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Why is my new Toyota Auris flattening its battery?

My brand new Toyota Auris hybrid Icon has flattened its 12v battery twice in the first 300 miles, after being left locked (with nothing left on) in a garage for three days after runs of over 100 miles. After the second failure the supplying dealer kept the car for ten days but could find no fault. Toyota refuses to accept my request to reject the car. Surely it was unfit for purpose when handed over to me?

Asked on 21 December 2013 by SB, Cocking, West Sussex

Answered by Honest John
We bought a Toyota in Thailand in 2004 that instantly flattened its battery. The culprit was the interior light 'see you out' dimmer switch that turned the light off after we got out of the car but remained 'open circuit' and drained the battery overnight. Switching off the interior light entirely solved the problem. I hired a later model of the same Toyota in Thailand this year and it, too, had the interior light permanently switched off. So this is a common fault with Toyotas.
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