Does Toyota have quality problems?

[tarzanman]

By the way, this wasn't a thread to flame Toyotas, Hondas or GM or Ford. I just wondered about peoples opinions about the news. There is definitely a lot of competition for the auto companies that in this day and age, they had better be quality competitive or they will fail.

I did find an article on Toyota quality today, so I guess maybe I am just not looking hard enough.

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=70346

 

[Hedy]

Plenty of people are happy with their imported autos. I have never wanted to own one. I just wanted to let everyone know that there are quality autos that are manufactured in the US and we enjoy supporting US automakers. QUOTE]

So Kentucky (where my mom's Camry was made) is no longer in the US? Interesting.

 

[wdw4us2]

Plenty of people are happy with their imported autos. I have never wanted to own one. I just wanted to let everyone know that there are quality autos that are manufactured in the US and we enjoy supporting US automakers. QUOTE]

So Kentucky (where my mom's Camry was made) is no longer in the US? Interesting.

After writing the post, I didn't think I needed to reiterate the point I was trying to make regarding US automobile manufacturers, not assemblers.

You're missing the point - Japanese auto being made with imported parts, assembled in the US with profits going to a foreign country - not the same as a US automaker. The only American you're supporting here is the factory worker.

 

[Christine]

To the OP: I think that whenever Toyota does have a problem, they do get media attention. I think the difference is that when Toyota does have a problem, they handle it as quickly as they can and they *mostly* bend over backward to satisfy the customers. Therefore, if the customer is happy, they don't go screaming to the media as often so the reports are kept to a minimum.

I can cite you my own personal story.

I own a 1997 Dodge Dakota pickup truck that has really been nothing but a headache since we've had it. We had to replace the catalytic converter 4 times on this truck. After the first time, it seemed kind of early (but out of warranty) and they would not replace for free. After the second replacement, I called Daimler Chrysler and complained. I also found TONS of complaints on the internet about Dakota's and catalytic converter issues. I called some sort of consumer complaint line but nothing was getting those Chrysler people to do anything. For some reason, the 4th catalytic converter seemed to work. Anyway, about a year after that, I got a notice in the mail from Chrysler that they were recalling Dakotas for catalytic converter problems and that, if I had a receipt, they would reimburse me for the past expenses. Fortunately, I had those receipts and got my money back. But not after forking out a lot of money initially and having Chrysler customer service leave a very bad taste in my mouth. I will NEVER buy another Chrysler product again because I feel as though they don't care about you once you buy the car.

Now, as for my Camry (which is my second Camry). My catalytic converter went out on that vehicle at around 60,000 miles. I took it to the dealer and told them of my shock that it went out at that point. It was well out of warranty but the dealer decided that since I was a good customer (I have bought 3 Toyotas from them) that they would cut 50% off the part and 20% off the labor cost to replace it. I think that's pretty good customer service.

I had a similar experience with my Honda a long time ago. Back then, I had a 25,000 mile warranty. At 28,000 miles, my water pump went out. Honda told me that it should not have happened and replaced it for free.

Unfortunately, I can't say that I have ever gotten the same treatment from the U.S. car dealerships.

 

[Anewman]

After writing the post, I didn't think I needed to reiterate the point I was trying to make regarding US automobile manufacturers, not assemblers.

You're missing the point - Japanese auto being made with imported parts, assembled in the US with profits going to a foreign country - not the same as a US automaker. The only American you're supporting here is the factory worker.

Well since you are talking about the Camry, it has at least 75 percent DOMESTIC parts. That means 75 percent of the parts were MANUFACTURED in the USA, many AMERICAN cars can not say the same.

http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=top&subject=more&story=amMade1206

Even though you are WRONG by saying the only AMERICANS being supported are assemblers, there are about 35 thousand AMERICAN assemblers working for Toyota and that is not counting the over 400k other jobs created by Toyota in the US. But you make it sound like there is like one american factory worker building all the Camrys himself.

 

[tarzanman]

Well since you are talking about the Camry, it has at least 75 percent DOMESTIC parts. That means 75 percent of the parts were MANUFACTURED in the USA, many AMERICAN cars can not say the same.

http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=top&subject=more&story=amMade1206

Even though you are WRONG by saying the only AMERICANS being supported are assemblers, there are about 35 thousand AMERICAN assemblers working for Toyota and that is not counting the over 400k other jobs created by Toyota in the US. But you make it sound like there is like one american factory worker building all the Camrys himself.

Cars.com is an excellent site. I like the Automotive Customer Service Ratings page. I didn't realize that Toyota was so far down the list. Even below average! Ford was below average too but ahead of Toyota. All GM brands were above average. Sales Satisfaction Ratings showed similar results. Toyota below average again. This time Ford was just at the average. I like the Top Ten American Made Cars. Ford and GM obviously have the most American Made cars by that list. Toyota is around 400K units while GM and Ford are over 1.5 Million each. Toyota is definitely gaining ground. If they started building Lexus models in the US, that would definitely add to the total.

 

[Anewman]

Cars.com is an excellent site. I like the Automotive Customer Service Ratings page. I didn't realize that Toyota was so far down the list.

Actually I see Lexus at the top spot with the highest rating overall, or do you only count Lexus as being part of Toyota when trying to make a different point???

 

[tarzanman]

Actually I see Lexus at the top spot with the highest rating overall, or do you only count Lexus as being part of Toyota when trying to make a different point???

For the most part I am talking about Toyota, Ford and GM(Chevrolet). I know that they have luxury brands with the better ratings as expected. No issue. I was just talking about the Toyota brand.