Toyota will not cover the repair under warranty. Dealer determined " external forces" caused roof panel to contact Sirius shark fin type antennae mount bolt which is just under the roof panel. An outward dent has formed, with paint integrity broken and rust area forming. With light hand pressure the thin roof panel is easily deflected down contacting the bolt. Same on both sides, one side affected so far. Average user encountered environmental forces should not lead to damage like this.
The design flaw is basically too thin of roof material with a bolt fastener too close to the sheet metal. This Tacoma is a garaged in winter "pavement queen" that has never been exposed to any excessive snow load or extreme weather. Owning a 91' and 03' pickup since new, and a 95' forerunner for a few years as well, that have seen significantly more environmental "external forces" over their life, I can say with confidence of judgement that their new generation Tacoma's roof needs a redesign.
The process dealing with the Toyota dealer and then with corporate is time consuming and akin to banging your head against a wall. Not what was expected as a longtime Toyota customer who recently spent 37k + on a truck touted for durability.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Toyota will not cover the repair under warranty. Dealer determined " external forces" caused roof panel to contact Sirius shark fin type antennae mount bolt which is just under the roof panel. An outward dent has formed, with paint integrity broken and rust area forming. With light hand pressure the thin roof panel is easily deflected down contacting the bolt. Same on both sides, one side affected so far. Average user encountered environmental forces should not lead to damage like this.
The design flaw is basically too thin of roof material with a bolt fastener too close to the sheet metal. This Tacoma is a garaged in winter "pavement queen" that has never been exposed to any excessive snow load or extreme weather. Owning a 91' and 03' pickup since new, and a 95' forerunner for a few years as well, that have seen significantly more environmental "external forces" over their life, I can say with confidence of judgement that their new generation Tacoma's roof needs a redesign.
The process dealing with the Toyota dealer and then with corporate is time consuming and akin to banging your head against a wall. Not what was expected as a longtime Toyota customer who recently spent 37k + on a truck touted for durability.
- Karl W., Homewood, CA, US