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ISSUE: |
AAA Executive Director, Mike Harris, said a saving of one cent per litre could mean motorists as a whole would save $200 million a year. And savings of more than this can be achieved by buying at the bottom of the regular weekly price cycle. |
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| POSTED BY: AAA AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION - CANBERRA, ACT - AUS, 30/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 100 SER GXV V8 1998: RE: ON PETROL/GAS. 2 ENGINE FAILURES IN LESS THAN 7 MTHS *FEEDBACK WANTED* |
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ISSUE: |
Thanks Mark. I've only come up with an address for a Toyota Landcruiser 4WD Club in WA & will write to them this week. We wanted to know why then did the newer 2004 replacement engine we installed last year do the same thing? We also spent nearly $4000 late 2006 on a whole new brake system, which was caused by an electronic failure (a solenoid). It was explained to us that when one thing fails it sets up a chain of events which leads to the brake system failing, this required a new one. |
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| POSTED BY: DANIELLE MCFADDEN - DUNSBOROUGH, WA, AUS, 30/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 100 SER GXV V8 1998: LANDCRUISER 1998 V8 ON PETROL/GAS. 2 ENGINE FAILURES IN LESS THAN 7 MTHS - We purchased 1998 Toyota Landcruiser GXV V8 in 2005 from Melville Toyota. Within the 3 month warranty period we noticed a problem with the gearbox, which Melville Toyota fixed by rebuilding some of the gears. Later that year we converted it to Gas at The Gas Converters in Canning Vale at an approx cost of $3000 (incl spare wheel carrier from another company). We rang approx 6 gas converters - got various feedback to say - some had never done it; some wouldn't as had heard of motors blowing up; the company we chose said they work well. We mentioned a V8 that we'd heard of blowing up, but the guy said the installers had used the wrong gas components in the installation. He was happy to do it. We were living in remote country & would get it serviced when in Perth as regularly as possible. Some back firing which the Gas people said was normal. May 2007 towing a camper van from Perth to Coral Bay & on return trip heading into Geraldton doing 30 kms an hour - Bang. Blown a hole in the engine. The number 8 cylinder seized inside the bore, the con rod broke and got thrown outside the engine block. Found a 2004 engine in NT for $8800 & paid Melville Toyota nearly $4000 to install. Tuesday this week March 2008, driving 70 kms an hour approx 4 kms from home, put my foot down to overtake and Bang! We've received the wonderful news that it has done it again! To say we are devastated is an understatement. Why? Why are gas converters converting cars that shouldn't be on gas. Why is the government encouraging us / the gas converters with their payment when some cars should Not Be On Gas. Why did Melville Toyota not advise us to remove the gas last year when installing the engine? We bought a Toyota Landcruiser for their room, their reliability, their name. We do not have the money to replace the engine Again at the moment - we haven't even fully paid off the last one. I've rung DOCEP (Department of Consumer & Employment Protection) who've just said straight up get an Independent Vehicle Inspection Report before they can even look into it. If you're thinking of converting your Landcruiser to gas, Think Again! Has anyone else heard of /or had a similar problem?" POSTED BY: DANIELLE MCFADDEN - DUNSBOROUGH, WA, AUS 28 MAR 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Danielle, The early V8 Toyota engines had many failures exactly like yours. Usually a piston ceases in the bore. Many engines have piston slap and are noticeably noisy when cold. These engines were fitted to Lexus vehicles too and suffered the same way. I would doubt that the gas conversion has caused your problem. Maybe the Landcruiser 4WD Club in your state can shed some light on this. Good Luck, Mark. POSTED BY: MARK KURAN - MELBOURNE, VIC 29/3/2008 |
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NISSAN NAVARA D40 2006: RE: D40 CLUTCH *REPLY* |
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ISSUE: |
Mark, |
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| POSTED BY: AL - CAIRNS, QLD, AUS, 30/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== REPLY ========== Hi tom, I have a D40 it now has around 50,000kms on the clock, but I had my clutch replaced before it reached 30,000kms and are sure that this second clutch is on its way out. I reckon it can’t handle the 1.5 tone I tow on a daily basis. First clutch replaced under warranty I think it will be a different story second time round. Mark POSTED BY: MARK - CANBERRA, ACT, AUS 29 MAR 2008 ========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "NISSAN NAVARA D40 STX 2006: D40 CLUTCH - My D40 clutch felt weak from new. Mentioned to dealer that it didn't take load well. A month later it blew while driving on bitumen. Had hardly any off road use, only 18k on the clock. Nissan replaced clutch, provided hire car and towed vehicle 300km home all under warranty, although hesitant at first. New clutch is totally different, given it heaps and feels fine." POSTED BY: TOM HAMILTON - BRISBANE, QLD, AUS 11 FEB 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Hi Tom, Can you let me know which dealer in Brisbane did this for please? I have a slight fluttering in the clutch as it disengages in 1st and 2nd. I have had them test drive it and they want to pull the gearbox out and check the fly wheel. I am cautious that they may tell me it is not under warranty but I know it should be as the car is 8 months old and only done 21000Kms! I bought mine in Brisbane I am interested to see which dealer looked after you so well. POSTED BY: GREG - BRISBANE, QLD 6/3/2008 |
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HOLDEN ASTRA 1999: RE: NOTHING BUT A LEMON *REPLY* |
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ISSUE: |
Don’t pay that much to get airbag light fixed! |
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| POSTED BY: ASHLEY G - TOWNSVILLE, QLD - AUS, 29/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== REPLY ========== "I also have an Astra 1999 model, my air bag light is on also. I have been quoted $874 by a mechanic to fix it. I’m not sure what to do, as this seems a lot just to fix this maybe minor problem. Do you know anybody else could help with my problem? Thanks have a nice day." POSTED BY: CHRISTINA MADDEN - EAST KEILOR, VIC, AUS 14 MAR 2008 ========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "HOLDEN ASTRA CITY 2000: NOTHING BUT A LEMON - I purchased a brand new Astra City in 2000, everything was fine except the airbag light kept on lighting up. I took it back to Holden and they did something to the computer system and tripped it in so they said. The vehicle was still under warranty at this stage. After the warranty ran out the light came on again, so I took it back to Holden and they informed me that there is a problem with the tension in the seat belts and the airbags are faulty and it would cost over $500 to fix. I said no way as I have never had an accident they should not be faulty. After complaining to head office they agreed to fix the problem only at a cost of $50 to me, so I agreed. Then awhile later the timing belt went and as I see I shouldn't of just accepted it as the car had only done 80,000kms, but I paid $1000 to have this fixed. Now the engine light has appeared and I have just had to pay another $1000 to have a new computer system installed. At this time I suggested it may be fuel injector valves as advised by another mechanic - definitely not Holden advised. Now my car is still having the same problem, I phoned the dealership up and they now say it has something to do with two valves not the fuel injectors valves. They now want over $500. I have phoned their head office as I have a file there. I am still waiting to hear from them. I feel that this year of vehicle has had a fault with it from the start. They don't want to recall or admit to any fault. I will never buy a Holden or suggest to anyone that they are a worthy car." POSTED BY: F CARMICHAEL - SUNBURY, VIC - AUS 3 FEB 2007 |
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FORD FALCON AUIII 2003: FUEL INJECTOR SYSTEM WITH GAS *FEEDBACK WANTED* |
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ISSUE: |
I have Ford Falcon AU Series III 4 ltr. I want to covert to Gas. |
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| POSTED BY: BK GUPTA - PERTH, WA, AUS, 29/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== REPLY ========== If you can afford the injected system best to go for that. You do not need it but it definitely stops backfiring. I got an 05 Ford wagon done for $4200 over here so far so good, it’s been 7 months? Up to you though good luck. POSTED BY: MARC - MELBOURNE, VIC 31/3/2008 |
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NISSAN NAVARA D40 STX 2006: RE: D40 CLUTCH *REPLY* |
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ISSUE: |
Hi tom, I have a D40 it now has around 50,000kms on the clock, but I had my clutch replaced before it reached 30,000kms and are sure that this second clutch is on its way out. I reckon it can’t handle the 1.5 tone I tow on a daily basis. First clutch replaced under warranty I think it will be a different story second time round. |
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| POSTED BY: MARK - CANBERRA, ACT, AUS, 29/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "NISSAN NAVARA D40 STX 2006: D40 CLUTCH - My D40 clutch felt weak from new. Mentioned to dealer that it didn't take load well. A month later it blew while driving on bitumen. Had hardly any off road use, only 18k on the clock. Nissan replaced clutch, provided hire car and towed vehicle 300km home all under warranty, although hesitant at first. New clutch is totally different, given it heaps and feels fine." POSTED BY: TOM HAMILTON - BRISBANE, QLD, AUS 11 FEB 2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK ========== REPLY ========== Hi Tom, Can you let me know which dealer in Brisbane did this for please? I have a slight fluttering in the clutch as it disengages in 1st and 2nd. I have had them test drive it and they want to pull the gearbox out and check the fly wheel. I am cautious that they may tell me it is not under warranty but I know it should be as the car is 8 months old and only done 21000Kms! I bought mine in Brisbane I am interested to see which dealer looked after you so well. POSTED BY: GREG - BRISBANE, QLD 6/3/2008 ========== REPLY ========== Mark, Due to an observed number of failures I did some research on the D40 clutch some time back and came to the conclusion the clutch is too small, this is contributing to the failures Nissan is having. The diameter is 240mm and compared to the Rodeo at 275mm is much smaller considering the Rodeo also produces less torque. The dual mass flywheel doesn't seem to be standing up too well either although Nissan is not the only company having trouble with DMF. What is your fuel consumption like? Regards, Alwyn POSTED BY: ALWYN - CAIRNS, QLD 30/3/2008 |
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CAR-BUYING-SELLING ADVICE 2008: NATIONAL CAR CONNECTIONS *COMPLAINT* |
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ISSUE: |
National Car Connections is a ****. |
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| POSTED BY: PATRICK SMITH - SYDNEY, NSW - AUS, 28/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== REPLY ========== I am having similar problem. My sister put her car in for sale before she went overseas, she is young and basically conned I feel by a **** salesman. This week I have taken over the communication and authorisations on the car as the bill is now somewhere near $1000 but this was just pointed out to me and this is when I decided that I needed to do something. After she said authorisation to them it has still taken 3 days of contacting them via email, fax and phone and still I have got nowhere. They left a message with a friend of hers saying there is a problem with the gearbox but this did not exist when the car went in, so what have they done to it while in their "care". Seriously thinking about once reading the consignment contract taking it to fair trading. No one ever touch these guys especially if you are a young female. POSTED BY: SHARON - SYDNEY, NSW - AUS 16 OCT 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Beware - National Car Connections Is A ****. I had a very similar "con" experience at national car connections. As a young woman I did feel manipulated into believing my VW Beetle would definitely sell, with statements like - "the last two beetles we had sold within 2 weeks", "most people go through finance, so we can sell your car for more than private sale", "I was requested to find beetles because they sell well and we needed more in our showroom"... During the contract sign-up, I requested that I be phoned and not just emailed information about the sale of the vehicle (updates, customer feedback etc.). I was continually sent generic emails, most of which requested more money required to help sell my vehicle. I would like to take this to A Current Affair or Today Tonight, as I seriously believe this company needs to be made more aware to the public for their manipulation of vulnerable people wanting to sell their vehicles. POSTED BY: JOSIE - WOLLONGONG, NSW - AUS 23 NOV 2008 ========== REPLY ========== I have had 3 cars with this company, and out of those 3, 2 of them sold, some took longer than others which was sometimes understandable. After removing my second car, I realised that it is a good tool to use but your price must be adjusted accordingly to be able to use their tools to make the most of the service. POSTED BY: WILLIAM BONSARIC - SYDNEY - AUS 14 DEC 2008 ========== REPLY ========== I had my car for sale on the internet for 3 months. I was contacted by a person from national car connections, telling me to leave my car in their hands for them to sell. I wasn’t happy to leave my car anywhere, my wife wanted me to give it a shot. I did not receive any regular updates. But the car eventually sold within 3 weeks. POSTED BY: TOBY - NORTH SYDNEY, NSW - AUS 6 FEB 2009 ========== REPLY ========== Smith posted 28.03.08 no such buyer name on database. Reply postings. We do not control the market place, failing to take advice moving forward is silly. All clients are made aware that there are only two obstacles to sale either some nasty has happened to the vehicle which will become apparent down the track or failure on the seller’s part to readily accept the current market conditions as applying to their particular vehicle. We can advise but cannot enforce compliance. As evidenced by testimonial page we have thousands of satisfied clients, this is a stress free and secure way of selling. Barry Ferbrache. Director National Car Connections. Pty Ltd POSTED BY: BARRY FERBRACHE - SYDNEY, NSW - AUS 15 FEB 2009 |
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MITSUBISHI COLT CABRIOLET 2007: HAS BEEN OFF THE ROAD FOR 5 WEEKS AS ROOF WILL NOT OPERATE *FEEDBACK WANTED* |
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ISSUE: |
I purchased a brand new Mitsubishi Colt Cabriolet 1st February 2008. I returned the car 2 weeks later as the air conditioning ceased working - ran out of gas and needed re gassing. |
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| POSTED BY: LINDA OGLESBY - SYDNEY, NSW, AUS, 28/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== REPLY ========== I have a 2006 model Mitsubishi Colt, not cabriolet, with a different problem - noise, since new. 18 months later still not resolved, again Mitsubishi refusing to get involved, passing the buck to dealers. POSTED BY: TONY - MELBOURNE, VIC - AUS 10 MAY 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Hi, I bought Mitsubishi Colt Cab. 31st Dec 2007. In April 2008 I was involved in an accident. I waited 3 months for parts... Mitsubishi came to the party to hire me a car.... they weren’t very happy but I blasted them. How can they sell cars with no parts in stock? and still I was waiting for a seatbelt part that took 5months to come. They are ridiculous... I would never buy Mitsubishi again. They have put me through **** the above is just half the story. I can’t begin to tell you the rest... POSTED BY: NAME NOT SUPPLIED - SYDNEY, NSW - AUS 30 SEP 2008 |
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NISSAN NAVARA STK 2007: CLUTCH BURNT OUT *FEEDBACK WANTED* |
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ISSUE: |
The clutch burnt-out, they replaced clutch pressure plate flywheel. Asked why flywheel they said they do it in every case. Cost $2495. |
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| POSTED BY: GREG PHILLIPS - BRISBANE, QLD, AUS, 28/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== REPLY ========== Hello Greg, I purchased a Navara brand new October 2007. I have just had it towed to the dealer today as the clutch has failed; the car only has 8000k's. Not good huh POSTED BY: KELVIN - TEWANTIN, QLD 22/4/2008 |
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KIA CARNIVAL LS 2002: RE: KIA CARNIVAL *REPLY* |
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ISSUE: |
Complain immediately to ACCC. |
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| POSTED BY: LYN - WODONGA, VIC, AUS, 28/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "Carnival LS 2002: My wife & I bought this car new, it has now done ~ 160,000km (wow!), we are out of warranty (obvious) and have just discovered the dreaded oil in coolant problem. We have contacted the dealer where we bought the car & they want to strip it down & assess at our cost and "may" provide some reimbursement depending on the problem. We called Kia head office & got the run-around. They challenged us on the service history and basically implied that we hadn't changed the coolant so this then caused the block to corrode (all this over the phone . . . marvelous insight!). This assertion is not the case as I have changed the coolant (post warranty period) and it is fine. What I need is information on exactly what the cause of the problem is, the technical description of the nature of their [Kia's] defective design, so that when they do pull it down we won't cop the ****. Please help." POSTED BY: MICHAEL FLETCHER - MEDOWIE, NSW, AUS 26 MAR 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Sorry to hear your woes Michael. Don’t waste your money paying someone to pull it down. The problem is this. The block has steel sleeves and the sleeves move so the head gasket doesn’t seal. You have all the symptoms of a blown head gasket but it's the sleeves that have moved causing the problem. Again, don’t pay someone to pull it down because it is an engineering or design fault that causes this problem. Good Luck Mark. POSTED BY: MARK KURAN - MELBOURNE, VIC 27/3/2008 |
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TOYOTA PRADO DIESEL 2007: R/H FRONT DOOR INNER TRIM PANEL & P/WINDOW SWITCH SURROUND PAINT PITTING *COMPLAINT* |
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ISSUE: |
Toyota will not cover via warranty... Why do we bother with warranty if the dealership / manufacturers will not respond to customer complaints? This is a very minor complaint which in real terms would cost Toyota less that $100 to replace, but yet they insist on making owners go thru this pointless exercise. |
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| POSTED BY: KEITH SANDERSON - GEELONG, VIC, AUS, 28/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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TOYOTA KLUGER GRANDE 2007: LACK OF PROTECTION SURROUNDING FUEL TANK AND GROUND CLEARANCE *COMPLAINT* |
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ISSUE: |
I purchased my Kluger in Dec 2007 as I wanted a reliable vehicle that could do soft off road driving like going down dirt roads and foresty tracks. I am not a heavy off-road user and I was lead to believe the Kluger was capable of these simple tasks. |
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| POSTED BY: FRANK MATHIESON - IPSWICH, QLD, AUS, 27/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== REPLY ========== Dear Frank, Unfortunately the rhetoric and misleading advertising that accompanies the selling of new supposedly off-road 4x4 vehicles has reached laughable status. SUV's capable of conquering the outback are in reality no better than, perhaps inferior to, an old Kingswood. Even allegedly workhorse 4WD's are now so much less capable than they once were. Our ten year old Hilux's should have been replaced but two minutes on your back under any of the current models shows you the design brief didn't include much past car parks. Many people would be better off with an AWD Magna or Verada. The all wheel drive system is bullet proof and they actually handle. Good thing. Best of luck with the Kluger. Regards, John. POSTED BY: JOHN AUSTIN - NARRANDERA, NSW 9/4/2008 |
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KIA CARNIVAL GRAND 2006: EXCESSIVE FUEL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM - HELP! *COMPLAINT* |
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ISSUE: |
I recently purchased a second hand Sept 2006 Grand Carnival 3.8litre V6. The car does everything it is supposed to do except its fuel economy. In the City we get 21 litre/100km and when we went on a hwy drive we got 16 litre/100km. Have taken it to Kia Dealer to look at and they can't find a problem. Emailed Kia Australia with no response. |
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| POSTED BY: MARK ADAMS - PERTH, WA, AUS, 27/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== REPLY ========== We bought our Grand Carnival in February 2007 and have been less than impressed with the fuel economy ever since. Ours too averages around 21 l/100km around town. After 6 months of back and forth correspondence we finally got Kia to test it and they recorded urban consumption of around 15 l/100km but I have no idea how they managed to achieve that figure. I love the car but I would have thought a lot more carefully about buying it, had I known how thirsty it really is. POSTED BY: PATRICK - SYDNEY, NSW 17/4/2008 |
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SMART FORFOUR 2005: MULTIPLE FAULTS WITH VEHICLE SINCE NEW *COMPLAINT* |
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ISSUE: |
We have owned the Smart Car for almost two years now and it has been back to Mercedes Benz of Brisbane approximately every two months for major faults. The vehicle is unreliable, and has numerous faults which it seems cannot be resolved. The dealer has been very good to us in terms of loan vehicles etc, but the issues are resolved for several days only. |
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| POSTED BY: COLIN ROBINSON - MURRNBA DOWNS, QLD, AUS, 27/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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ALFA_ROMEO SPIDER 2007: RE: BRAND NEW ALFA SPIDER - ROOF DOESNT WORK *REPLY* |
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ISSUE: |
No what you would expect Philip and thank you Gary Bryant of Sydney for your useless comments. Ateco has not got a very good reputation for the cars they distribute or have distributed in the past in this country and it seems that continues. For a $100,000 car, the response by Alfa and your dealer is not good enough. Between them they should have organised to give you a replacement car exactly like yours for the time the car is off the road. How hard would that have been? |
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| POSTED BY: MARK KURAN - MELBOURNE, VIC - AUS, 27/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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========== ORIGINAL POSTING ========== "ALFA_ROMEO SPIDER 3.2L V6 2007: BRAND NEW ALFA SPIDER - ROOF DOESN'T WORK - The short of the story is that my brand new Alfa Romeo spider has a convertible roof that doesn't work. It won't go down. The car is now just over a month old and the roof has not been working for about 17 days. I've been back to the service centre almost every day since the problem started, but they can't fix it. Have written a complaint letter to the dealer and also Ateco (the distributors) wondering how they can expect me to put up with this from a $100,000 car. To make things worse, apparently my car was hit by another car at the service centre last Thursday which damaged the front bumper. Letter and more info below. As of yet, still no resolution to the problem. 17 March, 2008 Mr. David Stone, General Manager for Alfa Romeo Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd Cc: Alfa Romeo Brisbane Dear Mr. Stone, On 30 January, 2008, I purchased a new Alfa Romeo Spider 3.2 V6 (Chassis ZAR93900005003786) from Alfa Romeo Brisbane. After previously owning an old Alfa Spider, and reading so much encouraging news about the new Spider, I decided to take the considerable plunge into purchasing this top of the range Spider. It has been just over 40 days since I collected my new vehicle, and unfortunately the car has spent 6 of those days in the service centre. For 15% of the time I have owned the vehicle, I have not been able to use it. I am writing to you because I purchased a new car that obviously has a problem that the dealership still (as of today) is unable to fix. I feel like I have purchased a lemon, a car that is clearly not up to the high standards that I have come to expect from Alfa Romeo, especially considering the purchase price. I feel annoyed, angry and to be honest, ripped off. I purchased a new car, and already it feels old and used. I spend my mornings driving to the service centre, and my afternoons catching the bus to pick-up my Spider. I purchased a convertible car, but the problem is that the roof does not work. It has been pulled apart and worked on, but still it does not work. I am writing to you because I would like you to do something about the problem I’m experiencing. The dealership has tried to fix the problem, but as of today, they still have not. I am left to wonder how many times a new car owner should be subjected to taking his car every day to the service centre for them to try to repair? When I talk about my experience with Alfa Romeo at my place of work, my colleagues cannot believe the situation I am going through. My vehicle is something of an icon at my office, but now, I would honestly say after hearing my story, most, if not all of my colleagues would be turned off buying an Alfa Romeo. That was not my intent, but something that happened purely as a result of my situation, which I will explain below: • 30 January, 2008 I was scheduled to collect my new Spider from the dealer. During the demonstration of the vehicle, the dealer attempted to raise the roof (It was in the down position in the show-room), but it did not work. The dealer advised that someone had pulled the manual switch for the roof and called in a couple of Alfa Romeo mechanics to fix the problem. After almost 2 hours, they were unable to fix the roof, so I could not collect the car. They had to take it to the service centre for repair and I was advised to come back the next day in the afternoon to collect my new car. • 2 February, 2008, I noticed while driving, that the sun visor for the passenger’s side was missing so I again returned to the dealership to have one installed. • 12 March, 2008 I attempted to lower the roof while driving home from the city and as the roof was about half-way through lowering, it stopped and I received the error message “Temporary Hood Failure”. I was able to raise the roof, and tried lowering it again, but the same problem appeared. The service book advised me to return to the Alfa Romeo dealer, which I did the following day. • 13 March, 2008, I arrived (unscheduled) to the Alfa Romeo Brisbane Service Centre at approximately 7:30am and spoke with Jesse the Service Advisor. I explained the problem and he advised that they would take care of the car. I was told to expect a phone call when the car was fixed and ready for collection. Around 2pm I received a call to say that they were unable to fix the fault – the hood did not work, and they would need more time to work on the car. I returned to the service centre around 4pm, collected my car, and was asked to bring it back the next day. • 14 March, 2008, I again returned to the Alfa Romeo Brisbane Service Center at around 7:30am and dropped off my car. I returned that afternoon around 3:30pm to be advised by Jesse that they were still unable to fix the problem. Apparently some error message was detected using the computer system, but the fault could not be found. I spoke to the service manager, Peter, who again explained the problem. I requested the use of a loan car so I could leave my Alfa with the dealer, but was told that I would have to wait approximately 2-3 weeks before a loan car was available. That would mean that I could not use my new Alfa Spider convertible as a convertible for that time. I find this completely unacceptable for a new car. I also enquired about the extent of the problem, and again, no exact answers could be given. No approximate time to fix the problem, no idea exactly what the problem is, and information given that on Monday they would need to pull out the interior of my car to further examine the problem. Not a very pleasant thought for the owner of a brand new car. • 17 March, 2008, after a weekend of roof-up driving, I returned to the dealership once again at 7:30am. I received a call around 3:30pm from Peter saying they still could not fix the problem. He advised they had repaired two crushed wires, changed the computer with another and pulled off pieces from another Spider, but still to no avail. He asked if I was able to leave my car with them overnight. I replied that would be no problem should a loan car be available, but it was not, so I collected my Spider (with most of the boot interior missing and other pieces put loosely back together), to be asked to return the next day. So, I am now entering another day of driving my new Alfa Spider to the service centre, with once again, no clue as to what the problem is and when it will be fixed. The joy of owning a new Alfa has long gone. The feeling I get from Alfa Romeo Brisbane is that I should just accept this, get over it, and keep bringing the car back every day until the problem is fixed. I’ve spent a lot of hard earned money to buy this car and it does not work as intended to. I have a convertible that is a coupe. A brand new car, that as of tomorrow, I have been unable to use for one week. I sincerely hope that you will consider my situation and make suggestion as to a positive resolution. I hope that as a consumer and a customer of Alfa Romeo, you will understand my reasoning for this letter. I sincerely hope to not have to take this matter any further as it has already caused enough stress and inconvenience. Purchasing a new car, particularly an Alfa Romeo, should be a pleasant and enjoyable experience. What I have gone through so far with this car and it’s hood that does not work, could not be further from that. Yours Sincerely, Update: • 18 March, 2008, returned to Alfa Romeo service centre at Brisbane to collect the car around 4:45pm. Was advised by Peter that they still were no closer to finding the problem. He advised that due to a busy work load at the service centre on Wednesday, it would be best if I returned the car again on Thursday. I asked to speak to a senior manager and he suggested that would do no good. I also asked if the fax I sent the day before had been received. He checked and advised “no”. I again asked to speak to a senior manager, and he called David to come down and speak to me. • I spoke to David and explained my whole problem. He advised that it was unacceptable to have a new car in this condition and accepted acknowledged the level of my frustration. He also understood that I needed a solid answer about how my problem was going to be resolved. He took down some details and said that he would need to speak to the head mechanic (Mario) on Wednesday, and also liaise with Ateco to see how to resolve the problem. He advised that he would call back sometime Wednesday afternoon. • 19 March, 2008, I received a phone call at 12:16pm (Brisbane time) from Alfa Romeo customer service to acknowledge that they received my fax from the previous day. I was told that they needed to talk to the dealer regarding the situation and they would get back to me at a later time. • 19 March, 2008, 4:00pm received a call from David. He advised that after consultation with Ateco, they were going to try 3 more things which were quite significant, to try to fix the problem. He asked if I could bring in the car the next day and I advised I would. Still no guarantee that it would fix the problem but he said he was hopeful. If they could not fix if after trying these 3 further options, he would have to go back to Ateco for resolution of the problem. • 20 March, 2008. I returned the car to Alfa Romeo Brisbane at 7:30am. Returned later that day a 4:45pm to be informed by Peter that the problem was still not fixed, but they now think the problem was related to some sort of pump. They have ordered a replacement part which should arrive Tuesday or Wednesday to be installed. While waiting in the service centre, I was informed by one of the Alfa staff (Irene) that another car had hit my car and damaged part of the front bumper. There were some scratches to the front left hand side of the bumper bar which Peter advised he would have fixed by his spray paint guy the same time the car was in getting repaired for the hood. Also I pointed out some scratches to the roll bar behind the driver’s side which he also agreed would be replaced. • 22 March, 2008, while driving I noticed that it appears the dash board has been removed to perform part of the work. Two pieces of the speaker on the top of the dash are broken. I will report this to Peter when the car returns on Wednesday. Also I’ve noticed that they have damaged the roof button while trying to remove it with a screwdriver. Something else to report to them. • 25 March, 2008. Called Alfa service centre to check on the status of the part. Was advised it’s not in as yet and they will call should the part be in tomorrow." POSTED BY: PHILLIP BRANDER - BRISBANE, QLD - AUS 26 MAR 2008 ========== REPLY ========== So what do you think anyone on this site can do for you? Grow up and wait for Alfa to fix it. You should have been prepared for this having owned an Alpha before. POSTED BY: GARY BRYANT - SYDNEY, NSW - AUS 26 MAR 2008 ========== UPDATE ========== To update the situation. I returned to the dealer yesterday for them to install the new pump that had arrived from Ateco. When they took out the old pump and compared it to the new one, apparently they were different - even though the part numbers were the same. Apparently Ateco doesn't know what the problem is and they need to investigate this more. In addition, while collecting my car, I noticed that they damaged the roof and there is now a hole in the roof. The service manager has said they will have to get me a new roof. Think they just need to get me a new car. POSTED BY: PHILLIP BRANDER - BRISBANE, QLD - AUS 28 MAR 2008 ========== REPLY ========== Phillip I know your pain. I had similar issues on my 2001 Spider in South Africa. At the time it took about 3 visits to correct - they said it was a design problem with the motor being overstretched by the load it was placed under. Strangely - during the last visit my car was damaged with them dropping something on the bonnet. My next Alfa (4th) was a 156 GTA which was to be my last. My front brake discs would warp after every 2 000km. I was told I'm washing the car when the discs were hot! I've have since found out that it was a known problem on pre-2005 models with the 300mm discs. Many promises and 7 sets of discs later I gave up and will never buy an Alfa again, even though I enjoyed 3 of 4 ownership experiences. Italy is just too far away from South Africa and Australia with pathetic service levels it seems. Bought a Lotus Elise 111R in 2006 and it's quite simply the best car I have ever driven and owned. Good luck POSTED BY: GAVIN SCHUTTE - BRISBANE, QLD - AUS 23 DEC 2008 |
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KIA SPECTRA 2000: OIL LEAK *COMPLAINT* |
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ISSUE: |
I own a 2000 Kia Spectra and have had nothing but problems. |
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| POSTED BY: KELLI COCHRAN - RINGGOLD, USA, 27/03/2008 PROVIDE FEEDBACK | ||
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