Who should be responsible for the repair, Toyota or me?

Question

I leased a Toyota car. In 2004 and 2005, water would drip from the moon roof when it rained( 5 x year). Since, it was under warranty I had it inspected. Both times, Toyota was unable to find the source. The mechanic said "I believe you b/c I can see water marks but am unable to find the leak". For 3 years I had no leak until June '08. The seal came off. I brought it in to a non-toyota mechanic. He told me Toyota should have been more aggressive finding the leak and fixed the moon roof when it first occurred 4 years ago. Now, there's so much rust the whole thing should be replaced. He believed the drained has been clogged all these years. Cost $5000. He advised me to have Toyota fix it because it is their fault for the extensive damage. Toyota refused because it is out of warranty. I just need another opinion. Thanks

Answer 1

if it didn't leak for all those years then they must have fixed the leak.  The mechanic is wrong its your responsibility to keep your sunroof area free of debris so it doesn't get clogged up.  So because you went so long without leaks (3 years) i don't think Toyota is responsible.

Answer 2

Take the car back to them and ask them to fix it or you will seek legal action.  You've tried to take the car back to them twice and seek other shop opinion.  They should fix it as long as you have all your paper works.  You may want to talk to the "fleet manager" or the owner of the stealership.

Answer 3

Lots of luck with that Japanese Junk!

Answer 4

Toyota was unable to find the source.

And for 3 years no leak.

What anybody says at this time means nothing as they never had to deal with the problem at THAT time.  Maybe they would have found nothing either.  (So easy to say when it is totally obvious).  You probably do not have the paperwork 3 years ago when Toyota looked at it and could not find a problem (they would have marked that down on the sheet)  Only then might you stand a chance of some recompensation assistance.

Answer 5

looks like you're on the hook unless you can get Toyota to honor all the paper work describing the inspection and all the mechanics that said they couldn't find anything.  There is such a thing as small claims court, you also have an area manager for toyota, so you still have some recourse.

Answer 6

you should have followed up a little more.  i don't think rust thru is a covered item.

Answer 7

most Toyotas have a 60month/unlimited miles rust through (corrosion perforation) warranty.

you may also want to check with your auto insurance company to see if this repair would be covered, as it is a safety item (rollover protection).

Most states have a 3 dealer visits for the same problem without fixing it for a lemon law to be applied (lemon laws vary by state), so your 2 visits are probably just short to use this method to have Toyota pay for it.

Otherwise, it sounds like it is now your issue...  :(