A Romeoville resident has expressed frustration after waiting nearly 300 days for a recall repair on her vehicle. Ana Marrero, who owns a Toyota Tundra, has been caught in a prolonged wait for a fix stemming from a recall notice.
“Toyota’s slogan is ‘Let’s go places,’ but the only place they’ve taken me is back to the dealership,” said Marrero, highlighting her dissatisfaction with the ongoing delay.
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Marrero took her Tundra to the dealership in June 2025 after Toyota announced a recall, anticipating the repair to be completed by October. Despite being provided with a rental car, Marrero, a resident of the city’s Southwest Side, is eager to have her truck returned.
“I’m very disappointed. I’m not asking for anything unreasonable from Toyota,” Marrero stated. “I’m asking for them to take accountability and stand behind their brand.”
The recall, issued by Toyota in May 2025, affects 443,000 Tundra trucks due to a problem with the rear lights failing to engage when reversing.
“I’ve asked why they’ve kept my vehicle for so long,” Marrero explained. “They said it’s out of their hands and now in corporate’s file. Whether they have a remedy for you, I don’t know,” she added, reflecting her continued uncertainty.
The ABC7 Chicago I-Team reached out to the manufacturer, Toyota, and Marrero’s local dealer, Romeoville Toyota.
In mid-March, a manager at her dealership said other trucks had the same issue, and “There is currently no remedy or part to repair the truck. Toyota Corp is well aware of her situation and has been communicating with her and us on the recall. I can understand her frustration, but we cannot repair the truck until a repair bulletin and parts have been released.”
“I’m making payments on a vehicle that I don’t have, a vehicle that is not safe to drive. And that’s unfair to me and my family,” Marrero said.
The manufacturer, Toyota, says it is committed to providing a positive customer experience, and its team was in “frequent contact” with Marrero.
Marrero said she started getting answers and updates after the I-Team’s involvement.
Then in April, more than nine months later, she got her truck back and is safely driving it.
“Your support definitely moved things along much faster in resolving my recall issue, and I truly appreciate your effort,” Marrero said.
Toyota says if customers have concerns about recall delays, they should contact the Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Those dealing with a wait on a recall fix should ensure they get a rental car. Complaints can also be filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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