Toyota Recalls Cars over Windows

539,500 Corolla and Matrix Cars are being recalled in the United States because their power windows are messed up. So, if you own an '03 or '04 Corolla or Matrix and you have been hearing an "abnormal noise" when you try to roll your window up or down, it is probably because your whatchamacallit has become separated from your thingamajig. But there is good news for you, Toyota has issued that magic word for car owners: a "recall."

Now what do I do, you may ask? Sigh, well, I own a 2002 Dodge Dakota Quad cab pick up truck. It has had several recalls and probably should have several more. In fact, I had never in my life taken a vehicle in under a recall until I purchased this Dodge. Now they might as well have my name stenciled on a seat in the waiting room at the dealers' service center. Between the warranty work and the recalls I spend a lot of my time there so I have the routine down firm.

First, one of two things will happen, you will either get a letter telling you about the recall or you will hear about it and call or check online for yourself. Then you will need to call your dealers service center to confirm that your vehicle is in fact covered by the recall. If Toyota is like Dodge, you may have to go around and around with them on this but stick to it. I recommend going on line first and checking your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at the manufacturers' website. This way you know, for certain, you are included before you talk to Billybob, at the service desk, who tries to tell you that you aren't included and that you really don't have a problem even though your vehicle is falling apart as you drive it.

Once you have gotten the service desk to acknowledge the problem then you can make an appointment to bring in your vehicle to have it fixed. One lesson I learned the hard way, always make certain they have the parts ordered ahead of time. My Dodge dealer just cannot seem to understand the phrase, "this is my only vehicle, no I cannot bring it in and leave it for a week while you order the part." Find out when the part will be in, and how long it will take them to install it.

As far as I am concerned, a recall is their problem. If they have to keep my vehicle any length of time then they should have to provide me with a loaner vehicle. I did nothing wrong, the manufacturer is the one who sold a faulty product. They have acknowledged this by issuing the recall in the first place. I am paying good money for my vehicle and see no reason why I should be paying my hard earned money out and not have something to drive. I have no idea if that has any legal backing or not, it has just always been my argument whenever the service department started any mumbo-jumbo about, "oh sir, we may have to keep your truck a few days." It is amazing how fast they decide to get it back together that evening when faced with having to go and get me a rental car.

The big points are, be sure that your car is included in the recall, schedule ahead of time, making sure they have the parts on hand and don't take any crap from your dealers service center. Good luck Toyota owners, hope your windows don't fall out before your parts come in.