Dealership Battery Ripoff

For whatever reason, the battery in my 2014 Tacoma decided to fail yesterday and today. It would no longer hold a charge. My vehicle is still within the 3yr, 36k mile warranty and after contacting the dealership they assured me the battery fell under the warranty period for free replacement. So upon arriving to the dealer, I explain the problem, and the service writer gets the process rolling. Fast forward an hour and a half later, patiently waiting... I'm told that they hooked it up to the tester and it said it needed charged, so they've been charging it. I reiterate that I know this, and I told them that it won't hold a charge the moment I got there. I drive the vehicle daily and have no aftermarket accessories drawing power, so that's not normal behavior for a healthy battery. Anyway, she relays it to the tech, 30 more minutes go by while they install a new battery. At that time I also told her specifically my truck is an Off Road with Towing package and should be equipped with the 710CCA 27F battery. She nodded her head and said she would verify it, which she did, coming back and saying that's correct and is what is being installed.

I get the truck back and they stuck a 625CCA 27F battery in it. That's not right, and it's not what I asked for. Irritated at this point I bring it up to another service rep because mine left for lunch. He's very apologetic but tells me Toyota doesn't offer the 710CCA battery, and they don't stock it, saying the 625 is a suitable replacement. I call bullshit, show him the Toyota battery part listings and where it clearly shows they offer a 710 battery. He back pedals and says they're ordering for me but it'll be a little over a week until it's in. When it arrives I can come in and have it swapped out.

Now I'm really irritated. I feel like this dealership is taking advantage of customers by installing inferior batteries under the premise of 'good enough'. I'm sure it's easier for them to only stock the 625's and they prolly cost less, improving their profit margins. Since it's already below the manufacturer recommendation for some vehicles out the gate, they prolly can try to sell people on replacements sooner as well, saying it's not up to spec.

If anyone is in a position like this themselves where they go thru their dealer for a battery pay attention to what they are replacing it with.

 

I get this runaround from dealerships all the time, telling me one thing then doing another. It's just part of their game, and it's frustrating as hell.

All I can really say is try another dealership, there are good ones out there. I found one in my area that's leaps and bounds more pleasant to deal with than the one I was going to prior. It's a shame that Toyota Corp. doesn't hold all of their dealerships to a certain standard, but it is what it is.

 

Sounds like you have a bad Dealership experience. I recently had my Dealership replace the battery on my 2011 TRD O/R and they installed the correct battery.

 

Meh.

Batteries are consumable parts. 625 vs. 710, not a big deal if you have no aftermarket accessories. If the truck is in good tune, it will start just fine with that battery.

You are in the south, it gets hot. The heat kills batteries much faster than anything else.

In addition, your truck is not going to be in warranty for ever. Plan on replacing the battery every 3 years. I would rather replace with one that cost less if it's on my dime.

My Tundra with the 5.7 has the Toyota 625, it starts just fine.

Sorry, not what you wanted to hear. You asked, I responded.

 

As it stands they are working to make it right. That's why I didn't put their name up in the thread, yet. We'll see how this goes. If anyone around the Triad area of NC wants to know, I can answer by pm. After they correct this I will not be returning there again.

 

I see where you're coming from. I fully embrace the fact I'm OCD about some things. I get it, I do. However, since I will be responsible for the next one, I would like this one to at least be replaced with on that'll last a bit longer

 

I understand.

I've been on this rock for 5o years. I gave up spending the top dollar for batteries quite some time ago. I could find no correlation between expensive, bigger batteries and longevity.

Wal-Mart, here I come!

This has been my own finding, besides the difference between an expensive battery and a cheaper battery was usually the cost for a couple cases of beer. Beer wins!

 

I disagree, If the manufacturer recommends a specific part then you best believe I am going to keep a dealership accountable on giving me the correct parts. You pay more at a dealership to take care of your vehicle and to get the correct OEM parts or requirements. If they did not do that then why would you pay twice the price for labor and twice the price of parts? I do not care if a 625 battery is "good enough" I want the battery that is recommended by my manufacturer.

 

My 710 is still good. It's in my garage. I replaced it with a Northstar AGM. To each his own...

 

Hey but you got the 100 or 120 point inspection.Im sure they never greased the drive shafts but that must b 121 122 123 124 and 125.I always say know your truck! They just fix toyotas.Glad only problem.

 

Dealership should definitely replace the battery with one of equal specs.

 

Very good post! You did your homework and even though they tried to buffalo you, you proved them wrong and finally got what you should have it the first place. A letter to Toyota slamming this dealer is in order. Good for you!

 

I have the easy solution. Let them replace your battery and stop worrying about it. I have had mine replaced twice and I haven't felt the need to check a friggin part number and guess what... the battery worked fine.

 

My walmart battery in my 98 yukon is 5 years old and it sat for a year and a half.

 

Starts right up

 

Are you always OK with getting less than you have coming to you?

 

maybe that is why your on your 3rd battery

 

I got lots of other things in my life that are way more important than a battery.

How many of you guys made several cross country trips with no cell phones? Grow a pair and spend time on living instead of worrying about if you are gonna make it in time for happy hour. Car batteries are way down my list of important things.

 

it is BS. I just got my 2014 OEM 710CCA 27F battery replaced under warranty after the same issue. I had to push them to do it, but dealer made good on it.

 

Actually the CCA Rating doesn't actually mean it will last longer... Just saying.

But I do understand that you want the exact same thing that the truck came with. I would too.