new solara problems

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum here, but after several problems with my '05 solara, I got on the web searching for answers. I have had 3 problems that I can't exactly overlook.

The first being that I just discovered the driver's side window leaks by the side view mirror. In comparing the rubber weather stripping that lines the bottom outside of the window (top of the door) you can see a rather large gap on the drivers side that is letting water in and is leaking below piece of plastic opposite the mirror on the inside of the door. Why didn't Toyota's quality control catch this? Anyone else have this problem?

The second problem is that the right rear shock makes a loud thudding noise no matter what kind of bump I hit in the road, large or small. I see that other Toyota solara owners have this problem too... how do I fix this? The dealer claims he couldn't find anything...but other owners say it is a "bump stop"?

The third is that if feels like the alignment is off. I have to have the wheel turned slightly to the left to keep the car straight. The dealrship blames it on the tilt of the road...but it can't be that much of a tilt! Any suggestions on this?

I'm going to be taking it to the dealer on Tuesday, but until then, I wanted everyone elses opinions...thanks!

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum here, but after several problems with my '05 solara, I got on the web searching for answers. I have had 3 problems that I can't exactly overlook.

The first being that I just discovered the driver's side window leaks by the side view mirror. In comparing the rubber weather stripping that lines the bottom outside of the window (top of the door) you can see a rather large gap on the drivers side that is letting water in and is leaking below piece of plastic opposite the mirror on the inside of the door. Why didn't Toyota's quality control catch this? Anyone else have this problem?

The second problem is that the right rear shock makes a loud thudding noise no matter what kind of bump I hit in the road, large or small. I see that other Toyota solara owners have this problem too... how do I fix this? The dealer claims he couldn't find anything...but other owners say it is a "bump stop"?

The third is that if feels like the alignment is off. I have to have the wheel turned slightly to the left to keep the car straight. The dealrship blames it on the tilt of the road...but it can't be that much of a tilt! Any suggestions on this?

I'm going to be taking it to the dealer on Tuesday, but until then, I wanted everyone elses opinions...thanks!
I have a 2004 Solara with SAME problems-but have water leaking in at top rear corner of both door windows. They found no leak-3 times. I cannot wash car without getting water on window,inside door panel and on dash. Also-thumping noise--they hear nothing. And it has pulled to left and after several alignments by Toyota it has started pulling to right and now to left again. Worn tires badly. Their Field Rep. will look at it this Thursday. I feel it will be more wasted time and gas. File your complaints and keep copies and notes on everything. Va. has Lemon Law. Check into it in your state. Good luck.

there is certainly some lemons with the 2nd Gen Solara (mine was built in Alabama or something), if your dealer is not giving your solution to the problem, bring it up a level and raise an issue with Toyota USA/Canada. That is how I ended up getting my car fixed when I noticed the body panels on my (then new 05) Solara did not align at all and had gaps cuz of poor assembly. Good luck~

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum here, but after several problems with my '05 solara, I got on the web searching for answers. I have had 3 problems that I can't exactly overlook.

The first being that I just discovered the driver's side window leaks by the side view mirror. In comparing the rubber weather stripping that lines the bottom outside of the window (top of the door) you can see a rather large gap on the drivers side that is letting water in and is leaking below piece of plastic opposite the mirror on the inside of the door. Why didn't Toyota's quality control catch this? Anyone else have this problem?

The second problem is that the right rear shock makes a loud thudding noise no matter what kind of bump I hit in the road, large or small. I see that other Toyota solara owners have this problem too... how do I fix this? The dealer claims he couldn't find anything...but other owners say it is a "bump stop"?

The third is that if feels like the alignment is off. I have to have the wheel turned slightly to the left to keep the car straight. The dealrship blames it on the tilt of the road...but it can't be that much of a tilt! Any suggestions on this?

I'm going to be taking it to the dealer on Tuesday, but until then, I wanted everyone elses opinions...thanks!
What did Toyta dealer say? Heard and saw nothing?

What did Toyta dealer say? Heard and saw nothing?
That is what happenned numerous times with ours. SAME PROBLEMS. Toyota Field Tech. Rep. said he saw,heard and felt NOTHING. I switched from GM to Toyota 26 years ago because GM was same way. Never fixed a thing and made junk. We have owned 2 Toyotas most of time since. Never again!! Thought they were so much better than the rest. Now look at them. Hitting the pits-bottom. GM is in the pits. Toyota is next?? Hope so. 26 years ago I told GM to _ _ _ _ themselves-never owned another. NOW--SAME TO TOYOTA-time to buy Honda or Ford. Both are rated very good in Consumer Reports. BOYCOTT TOYOTA !!! They think they can crap on you and get away with it. Jap crap.