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2004 Toyota Solara
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Make : TOYOTA Model : SOLARA Year : 2000
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 00V154000 Recall Date : JUN 02, 2000
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 541
Audio system: The CD player may not accept or eject CDs. (1997)
Brake noise: Original-equipment brake pads are noisy causing groaning, grinding, squeaking, and vibration. A revised lining is available. (1997-98)
Doors: The fuel door does not open when the release is pulled due to weak spring. (1997-98)
Power seats: The front power seats may chatter requiring replacement of the seat-adjuster assembly (1997-98) or manually operated seat cushion on driver's side moves. (1997)
Sunroof/moonroof: The moonroof may rattle when it is opened about four inches or the glass panel may get skewed and will not retract. (1997)
Suspension noise: Noises from the front end when driving over dips in the road are a result of defective upper strut-tower cushions. (1997-98)
NHTSA Recall History
1997: In extreme cold for an extended period, accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in brake-vacuum hose, resulting in elimination of power-brake assist. 1997: Accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in brake-vacuum hose. 1997: Ignition key can be removed even when gearshift lever is not in "Park" position. 1997-98: Insufficiently tightened steering-wheel nut may cause steering vibration and looseness; nut could eventually come off, leading to separation from shaft. 1998: Audiovox Securikey+ Security System can malfunction causing electrical failure; can cause engine to run poorly and stall, and electrical components can intermittently fail. 1998: Some wheel lug nuts are defective, causing loss of torque, fatigue fracture of wheel, and possible loss of wheel. 1998-2000: Accelerator-cable housing could be deformed at the cruise-control actuator-to-throttle body connection. The accelerator inner-cable could wear away and eventually break, increasing the risk of a crash. 2000: Due to improper heat treatment, certain rear-axle shafts could fail or break after extended use. 2001: Front-subframe assembly was not adequately welded. This condition could cause failure of the assembly, increasing the risk of a crash.
as well as these...
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title EL008R-02 FEB 03 Keyless Entry - Transmitter Programming & Identification
EG003-03 FEB 03 Exhaust System - Sulfur Smell
AU001-03 JAN 03 Audio System - Excessive Bass
EL008R-02 JAN 03 Keyless Entry - Transmitter Programming/Identification
EL003R-00 DEC 02 Instruments - Speedometer/Tachometer Needle Movement
PG027-02 DEC 02 Steering/Suspension - Ball Joint Inspection
TC001-02 MAY 02 A/T - Fluid Requirements
BO010-02 MAY 02 Child Restraint - Seat Top Strap Installation
EG003R-02 MAR 02 Emissions - OBD II Readiness Monitor Drive Patterns
EG007-02 MAR 02 Valve Cover Oil Baffle - Damage Prevention
SU001-02 MAR 02 Rear Hub Bearing O-Ring - Service Tip
PG008-02 JAN 02 Certification Label - Replacement Availability
PG009-02 JAN 02 VIN Plate - Replacement Availability
PG003R-01 DEC 01 Service Manual - Corrections Index
ST008-01 DEC 01 Front Suspension - Squeaking Noise
BO030-01 DEC 01 Windshield Wiper Blade - Maintenance and Cleaning
BO023-01 SEP 01 Seat Belt Extender - Increases Belt Length
NV006R-01 AUG 01 Audio - Rear Woofer (Speaker) Noise
NV007-01 AUG 01 Convertible - Popping Noise While Opening Top
BO020-01 AUG 01 Sliding Roof - Diagnostic Tips
SU001-01 JUL 01 Wheel Bearing Dust Deflector - Ticking Noise
BO004R-01 MAY 01 Convertible - Boot Separation/Tearing
BO017-01 MAY 01 Power Seats - Movement/Adjustment Inoperative
EG005-01 APR 01 EVAP System - Supplemental Operation/Diagnostics
BO011-01 MAR 01 Seat Belt Tongue Plate Stopper - New Parts
ST001-01 FEB 01 Steering Wheel Nut - Torque Standardization
BO002-01 JAN 01 Seat Belts - Extenders
BO034-00 DEC 00 Convertible - Pull Down Handle Uncomfortably Warm
SS004-00 DEC 00 Diagnostic Tester - Communication Error With TIS
NV016-00 NOV 00 Convertible - Center Rail Rattle
BO032-00 NOV 00 Convertible - Wind Noise/Water Leaks, Top Alignment
BO028-00 NOV 00 Trunk - Water Leaks
BR004-00 OCT 00 Brakes - Pad Clicking Noise
NV015-00 OCT 00 Convertible - Popping Noise From Back Glass
EL011-00 OCT 00 Daytime Running Light - Disabling Procedure
SS003-00 OCT 00 EVAP System Pressure Tester - Improvement
AX007-00 SEP 00 Alloy Wheel - Identification and Application
SS001-00 SEP 00 Special Tools - 2000 and 2001
ST004-00 JUN 00 P/S - Power Steering Rack Squeaking Noise
ST002-00 MAY 00 Repair Manual Corrections -Torque for Steering Wheel Nut
SU002-00 MAY 00 Suspension - Rear Axle/Shock/Coil Reminder, ABS
AX005-00 APR 00 Antitheft - Automatic Door Lock Feature Programming
PG006-00 MAR 00 Emissions - CA/50 State Certified Emission Control Label
BO015-00 MAR 00 Mirrors - Installation of Door Mirrors
AX001-00 MAR 00 Vehicle - Towing Guide.
BO008-00 MAR 00 Body - Exterior Rear View Mirrors Made More Durable
PA001-00 JAN 00 Paint - Codes & Code Label Locations
BO002-00 JAN 00 Seat Belts - Extenders Available
SU001-00 JAN 00 Suspension - Front Support Change Reduces Noise
PG001-00 JAN 00 Technical Service Bulletin Information
EL011-99 DEC 99 Windows - New Regulator With Motor Reduces Sticking
PG032-99 DEC 99 Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure
PG031-99 OCT 99 Wheels - Tire Inflation & Wheel Lug Torque Chart
PG021-99 SEP 99 PDI - Worksheet/Explaination of Changes
webster, thanks for the info on the TSB's. Neither one of my Camrys were affected.
: )
Mackabee
Thats the list of the model year 2000 probs! Any problem finding the info, call NHTSA and they will look it up, as I had to have 1 problem fixed that way, as the Toyota dealer didnt have the TSB in there data base!
When you talk about dump a brand, ask yourself, how many of your neighbors keep a Toyota longer than 3 years these days as opposed to 10 years ago, or before the decontenting that started in 1997.
: )
Mackabee
I just got off the phone with Darrin and he couldn't tell me the exact spec's of what they did to fix the alignment on your car. He said if you look at the paper you received when you got your car back... it should say what the specs were for the alignment.
He did tell me it was something with the camber bolts, but couldn't tell me exactly how they fixed it??? Is there anything on that paper that says exactly what they did?
Thanks,
Jeff
Anyone Zaino'd their Solara yet???
The Meguiars is very good as well... probably won't notice much of a difference.
I love my Black SE Sport! The only problem is I think someone was painting a white car near mine at some point in time before it left for the dealers. On the drivers side (and nearly half of the hood) I have little white spec's all over the car... VERY hard to see, but I'm a fanatic about my car... so when I go home to visit my family over the holiday's I'll be claying my car...
Claying is WONDERFUL... gives you car that silky, smooth feel. Then you put a fresh coat of wax on it and it's wonderful!
I've occasionally visited this best of all boards since purchasing my 1999 black SLE, which has given me 105,000 absolutely delightful and nearly flawless miles. Lease end is here (Boy, was that a mistake), and I am again in the market for a new Solara-- no question about that. And I've got to have a new car. But I have the sneaking suspicion that Toyota is leaving behind one segment of a two-prong market with the updated and admittedly much hotter model: the aging but young-at-heart empty nester; me! Or rather, us. My wife and I have looked over the new cars and I test drove one. It is sweet, no doubt, but the elegance of the '99-'03 lines has been SLIGHTLY compromised by the edgy new look and features, inside and out. They are cooler, for sure. Don't get me wrong. But, as I implied, I think Toyo is going for the youthful prong of their market. On performance, I admit that I didn't get to "open 'er up" at clear freeway speeds (We get precious few opportunities in suburban DC to do that until midnight), but the 2004 did not seem that much peppier to me. We like the new interior and features, bui I am really not sure if this new model -- which also has potential kinks being the first run of a new design from a new plant-- is for me, this year. I looked at a new 2003 black SLE still sitting on the lot, and was torn.
Sorry to be a wet blanket, but Toyota needs to understand my possibly fringe concerns about holding to the classic lines of the original concept. So much for those. Feel free to comment (needless to add). My questions:
1. How does the 2003 compare both with earlier models, and with the 2004, in your humble opinions? I cannot find the older boards to research what folks were saying about the updates since '99.
2. How much can I expect the dealer to knock off of a the 2003 sitting in his lot, occupying all that space of the 2004?
3. Should I reconsider the 2004, and why?
Unfortunately for those who love the classic lines of cars... I personally feel it will be long time before you see that look again. Look at the new Acura's, Nissan's, and even the new Pontiac Grand Prix... all have that aggressive "futuristic" look.
My guess is that a dealer will knock ALOT off the 2003... The sticker on my '04 was nearly $25K and I got it for just over $21K. If they can take $4,000 off the sticker for a car that had only been on the lot for 1 month, I'm sure they can do better for the '03.
Personally, I think you should reconsider the '04. If you are not specifically "looking" for more power, don't worry that the power difference in the '03 versus the '04 is only about 20 HP. Think of resale value... years down the road do you think your late model (older body style) Solara will sell as good as the newer body style? I also think the look of the interior in the '04 is far superior to the look of the '03 and earlier... but, that's just my opinion. Of course you'll find people on both sides of the fence.
Take the '04 home for a night and then take the '03 home for a night. See which one looks better in your garage... your "gut feeling" will tell you which one to get. Happy Shopping!
Jeff
Also what state are you in? That sounds like quite a deal on an '04.
Is the sticker the MSRP? Or does it include the dealer markup? I'm in CA and have to pay about $1200 above invoice for an SLE V6 with all options. If you look at the sticker, they asked for $34.5K, which was about $5,000 above MSRP and about $8,000 above invoice. It's so hard to negotiate with the dealer cuz the car is still so new. But I did get the 1.9% financing.
I live in Virginia. The dealer claimed they were agreed to the low price I offered because I was the first person to buy the new Solara from them. Whether or not it was true... who knows.
THEFLOW - I believe the sticker price includes the dealer markup... but am unsure. It has to be because I highly doubt that I would have gotten my Solara so cheap if it didn't include the markup.
a) Severe pull to the left no matter what lane your in.(I took an extended test drive, thanks to you people).
b) Rattling on rear shelf-like something rubbing or scratching-who knows what that is.
c) Transmission shifted harshly from 1st to 2nd, then seemed to smooth out for the other shifts, but consistently made 1st & 2nd abrupt shifts.
I am NOT trying to sound like I didn't like the car, but the KNOWN problems were not fixed and this was a car that was recently built!! And to top the whole thing off, the salesman ordered the dark gray leather,(I wanted the biege interior).
But I was willing to still go for it!! Then I remembered everything that you people have been saying about these problems and THAT made me say no. It made me sad to say the least....thanks for saving me a lot of grief...maybe next year they will have fixed all of this & added XM radio as standard equipment...Sorry for venting
I got mine for more than a month and no pulling, no rattle noise and no rocking front chair. The transmission is smooth and I do feel the shifting between 1st and 2nd. It isn't as severe as my 99 Odyssey, 94 Ford Escort. And some models I test drove before. It is worst when speed up at full throad such merge on to highway. Daily driving is not that obvious unless you pay full attention. With this kind of power, it's hard not to accelerate when start from stop. <lol> And Mine is Cosmic Blue (Metallic blue) and it looks great.
I am 40 but also hook up by its interior and exterior design. It definitely better than the old one to me and my wife. The interior is way superior and more tasty than the Accord and Camry. I guess that is what Toyota want to attract younger buyer while keep higher lines more conservative such as Avalon. Shouldn't Coup to be sporty so futuristic and bold are the right elements? Just my opinion.
I did go through the internet/fleet department. But I didn't contact all the dealerships in my area because none of them showed the color and options that are on the vehicles in their websites. So when I found the dealer that did include the colors and options on their vehicles in the website, I went straight ahead and bought it there.
Like yours, I sometimes can feel the shift from 1st to 2nd. But it's not that harsh. Pulling is minimal. But I do think the steering wheel is a bit too light. If you don't hold on to it, a slight uneven on the road will drag the car to either side.
I noticed a small rattle due to the bass in the speakers in the rear of my car, but I solved that with a small piece of cloth (it was just 2 small plastic parts rattling together at certain levels of bass).
I also have not noticed anything with the shifting in my SE Sport... everything is very smooth. Hopefully it stays that way!
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1. V6 has more power, therefor, the power is there when you need it when get on the freeway.
2. v6 29 mpg vs. 4 32 mpg
3. V6 5 sp AT vs 4 4sp AT. The V6 AT has the manual shift feature that is really cool going up the hill or just for the heck of it, it is fun to use.
4. The sport has better suspension and handling, however, the SLE is more comforatble since the suspension is softer.
5. Sport has body kit, IMO, I like it. Keep this in mind, several people did not care for this.
6. SLE has leather seats vs. SE Sport has cloth seats. Again, your call.
7. We picked the SE V6 sport because we like the body kit, V6, 5sp AT. The SLE V6 is much much more expensive. So looked into the SLE 4 which is about the same price and decided to get the SE V6 for the reasons above.
The bottom line is what you want. I would have the SLE 4 and a SE V6 Sport (same color) next to each other to compare. You must drive it too. Of course, MUST try the manual shift.
So far, the car runs great. We took it in for an alignment and it did not pull to the left any more. Good luck.
NO problems (pulling left, rattles etc.) in first 1,000 miles.
We paid $500 over tissue invoice. ( western New York State)
i don't see how you are taking what i said as a personal insult... all i pointed out was the obvious... half of the posts on the other thread are "gripe sessions" between you and another person... why should i have to read that when i come here to find out more about the solaras???? if you two want to bash each other you should exhange emails... i don't need to read it, hence the reason i asked why this thread was going to be shut down...
I wonder if anyone knows how to adjust the sensitivity of the auto DRL sensor.
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