All 4 struts found leaking on 2009 Camry Hybrid at 36013miles

[ben_sf]

Went to the dealership for basic oil change yesterday morning for my 2009 Camry Hybrid. The dealership found that ALL 4 four struts are leaking and need to be replaced. The leaking oil past the spring base. The costs to replace the structs are $550 for the front and $680 for the rear struts. They told me that the car is out of warranty since it has 36013 miles, which is 13 miles over and that I only did the basic oil change. I was very upset. I thought Toyota is reliable and that the struts should last more than 80K. And I thought my car is still under warranty. I argued with them that the leaking must have started before 36K since all 4 struts are leaking now. They told me that Toyota is very strict on their warranty mileage and my car is 13 miles over. I am very upset with the dealership. I really don't believe that i should pay to replace the struts. Please let me know if anyone has the similar experience and how to resolve it.

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[joe_mn]

having all service done at the dealer is a good way to get favorable treatment from them. pay thru the nose for oil changes and the 15k, 30k and so on major service inspections will get you some slack. too late now though. take it to the next level. maybe a regional manager. 25k hybrid and you get no help. that bites.

[Paul3637]

Originally Posted by ben_sf

Went to the dealership for basic oil change yesterday morning for my 2009 Camry Hybrid. The dealership found that ALL 4 four struts are leaking and need to be replaced. The leaking oil past the spring base. The costs to replace the structs are $550 for the front and $680 for the rear struts. They told me that the car is out of warranty since it has 36013 miles, which is 13 miles over and that I only did the basic oil change. I was very upset. I thought Toyota is reliable and that the struts should last more than 80K. And I thought my car is still under warranty. I argued with them that the leaking must have started before 36K since all 4 struts are leaking now. They told me that Toyota is very strict on their warranty mileage and my car is 13 miles over. I am very upset with the dealership. I really don't believe that i should pay to replace the struts. Please let me know if anyone has the similar experience and how to resolve it.

*****************************

They are probably trying to rip you off. I just called My service tech at Toyota on another matter so I asked her about your situation. She said no way all four would be bad that soon. The soonest she's ever seen them wear out on a Camry is about 120,000 to150,000 miles. Also, the dealer DOES have discretion about extending the warranty the extra 13 miles. You should report them to Toyota's national headquarters.

I did find the following on an 07 Camry with 42,000 with a situation similar to yours. The customer complained and Toyota picked up the tab.

http://www.camryforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5003


jgbHelp
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2


RE: 2007 Strut Leak at 42k miles
toyomoho - thank you very much for the information, everything was helpful & much appreciated!! I actually went back to Toyota after speaking to a few friends of friends within the car business and raised a little stink about the situation, thenlow and behold - all was approved and totally paid for by Toyota on the replacement of all 4 struts! It took a little bit but it was nice that the sales and service managers, etc. understood and did what they could to help the customer. Thanks again!

[ben_sf]

I called 1800 number Toyota center, explained the situation and filed a case with Toyota. The guy from Toyota center agreed that they will cover the cost for the replacement and told me that the dealership will contact me. The next day, a lady from dealership left me a voice saying that they check my service record and that I only did the baisc oil change with them and I was lucky that they inspected my car. She said that for oil change service they are not responsible for the inspection. She said that they will not cover the cost because I only did basic oil change with them and that Toyota is very strict with the warranty mileage. I was very upset. I called the service manager at the dealership the next morning. I argued with him for 15mins and told him that Toyota already agreed to paid the cost. He finally backed down and they will make a one time exception. I had all 4 struts replaced now. I doubted that they will last for another 36K. For those who has Toyota camry, have the struts inspected before the warranty expires.