New Car Dealers
Toyota Of BerkeleyThis business is NOT BBB Accredited.
Find BBB Accredited Businesses in New Car Dealers.
Complaints
This profile includes complaints for Toyota Of Berkeley's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 5 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 2 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/04/2025
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I purchased a 2021 4Runner Feb 27th from Toyota of Berkeley. Im generally review-averse and rarely express my concern to the masses, but it feels warranted here. *Bait and switch pricing occurred after window sticker sent, pricing online reflected, and verbal communication made with sales department*The vehicle was listed at $48,290. Hours into communication and the start of my drive from **********, I get a phone call saying the price went up $49,990. After 20 min on the side of the road, they dropped it down to $48,845. I continued the commute down and made the choice to spend the extra money because I loved the 4Runner. This went against my better judgement. In person, they were appropriate, supportive and accommodating. The put a show on for my 2 young children to watch and even brought out some snacks for them. Over the phone, I couldnt believe the way some of the conversations went. I was told to feel grateful that they brought it down to only $555 more than what was initially $1,700 surprise increase. Later on a follow up call, the point was reiterated that they could have raised it $5k more if they wanted and that there was nothing I could do about it. These conversations were with managers of the dealership.The Pros: -The car is great overall. Some damage to the rear cargo and passenger side were disclosed when asked over the phone, but Im very happy with the vehicle.-******* in the finance department was receptive, supportive and helpful with the process. -***** went out of his way to help me with the vehicle.-Financing was fairly seamless.-A 2 year/25k mile maintenance plan was included. The Cons:-Even at the time of purchase, the online price reflected less than what I ended up paying. And Im not talking about about taxes/fees/reg.-Unnecessarily insulting motivated customers over the phone -Vehicle did not include all advertised features. ($500 Yakima mega rack, something I will now have to purchase on my own)-Initial Complaint
Date:07/30/2024
Type:Product IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Received 2017 Toyota Prius prime back without any coolant added to the car. Car stalled out multiple times during heat waves and extensive damage was done to internal components in car due to this negligence. Mechanic was not honest with me about the scope and number of parts needing replacements "just a few gaskets and valves" when upon inquiring further over a month later and being repeatedly told the replacement parts weren't available have discovered that the entire catalytic converter and pipe leading from it are just some of the needed parts that are being delayed, along with being cursed at on the phone for inquiring further. Also received car back with corrosion on battery even after paying for battery cleaning service the first time it stalled out without the coolant. It runs rough, and I'm afraid that it's going to stall out again mid task. This has cut drastically into my income as a delivery driver and caregiver needing to drive clients to appointments. I'm concerned that it's looking like they don't intend to ever do the repairs/replacements that could have been avoided altogether if maintenance had been completed as agreed in the financing contract.Initial Complaint
Date:12/04/2023
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Purchase date 11/24/2023 I purchased a used vehicle from this dealer, and upon my arrival home I noticed 1 front tire was bald and the other had a huge chunk missing on side wall. They would not offer more than HALF the cost of the tires but I needed them due to safety (wires were almost showing inside). I have requested the full amount, they are refusing I tried to resolve it with them and they cant pay in full, which is clearly unfair buying a car from a ********* should be ready to go. They shouldnt have been legally allowed to sell a car with less tread depth than 2/32.Business Response
Date: 12/22/2023
Standard practice calls for all Tesla vehicles to be taken care of and inspected by ***** **** At the time of inspection, recommendations did not identify the tire condition mentioned, as the car cleared their shop and was released.
Upon completion, ***** sends their invoice and we cut a check to pay for the inspections and worked performed.
Upon selling this car, the client reached *** and as he did, we apologized for the condition. Agreed to replace both front tires ( not 4 ) in full value, as the other two seem fine.
( I am unsure as if this is what the client is referring to in his claim as half, meaning half of the set of 4, or half of the value of the two tires in need? as mentioned)
Upon making the offer to replace both, we also considered the unsafe trip from Ukiah our client had to endure to **** tires, and made the suggestion to reimburse him the cost of both as our primary choice.
This step extended quicker completion and quality selection as well, as it was our best choice available.
Closing instructions during the call were made to forward the invoice for reimbursement, as the client expressed gratitude with the outcome and agreed to do so at the time.
No further action or expression of disappointment or change of heart was brought forth since, until now.
In summary, we remain committed on our daily operations to extend the best quality products and services at all times. We stand behind our products, and our word as we look forward in resolving this concern, that initially appears as miscommunication unless clarified otherwise, at our level, and any forum that our client prefers.
Hope this explains the circumstances surrounding the request and extends enough information to respond accordingly.Customer Answer
Date: 12/22/2023
Complaint: 20954426
I am rejecting this response because: It's unfortunate that only half the cost could be covered cause they are very expensive tires, I even opted for the cheaper $600 pair (2) vs the $900 pair. Usually when you buy from a dealer the vehicle should be ready to go, on the Tesla paper work I found later in the glove box it said the front tires have low tread depth and should be replaced. I don't want to go back and forth with the Dealership over money if you want to cover the other half of what I paid out of pocket great, if not I had a very pleasant experience with *** he's a great salesman very easy going, I'm sure if it were his call he would've sent a check to cover both tires which needed replacement. Unfortunate circumstances but it is what it is. Happy Holidays to all parties involved.
Sincerely,
***************************Initial Complaint
Date:08/23/2023
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I got a cash offer for my car through a well-known vehicle valuation website and was contacted by Toyota Berkeley indicating they were interested in purchasing my car. I took the car to their dealership for appraisal and I accepted their offer (this happened mid-July). Once I signed the papers and handed over my car/keys/registration, they told me I'd get a check in the mail in about 2 weeks. It's been almost 6 weeks and I have not received payment for the car I sold to them. I've exchanged emails with their manager a couple of times and they told me they are waiting to receive the title from the *** in order to disburse the check.One of the issues here for me was the dealerships lack of transparency during the purchase process. I doubt they didn't know it could take more than 2 weeks for the payment to be disbursed, so they could have chosen to act with integrity and explained that to me before we did the paperwork; this would have given me the choice to either accept the terms or walk away and find another buyer. Their management states they are following company's policy by waiting for the title in order to send me the payment, however this policy was not disclosed upfront, neither its written in the paperwork I signed with them. I had been contacted by several other large local dealerships with a cash offer for my Toyota SUV, and I chose to sell it to a local Toyota dealership, as I had perceived Toyota as a reputable company and trusted they would have the funds to pay me promptly.Ive admired Toyotas ******** leadership, and the vision theyve shared of the importance of listening to the voices of customers and their intention of working sincerely to place and serve the customer first. ** ********************** US affiliates: consider reviewing and updating your policy, implementing a win-win approach with customers that bring you business, and following suit with Toyota ***** leaderships philosophy.Initial Complaint
Date:10/30/2022
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:UnansweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Had my car appraised. They lowered the appraisal because of paint, interior damage and it needed new tires. It has been over two weeks that I turned in the pink slip and keys over and I received these papers and I have yet to receive a check for the appraisal and they are dragging me telling me to call and check on it a few days later but it has been weeks where they continue to tell me to check in the next day and its tiresome.
Toyota Of Berkeley is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.
To become accredited, a business must agree to BBB Standards for Trust and pass BBB's vetting process.
Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.
BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this company, please let them know that you checked their record with BBB.
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.