I am writing to you following repeated contact with Toyota Australia in relation to a recent purchase of a 2008 Toyota Camry Altise.
In May of this year we purchased a brand new vehicle from a dealership in Brisbane. Upon delivery inspection I made comment to the dealer that the radio appeared bright. The dealer informed me he knew there was a dimming switch, but was advised that the dealer was not aware of the location of the dimmer and that I could visit a service centre.
That evening I visited the service centre closest to my residence that could not assist with either locating the dimmer switch or in reducing the level of illumination within the cabin.
Contact was made with Toyota Head Office in Melbourne where it was explained that the fault of the highly illuminated was addressed with an upgrade of the radio. I passed on my details to management who informed me he would contact my local service centre for another inspection as it was unaware if my vehicle was fitted with the bright dash display or the second version which had been modified and emitted a lower luminescence.
Two weeks passed and I had not received any contact from either Toyota in Melbourne or their dealership in Queensland.
I contacted them to ask what was happening with my vehicle and they advised they had no record of my complaint.
Following a country trip to in heavy rain last week I went straight to the dealership as the combined effect of the rain, and low light levels the hazardous nature of the illumination made it very difficult to see. When oncoming vehicles approached the visibility of the road reduced completely.
I clearly indicated my concerns on the phone to their Service manager. Upon arriving at Toyota I explained my concerns again and requested that urgent follow up occur as I regularly travel in the country and the light was contributing risk to my safety. I was told that someone would contact me the next day (Friday) but up until lunch time Monday I had not received any further contact from Toyota.
I then contacted Head Office in Melbourne again to follow up as I felt this may be help expedite my concern and hopefully change to a radio which would not pose such a risk.
I spoke with a customer call centre who informed me the matter was being handled by one of their specific managers. It was not until I followed up the next day with the customer service person that they again prompted the manager to return my call.
When the manager contacted me he advised that my radio had been identified as one which has received the upgrade, and that Toyota was not prepared to do anything further.
I then contacted the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government where I spoke with to person responsibility for physical injury evaluation who explained that there is no Australian Design Regulations pertaining to the maximum level of light a car can have within as long as you can read the speedometer. In addition due to the fault be a continuous problem it has been highlighted that should a driving error occur I would be at fault as I have already identified a problem, which is continuous with the vehicle, and the responsibility of whether the conditions are suitable based on the fault rests with me. I have been informed that should the situation develop whilst driving, I should pull over and contact a tow truck to cart the vehicle, but this would be at the owner’s expense. The person confirmed he also shared the same concerns as I did, and that at least four other people had come forward to make similar complaints that have been advised a similar stance by Toyota.
I have owned in excess of seven motor vehicles ranging from Nissan’s, Volvo’s Mercedes, Ford’s in the 19 years I have been driving and have never encountered anything like the problem present with this radio or any other device that emits light continuously whilst driving the vehicle.
I have had recommendations by Toyota to remove the radio and place it on the floor, as well as affixing “Velcro” to the dashboard and draping a cloth over radio. Both suggestions would place the passenger at risk of being injured by the loose radio on the floor, or create problems with the air-conditioning as this would also need to be covered based on its location with respect to he radio.
I have advised Toyota that I would be prepared to have a cheaper radio fitted with the same functions as the current radio but this has been refused.
I would like for the public to become aware of the dangers associated with the new Toyota Camry and Toyota Aurion, and understand these vehicles are also being exported to other countries other than Australia.
The actions of Toyota impact on not only the people who may be injured as a result of poor vision caused by the illuminated radio, but also on the quality and reputation of Australia’s automotive industry, which has received countless support from our government.
I would ask that Toyota show the same level of commitment we have shown them and voluntarily recall all models to replace the radio to remove to inherent risk of a the bright interior.
I would also like to call on Standards Australia to develop limits to the maximum allowable level of lumens (or light intensity) cars’ interior displays so this problem is addressed for all future models sold or produced in Australia.
I understand Fujitsu to be the manufacturer of the radio, and I have not contacted or received not received any direct comment from them.