Trunk lid on toyota corolla uses torsion bars for support. However in the full up position( 90 degree) to about almost closed ( 30 degree) the weight is not counter balanced . In the full up position it is prone to fall when the car is parked facing up hill on a slope as slight as 10 degrees common in parking lots for rain runoff. Any wind or placing a bag of canned goods in the trunk causes it to fall striking the owner in the head ,neck or shoulders. This is happening multiple times a week as I use the trunk daily since the day I purchased the vehicle in late december 2008. My other vehicle ( 1993 ford taurus) also uses torsion bars but even though it is a much heavier trunk lid it is stable in all positions from just open to fully open ( 90 degree- straight up). I have complained to toyota and they are not responsive. I have been hit by this trunk lid numerous times as I use the trunk on a daily basis. As an male adult I have not been seriously injured yet but I believe this poses serious risk of injury for women and children. This trunk lid and torsion bar system is poorly designed and has the potential for serious injury. The force is sufficient that one occasion it caused a bleeding cut to my scalp upon impact. The dealer in late january added a small extension arm that connects to the torsion bars but this had no benefit.
2009 Toyota Corolla body complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 42 of 42, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Attached is letter submitted to toyota 7/22/08 I recently purchased a new 2009 toyota corolla from west herr toyota, orchard park, new york on may 16, 2008. I immediately took a road trip from ny to pa, approximately 6 hours of driving. I am writing to you today to report my dissatisfaction with the front headrests in the toyota corolla. I am an exercise physiologist and have worked many years in the industrial rehabilitation field. I have a previous neck injury from years of doing gymnastics. The current front seat headrests are angled at 35% forward flexion, which may be positive in a crash test to prevent neck injuries, however, it is not conducive for comfortable driving and proper ergonomic for seated positions. By the time I arrived to my final destination in york, pa, my entire right arm was numb and aching. I brought this situation to the attention of my salesman at toyota (bill bitterman) he suggested that I contact your department directly. He also tried to replace the headrests with an older corolla headrest, they do not fit into the anchor holes of the seat. Since then, I took the smaller back seat headrest and moved it forward to the drivers seat. It is more comfortable than the previous headrest, but it is looks awkward and is not safe. Also, I moved the front headrest to the back, it is too large and causes visibility issues. My request of you is to? #1. Consider changing your design for the headrests so they do not forward flex at such a great angle to avoid many additional customer complaints in the future. #2. Send two new front headrests for the front seats (gray interior) that fit appropriately and at no charge to me. I am aware of how powerful the ?voice of the customer? Is and I hope that you take this letter of concern seriously. I truly do like all aspects of this car, except the front two headrests. Shawna r. Dosser, ms exercise physiologist & health educator
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