I purchased a new Toyota Yaris TR 1.4 D4D January 2009 and after approximately 125 miles the gearbox output shaft rear bearing shattered, resulting in a vehicle recovery. My request for a replacement gearbox was refused and the bearing replaced under the 3-year warranty. After approximately 21,636 miles and after detecting the gearbox ‘singing’, the output shaft front bearing was diagnosed as failing and replaced under the warranty. Again, I had requested a replacement gearbox, pointing out that there must be some mechanical aspect causing these failures. My concerns over the lack of QA for both the car and the bearings used in its construction were not appreciated.

As a consequence I have been offered a 2-year extension to my 3-year warranty, applicable to the gearbox only. I have pointed out that I consider the 60,000-mile limit of the warranty must start again for the gearbox. I write this for your information and ask whether you consider the actions taken by Toyota are fair, or whether I should adopt the option in their Customer Care Charter and complain to the appropriate trade organisation?