Toyotaland, Springfield, NJ - trouble with warranty transmission repair on 2001 Celica GT

# 21 for May 20, 2003

Complaints.com received the following on May 19, 2003:

From: Email User

RE: Toyotaland, Springfield, NJ - trouble with warranty transmission repair on 2001 Celica GT

My 2001 Celica GT has a 6 year 60,000 mile warranty on the power train. After less than 2 years and 35, 000 miles I heard a whirring noise coming from the transmission which I know from repairing cars myself, is a bearing on the end of the main-shaft. I took it back to the dealer, Toyotaland in Springfield New Jersey.

After six days they gave it back saying nothing was wrong with it. I took it back and had to point out the noise and suddenly they claimed they replaced the transmission with a "new" one. The new transmission was noisier than the old one so I attempted to take back the vehicle. The Toyota Motor Company told me that I was entitled to a "loaner" car under the warranty but Toyotaland said I was not.

After some wrangling they agreed to the "loaner" but when I showed up they offered me a mini van and said I had to leave a $250 deposit on it. I had no option but to take my car and leave. When I called Toyota to complain they basically offered me no help. So I guess I have to take my car to Aamco and sue Toyota a number of things. If you don't want this to happen to you, buy a Mazda.