Toyota Acknowledges Defects on My 2019 Tundra, but Refuses to Fix Them

I'll base it on my ownership of a RAM Limited and an F150 Lariat. Couldn't wait to get rid of both. I'm glad the dealer agreed to fix all the broken gadgets in your new truck, but my time is very valuable. Traded my Ram on my new 2018 Platinum. The Ram and Ford were good vehicles, but not great. My 2018 Platinum Tundra hasn't had an issue and it is great. But I'm only 38k miles in. I really should wait another 250k before I go singing it's praises. Got rid of the F150 my son drove for a 2015 SR5 with XPS-X package. Now I have truck envy.

 

Ever notice how easy the door panels scratch? What about the cheap, hard dash board material. I can see that in an SR5 like most other lower level trucks from the Big Three. I had a Tundra Limited and it had the same cheap stuff (as the 1794 and Platinum has). At least Ford gives you a soft dash pad in a Lariat and up. Like I said, Toyota has some work or catching up to do. I like the Tundra but you should have a choice to get one a little more plush and less "truckish".

 

I agree with you that the Tundra is more reliable, probably because it is more basic without all the electronic stuff the others have (at least in the higher levels). The basic mechanical components are good everywhere. Big Three trucks bring lower numbers when the sell used, what most people forget is that on the main sellers like a F-150 XLT you always pay way below sticker due to large incentives. Obviously, that translates to lower resale figures.

 

Some look for reliability and some look for a nice soft dash pad.

 

I am happy for you and I must have been one of the lucky ones because I never had a serious issue with Ram or Ford. Since you had a Ram Limited how does the Tundra Platinum compare?...………..exactly my point.

And before everybody gets up in arms. I am not a fanboy of either brand, I liked my Tundra except the cheap interior. Can't wait to see the next generation.

 

Nice to have something soft to punch while you coast too a dead stop on the side of the freeway.....again.

 

Reading this post made me realize how different we are. As tango mentioned, some guys don’t even wash their truck. Others painstakingly detail them. To each his own. I’m the guy who details…I buy things and then take care of them. I am not judging where the OP is right or wrong as I can’t see the defects he mentioned.

To the OP, don’t always call…writing can be more effective. I had a Civic that died. Brought it to Honda and they said the computer fried. They replaced it. A week later, the car died. It was the computer again. They replace it and found the cause, the alternator was loose, caused a spark that caused the computer to fry. They charged me for the second computer. I protested that had they done their job and found the CAUSE of the computer malfunction; I would not have had to come back. I called the Honda 800 Number. One month later, nothing. I sent a multi-page detailed letter to Honda. I was very specific on times, date, included receipts, the person at the 800 # and my case Number. It was many pages. I sent it return receipt, so someone signed for it. The original 800 operator called me and said they received my letter, agreed I was mistreated and refunded the part and labor for the second visit.

 

I tried this with my F-150, sent physical snail mail letters to customer care, even the CEO at the time - crickets! I have had a lot of success with letters over the years but not with Ford. Glad it worked for you.

 

I have to ask, did the interior materials become subpar after purchase? If not why did you buy?

Asking for a friend.

 

Since you asked. No, it didn't appear to me after some time and using the truck.

I can see the cynical undertone in your question which is fine with me. My question for you; do you honestly think that Tundra interior compares favorable to the Ram or F-150?

 

Now we’re getting into bizarro-world, we want to compare how plush the interiors are?

 

Plush interiors matter to a lot of people (not me). That's why we have "Platinum" and "Limited" and "Laramie" models.

Here, let's charge you significantly more for the same truck so you can have heated/cooled leather seats and power ass-wipe.

 

I think some of you are arguing which is better: reliability or features? I would ask the question - why can’t we have both? I would like the reliability of the Tundra with the features/luxury/updated technology of the other guys. I don’t see it as an either/or equation. Look at all the mods we do here - suspension, remote start, radios, leather seats, lighting, etc. I would think that Toyota is capable of doing all these things to the Tundra with at least the reliability that we accomplish.

My Tundra has had more issues that required dealer attention (including the cam tower leak) than any other vehicle I’ve ever owned. However, I still believe that my Tundra is the exception to an otherwise very reliable truck. But there is no doubt that it is overdue for an update.

OP has brought up some issues that I don’t think are deal breakers. But let’s not let our appreciation of these trucks fool us into thinking that reliability and features can’t be had together.

 

Finally the voice of reason.

Like I said all along, I'll buy another Tundra (Platinum or 1794) once Toyota gets it right and the fit, finish and materials are comparable to what is the norm now for every other brand besides Toyota. We all know the can do it, just look at their Lexus line.

Thank you for your meaningful post and I hope the true fanboys don't beat up on you to bad.

 

Man, I get being nitpicky, but some people on here are really on edge whenever anyone blasphemes the great and holy name of Toyota. I went through the same flaming when I was going through my cam tower leak on my brand new 2018. Those same people love to call out other brands for anything and everything, but whenever a Toyota flaw is brought to light it's "not a big deal" or "not as bad as XYZ brand's [insert issue]". I suppose if other brands have issues then we should never complain if we find something wrong with our Toyotas? My wife and I each drive a Toyota because I've found Toyota is the most reliable, but that's not to say they're flawless.

 

I think the point most folks are making is you can wish the Tundra had this or that, but at the end of the day YOU went to a dealership and signed the paperwork after having looked at and test driven the truck. It isn’t like some bait and switch used car dealer nonsense. The Tundra is what the Tundra is at this point. The next generation will be more modern but Toyota has never been a company that pushes the envelope with technology in the Tundra or Tacoma. If you want high end interior materials and Toyota reliability, you’ve got to look at Lexus. The great thing about the Tundras: if you have buyer’s remorse, the resale is the best in the class so you can move on and not take much of a hit on depreciation. But does it really make sense to blame Toyota for your buyer’s remorse?

And any of the reasonable non fan boys here would agree that the cam tower leak is inexcusable. It’s a factory defect that could have been redesigned years ago and wasn’t. Full stop. That said, Toyota has been fairly good in helping original owners out if the leak is discovered in some reasonable timeframe. Others, especially those who have bought used and ended up with the leak, got the short end of the stick.

 

This is true and false. I knew exactly what features I was buying, so I cannot complain (and I am not). But I thought I was buying rock-solid reliability, but I did not get that from my truck (and I am still not complaining). And you make a good point about trade-in value. All I’m trying to point out is that we can actually be honest about our trucks without being labeled a troll.

 

Toyota absolutely can upgrade and have all the comforts of upper end big 3 trucks.
Along with that will come a 60-70 thousand dollar price tag.
So for me, I’ll save the 20,000 and not worry about inferior plastic. Because at the end of the day, soft plastic and back vibrators won’t enrich my life to the tune of thousands of dollars.
My hope is that they upgrade some useful tech and improve the MPG while keeping the prices close to what they are.

 

Yep. Treading dangerous ground around here if you speak bad about Toyota.

 

After reading through this thread, I think you nailed it right there. Toyota absolutely can give us the power, reliability and fancy features that everyone is talking about, but the price tag will rise exponentially along with it.

For an example, the Lexus LX 570 is pretty much what all of us want in a Tundra...5.7 V8, world class luxury cab, etc...it also has an MSRP range of $86-$92k.

The cost of new trucks just keeps getting crazier and crazier. I remember thinking Toyota was nuts back in 2014 when we bought my wife's Highlander new and the same dealer wanted over 50k for a 1794 that I was drooling over...now updated trucks are way more.

Too much for my budget, I'll tell you that.

 

To much for me as well. While I can afford it, is it worth it? Nicer trim, options I don’t truly need. I like the fact that I paid low 40s for a Limited. I hear some of the payments people have and it’s absurd. My neighbor has a new Expedition. He said his payment for 6 years is 1300 bucks. Does that make his life any better and is he truly happier? I would venture to guess he isn’t.
To each their own.

 

And Toyota very likely will upgrade with more features, and without a doubt people will starting whining about the price tag.

 

Toyota will do what everybody does. Have the entry level and mid-grade trucks for those who want it to keep simple and reasonable priced. And then they have the high end models with everything and it will cost you.

By the way nobody complains (to my knowledge) of the TRD Pro price which until recently was a SR5 with a lift kit and a loud exhaust at 1794 price.

 

Damn! That’s just crazy. I make decent money but whoa Nellie that’s a lot of money. I’ll take my 2019 SR DC that had everything I wanted and needed (5.7L and 4x4) for $33k out the door!

 

The point is not how they compare, it is that the facts of the materials were evident and you chose to accept them.

The interiors of both the Ram and Ford are nicer. No doubt. I like both of them. Unfortunately I don't have the energy to deal with huge reliability issues with Ram and Ford while better also can't hold a candle to Toyota reliability.

As an example, my Mom has a 2014 Fusion hybrid. At 4x,xxx mom old lady (easy no drama)Miles the 5k hybrid battery died.

The dealer tried to blame everything but poor quality and I had to argue to corporate to get it replaced under warranty.

In contrast, my 2007 Camry Hybrid battery died a few hundred Miles out of the 100k warranty and Toyota good willed it for labor.

 

OP- this is a great example of sarcasm but I’m not sure if Marty is being sarcastic

 

We Toyota fanboys have hijacked this thread...I think OP has moved On...

 

The PRO price is around 50 grand. A drop in the bucket compared to the BIG3s top end models. How about when the Platinum is 66 thousand because Toyota had to put soft plastic and a drive shaft camera in it to satisfy people. If you think for one minute all that tech will get packed in and you’ll still pick up a Platinum for 47,000 Grand then you're delusional.

 

I wish I could come to where you are and buy a truck...

 

Let’s try to look at real world prices. This dealer will drop 3-5 off that price with one email. Platinum for around 46-47 before taxes. That’s their top end ride.
The discussion on this site has people buying PROs for around 51,000