Two of the three previous Toyotas had hood support rods as did all cars I ever owned. I never like working under the hood with them as the only support. Over the years I have knocked the support rod out three times. Fortunately, I have a hard head. I do however know one person who lost two fingers when a support rod was accidentally dislodged.

My 2003 Camry (which I still have) had a support strut (something like a piston) to support the trunk. It is very much toward the rear of the hood and only on one side. Once the hood is lifted no other support is needed. They can fail but replacement is easy. Even now I can get one for under $70.00

Again, I didn't look under the hood during my purchase. The day after my purchase I wanted to look under the hood to familiarize myself with the layout. Toyota has returned to the support rod (again I am not sure of other trim levels or different Toyota models.

Not everybody never opens their hood or doesn't do whatever maintenance a simple shade tree mechanic might do. However, the problem still exists that the support rod can easily be hit and allow the hood to drop.

Again, this is a safety issue. Maybe not for many people, but how much more would it be to install one strut! How much could one strut possibly cost! They are massed produced and installed by robots.

I believe I may be able to find a retro fit kit to install a strut. Obviously I'm not the only lunatic that feels struts would be safer. The knots on my head vote for safer.

Thanks for listening.

tlawct

How much money does Toyota want? Unfortunately, I can't return it. I can't afford another new car. It is unlikely I could afford to purchase rear seats with adjustable head restraints (see my previous rant)