Poll: Knowing it might void your engine warranty, would you run an aftermarket air filter?

Not worth risk IMHO. I have a lifetime power train warranty through Southeast Toyota. Will run stock ....or maybe TRD stuff if I ever decide to switch out the box (doubtful).

 

So I guess one question would be how many reported engine failures were the cause of the OEM filter TRD or not? If it was dealer installed it better be dealer serviceable otherwise the warranty is bs.

 

People are assuming all OEM/OEM equivalent replacement paper filters are flawless and can't be damaged and/or defective.

 

To Toyota’s credit, we have not heard about a lot of 3.5L failures. So the question is more a case of what the risk is if there is a failure before your warranty expires. Speculation I guess. Certainly, in dusty conditions, you could damage your engine very quickly, if the air filter were to fail, so it is a very important component.

 

If the OEM paper filter fails and you end up with engine damage it will be covered under warranty

 

But if they are defective, sounds like you are covered under warranty. That’s the important part.

 

Are saying that if I buy a defective Purolator filter and unknowingly install it and toast my engine it will be covered?

 

Not according to the Toyota Warranty:

From Toyota:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/toyota.sit...18_owners_supplement_en.pdf?ck=12302017040931

This warranty does not cover damage or failures resulting directly or
indirectly from any of the following:

• Modification, alteration or tampering, disconnection, including
installation of non-ToyotaAccessories.

• Installation of non-Toyota Parts

 

That’s complete horseshit. I’m not even going to debate with someone who literally joined to respond to my post.
Before you try to respond to this post go do your research on the 3rd gen TRD intake for the Tacoma.

 

Not true

 

I have no idea what would happen in that case as its the same as the other situation because it is aftermarket, that is why I mentioned using an OEM Filter.

 

I use the OEM filter because its a midsize truck, not a sports car.

 

I believe, legally, using an “OEM style” FRAM or Purolator filter does not, and cannot by law, void the overall warranty on the truck. However, if Toyota could prove a defective Purolator filter caused the engine failure, at that point the issue is just between you and Purolator. Good luck with that.

 

Well if thats not an excellent reason to choose another brand then I dont know what is. "We only stand by our products, sort of, unless they REALLY break and cause serious damage. In which case, good luck--but you can have another probably defective product to replace it".

So, no its not worth the risk. If I did decide to get one I would pick another brand that actually stands behind their product.

 

It was a rhetorical question. What I'm saying is....I bet most people/shops don't use an OEM filter. It's too easy to get one at Wal-Mart, AutoZone, Napa, etc. Millions of potential warranty denials are out there. But in reality...how many engines are actually toasted by any type of air filter? Bet it's miniscule.

 

The fact of the matter is, what is the percentage of filters, oem or aftermarket that come from the manufacturer defective?
I'm sure if there was an issue with a reusable filter it would be from user error or if it was an issue with an oem filter it would probably be an improper installation. Like the gasket being pinched in the case cover or something to that effect.

 

Right

 

I guess the point I'm trying to make is....lots of people are saying stick with a paper filter. But unless it's an actual OEM paper filter it doesn't matter. Toyota can deny warranty work if they think your Wix filter was to blame.

But in reality, barring some bone headed thing like improper installation or obvious compromise of the media...there are laws that protect us from such denials.

Some dick-stump toasts an engine and Toyota has apparently denied warranty coverage. Some things to remember...the pictures showed some serious carnage under the hood. Also...this guy scattered 2 engines! 2 freakin' engines in 55k miles! Who does that?

Filter or not....Toyota smelled a negligent owner and said, pound sand...no more engines for you. 2 is enough.

That being said....let's not overreact to this. 99.99999% of us are just fine with whatever air filter we're running.

Let's not get paranoid and have a knee-jerk reaction based on the actions of one bone headed owner

 

I off-road. The cabin filter is dirtier than the intake filter. Doesn't matter want filter you put in. It seems like dirt doesn't go in. It's when you add aftermarket plastics. It's dude fault.

 

I always wait till the warranty is over. No use giving the dealership any reason at all to deny a warranty claim.