2002 Toyota Corolla - replaced clogged emissions control charcoal canister

# 10 for October 12, 2003

Complaints.com received the following on October 11, 2003:

From:

RE: 2002 Toyota Corolla - replaced clogged emissions control charcoal canister

October 13, 2003 Dear Complaints.com: I am writing regarding an issue with my 2002 Toyota Corolla. I recently had to replace an emissions control device in my car, a charcoal canister due to it being clogged. I am concerned that this may be a wide-spread problem because on the day that I had my car repaired, I met another person at the Toyota service station with the same issue and who also had a 2002 Toyota Corolla. However, fortunately for her she was still under warranty so she did not have to pay for the repair. The warranty for this part is 3 years or 36,000 miles. Unfortunately for me, I was at the 38,000 mark on mileage and so I was out of warranty. Before I had the car fixed, I contacted Toyota customer assistance center at 800-331-4331 (reference #: 200309021930) and after a bit of back and forth, they informed me that they would "good will" the part to me since I was "right out of" warranty, but I would have to pay for the labor. As a side to this story, Toyota North in Mt. Kisco (where I purchased my car) labor fee to replace this part is a $90 diagnostic fee plus 1.5 hours labor adding to a total of about $225. After shopping around, I found that Toyota City in Mamaroneck (located within the same county as Toyota North) labor fee for the same job is $90 total. Obviously, I opted to go to Toyota City to have the part replaced. My concern is how many clogged charcoal canisters had to be replaced in the 2002 model of a Toyota Corolla. I did contact the U. S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and filed a report regarding the failure on this part and hope that others would do the same. Overall, I don't think people are aware that they can file a report on this type of vehicle part, as they do not think it is related to a safety concern. I would like to get the message out to all Toyota owners that it is very important to file a report on any auto part that fails regardless of the fact that it is covered under the manufacturer's warranty. I also feel that an emissions control device should last longer than just two years. My family has owned several different models of Toyota automobiles over the past 15 years and we have never had to replace such a device. The Toyota Corolla model, being a modest car, should not require to replace a $300 part every two years that is needed to keep our environment clean. If you can assist me in finding out how many clogged charcoal canisters had to be replaced in the 2002 Toyota Corolla model or how to get the word out to the owners of Toyota cars, I would be most grateful. I appreciate any assistance or guidance you can provide. Sincerely yours, Mindy Samitt

Putnam Valley, NY 10579 Email User cc: U.S. Department of Transportation - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Comment On This

After approximately 2 years, my 2002 Toyota Siena's check engine light was on. Queensboro Toyota fixed it by replacing chrcoal canister. About 1500 miles later my gas refulling valve satrted shutting off aotometically even though gas not full.Queensboro Toyota checked & said Charcoal canister need to be replaced. After 1 year of previous replacement, I need to pay $495(Part+Labor).I complained about it, but it was fruitless. Any suggestion?