Oil Change Access Door

This has happened to me too after the 3rd oil change at the dealer. A part of the cover actually fell off while I was driving on the freeway and freaked me out. I had no idea that it was covering the oil though..

Anyway, brought it into the dealer and they quoted me $375 to fix (!!!!!). Naturally I said eff that and they just removed the broken piece. So frustrated. What a terrible design...is there anything we can do to bring this to Toyota's attention? The people at the dealership seem to be totally useless.

 

I should probably go and check to make sure mine is still there! EEK! We need to contact Toyota corporate. Talking to the dealers will do absolutely nothing. They don't care.

 

How do we go about doing this? I feel like there should be a larger recall of some sort (like the brake issue). Does anyone know how that recall was initiated?

Worst Prius model ever...

 

The brake issue was made into a safety issue even though the brakes were safe. A lot of people thought the brakes were unsafe because they felt different than other cars and reported them to the NHTSA. Toyota knew it would be better to issue a voluntary recall than wait for NHTSA to issue a recall. As far as I know recalls are issued for safety or emission control purposes and little else.

The under engine covers are not a safety issue and I don't think there is any way to make them one. My guess is that we probably won't even see a TSB let alone a recall.

I plan of fixing my own and if I can't I will remove them completely. I don't think the mileage would suffer measurably and the dirt can be cleaned off as needed.

I don't like it either and I wish they would fix all the problems (especially the rattles) but that's not going to happen. If things get fixed on the Gen3 it will be in future model years. I hope I'm wrong but I think that's reality.

 

You are right of course T, but I suppose we could hire an "expert" that would testify that in fact the door could come off and fly up to cut aahhh..., the oil line causing a fire and finally blowing up the car. Heck you remember when that GenII got that mattress caught under it last year, right?

 

There is a monetary issue though: people are getting stiffed 3~4 hundred by service departments, for replacement panels with the same problem, and continuing to take them to service personnel that will soon have the new one broken.

I agree, the quick-and-dirty solution is to simply let it fail, pull it off, or jury rig a secure reattachment. I don't think zip ties at the hinge are good: they will allow the broken edge to hang, snag on snow or whatever, and then tear off.

I've emailed a Canadian Toyota "feedback" contact that I've got a response from in the past, linking three threads here and one at CleanMPG. Maybe some one will respond, or at least start the ball going.

 

Great, thank you. I'm about to do the same for the USA.:rockon:

EDIT: Could you PM me the links you sent to them?

 

Here they are:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...bleshooting/89496-oil-change-access-door.html

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...g/89685-underbody-panel-replacement-help.html

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ooting/90038-plastic-engine-cover-broken.html

4 Million Satisfied Canadian Toyota owners in just 40-years - CleanMPG Forums

 

Thank you. I'm going to send off an email and let you guys know if I end up getting a response.

 

Just sent off a very informative email, we shall see what comes of this. I request each of you all do this as well. Strength in numbers people. We need a resolution. This problem will eventually happen to all of us. Thank you! I'll let you know once I get a reply.

 

^ I would but my door has yet to break off. Got my 20K change coming up soon, we will see what happens.

 

My door has not fallen off either. However, I am preparing for when it will happen in the future. I wonder what the dealer will do/tell me if it falls off while they are changing the oil and they are the only ones who have done the oil changes..

 

Not intending to be overly cynical but I think most dealers would not even tell you about it. Might be a good idea to look after your service is completed. It may not break off right away though.

 

Excellent, simple, solution. Thanks.

Question: What type of plastic did you use for the 4 x 4 inch piece? How thick, stiff, etc?

 

As I said in a previous post, if you experience this defect you need to force the issue, and inform Toyota about this defect, to increase the probability that an improved part will be forthcoming.

 

I'm going to call Toyota Corporate on Monday. I've also already filed a Better Business Bureau complaint...not sure if that's gonna work but I feel like something needs to happen. This is just unacceptable. We pay good money for this car and shouldn't have to worry about pieces falling off the car while in operation! (Mine had partially fallen off on the freeway...not cool)

 

Great work Dogdiaz, this needs to be a joint effort of all of us if we want action to be taken. I've sent my email off to Toyota, twice actually. Hoping to hear either Monday or Tuesday. Make sure to post back about your calling experience. Thanks!

 

Most excellent DIY solution. Thanks.

 

I don't see the two approaches as mutually exclusive in this instance. The DIY solution does not preclude one from pursuing Toyota to correct the defective design, nor does it damage or diminish the warranty rights of the car owner since the DIY solution is merely a "patch" resulting from an obvious design flaw, not a warranty voiding alteration. So let's not argue about whether to do the DIY solution. I will complain to Toyota to redesign the defective part and replace it at no cost to the car owner. I will also do the DIY solution to mitigate any damage or deterioration pending Toyota's response.

 

Mine broke off not sure why and I guess I got luck as it got hooked on the lip to my garage. So I have it. The Jiffy Lube guys told me that they have never seen this.

I am really wondering do I need this??

They drilled some holes in it and replaced the hinge with tie straps and gave me new screws.