2022/2023 Tonneau cover recall

First report and analysis of the issue that makes sense. Thanks.

 

Do you have a 6.5 ft bed or 5.5 ft bed? I think the two covers have different panels depending on what size you have?

 

So the 6.5 bed which is on my truck is (4) panels with (3) latches. On my truck you release Latch on panel (1) and fold, then fold again. Next you release the latch on panel (3), fold then release latch on Panel (4) and fold. On the 5.5 bed there is only (3) panels. My understanding is even though the recall is really for the (4) panel covers, Toyota is concerned about the integrity of the latches themself, therefore all covers are being recalled.

 

He said the longer (6.5) bed. And he is exactly right that the second panel on these lacks a latch.

 

Good information. I have 6.5 ft bed and did think a little odd the second to last panel didn’t have a latch.

 

The worst part is there is no way they will be able to install a latch at that location because the fold point doesn’t leave enough room to accommodate one. My honest guess is they end up with a complete new design and end up replacing them all or ultimately giving a refund.

After reading the entire TSB the dealers are told to remove the covers from trucks new in inventory and drill (6) 10mm holes to destroy the covers and discard. Remove all hardware, Then Toyota will supply a new window sticker with the cover deleated. They don’t plan to fix the factory direct cover for new trucks. If truck is already in service the dealer is told to remove and place in back of truck.

 

I wonder if the nonOEM Bakflip cover is the same design? With there being no latch on that panel? Wouldn’t it have the same issue as OEM?

 

Update on refund status: was told the regional accessory rep needed a copy of my invoice from the dealer, which they provided 5 days ago. Now they (Dealer) are just waiting for a form which they said the regional accessory rep will send them to fill out so I can receive my refund. Hopefully will happen within next few days. They said they cannot simply cut me a check because this is a recall situation and it must be appropriately documented.

 

Thanks for the info… idea. My biggest issue is I need a cover and the oem was my “Best Decision”. Keep it OEM I said… lol

 

I am going to do the research this weekend while I am camping… you bring up a good point.

 

Appears to be the exact same with no latch on 1 panel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_ByQkAiPJQ&t=108s

 

I got my recall letter over the weekend. I put locktite on the 2 handscrews for now. I've got a long trip next week, and need the stuff in the back covered - I've not had an issue with it yet. Though prior to the locktite, did have the handscrews come a bit loose, but not off. I'll be checking it during the trip, but am thinking it'll be ok.

 

Got my check today from the dealership for the full purchase price of the 3-fold tonneau.

Big thanks to the assigned Toyota Customer Advocate for calling the dealership to explain the reimbursement details.

I'm glad I was able to get the tonneau removed by the dealership in-time before I traded in the truck at a different dealership.

The process took a while and a number of follow-up phone calls, but it worked out in the end.

 

This is exactly how the process has gone for me as well. Thankfully after me calling several times, they had a great attitude about it and will have my check ready today or tomorrow.

 

Did you guys start with the dealer, go to Toyota or both? Just looking for tips on most direct path to compensation.

 

Based on the the posts here, I decided to call Toyota Customer Care first to get a case started.

 

Call me skeptical. I called and opened a case, then after another separate call a day later, got denied. Wrote a letter. No response. If any of you guys supposedly getting refunds could share some real information, perhaps which Toyota Care reps you are working with, that might help the rest of us.

 

I called and asked to speak with the parts department. He told me he would start the process of getting it taken care of. Had to call him back a couple of times over the course of a week. Then he had the parts manage call me and he said he had to speak with the regional accessory rep on exactly how to file a warranty into a refund. So he talked to him, then called me two days ago and said I would have my check before the end of the week.

 

I'm on-hold with toyota brand engagement center...I'm asking what info I can share with others that have the same tonneau issue to help get their case approved. The rep is looking into it...

 

I mentioned to the lady I talked to at the brand engagement center that my case has been approved and I'm just calling for others that have the same problem.

She said that reimbursement approval is handled differently by dealerships and regional reps. Not sure why. She couldn't give me any additional info unless I was actually reporting the problem. I don't want to share PII so I'd rather not give out the name of the person that helped me.

Sorry, I tried. I suggest calling toyota again.

 

Picking up my check today!

 

Yes, this is very puzzling. But the name of the rep you are working with is not PII in any sense.

 

Got my Toyota recall letter today. Mine is self installed BAK MX4 so I'm out of the Toyota recall. But, I did find the thumb nuts loose on mine on two occasions. Over the weekend I put loctite on them but then decided the better choice was to put old fashioned nylon insert style steel locknuts. Did that and based on how hard it was to get those on (the top of the screw flange rotates and had to be held with pliers while tightening the locknut) I'm sure it will not loosen up with time, vibration and temp changes. It would be a pain to remove and re-install the cover, but I don't foresee doing that, maybe ever. I did scratch the screw top flange with the pliers some, but from arms length one can't see that scratch so I'm going to just leave it be and chalk it up to the price of cover security.

But it sure seems to me that BAK should be doing something for us non OEM buyers. Has anyone heard anything from them?

I did contact the distributor that I bought it from twice now, very responsive but no indication of anything coming from BAK.

 

What is the general consensus for someone who can't go without a cover, wait for the repair/replacement from Toyota? Or get a refund from Toyota and buy an aftermarket cover, if so what would you get?

 

I think if you rephrase the question in this way, the answer might be clearer...."Should a person wait for the repair details from Toyota or get the refund and put the $1300- in their hands to spend on another tonneau or other mods, or payoff some of the loan on the vehicle?"

 

Yes, what topdec said.

 

Is the MSRP on the cover $1300? My window sticker when I bought the truck is listed at $1700 back in March of '22

 

I just talked to the service manager at my Toyota Dealership he said there is a refund process that he will look into. I need mine for work so will need to buy another one asap. I'm expecting a call tomorrow from them or I'm gonna show up there and request it be refunded. I'll let you guys know the outcome.

 

Was yours a dealer installed option, or did it come from the port/factory? Reason I ask is that I am getting nowhere on getting a refund for mine which came on the regular mfg's window sticker, not DIO.

 

It sounds like you got charged more. My window sticker says $1295 for the tonneau.