Looking for solutions to the never ending need to boost a new car
40

Asked by Trena Dec 04, 2020 at 11:21 PM

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Bought my first brand new car, a 2020 Toyota Rav 4 XLE
AWD after a lot of recommendations from friends.  Picked
it up on August 17th and on October 31st I had to call a tow
truck and get a boost.  I blamed myself although I didn't see
anything left on.  Now tonight, December 4th I had to get
another boost.  When I first opened the back door the light
came on, although it wasn't very bright.  Got in the driver's
seat and it wouldn't start.  There was definitely nothing left
on and had only sat in the garage since Wednesday early
afternoon, so a little under 60 hours.  Seeing all these other
posts with the same issue is making me more frustrated
especially when it seems like no one is getting any answers
from Toyota on fixing this problem permanently.  First time
with Toyota and it's definitely not a good first impression.  I
will continue to follow this thread in hopes that someone is
able to permanently fix this solution.  I have been late for
work twice now and it's a pathetic / embarrassing excuse
when they know you are driving a brand new car.

6 Answers
157,635

James answered 3 years ago

Have you had the vehicle towed back to the Dealer? That should have been the first thing you did! You're definitely in warranty so I would call the Dealer or Toyota Roadside Assistance if it's after hours. I would also not let anyone but the Dealer or their representatives anywhere near the vehicle! Doing so could void the warranty. Has the Dealer replaced the battery? Sounds like a defective battery to me. As I said, let the Dealer fight with it and give you a free loaner car until it's fixed! Hope that helps! Jim

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Trena answered 3 years ago

Unfortunately I couldn't have it towed back. The first time I thought maybe it was my fault so I called CAA and got a boost as I had to get to work and with Covid I didn't exactly want to spend $40-50 one way to get a taxi to work. The other night I was again trying to get to work. If this happens again when I'm not trying to get to work then I will have it towed so that they might be able to find the problem. A friend of mine says its sounds like there is an intermittent draw and I assume they can only find the cause if it's brought to them not working.

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Trena answered 3 years ago

I definitely have plans on stopping by the dealership to discuss the situation with them and see what steps I should take should it happen again. I live about 25 kms from the dealer and with Covid you can't go with the tow truck so I would have to try and find someone who isn't busy to drive me in to pick it up.

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F_O_R answered 3 years ago

You may want to buy a heavy duty battery like Optima or Odyssey. The dealer will only replace the battery with the same thing you have now.

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Trena answered 3 years ago

Thank you for the advice. I will look into that for sure. Going into a Canadian winter, I would like to avoid this happening again but I fear it could happen often with the cold weather if I don't do something before those cold temps hit.

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James answered 3 years ago

Let the Dealer load test the battery and replace it under warranty. I'm betting it's a defective battery. But document everything. Does Canada have a Lemon Law? If you do, take advantage of the Law and make Toyota buy back the vehicle. You shouldn't have to deal with this on a brand new vehicle! Hope that helps! Jim

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