2004 TOYOTA MR2 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Within the first two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, I noticed a transmission issue where the vehicle would not properly shift gears. I sometimes would try to up or downshift but there would be no change in the display on the gear indicator. Later there became an issue where the vehicle would put itself into neutral while I was in gear and driving, which would cause the vehicle to stop completely in traffic, putting myself and other drivers in the vicinity at risk. This became more and more frequent, and the vehicle even got to the point where it would not shift beyond 2nd gear and was essentially inoperable. After taking the vehicle to Toyota, it was explained to me that they would not be able to repair the vehicle as one of the faulty parts has been discontinued, and advised that I get my money back on the car. The Toyota mechanic further explained that even if the part was replaced, the vehicle may continue to experience the same issue. The dealership that I purchased the vehicle from was unwilling to refund me, but did hold my vehicle for repairs for over 2 months. The vehicle seemed to drive normally for about 1,000 miles after that, but then the same issue repeated. It started again with not shifting gears correctly; there was an instance I was driving on the highway and tried to shift from 5th to 6th but it would not allow me to. In another instance, I was again driving on the highway when the vehicle randomly put itself into 2nd gear and jolted forward, this was followed by a loud revving before the transmission gave out completely and the car would not move. After this, I had the vehicle towed to my residence, as this could have ended in tragedy had the surrounding drivers not been as vigilant. I’ve reported the issue again to the dealership, but they will not take this vehicle back. The car has remained parked outside my residence for well over a month, as it is unfit to be driven on the road.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA MR2 SPIDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHENEVER THIS OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT GEARS. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE CODES TO THE TRANSMISSION MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000. UPDATED 04/10/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED OVER A YEAR AGO, THE VEHICLE STARTED STALLING AFTER ABOUT 50 MILES. THE EVENT BECAME MORE AND MORE FREQUENT, AFTER A SHORT 50 MILE DRIVE. WHEN HE STOPPED, THE MOTOR WOULD RE-START, BUT THE SEQUENTIAL TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT RESPOND UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS. ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRANSMISSION BECAME STUCK IN 2ND GEAR. UPDATED 04/13/12