Jim sent a message to Akio Toyoda President and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation – email address that said:
Please let me introduce myself. My name is Jim. I am Professor Emeritus University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I have been, at least to this point, a dedicated Toyota customer. I bought a new Scion in 2012 and a new Tacoma in 2005. I take care of my vehicles. I bought a new 280 ZX in 1982 which I still have.
Many years ago the paint on my Tacoma started looking unusual. I initially thought it was only natural aging. However, my 1982 Datsun’s paint job looks almost as good today as it did in 1982.
I discussed the problem with my local Toyota service tech at the time but since it was past the “3 year warranty” there was nothing they could do. Consequently it wasn’t documented. Then the paint started peeling. This is not “normal wear and tear.” I’m not talking about a small section, it’s a 3 foot wide swath from my front bumper through the roof that is peeling. This is a factory defective paint job.
About a year ago I called Toyota regional and was told there was nothing they could do. Last week I went to a local company to pick up some yard supplies. When I met the manager he asked “what happened to your paint?” He was a Toyota customer as well. He said this must have been painted in the U.S. because a Japanese paint job would never have peeled off.
The truck looks so bad I only drive it when I must. I called Toyota again and they basically tell me to get over it. I assure you, if this was not a factory defect I would not be complaining this loudly. The local service tech realizes, as well as anyone else who sees the damage, this is a factory defect but I can’t get anyone who can actually address the problem to even look at it.
If this was my product I wouldn’t want this “ugly billboard” on the highways. I am certainly going to be disappointed if Toyota doesn’t at least make an effort to correct the problem they created.
Thank you,
Jim
