The Toyota GR Corolla is a rare vehicle that deserves careful handling, particularly given Toyota’s recent issues with engine warranties. Therefore, the last thing any owner would want is a dealer technician racing their car during a cold start. Unfortunately, a troubling incident occurred at a Toyota dealership in Boston involving just that.
This incident was recorded and shared on YouTube by LouisL44, and was later reported by Motor1. In the video description, the owner explains that they brought their newly acquired vehicle in for its first service. While there, a technician, unable to properly handle a manual transmission, was seen abusing the car. The technician repeatedly stalled the vehicle and allegedly revved the cold engine. Throughout the ordeal, a warning on the dashboard indicated that heavy acceleration was inadvisable, which further highlighted the improper treatment of the engine.
In a later instance involving a different technician, the GR Corolla was hit with harsh acceleration in first gear, surpassing 5,000 rpm right after a cold start. The technician also revved the engine before abruptly shutting it off, a practice which could be detrimental to some older models with turbochargers.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the GR Corolla’s owner has taken any action against the Toyota dealership for the treatment of their vehicle. The Drive attempted to contact the dealer for a statement, but no response was received prior to publication.
In the broader context, it seems improbable that the technicians will face severe repercussions for their behavior. If they had reached outrageous speeds—like 100 mph (or approximately 85 mph for the GR Corolla)—the outcome might have been different. However, good mechanics are hard to find, and this situation may result in merely a warning or a warranty extension, if any disciplinary measures are enacted at all.
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