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Question on TSB: Toyota Sienna Door Welds Causing Clicking

109 messages,  Last post on May 15, 2013 at 5:17 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Van

Messages Page 11 of 12

#95 of 109 Re: 2004 Sienna driver door weld/hinge, now WON'T OPEN!!! [bulgard] by perilyn

Jul 23, 2012 (3:34 pm)

Replying to: bulgard (Jul 23, 2012 6:51 am)
Same issues with my 2005:
1) Failing hinge welds on driver door. Dealer did "Toyota-approved" / temporizing repair job under 'warranty enhancement' in 2008, which is now failing. Dealer now telling me I will have to eat the price of replacing door or go somewhere else (i.e., a body shop) to try my luck on another repair.
2) Driver's side sliding door failing: won't open when it gets cold and needs major manual help when it is warm, will not open on its own. Dealer is fixing something on that today for $400 (details to follow). Apparently, Toyota is just now issuing an 'enhanced warranty' for rear latch assembly and cable assembly issues for 2004-2010 Sienna's, so I am hoping my repair will be covered under that. Make sure you ask your dealer if this is your issue. I did not get any letter about said issue (nor the door hinge issue for that matter).
3) Rear hatch closes randomly after opening: This occurs most often when it is cold. No help on this from dealer or Corporate HQ.
 
Called NHSTA (888-327-4236) to report all three today. Felt good, but doubt it will amount to anything.
 
Called Toyota HQ (800-331-4331) they told me about the 3 enhanced warranties (front door weld, sliding rear door latch and cable assemblies and said they had nothing on the hatch door). Offered me a $1000 'customer loyalty assistance' towards the purchase of a new Sienna. This essentially gave me the message that I should cut my losses on this lemon and take my chances with a new Sienna. Bravo Toyota! Way to dodge the issues. While we have loved the Sienna( despite all the door issues), I am not sure I will be staying a "loyal" customer.

#96 of 109 '05 having same door weld problem by ttekcol1

Aug 17, 2012 (5:33 pm)

We just discovered the same door weld break that I've read so many of you describe. Very frustrating that Toyota sent out 600,000 letters to extend the warranty for an obvious manufacturing defect like this.
A weld breaking on the inside of the door is not a normal wear issue. This is a Toyota after all - I might have expected this on our Chrysler products - but even those didn't have weld problems. We're the original owner of this Sienna and have had 7 other Toyotas in our family! Never have we had any problems with welds on any of the cars and this one has less than 100K - barley broken in by Toyota standards.
 
After visiting my dealer to find out that 1) it's a weld break inside the door and not just a silicone fix, 2) When I asked why a weld wouldn't be a safety recall or a TSB at the very least, he mentioned that there was a notice sent (though I didn't get one) but it only extended the warranty to 5 years.
 
After getting a $500 estimate I looked it up on the internet with LOTS of details about similar issues. I called and reported the safety defect to NHSTA. I also called Toyota corporate at the number listed before my post. They opened a case and offered to have a customer relations manager call me next week. The local dealer did mention that they fix many of these and the Sienna is the only car they have seen with this issue. We'll see what they offer, if anything. Their future with us is riding on it.

#97 of 109 Re: Toyota Sienna Door Design Failures [orinion] by otus

Aug 19, 2012 (2:01 pm)

Replying to: orinion (Sep 07, 2011 4:00 pm)
I've got the same problem with a 2005 Sienna. We have the extended warranty, but last winter when we tried to address this problem, the dealer's body shop said it wouldn't do the weld, even though it was authorized to do the work by Toyoya's inspector -- the body shop said it needed to replace the entire door (!!!) which Toyota wouldn't cover. Toyota said, take it to another dealer. Another dealer's [I think this service guy asked if I had had an accident] body shop said the same thing.
 
Why they can't just do the weld to make the repair isn't clear.
 
But we're stuck between Toyota who say this small weld will fix the problem and the dealer's contractor, who says it won't. We're going to complain as per this board and try to make something happen.

#98 of 109 Re: '05 having same door weld problem [ttekcol1] by ttekcol1

Aug 25, 2012 (2:20 pm)

Replying to: ttekcol1 (Aug 17, 2012 5:33 pm)
Heard now twice from dealer. Toyota corp says they will not offer ANY money toward repair. Dealer at first said they would have helped if I had done all my maintenance with them. Now offered to knock $100 off $500 the repair. This is our 7th toyota but will most likely be our last. Our hondas have never had this kind or treatment from the manufacturer.

#99 of 109 Same issue on my '06 Sienna by unhappyetx

Aug 27, 2012 (12:46 pm)

I have had the same issue with my '06. Toyota is mailing me an offer in writing (as I demanded, not easy to get) and will see what they offer me. Dealer said new door was needed $2200. Not a happy camper. If the offer is less than complete fix at no cost this will be my last Toyota. I have been a loyal Toyota customer for 30 years. I guess profits come before quality and customer service now.

#100 of 109 '04 Seinna driver's door clicking. by foggyjim

Sep 02, 2012 (1:20 am)

Just wanted to add to the list of complaints about Toyota. I too had a problem with door clicking and went to dealership in San Diego. I was told the only solution was to have the door replaced for $2000. My vehicle was over 100,000 miles and older than 5 years. I took it to a small shop who tried to weld the door. It lasted only for one day. I returned it and they rewelded it again. It lasted a couple of months and now the clicking is back. I agree this certainly lowers the resale value of an otherwise pretty decent vehicle.

#101 of 109 Horrendous experience with Toyota ! by klin

Nov 08, 2012 (10:46 pm)

Horrendous experience with Toyota Consumer Affairs and my purchase dealer (Piercey Toyota San Jose CA) on this issue.
 
They refused to help citing a lawsuit settlement agreement that prohibits them to assist in anyway (after extended warranty).
 
Toyota Consumer Affairs is terribly bureaucratic. They don't return phone calls, no emails, don't get to work after 9:30am, always on vacations, etc..
 
This is my first time using them. I own 3 Toyotas as recently as a new Camry this September - I am totally appalled by their treatment to loyal customer. Probably no Toyota for my next car since they don't standby their quality and customers.
 
Has anyone heard about this lawsuit?
Any suggestion on the next step?
Should I just go to local body shop and fix it myself?
 
Thanks for your advice!

#102 of 109 Re: Same issue on my '06 Sienna [unhappyetx] by djdorum

Nov 12, 2012 (10:45 am)

Replying to: unhappyetx (Aug 27, 2012 12:46 pm)
Did you ever get a response from Toyota?
Thanks,
Jamie

#103 of 109 Re: Same issue on my '06 Sienna [djdorum] by klin

Nov 14, 2012 (12:08 pm)

Replying to: djdorum (Nov 12, 2012 10:45 am)
Below is my latest status update: Toyota not willing to help!
 
Toyota is not standing by its customers and quality! I am a loyal customer with 3 Toyotas, most recently a 2012 Camry Hybrid in Sept 2012. My older Sienna has a minor annoying door noise issue and I asked for Toyota goodwill assistance.Louis Carrillo from Toyota Corporate just gave me a very cold reply that they denied my plead - very disappointed! Probably no Toyota for the next car! Buyer beware!

#104 of 109 Post your vents on Facebook "Toyota USA" by klin

Nov 14, 2012 (5:28 pm)

I suggest everyone to post their frustrations on "Toyota USA" Facebook site - it will get Toyota attention

Messages Page 11 of 12

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