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I'm suing Toyota => TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX missing hands-free power liftgate

CrispyTacoLover

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If you bought a TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX hoping for a hands-free power liftgate, double-check what you actually got.

As many of you did and are doing. I went on the Toyota website to compare trims and features before purchasing.
One of the features I wanted was the Hands-free power liftgate.
I decided to pay the extra cost to get the hybrid and in part the power liftgate. It made it "worth it" for me. So I went and bought one.
After driving it home, it took me a few days to realize something was missing, I go back on the website and realize it's the power lift gate!
In 3 different places on the Toyota website, it shows the the TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX having a power liftgate, so I wasn't wrong.
it's not an "option" for the trim, it's a feature. It's supposed to be installed on every TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX. It's kinda like buying a trailhunter without a snorkel, they're all supposed to have it if it's listed as a "feature"
I reached out to Toyota Brand Engagement Center. The first customer agents acknowledged the mistake and told me that there will be a recourse. A few days later, another one to call me and ask me to re-explain, he also acknowledged the mistake and also stated that there will be a recourse. A week later for a 3rd agent to calls me and... asked to me re-explain, he then officially denied that Toyota did anything wrong and denied all form of compensation.
The whole process took about 3 weeks and hours on the phone.

I feel tricked, the website still (May 14th 2025) shows false advertising a month after the initial report.
If you want to sue them, here's their agent of service
mail drop w1-5b
po box 259001
plano, texas
75025
Here's their complaint form :
https://support.toyota.com/s/questions-comments?language=en_US



Screenshot 2025-05-14 at 02.00.04.jpg


Screenshot 2025-05-14 at 02.04.46.jpg

Screenshot 2025-05-14 at 02.05.13.jpg




not an "option" on the TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX
Screenshot 2025-05-14 at 02.01.52.jpg


Screenshot 2025-05-14 at 01.59.43.jpg
Good luck.
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Crankpin

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I would be disappointed too. I drove 944 miles to take delivery, and when we walked in the showroom, examined everything. When the dealer answered all of our questions, then we did the deal.
Just wonder what it would cost for him to get this rear lift installed by aftermarket, or an experienced Toyota technician. I am sure the wiring is already there, plus the switch button on the dash.
$500.00 or less would be a bargain, vs all the trouble. See below.

AI Overview
Learn more

Installing an aftermarket power liftgate on a Toyota can be done, but it's a complex project that often requires professional assistance. The process involves replacing the manual liftgate mechanism with a motorized one, which includes wiring, sensors, and a control unit. You can choose to install the system yourself, but a professional installation is recommended, especially for more complex vehicles like the Toyota RAV4.
 

ModernDay4Runner

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Ok, here are my thoughts on the matter. I thought I was getting a slim card key with my TRD sport premium and when I did not upon taking delivery, I was upset. I've since heard the batteries on those are suspect and you end up carrying a fob with you anyways. How true that is, not sure, but it helped me accept my reality, no slim key card for me.

I do have the handsfree power liftgate and I was excited about that but after a few times using it, waving my leg under the rear bumper only to realize I forget to first unlock the vehicle, I had to retrieve my key fob to unlock the vehicle so I could wave my leg. Instead I now just use the button on the key fob to unlock the liftgate.

So, if you choose to accept this, the moral of the story is don't let that feature ruin for you the purchase of an awesome vehicle. Just enjoy the features you do have. That's what I do and it's working. See? Smiley Face. :)
 

Crankpin

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Dusty - Unless you have already found it, there is a button under the TOYOTA bar, right behind the left light here. A rubber skin cover, just sqeeze it, operates lift up and down. Need key FOB in pocket. Two back there, and one on dash.
2025 Toyota 4runner I'm suing Toyota => TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX missing hands-free power liftgate UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_1c3f


2025 Toyota 4runner I'm suing Toyota => TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX missing hands-free power liftgate IMG_5561
 
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ModernDay4Runner

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Dusty - Unless you have already found it, there is a button under the TOYOTA bar, right behind the left light here. A rubber skin cover, just sqeeze it, operates lift up and down. Need key FOB in pocket. Two back there, and one on dash.
UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_1c3f.jpg


IMG_5561.jpg
But you have to use your leg, so ...not real easy.
 

Jpr18

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Ok, here are my thoughts on the matter. I thought I was getting a slim card key with my TRD sport premium and when I did not upon taking delivery, I was upset. I've since heard the batteries on those are suspect and you end up carrying a fob with you anyways. How true that is, not sure, but it helped me accept my reality, no slim key card for me.

I do have the handsfree power liftgate and I was excited about that but after a few times using it, waving my leg under the rear bumper only to realize I forget to first unlock the vehicle, I had to retrieve my key fob to unlock the vehicle so I could wave my leg. Instead I now just use the button on the key fob to unlock the liftgate.

So, if you choose to accept this, the moral of the story is don't let that feature ruin for you the purchase of an awesome vehicle. Just enjoy the features you do have. That's what I do and it's working. See? Smiley Face. :)
You don't need to unlock the car before using the kick to open feature. You may not be using the right motion... It's not a wave, it's an in-out kick with your right leg.
 

TRD_GUY

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OMG, the sky is falling. Sue, sue, sue, dammit. It's the American way. If it's that big a deal, I would have had the dealer take it back. You don't jump on the sue bandwagon as you have no damages, just disappointed. Geez people. I'm embarrassed to be an American.
 
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anorphirith

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OMG, the sky is falling. Sue, sue, sue, dammit. It's the American way. If it's that big a deal, I would have had the dealer take it back. You don't jump on the sue bandwagon as you have no damages, just disappointed. Geez people. I'm embarrassed to be an American.
I’m not even American ? I was given the runaround by toyota for weeks, then they denied any type of compensation even though they admitted fault.
Small claim court is an easy painless way to resolve small conflicts.
There’s a reason why there’s false advertising laws, otherwise companies would have a field day.
 

Mad Ghost

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You don't need to unlock the car before using the kick to open feature. You may not be using the right motion... It's not a wave, it's an in-out kick with your right leg.
its def a learned thing vs being natural because I've found it to be a pain.
 

ModernDay4Runner

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You don't need to unlock the car before using the kick to open feature. You may not be using the right motion... It's not a wave, it's an in-out kick with your right leg.
Ok thanks. I will give that a try this morning and confirm either way. The salesman went left to right, not in - out, I am going to have to have words with him if what you say is true. Kidding (about having words) but I am interested to confirm what you've said. Thanks
 

ModernDay4Runner

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Ok thanks. I will give that a try this morning and confirm either way. The salesman went left to right, not in - out, I am going to have to have words with him if what you say is true. Kidding (about having words) but I am interested to confirm what you've said. Thanks
I stand corrected. Not necessary to first unlock and the in-out kick works much better than the side to side. Thanks. That said, to the OP, try to just let it go if you can.
 

TRD_GUY

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I’m not even American ? I was given the runaround by toyota for weeks, then they denied any type of compensation even though they admitted fault.
Small claim court is an easy painless way to resolve small conflicts.
There’s a reason why there’s false advertising laws, otherwise companies would have a field day.
You not American. Awesome, you fit in well!

" then they denied any type of compensation even though they admitted fault."
What were the damages?

Small claims court is limited to about $12,500, but again, what are your damages - you would need to prove. Your frustration wouldn't qualify as a damage.

Misrepresentation in advertising is what you are referring to. Your issue is in the fine print and wouldn't qualify.
 

cyounghiker

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I bought a non-hybrid TRD off road premium. The standard features which were on the dealers website listed mudflaps as a standard equipment after I got home I realized I didn’t have the mudflaps. This was something I could easily have seen, but I didn’t even notice. I contacted my sales person, he then notified his manager. They said that there’s a little disclaimer someplace on the website saying that not everything may be included although it’s listed as standard. They said some states make it different standard equipment listed. The mudflaps are a minor thing. I can just add it on later. The sales person said that if it wasn’t included on the car, then the cost wasn’t built on to the MSRP. Which doesn’t make sense because the price on the window sticker is the same price on the website where it listed mudflaps as standard equipment.
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