Toyota HiAce 2020 Problems

This does sound like an odd one, to be honest. It’s certainly possible to wear out a clutch in a very short space of time if you drive the car badly, but I’m trying to work out how a gearbox could fail at such a short mileage without there having been something wrong with it from the start. I’d also love to know why Toyota thinks the problem does not constitute a valid warranty claim.

Has the vehicle been used to tow exceptionally heavy loads? Are there any other extraordinary circumstances that makes Toyota think that the issue is a driver-abuse or neglect scenario?

I’d start by by-passing your dealership and contacting Toyota Australia’s customer service division. It might also be useful to have the damaged gearbox independently inspected by a specialist who might be able to pin-point the cause of the wear and help determine what happens next. If it can be shown that a component was faulty or simply failed too early, then I’d say you have a good case to pursue a warranty claim.

Toyota (and other car-makers, including Hyundai) have had a dreadful run with some batches of cars, particularly those painted white. It seems there was a batch of paint that had a problem with its actual chemistry that meant the various layers of primer, undercoat and top coat did not bond properly, allowing the white top-coat to peel or flake off.

If that’s the case, you could have a paint expert (perhaps at an independent panel beating shop, or your state motoring club) examine the car to determine if that’s the cause of the rust problem (possible if the paint is not protecting the metal as it should). If you can prove that the rust is a result of this common paint problem, it’s fair to suggest that Toyota should fix it, particularly if the car is still under warranty.

If your Toyota dealer won’t play ball, talk to Toyota Australia’s customer service division. Beyond that, the ACCC may take an interest in the case if the factory paint quality can be proved to be the problem.