Still waiting on a

Toyota

refund?

Buying a Toyota should be stress-free — but if you need to cancel a car order, get your deposit back, or deal with a defective vehicle, it’s important to understand your rights. Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), Toyota must provide refunds in certain circumstances. Here’s exactly when you qualify, how to claim, and what other Toyota customers have experienced.

• Major failures under ACL: If your Toyota vehicle or part has a serious defect (unsafe, unfit for purpose, not as described), you can reject it and request a refund or replacement.
  
  
• Change of mind: Refunds generally aren’t offered once you’ve signed a car purchase contract. However, some states have cooling-off periods:
  
  
  • NSW: 1 business day (if dealer arranges finance) – refund minus $250 or 2% of car price.
    
    
  • VIC: 3 business days – refund minus $400 or 2%.
    
    
  • SA: 2 days for used cars only (up to $100 or 2% fee).
    
    
  • WA, TAS: No statutory cooling-off on new cars.
    
    
• Conditional contracts: If your purchase was subject to finance approval or other written conditions that weren’t met, you’re entitled to a full deposit refund.
  
  
• Dealer guarantees: Some Toyota dealers offer their own satisfaction guarantees (e.g. 48-hour or 7-day return on used cars). These are dealer-specific, not Toyota Australia-wide.
  
  
• Parts & accessories: Refunds are given if items are faulty or not fit for purpose. For change-of-mind, returns depend on dealer or online store policy (often 10–30 days if unopened, sometimes with a restocking fee).
  

1. Check your contract: Note the date signed, any conditions, and whether a cooling-off period applies.
   
   
2. Give written notice: If cancelling within a cooling-off, submit a signed notice to the dealer before the deadline (in person, email, or fax). Get acknowledgment.
   
   
3. Collect your deposit refund: Refunds are usually processed next business day, minus any statutory fee. Always get a receipt.
   
   
4. Conditional contracts: If finance is declined, notify the dealer in writing with proof. They must refund your deposit in full.
   
   
5. Faulty vehicle claims:
   
   
   • Try repairs first through Toyota’s authorised service.
     
     
   • If unresolved, escalate to Toyota’s Guest Experience Centre (1800 869 682).
     
     
   • Issue a formal rejection letter citing ACL rights.
     
     
   • If agreed, return the car and receive a refund or replacement.
     
     
6. If disputed: Escalate to your state’s consumer authority (e.g. NCAT, VCAT). Toyota has previously refunded or replaced vehicles under ACCC oversight.
   
   
7. Parts & merchandise: Contact the dealer or Toyota’s online store to arrange returns. Refunds/exchanges are usually processed once the item is inspected.
   

• Deposit refunds: Typically within 1–3 business days. Credit card payments may take 2–3 days to show on your statement.
  
  
• Vehicle refunds (major failure): Allow 1–2 weeks once approved, to unwind finance, transfer the car back, and process EFT refunds.
  
  
• Parts & accessories: Usually 2–10 working days after return and approval.
  
  
• Toyota Finance refunds: Overpayments or cancelled add-ons may take 4–6 weeks and sometimes require proactive follow-up.
  

• Deposits: Refunded via the same method (credit card reversal, EFT, or cheque).
  
  
• Vehicle refunds: Typically by bank transfer (EFT). If financed, the lender is paid first, with any balance returned to you.
  
  
• Parts & accessories: Refunds issued via original payment method (card, PayPal, EFT).
  
  
• Toyota Finance: Refunds processed by EFT or cheque.
  
  
• Documentation: Expect to sign cancellation paperwork (especially for vehicles) confirming the refund and return.
  

• Dealers withholding deposits outside cooling-off periods.
  
  
• Misunderstanding state cooling-off rules.
  
  
• Delayed vehicle delivery disputes — some dealers resist refunds despite long delays.
  
  
• Faulty car disputes — repeated repairs offered instead of refund/replacement.
  
  
• Toyota Finance refund delays on overpayments.
  
  
• Poor dealer communication during refund process.
  
  

👉 Tip: Always get promises in writing, know your state’s rules, and escalate to Toyota Australia or consumer agencies if needed.