TRD Aurion bites the dust!

sleekism · 19-09-2007, 10:15 AM

TRD Aurion withdrawn from sale
Steve Colquhoun, The Age, 18/09/07

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...ID=43596&vf=12

Toyota has suspended sales of its recently released high performance TRD Aurion, pending an investigation of an engine failure last week.

Toyota's high performance TRD Aurion
It is the crucial first release from the new Toyota Racing Developments workshop, which has bolted a supercharger on to the Aurion's V6 engine to lift power from 204 kW to 241 kW.

Toyota spokesman Mike Breen says one vehicle ''had an issue'' in the hands of a dealer salesperson. ''The issue appears unrelated to the supercharger or the engine power output,'' he says. ''At the moment, we believe this is a one-off issue.

Toyota has a commitment to the quality of our product and since this type of incident is unusual for a Toyota engine, we took the decision to stop selling the vehicle while we investigate.''

About 150 cars in dealerships or being used for marketing purposes will be inspected. ''We expect it will take about two hours per car, and about one week to run through the process,'' Mr Breen says.

''A handful of cars have already gone out to customers, who we believe have no reason to be concerned. If they would like to speak to their Toyota dealer we encourage that and the dealer will take the appropriate steps.''

charles_wif_xf · 19-09-2007, 10:20 AM

That's a big one! Enigne failure is almost unheard of in Toyota circles, whats going on me wonders...?

phoonfan · 19-09-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles_wif_xf

That's a big one! Enigne failure is almost unheard of in Toyota circles, whats going on me wonders...?

Hmmmm..... designed and engineered by guess who!

XR Martin · 19-09-2007, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles_wif_xf

That's a big one! Enigne failure is almost unheard of in Toyota circles, whats going on me wonders...?

You must live in a bubble

charles_wif_xf · 19-09-2007, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

You must live in a bubble

Hey, I spent a small fortune renovating my bubble!

:

Barry_v · 19-09-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

You must live in a bubble

I must live in a bubble too. Its called reality - toyota engine problems (putting aside the odd timing cover oil weap) are extremely rare.

I have seen the results of early V6 prados throwing a rod, but the term 'extreme abuse' comes to mind.

XR Martin · 19-09-2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry_v

I must live in a bubble too. Its called reality - toyota engine problems (putting aside the odd timing cover oil weap) are extremely rare.

I have seen the results of early V6 prados throwing a rod, but the term 'extreme abuse' comes to mind.

Toyota's are perfect :monkes:

Quote:

Consumers saddled with sludge-clogged Toyota engines may soon get some help from the Japanese auto giant under the terms of a class-action lawsuit settlement that covers roughly 3.5 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles damaged by engine oil sludge.

An engine gummed up with oil sludge can cost thousands of dollars to repair and in many cases must be replaced. The class action settlement could potentially cost the automaker hundreds of millions of dollars.

The agreement will allow consumers whose claims have been denied by Toyota to submit those claims to a third-party mediator at no cost for binding arbitration.

The lawsuit, filed in a Louisiana district court, could receive final approval by the middle of February. Details of the settlement are being mailed to 7.5 million current and previous Toyota and Lexus owners.

The agreement provides owners of sludge-damaged Toyotas eight years plus 120 days from the original purchase date to file a complaint.

Toyota consumers who have repaired their sludge-damaged engines may be able to recover their costs. The car only needs to show evidence of oil sludge damage.

The terms of the settlement are transferable to future vehicle owners.

Toyota owners have repeatedly written ConsumerAffairs.Com detailing Toyota's attempts to blame sludge problems on inadequate vehicle maintenance by the owner.

Charles in Arkansas said: "At 36,000 miles the engine gummed up and quit running. My wife had the oil changed at Wal-Mart and did not keep receipts for the oil changes. The North Little Rock dealer and the Toyota representative told us such problems were rare and that we had caused the problem but for $2,500 they could fix it. They inferred that my wife was a liar," he wrote.

With the new agreement, consumers need only show reasonable maintenance in terms of oil changes.

Toyotas covered by the Louisiana settlement include the:

• Camry 4 cylinder from 1997-2001,
• Camry 6 cylinder from 1997-2002,
• Camry Solara 4 cylinder from 1999-2001,
• Camry Solara 6 cylinder 1999-2002,
• Sienna 6 cylinder from 1998-2002,
• Avalon 6 cylinder from 1997-2002,
• Celica 4 cylinder from 1997-1999,
• Highlander 6 cylinder from 2001-2002,
• Lexus ES 300 from 1997-2002 and
• Lexus RX 300 from 1999-2002.

In 2002 Toyota admitted receiving 3,400 complaints about sludged engines and the automaker extended its vehicle warranty to eight years along with unlimited mileage to owners of 1997-2002 Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with 3.0-liter V-6 or 2.2-liter four-cylinder engines.

At Toyota dealerships, however, consumers have encountered repeated denials from service managers insisting that sludging occurs primarily when owners fail to change their oil frequently enough.

Lauren wrote ConsumerAffairs.Com from Tampa, Florida that, "My check engine light came on once again so I immediately returned to Stadium Toyota. The next day, I received a call from Stadium Toyota telling me that my engine is damaged due to engine sludge and it will cost me $4,500 to fix it."

In Lawrenceville, Georgia Valerie ran into a hostile dealer despite Toyota confirming her vehicle was "part of their oil gelling/sludge program. The service dept at the dealership says that I'm not entitled to anything," she wrote.

In Apex, North Carolina Jan heard the bad news from her Toyota dealer.

"They checked it over, then called and said that the engine had sludge in it and it needed a $7,000 to $8,000 repair," she wrote.

"They also said it was my fault, because the oil had obviously not been changed properly. When I purchased the car, the Toyota dealer talked me into a $999 extended warranty plan, which he assured me would cover any major issues that might come up with a car. It is called their Tender Loving Care package."

Edward from Parma, Ohio received the Toyota brush-off despite promises of an extended warranty.

"I called the dealer and was basically told by their customer service manager that they refused to do anything and did not care if I chose to file a lawsuit or anything else, Edward told ConsumerAffairs.Com.

Lois from Cedar Rapids is still steaming over her treatment despite promises of an extended warranty.

"We received a letter from Toyota that indicated the engine was covered for a period of 8 years for engine sludge. In February of 2006, at 144,000 miles, the engine started making a loud noise. We were told that our car had 'blown a rod' and needed a new engine. We asked about the previous problem but were told that this was not related to the sludge problem and the car was not covered by Toyota."

The Toyota agreement the court is examining contains no finding of fault by Toyota or its dealers and does not prove Toyota or Lexus vehicles are predisposed to develop oil gel.

Barry_v · 19-09-2007, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Toyota's are perfect :monkes:

I would suggest that oil sludging is due to infrequent changes and/or poor quality oil.

You'd think if the problem was as widespread as that article indicates they could have found better examples. I mean one person claims they did change the oil, but it wasnt at a toyota dealership and they didnt keep reciepts? No manufacturer is going to warrant an engine gumming up on the basis of that.
the next line says...

"With the new agreement, consumers need only show reasonable maintenance in terms of oil changes"

but that customer cant show anything?!?

and having engine repairs at 144,000 miles (232,000km) is not unexpected in any product. comparing that to a major manufacturing error like clutch failure in a typhoon or piston slap in an LS1 is rediculous. Ford never had a recall over EVERY EA-EL DOING A HEAD GASKET/HEAD BEFORE 232,000km, but then again that why toyota has a better name for quality.

and just so you know, I do work in a toyota dealership, Im not relying on google like steffo. I cant say much about TRD though as we arent the dealer for them.

hy_boi · 19-09-2007, 10:25 AM

I reckon it have to do with the sales person....hehe

TheSneakiness · 19-09-2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hy_boi

I reckon it have to do with the sales person....hehe

You having a bit of fun were you? :P

Zed7fiddy · 19-09-2007, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hy_boi

I reckon it have to do with the sales person....hehe

As soon as you get hold of one you best be bringing it round ;)

soulfire · 19-09-2007, 10:28 AM

Lol, well it happened to the typhoon with the clutch.

charles_wif_xf · 19-09-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulfire

Lol, well it happened to the typhoon with the clutch.

True, true but engine failure?

What is funny is how many of the faults are uncovered by delaerships when test drivers are a bit too eager when doing their drive. I know I fluffed a diff on a BA back in 2002 during a test drive; apparently I discovered a fault that hadn't been picked up by the "extensive" testing done by Ford.

That said, my BA is going quite well!

Sprint_ED · 19-09-2007, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles_wif_xf

True, true but engine failure?

What is funny is how many of the faults are uncovered by delaerships when test drivers are a bit too eager when doing their drive. I know I fluffed a diff on a BA back in 2002 during a test drive; apparently I discovered a fault that hadn't been picked up by the "extensive" testing done by Ford.

That said, my BA is going quite well!

maybe the salespeople should do the testing:P

fairBA · 19-09-2007, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulfire

Lol, well it happened to the typhoon with the clutch.

If you got a call saying to bring your typhoon back for a clutch upgrade (free) - what would you be doing all the way down the road back to the dealer!!!?

soulfire · 19-09-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairBA

If you got a call saying to bring your typhoon back for a clutch upgrade (free) - what would you be doing all the way down the road back to the dealer!!!?

Lol, they'd upgrade the clutch, not the tyres :p

fairBA · 19-09-2007, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulfire

Lol, they'd upgrade the clutch, not the tyres :p

Still got to be worth a pair of tyres

normxb · 19-09-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairBA

If you got a call saying to bring your typhoon back for a clutch upgrade (free) ....

That's what Ford Service Used to be like .

I know I'm going back in Dinosaur times , but Dad bought an "XK" Falcon brand New , had heaps of clutch problems and cut the rear tyres out in 3 months , Local dealer said " Just lay off the clutch , nothing wrong with it" , but were willing to put a new one in at our cost , then he went to Cootamundra (next town) and while he was there asked "Les Deal , Ford" if there were any problems with clutches in the XK ?

Service Dept said "sure is" and asked if he'd booked it in , but dad said "I didn't buy the car here"

Service guy said doesn't matter where you bought it , it's Ford who's replacing them at no charge . Guess where Dad bought his next car from ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulfire

Lol, they'd upgrade the clutch, not the tyres :p....

But they did those day's . As everyone is finding out "there's no such thing as Service these day's"

Back to Topic
Imagine Toyota spending $$$$$$'s looking into this "One Off Issue" and find the problem is "wide spread" to the lower part of One Salesman's Leg , bet he won't got "Toyota Salesman Of The Year award"

Also , I wonder who gave the Toyota the model designation " TRD " ?

TZENU · 19-09-2007, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleekism

one vehicle ''had an issue'' in the hands of a dealer salesperson.

You see, that is were the problem probably lies..

If any of us were in the salesman's position we too would "go for gold"!!...
its in our nature

merlin · 19-09-2007, 11:09 AM

Engine failure...its only an additional 37kw load on the engine...

HSE2 · 19-09-2007, 11:11 AM

The drive review over at Car advice was less than satisfactory. The only good points were its appearance both inside and out. As a semi performance model it was deemed a dismal failure.

On the strength of that review its hard to image a company like Toyota getting it so wrong. Hang on a minute. No its not

blueoval · 19-09-2007, 11:15 AM

WHOA - toyota with engine issues. Thats a first for me. At least they are taking the right steps to sort the issues out. They have a big reputation to uphold.

aye you · 19-09-2007, 11:17 AM

i told him not to practise burnouts in the show room car...

**Charliewool** · 19-09-2007, 11:20 AM

This was on 3AW's "rumour file" a couple of weeks ago.
Word was that at least 3 of these supercharged TRDs have thrown a leg out the block, and that Toyota were thinking seriously of scrapping the whole performance exercise.

merlin · 19-09-2007, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliewool

This was on 3AW's "rumour file" a couple of weeks ago.
Word was that at least 3 of these supercharged TRDs have thrown a leg out the block, and that Toyota were thinking seriously of scrapping the whole performance exercise.

Well if they did axe the car and you were one of the handfull who bought one I guess you would now have something kind of unique (in a positive thinking, glass is half full way)

flappist · 19-09-2007, 11:43 AM

Interesting.

A supercharged V format engine is demonstrating structural issues.

I suspect there will be a huge amount of dummy spitting in parts of AFF if the engine developers decide that supercharging V format engines is not a viable option for future development.

mowog · 19-09-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

Interesting.

A supercharged V format engine is demonstrating structural issues.

I suspect there will be a huge amount of dummy spitting in parts of AFF if the engine developers decide that supercharging V format engines is not a viable option for future development.

There has been TRD supercharger kits for the Camry V6 for some time now. Toyota in the USA use to sell the kits on new cars with full warranty. I dont think the V format has any blower issues...

flappist · 19-09-2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mowog

There has been TRD supercharger kits for the Camry V6 for some time now. Toyota in the USA use to sell the kits on new cars with full warranty. I dont think the V format has any blower issues...

Exactly.

But there seem to be problems with the product here and the people who developed this engine have previously had a lot of success with turbo rather than super charging.

It would be extremely embarrassing for both the maunfacturer and the fan base if a simmilar situation occured with a future product that many constantly fantasize over.

gtfpv · 19-09-2007, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

Exactly.

But there seem to be problems with the product here and the people who developed this engine have previously had a lot of success with turbo rather than super charging.

It would be extremely embarrassing for both the maunfacturer and the fan base if a simmilar situation occured with a future product that many constantly fantasize over.

your sarcasm is telling me PRO DRIVE, developed this engine, and your sarcasm also points to a referall of a prodive developed boss for the GTHO.

flappist · 19-09-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtfpv

your sarcasm is telling me PRO DRIVE, developed this engine, and your sarcasm also points to a referall of a prodive developed boss for the GTHO.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sarcasm

This will help you with the meaning of the word sarcasm.

Yes ProDrive/FPV engineers developed this engine but if I had said that plainly then it is possible that a hypersensitive narrow minded V8 zealot might misinterpret it as an anti boss V8 statement and chuck a tanty.

Fortunately almost all AFF members are bright enough to realise that events like this, e.g. F6 clutch issue, can have a wider reaching impact than on the specific product involved.

So to put it simply so it is not misinterpreted.

If the supercharging of an existing engine turns out to be a stuffup then possibly the supercharging of the BOSS 5.4, an engine exclusive to Australia, will no longer be concidered as although it shares some components with the 4.6 & 5.4 supercharged engines found in Mustangs and GT40s it is in fact quite different.
Maybe they (FPV) will wait until the next V8 platform, which is a world wide one, before offering said product rather than risk it going boom. That would mean a delay of at least 5 years and possibly cause disappointment within the fan base.