I have been a lifelong Toyota owner, having had two Limited Tundras, one Limited RAV4, and most recently a 2022 Limited Hybrid Highlander, bought brand new. I always get my Toyotas serviced at a genuine Toyota dealership.
I took my Highlander in for its 60k services, which included a multi-point vehicle inspection, all filters inspection, oil and filter change, and brought four brand new tires for mount and balance. This was my first and quite likely last visit to this dealership.
The tires were mounted and balanced, but the technician did not clean the inside of the premium chrome wheels or remove the old wheel weight adhesive residue. They simply stuck the new weights on top of the brake dust, dirt, and old weight foam remnants. The weights are stickers with lead on them, and anyone who has tried sticking a sticker on a dirty surface knows they come off easier than on a clean surface. For $40 a tire ($160 total), I expected at least the area to be wiped with a rag before placing the new weights. When I spoke to Liz, my advisor, she said she didn't know (despite having 15 years of experience) and brought over the service manager who flatly stated they were fine. When I explained my concern and knowledge (as a former tire and lube tech with family members who are 5-star factory certified mechanics), he wouldn't agree that it was unreasonable to stick the weights on a dirty surface. Since I couldn't get my car back without paying, I paid but intend to speak to the location's general manager.
When it comes to Toyota, I buy them for their quality and value retention, and I take servicing them seriously. This issue was easily fixable and frankly takes no time to do correctly the first time. Fixing it later also takes only a moment.
I took the vehicle home and inspected it further. The GPS tracker that the dealer installed when purchased was still disconnected. The Engine Maintenance Reminder dash notification was still active, and no dust was disturbed near the engine air filter or cabin air filter.
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