Scion FR-S Owner: Fed Up With Poor Quality Control [pics]

[frsinpa]

Hey guys - I hate to be the sterotypical guy who complains about things, but I really need to get something off my chest.

When I bought this Scion FR-S and plunked down my $27K of hard earned cash, I never forsaw the kind of glaring quality issues that I was in for.

My previous 2 cars were a 1992 Toyota Celica GT and a 2003 Camry SE. Both of the cars lasted forever and had relatively no problems whatsoever, so I'm definitely a loyal Toyota customer.

Having said that, it's a little frustrating when you buy a brand new car and it has more problems than your previous 2 "used cars". That's kinda where I'm at though.

1) My passenger-side taillight starts collecting condensation... not a big deal, but it's still kinda confusing how this could get past the "quality control" process. I don't even live in a particularly rainy area and this problem occured after about 1 month or so.



So I go and get that taken care of (have to take off work cuz the dealership's service hours are less than ideal).

2) Almost a week after the passenger side light was fixed, my driver-side taillight starts showing the same symptoms. Condensation starts developing. (forgot to take a pic unfortunately).

So basically I need to take more time out of my busy schedule and make another trip out to the dealership.

3) Today I walk out to my car after getting some groceries and I notice that the tail light that they fixed is actually showing the same problems as the previous one! Unbelievable.



At this point, I am beyond frustrated... it sucks that Toyota has loosened their quality control standards so much. These kind of mistakes should not be occurring on a brand new car - period.

There's also issues like the driver side door rattle, constantly finding bugs inside my car, and having water leak in through the weak door seals. All in all, I am just really disappointed. I really like this car in terms of performance, but it's becoming increasingly tough for me to overlook some glaring quality issues on Toyota's end.

If I bought a really cheap car for $15K, I guess I could accept "cutting corners" on quality, but I paid a significant amount of money for this car. It's just so frustrating that the quality couldn't be better. If I had to do again, I would have probably looked before I leaped.

edit: If anyone knows some contacts at Scion that I can reach out to about these issues, that would be great. Please drop me a PM.

[jmaryt]

i can certainly understand how you feel! f**k me once! shame on me!
f*8k me twice! shame on you!..i say give 'em another chance to make it right,and if they
f**k it up again! let "corporate" toyota know,and also,check your "lemon" laws in your state as it is possible you may qualify!..good luck!

[Sasquachulator]

Wouldnt it technicaly be a Subaru quality control since like 90% of the car is subaru and its built in a Subaru plant? And Subaru's had some quality control issues from what ive heard......

doesnt hurt to yell in their direction too

[Superhatch]

I'm waiting for both of mine to get fixed, hope I don't have any repeat issues.

I know the initial problem, as per Subaru, was due to the install, not the part. My guess is that the same problem that happened on the line happened at the dealership when they put the new one in. In the long run that's a design issue because if a worker cant install it like any other tail light without cracking the case the design is the issue, not the light.

[frsinpa]

Originally Posted by Superhatch

I'm waiting for both of mine to get fixed, hope I don't have any repeat issues.

I know the initial problem, as per Subaru, was due to the install, not the part. My guess is that the same problem that happened on the line happened at the dealership when they put the new one in. In the long run that's a design issue because if a worker cant install it like any other tail light without cracking the case the design is the issue, not the light.

Yes, exactly the point I was trying to make, but you made it in a much more articulate manner, haha.

I have no problem getting a part fixed, but when I am stuck in a "do loop" of constantly having to drive to the dealership and get the same problem fixed... especially after I just dropped $27K on a brand new car. That is a tough pill to swallow.

It makes me begin to think there are some inherent design flaws and that I'm stuck holding the bag. An unfortunate spot to be in.

[Superhatch]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

Wouldnt it technicaly be a Subaru quality control since like 90% of the car is subaru and its built in a Subaru plant?

I'm assuming that he went to the Toyota dealership for replacement.

Now we need to figure out who designed the tail light, Subaru or Toyota!

[Superhatch]

Originally Posted by frsinpa

Yes, exactly the point I was trying to make, but you made it in a much more articulate manner, haha.

I have no problem getting a part fixed, but when I am stuck in a "do loop" of constantly having to drive to the dealership and get the same problem fixed... especially after I just dropped $27K on a brand new car. That is a tough pill to swallow.

I'm with you. My initial service was a day off of work as well because I didn't want them to reject anything without me being there to point out why things were issues. Upon return I would request something from the dealership, perhaps a X% on some OEM parts or something of the like. The would probably offer a free service, but we all know how well dealership service works out.

[JoeBoxer]

This is the first complaint i've heard of weak door seal causing water leaks, i had a strange odor in my car over the weekend when we had a lot of rain i wonder if that was the cause of it?

[Sigh-on-Rice]

Wow, that sure must be frustrating. Taking the time out twice and the same problem. Having to take the time out for the 3rd time for the same problem... So frustrating...

[frsinpa]

Originally Posted by JoeBoxer

This is the first complaint i've heard of weak door seal causing water leaks, i had a strange odor in my car over the weekend when we had a lot of rain i wonder if that was the cause of it?

I routinely find bugs in my car and I've had water seep in my car from taking it to the car wash.. so yea, it leads me to believe that the seals are sub-par.

[JoeBoxer]

Hmm, i couldn't find any moisture in mine but certainly had an odor it has gone away now that the rain is gone.

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

Wouldnt it technicaly be a Subaru quality control since like 90% of the car is subaru and its built in a Subaru plant? And Subaru's had some quality control issues from what ive heard......

doesnt hurt to yell in their direction too

i agree! both are culpable!.car is built by subaru,however,
toyota is the "bigger'' player with more financial ''wallop",and for my dime,have to say,probably toyota would jump higher to effect a solution faster,based on their previous indiscretions,and their eagerness to "cleanse' themselves..just sayin''

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

Wouldnt it technicaly be a Subaru quality control since like 90% of the car is subaru and its built in a Subaru plant? And Subaru's had some quality control issues from what ive heard......

doesnt hurt to yell in their direction too

Originally Posted by frsinpa

Yes, exactly the point I was trying to make, but you made it in a much more articulate manner, haha.

I have no problem getting a part fixed, but when I am stuck in a "do loop" of constantly having to drive to the dealership and get the same problem fixed... especially after I just dropped $27K on a brand new car. That is a tough pill to swallow.

It makes me begin to think there are some inherent design flaws and that I'm stuck holding the bag. An unfortunate spot to be in.

you would only be stuck until such time toyota/suburau effects a solution
i feel your frustration,but in my view,give 'em a chance to make it right,failing that,let corporate know how displeased you are.

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by JoeBoxer

Hmm, i couldn't find any moisture in mine but certainly had an odor it has gone away now that the rain is gone.

could possibly be "mold' forming after the rain! and drying up when it dried out!