Jul 23
I just happened upon this little drama on the Toyota Sienna Facebook page.
When Social Media Goes Awry - Toyota Van Fire
Apparently, a family is claiming their van caught fire in their driveway just a few days after purchase.
Heidi Trockels Dunigan Toyota, this is Dr Dunigan, you have your facts inaccurate. The resolution to the mini van was agreed upon Toyota Legal Department and the bank that financied the vehicle. As I was told by the bank that this was the easiest way for the bank and Toyota to come to a resolution. They forgot to include us in the negotations when we have greater than 50 percent equity in the van. Now the paperwork that was delivered from the dealership (the dealership has been awesome in this matter) was three blank pages that I was supposed to sign. Who would in their right mind sign blank papers authorizing who knows what. If this is the resolution or Toyota's standard operating procedures then I have a concern about purchasing another 2011 Sienna. I always thought that the customer comes first but appearently Toyota has taken that position for self protection. A sad day!!!!
Heidi Trockels Dunigan The cause has been determined to be a faulty fan wire that may have gotten knicked during manufacturing. So far it appears to be an isolated incident - I hope so.
Heidi Trockels Dunigan Phil - much more then cleaning off the driveway - there is a big hole in my driveway and half my house was torched! But yes the cause has been determined as stated above. Not to mention that my kids are still freaked out by it - we were not out of the van 2 minutes and then it was totally engulfed in flames...
What's more interesting to me (besides the obvious questions of safety in light of other recent events) is the social media aspect of this. Toyota uses Facebook to promote their product. Customer has problem with said product and posts complaints directly on this Facebook page. Now Toyota has an embarrassing problem on a very popular public web site that it does not control. I wonder how this will play out. It would be a great opportunity for Toyota to who it's dedication to customers (again, especially in light of recent events).
