NHTSA Complaint #11605571 — 2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

This is in reference to a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The Air Conditioner is not functional. Upon inspection by a mechanic, and $300 of freon wasted, it was determined that the lines that carry the AC to the rear of the vehicle are defective. Freon immediately drains. We have a case open with Toyota. The Toytota Case Manager acknowledged that the lines are a known issue, however at this time there is no replacement part available to fix the issue. The initial exchange with Toyota in early June resulted in a response that the part ETA was expected for early July. They have delayed twice since, to Late July, and now the status is pending with an ETA of late August but "subject to change." The vehicle is not drivable with the heat of Summer months; at times the internal temperature of the car is well over 100 degrees. I would anticipate people that live in southern year round hot climates with this issue can't drive it at all. My primary concern is having no AC is a safety issue for passengers, including children and an elderly family member [XXX]) for which I am a caretaker, and pets. Toyota did not respond to a request to provide a rental vehicle until the part is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)