Toyota Carlsbad - was sold 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible - wan't told there were current recalls on vehicle

# 22 for May 17, 2002

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on May 16, 2002:

From: Joe Booth [Email User]

RE: Toyota Carlsbad - was sold 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible - wan't told there were current recalls on vehicle

Toyota Carlsbad sold me a 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible with 34000 miles on the odometer, without informing me that there were several current recalls on this vehicle. They certified that the brakes were in good working order. They also sold me an extended warranty for 60,000 miles or 48 months "from the time I take delivery of the car". I have since tried on several occasions to talk to them about this car. Each time the response I received was "We don't deal with that car". The car goes through front brakes every 3500 miles. I have done everything I can think of, and that other shops including a local Chrysler dealer, have suggested to remedy this but no matter what, the brakes just do not work. The radio changes stations erratically. Sometimes the headlights dim so much for a few moments while driving it is hard to see. The front end is acting as if it is not attached to anything. The transmission went out at 84,500 on the odometer, less than 54000 miles since I picked up the car, and I took it into a shop to have warranty work done on it to find that Toyota Carlsbad also lied about the warranty. It expired at 60,000 on the odometer not as Toyota Carlsbad told me "60.000 miles from the time I take delivery of the car".

I have since found on the Internet that there is a recall on this car. In fact 5 of them. 1 for the brakes, 1 for the transmission, 2 for the front end and 1 on electrical problems. I just happen to have symptoms of EACH of these with this car. I am just curious, is it legal for Toyota Carlsbad to sell this vehicle with bad brakes and/or without informing me that there were current recalls on this vehicle at the time of purchase? Joe Booth