Every Time I Take My Toyota 4Runner To The Dealer For An Oil Change, They Tell Me I Need A New Cabin Air Filter, They Aren’t Getting Me Again

I drive a 2013 Toyota Venza. A couple years ago I made an appointment with the local Toyota dealership which I had been using for years for all my service and maintenance needs. The appointment was for an oil change, tire rotation, an airbag recall and for a noise that I had been hearing coming from the steering column.

While my car was being worked on the service rep came to me and said the oil change and tire rotation were done and they were working on the airbag recall and the noise from the steering column. She also advised me that my air was blowing hot. I didn't think much of that because it was August and living in South Florida the AC is always hot when first turned on.

After another hour I was told my car was finished and that the noise I was hearing was a piece in the steering column that broke off and was rattling around but it wasn't a safety issue so I didn't need to fix it unless the noise bothered me. They quoted me $2400 to fix it. I chose to keep the noise at that was a ridiculous price.

Here's where it gets interesting. I get in my car to leave and after a minute on the road my AC hasn't cooled off, it is blowing hot air. I continue driving and the AC is not getting cold. I turn around and go back to Toyota. I tell my service advisor that when I got to Toyota earlier today my AC was blowing cold. That my AC always blows cold but when I picked my car up after my appointment the AC was blowing hot and that Toyota did something to my AC and needs to fix it. The service rep alerted her manager and I was brought to the managers office. I told the manager what had happened and she claimed Toyota did not do anything to the AC. We argued for a minute, me claiming that the AC was fine until Toyota worked on my car and the manager claiming that Toyota did not work on the AC. She stated that while she was sorry his happened it is not Toyota's fault. As you can imagine I was fuming. She finally offered to replace the AC system for half the price. I reluctantly agreed and made an appointment to replace the AC in 3 days.

I left Toyota feeling dejected and very upset as I knew that this was all Toyota's fault. On the way home I had to stop at a store. I kept turning the AC on and off on the way to the store and it still kept blowing hot. When I got done in the store and got back in my car I turned the AC on again to test it and it began blowing cold. Ice cold as it always has. I immediately called Toyota and requested the manager. I got her after a minute of holding and explained to her what happened. I told her I believe that I was being scammed, I canceled the appointment for the replacement of the AC and told her I would never go back to that dealership. To this day it still makes me mad when I think about it. Had Toyota had been able to replace the AC when I was there I would have been scammed into buying a new AC system when I didn't need it.

My 98 Avalon with a very gentle 49k miles began to emit white smoke when first cranked. Vehicle was my ex's father who was retired and would change the oil every time he got a haircut.
Service writer comes and tells me " your engine is shot. It' costs about $5500 to replace. Look at the sludge" as he points out the amber color inside the valve cover under the filler cap. ( which is totally normal) I drove to my old friend and the man who kept my old pickup alive. He raised the hood, saw that the PCVvalve was original. Changed it out the $8.86 valve and stopped the smoke immediately. I have to add that this same dealer experience happened at two dealers. When you incentivize a shop service writer to cheat customers they will succumb to the temptation sooner or later. I'll NEVER buy another Toyota as a result of those experiences.

Similar situation regarding brakes. Took my Acura into the service center where I purchased tires. They were due for rotation. I was told that the rear brakes were 70% gone and needed to be replaced. Something seemed off about it so I said I'd come back. Took it to a mechanic closer to my house and asked them to replace the brakes. They called soon and asked why I thought I needed new brakes. Told them about the previous recommendation and they said my brakes were fine and did not need replacing. Now I'm questioning if the tires actually needed to be replaced.

A lot of customers tend to miss represent what is said and what they understand, and just assume that the dealer is trying to "scam" them. It's simple. Ask the service advisor if you can see the filter. I know from 20 plus years as an ase certified master toyota tech, that cabin filters may still be packed with small debris such as pine needles and other small pieces of debris, but the color of the filter is still relatively close to how it looked out of the box. Just because it's not black and stinks doesn't mean it shouldn't be addressed.

Kendall Toyota in anchorage Alaska. I was told My sequoia was due for its 90,000 mile service, but I was sure it had been done. I went ahead with it , paid nearly $900 but went home and found the receipt from an already done 90k service. The paperwork I received from the service tech had a note in red he wrote on the back of the form, it said “ sell a service” ,hmmm. 2 years later i brought same sequoia in for rear brakes, after picking it up there were 2 warning lights lit up claiming traction control wasn’t working, found out that both sensors are in rear brake area. Went back & talked to tech, he said it was “ just a coincidence “ . I asked what the cost to replace them would be, the quote was for $1300. I declined and just drove it with no issues, eventually giving it to my daughter who totaled it about 6 months later ( on dry roads and due to her being new to driving). I’m a Toyota fan but I’ve never taken my land cruiser there and never will.

So i will ask, how many miles are on it? Does she park under trees? Since she seems to be more focused on bashing the dealership. There's a lot of variables when it comes to wearable items.

I took my Rav4 in for 20,000 mile service. They told me cabin filter needed to be changed. I looked on youtube. Found it was a 5 minute job. Bought a 25 dollar filter, did it myself and saved 150 bucks. Yes they wanted 175 to do it at dealership.

My girlfriends 2012 Camry was at the Toyota dealer to get her sunroof repaired. Of course, after they work was done, the service manager comes to talk to us and has a dirty cabin filter in his hand and says it needs to be replaced. My girlfriend remembers that at her last visit for service she did pay to have the cabin filter replaced. She requested the service manager to search the records from her last visit and it showed that it in fact was changed. My belief is that the service manager just has a dirty filter stored somewhere and pulls it out to scam unsuspecting customers!

I have a 2019 Toyota Yaris that I had taken into the dealership to get an oil change November of 2024. About 1 month prior I replaced the spark plugs the air and cabin filter and windshield wiper blades. I had a coupon for a $29 synthetic oil change. This is a tiny car after the oil change was completed I was informed that I needed spark plugs both filters and the price of the oil change went from $29 to $49. The filter was a specific filter to the car which was an increased price also for the additional oil and service items needed for the oil change. The coupon that I brought into the dealership was specific to the car and on the coupon it clearly stated $29 plus taxes no additional fees so after arguing with the representative I finally ended up paying the 29 plus tax and completely forgot about the additional items I was told needed to be replaced even though they were only about a month old. A few weeks ago I received a new coupon for the exact same amount brought the car in was told the exact same situation was also informed that I needed spark plugs again also needed a new cabin filter which at that point had approximately 5,000 miles on it and was not driven in a dirty or rough environment I was also informed that all my tires needed to be replaced because they were at a different tread level even though December I had purchased all new tires. After bringing the car home and checking all the tires Treads were exactly the same which was also confirmed by the location that I purchased the tires. Toyota is most definitely a rip-off they try to get customers to purchase items under the assumption that they know nothing about vehicles. I've worked on vehicles my entire life and the only reason I take the car in for oil changes because of the coupons that I've been receiving.

I think this lady needs to forget worrying about her cabin filter and to start worrying about changing her oil more often. 7500 or 10,000 mile intervals is not good if she plans to keep that vehicle long-term. Most mechanics recommend 5000 miles maximum. Don't fall for the extended manufacturer intervals.

This happens to me but @VW dealer. Not anymore; last time they charged the double of the market price for that filter. Per other side I checked the engine air filter and was quite dirty, replaced and ready to run. Supposedly every time they do a “points of inspection”, false.

I took my Toyota in to have them look at it because the brakes were locking up when I was backing up anyway they told me that I needed an oil change which they did cuz it was on my deal for buying it new they said there was nothing wrong with my brakes I said they put a front end alignment on it and then they changed my oil and then I also needed a cabin filter they kept my truck for over 5 hours when I ask how much the bill was they said it was nothing since I didn't want to put in a cabin filter I wasted 5 hours in there for them to say that there was nothing wrong with my brakes locking up going in reverse to me it's either the transmission or the brakes and now I have lost all confidence in the Toyota truck 4x4 I've had it in the city and haven't even been able to take time out in life to go to Denver or LA now I wouldn't dare take the truck even to Flagstaff Arizona leave me on the side of the road and what's thoroughly discussing is the amount that I paid for a 2022 without any bells or whistles

Dealer just changed my Tundra filters air and cabin at 4 years 30k miles. Don’t change a cabin filter at 7.5, change your dealership.

I posted this on CARFAX on 02/12/2025:
My car's wireless charger was not working since I purchased the car, at last, I contacted Toyota directly and thanks to Toyota (not to my dealer) it was fixed after 42 months. The last Wheel alignment went off in 14 days, not the dealer but Toyota also took care of it the dealer charged me again half of the regular price for just fixing something they hadn't fixed previously.

Here is the dealer's response on 02/12/2025:
Abdul H., Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We appreciate your feedback and want to ensure you that we strive to provide a positive experience for all of our guests. To address your concerns specifically, our technician found that the aftermarket installations in your vehicle were interfering with the wireless charger's functionality and that before we could accurately diagnose the issue we needed you to return the vehicle to its factory settings. Regarding the wheel alignment, we performed the service at 22,489 miles. However, since your vehicle now has 27,979 miles and the alignment was done seven months ago, we offered an alignment at half price as a compromise. We value your business and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction. Please feel free to contact us at 904-470-3701 if you have any further questions or concerns. Sincerely, John Clark General Manager Coggin Toyota

Here is my reply:
We both know what is truth, check your records. I purchased this vehicle from Coggin Toyota on 08/16/2021. During my visit to New York in Dec 2021 I discovered that the wireless charger was not working, I first reported it to Coggin Toyota on 02/16/2022 and after that on every service but it was not fixed. The aftermarket item was purchased in Mar 2024.
The wheel alignment service was performed on 07/06/2024 and 07/24/2024. I went to another Toyota dealer for the wireless charger issue, which was not fixed, but they recommended wheel alignment. I was out of the city during all this time, but I contacted Coggin Toyota in August 2024 about the wheel alignment issue but never got a response.
I have fully documented evidence for what I am saying. Why did the Toyota company help me with both issues after the warranty period? I provided them with all the evidence.

Had a joke of an air filter experience just a month ago. I have a 2006 and needed a decent amount of things done and went ahead and had the cabin filter changed. Halfway home I turned the air on and hear a loud low rumble coming from the glove box. I got home, opened up the cabin filter box myself and found a mass of paper towels shoved into the fan. Needless to say I will never pay for a cabin filter change again.

I have had two different issues with two different Toyota dealers. First one was on a new 2011 Camry. Took it in for 2nd service which required an oil change and tire rotation. Oil got changed but tires were not rotated. Mentioned it to the manager and he assured me it was done. I could see by the lug nuts they were not touched. I ended up taking it to a differentldealer and got it serviced. Next incident I bought a new Tacoma. Took it to get serviced, which was a different dealership.They never rotated my tires and my winshield washer fluid level was very low. All they did was drive it off Let it sit , then run it thru a car wash. I even marked the wheels just to insure they would rotate them. Long story short, stay away from the large dealerships and trust the small ones. But also learn to look for their lies. Not only dealers, but also garages and oil change places.

I bought a truck from Right Honda Scottsdale a few months ago.

I traded in the truck I had. They got the truck I bought from their sister store Right Toyota.. It had 132,000 miles on it. They told me it went through 182 point inspection. It was an excellent shape. I then took it to Right Toyota for my first of 3 free oil changes Right Toyota gave me in the purchase transaction... the technician there noted that the timing cover/engine had a leak and it needed to be urgently resealed!!!.. and that had to be immediately addressed.. as it could be dangerous to the engine. Also, they noted that the Front swaybar end links are worn out !!.. These are clearly things that existed that did not tell me about..

The front headlights were also completely detached as was the grill. All the bolts were broken so clearly it had been hit from the front to some degree.. not horribly.. but enough to break all the headlights and the grill which I fixed that myself and never complained about.. but the engine timing cover reseal is something they should have addressed and should fix as it is a major liability they clearly purposefully did withhold that info when i purchased
...
I called them and the manager Daniel who was unfortunate enough to get my call.. said oh well you bought it.. its your problem now..!!!

And he said he would contact a manager with possibly more ability to help me out and get this fixed fir me.. of course..

I never received a phone call back !!.. Also I've asked for five months for my actual sales contract which I've never gotten. We have asked for that more than five times and left messages. They don't call back..

but for them to sell me a truck with a the engine leak.. And then not have the integrity to fix and replace this.. which they could do easily in a few hours.. rather than leaving me with thousands of dollars worth of repair... shows their shadiness, and that we made the wrong decision in going to this dealership..

buyer beware!!!!...

I went there because an old acquaintance of mine from dc ranch country club Zack .. used to be the gm of Right Toyota for years and years.. so I thought it would be the safe pick.. I bought it site unseen. They came and picked up my truck and dropped that truck off.

They promised me it had been through an amazing inspection and it was an excellent condition and this is what I get...!!

we actually love the truck itself, paint is torched on hood and roof lights were smashed
in.. which i fixed...

but to be sold the truck with an engine condition and a leak that needed to be addressed right away.. and then to tell me it's my problem.. is horrible..!!!

I guess I have to go hire a lawyer.. because they have not contacted me back and they're not willing to take care of what they knew existed.. wow such integrity ??? This review will stay up until they contact me and fix this !!! Typical car dealership crap this is.. drop a car off to me with smashed headlight housing bolts broken all off broken grill worn out sway-bar end links and major issue of timing cover leak needing urgent reseal.. with 0 accountability and never call back as promised.. " its your car now".. scumbags !!!

Definitely a rip off but not necessarily a scam why? Many car owners do not have a cabin filter as a top of the list item to replace. When a dealership says you need to replace it like your windshield wipers or even air filter tell em thank you and you yourself will take care of it. It's takes less than a minute to replace each of these and a fraction of the cost.

Apparently this isn't limited to just Toyota dealerships. My Wife's 2007 Honda Civic also had the air cabin scam. After letting the Dealership in Orlando " change" the cabin filter a total of eight times, I had some work done on it and the car generally gone over by a mechanic friend of mine that I worked with. He showed me what he said looked to be the original cabin filter that came with the car- completely trashed and non-functional. So the dealer charged me eight times for a part they never installed and also didn't even take the time to look at. Wow. This is the state of Capitalism today in the USA. Caveat emptor!