What a joke - I found that my 2003 Camry rear speaker covers had cracked and fallen into the speaker area. I took my car to my dealer (Courtesy Toyota, Brandon, FL) to change the oil and replace the speaker covers. Surprise - Oil change $29.95, rear speakers covers $650.00!

I was told it cost $650.00 because the entire rear deck must be replaced.

I declined the repair and did some research. The Internet proved that lots of people have the same problem. As of 3/1/08, there were 78 posts with the same problem at http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/toyota-ca...PVEUN8TERT6NBKJ.

The problem is clear. 2003 - 2005 Camrys have rear speaker covers that simply distinegrate. You see a crack, touch the cover and find out quickly that the material has broken down (as it falls into the speaker area).

Toyota put out a technical service bulletin (BO019-07) on 12/7/07 to just replace the speaker covers. I am going to call my dealer on Monday with this information and see what they say. (Others have posted that dealers want $25.00 for the covers and $200.00 in labor to replace them.)

This cost is ridiculous. $225.00 means Toyota dealers make money on the repair. Why should Toyota be rewarded (with profits) for replacing covers that are clearly defective. I'm willing to share the cost, but where is their part of this repair.

I understand that Toyota did not expect this problem. OK, they made a bad choice in this material. I don't think they did it on purpose but I am watching how they react as this people become aware of this problem via the Internet.

I purchased a Toyota because I hated the uncaring attitude of Detroit auto makers. Lets see how Toyota responds - will they step up or will they step back?

If you have the same problem, please call Toyota and tell them:
1. You know your problem is not an "isolated instance" (refer them to web site above)
2. You would like them to step up and take responsibility for the poor choice of material.
3. You will make sure all of your friends know what Toyota did about this - good or bad.

Toyota Customer Assistance Center: 1-800-331-4331
TSB(technical service bulletin): BO 019-07