How a recall works

[rwilson_ie]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and saw quite a number of posts about the cracked head issue of the 2nd generation models. Now, I also see lots of posts saying that it isn't as bad or as widespread as it sounds.

What I wanted to know was a bit about the history of that recall. When was the probelm actually spotted and when was the recall done.

And, if there was a recall - why would everyone not avail of it ? I take it, you just bring your Surf to your local Toytoa dealership and they replace it FOC ?

I'm trying to figure out how cracked head versions got out in the market if Toyota offered a recall ?

Having said that - I am assuming (and a big assumption) that if I was to buy a 2nd gen Surf from Japan, that I'd be safer (as anyone with any sense would have availed of the recall ) ?

TIA
Rob

[captain_chaos]

The recall issues are nothing to do with the head, it's the steering column. Don't bother going to your local Toyota dealer as some will fob you off with an excuse saying it's nothing to do with them. Call Toyota customer services on 01737 367600, I know it's a UK number so not sure what the Irish equivlant would be. Tell them your model number and they'll check their database, if you're on the list then they'll book you in to have the repairs free of charge. There was an explanation put up about hwy some surf heads crack, but can't remember what it was now or where. Hope this helps

[JUDWAK]

http://www.recalls.gov.au/view_recal..._ID_Auto=14330

look here

[Predictable Bob]

Thanks for that link - I was about to ask if anybody knew if the recall affected 3rd gens and now I don't need to .......

Need to checkout my local Toyota stealers before I ring to find out whether I need to get it done

PS
Had a quick look and my choice is:

Inchcape in Basingstoke
Westover in Salisbury
Kings in Southampton
Kings in Hedge End
Octogan in Reading

Andbody have anything good or bad to say about any of them ?

[jaky cakes]

If I remember correctly- if your vehicle has already had the recall work done in the past - there should be a little sticker in the back or back side window and/or a yellow paint mark on the engine bay bulk head near the vin plate.

[Predictable Bob]

I've got a blue and white sticker in the rear nearside window but it's in Japanese so I dunno what it says !

No sign of yellow paint near the vin plate though

[JUDWAK]

If I remember correctly- if your vehicle has already had the recall work done in the past - there should be a little sticker in the back or back side window and/or a yellow paint mark on the engine bay bulk head near the vin plate.

mine has got the paint but i removed the sticker

[coolsv650]

There was an explanation put up about hwy some surf heads crack, but can't remember what it was now or where. Hope this helps

..... Because they are cr@p!


Actually the problem is that on the early 2.4 heads the water ports were too close to the valves and/or the material around them was thin, as a result they heads were weak and cracked. The later (I think 2.8) heads don't have this problem as the castings were changed, but Toyota never did a recall on it. The 3.0 ltr seems to be developing the same problem but again there is no recall on it. Replacing a 2.4 year with a later one should solve the problem, but beware the cheap chinese head as it's the old casting. To my knowledge you cant tell the differance.

Here endeth the lesson

[RodLeach]

PS
Had a quick look and my choice is:


Kings in Southampton
Kings in Hedge End


Andbody have anything good or bad to say about any of them ?

Well - Ive never used Kings in hedge end - but its POSH!! Anyway - Kings toyota in Southampton i have used.

I got my glow plugs off them, Guy asked for all the details i said "err" an he said "Do you have the truck here?" i said yes, so in the rain! He proptly grabbed a torch and came out to check!!

when i got my batteries from them the guy knew exactly what i needed and had them in stock, Came out to my dads van to collect the old batteries to take them for disposal! So Ive been impressed really on both times.

[pirate-storm]

i spoke to toyota Gb bout my service other day n they said they dont give anything for a recall ie complementry things for imports only UK toyota's n they dont have to tell you about any recalls as its a import n not a Uk version?????? n its up to the dealer if they offer or tell you of any other recalls.....

[RodLeach]

i spoke to toyota Gb bout my service other day n they said they dont give anything for a recall ie complementry things for imports only UK toyota's n they dont have to tell you about any recalls as its a import n not a Uk version?????? n its up to the dealer if they offer or tell you of any other recalls.....

toyota GB are about as useful as a fart in a spacesuit!

When i called the girl said "whats a hilux surf" WTF!!!

[pirate-storm]

toyota GB are about as useful as a fart in a spacesuit!

When i called the girl said "whats a hilux surf" WTF!!!

yeah n i thought i had probs understanding!!!! god swear they worked for mcdonalds first lol

[RodLeach]

yeah n i thought i had probs understanding!!!! god swear they worked for mcdonalds first lol

I guess they just got the job because it was something they could do an was available! How many people work for toyota because they love toyotas?

Id bet a very very small amount!

[M35A2]

Thanks for that link - I was about to ask if anybody knew if the recall affected 3rd gens and now I don't need to .......

Need to checkout my local Toyota stealers before I ring to find out whether I need to get it done

PS
Had a quick look and my choice is:

Inchcape in Basingstoke
Westover in Salisbury
Kings in Southampton
Kings in Hedge End
Octogan in Reading

Andbody have anything good or bad to say about any of them ?

Or for the same distance as some of those dealers you could go to Inchcape at Kidlington, Oxford. Steve Manley is the man you need. He is top notch with regard to getting Surf parts and if you buy lots from him he may give you a decent discount.

[hellmett]

The recall issues are nothing to do with the head, it's the steering column. Don't bother going to your local Toyota dealer as some will fob you off with an excuse saying it's nothing to do with them. Call Toyota customer services on 01737 367600, I know it's a UK number so not sure what the Irish equivlant would be. Tell them your model number and they'll check their database, if you're on the list then they'll book you in to have the repairs free of charge. There was an explanation put up about hwy some surf heads crack, but can't remember what it was now or where. Hope this helps

I just rang these useless buggers to get mine looked at and they hadn't got a clue what I was talking about!

I gave them Chassis Numbers, Model Numbers etc. and he just got more confused!

They told me to contact Toyota in Japan, LOL!

C'mon fellas, how do I get this done?

Gary