'03 Matrix rear suspension defect

[kasilof]

We have a '03 Matrix with a factory defect that caused a wreck that almost killed my wife and mother-in-law.

The left rear lower control arm was misassembled at the factory. The wheel alignment bolt that passes through the lower bushing in the spindle assy was tightened while the offset washers were over the washer stop tabs on the lower control arm. This action bent the tabs inward rendering them useless as offset washer stop tabs. The rear wheel was aligned by pushing the offset washes hard against the inner offset washer stop tabs and tightening the nut. Eventually the bolt slipped causing the alignment to suddenly shift resulting in an accident.

We took it to the dealer (the only one within hundreds of miles. There are no other dealers.) and they said they went over it with a fine tooth comb and could find no problems other than what the wreck caused. We filed a complaint with Toyota but they sided with the dealer. We have also filed a complaint with NHTSA but expect that process to take some time.
We believe this is a cover up by Toyota just like the cover up of the sludge problem in their 4 cylinder engines. They just deny and hope for the best. Only this involves safety like the Ford Explorer problem that receives national attention.

We wish there was a way to post our pictures of the suspension defect so other Matrix owners can see what to look for. We have noticed some complaints on other forums of Matrix owners having to go to the dealers for realignments. Especially after hard cornering. If the dealer gets to repair and realign the car then customer will never be the wiser that their car had a defect like the one that caused our wreck.

As of this day we have a repaired wreck, with all the normal squeaks, rattles and clunks of a repaired wreck. And, we still cannot drive it past the end of the driveway because of the safety issue. Toyota refuses to repair the suspension under warranty and our insurance company refuses to cover the $500 cost to repair it because after inspecting the vehicle they came to the conclusion that it was a Toyota factory defect and not the insurance company's responsibility.

Buyers beware

[wkmaylish]

I am in the market for matrix and wanted to know if anyone else had this similar problem or any problems at all??