Warranty and Mods????

I called the local Toyota service center asking about getting some Mods done there and trying to figure out warranty limits and all... Although they said if I bought the parts elsewhere and had them install them it would still be covered but they couldnt answer the following questions.

I am getting ready to buy the TRD CAI and exhaust... Can I install this all myself and still have a valid warranty or do they have to do it? Can I use something other then TRD equip and still be covered under warranty?


I have 70k left on my warranty and I am trying not to piss that away.

 

Thank you.. Ever heard of anyone getting turned down for service after installing TRD parts themselves? Or aftermarket exhaust like a Flowmaster or something?

 

I guess Im just nervous about dumping a bunch of $$ on aftermarket mods either being TRD or not and having them void the warranty by just having them on there or because I installed them.

I keep hearing that ppl arent really pleased with the sound from the TRD exhaust so I am kinda looking at something a little more aggresive sounding. And I also hear mixed stuff about the TRD CAI so I might go with a different one as well. And eventually a lift.

Just not trying to waste my $$ on my warranty just to screw myself out of it I guess.

 

It is up to the dealer to prove the installed item caused the warranty work. Now the Magnusson Moss act states the the mod must be done by a professional, I don't think doing things at home count. But I could be mistaken.

 

Can an automotive dealership void your warranty?

Understanding the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975.

When a vehicle is purchased new and the owner is protected against the faults that may occur by an expressed warranty - an offer by the manufacturer to assume the responsibility for problems with predetermined parts during a stated period of time. Beyond the expressed warranty, the vehicle manufacturer is often held responsible for further implied warranties. These state that a manufactured product should meet certain standards. However, in both cases, the mere presence of aftermarket parts doesn't void the warranty.

There are also two emission warranties (defect and performance) required under the clean air act. The defect warranty requires the manufacturer to produce a vehicle which, at the time of sale, is free of defects that would cause it to not meet the required emission levels for it's useful life as defined in the law. The performance warranty implies a vehicle must maintain certain levels of emission performance over it's useful life. If the vehicle fails to meet the performance warranty requirements, the manufacturer must make repairs at no cost to the owner, even if an aftermarket part is directly responsible for a warranty claim, the vehicle manufacturer cannot void the performance warranty. This protection is the result of a parts self - certification program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

In cases where such a failed aftermarket part is responsible for a warranty claim, the vehicle manufacturer must arrange a settlement with the consumer, but by law the new - vehicle warranty is not voided.


Overall, the laws governing warranties are very clear. The only time a new vehicle warranty can be voided is if an aftermarket part has been installed and it can be proven that it is responsible for an emission warranty claim. However, a vehicle manufacturer or dealership cannot void a warranty simply because an an aftermarket equipment has been installed on a vehicle. If a dealership denies a warranty claim and you think the claim falls under the rules explained above concerning the clean air act (such as an emission part failure), obtain a written explanation of the dealers refusal. Then follow the steps outlined in the owners manual. However, if this fails, then phone your complaint in to the EPA at (202) 233-9040 or (202) 326-9100.

 

Dealer tried to void my warranty on my transmission because I lifted the truck, but I convinced him (he was a total dumbass) that it was not the lift.

 

Send him to his office to research the above law. I over heard a dealership telling a customer that because her son put on rims and tires it voided the warranty on the car she brought in. I couldn't help myself so I timed it so that I opened the door to let the lady out then filled her with some info. She returned to talk to the same guy, with her new found knowledge. A bit later she was in the waiting room and was having what ever she needed done, she told me thanks as I passed through.

 

I forgot to finish, they gave me a new transmission out of it and it only help the problem 50%

 

What was your problem?

 

When on start form a dead stop it would chatter like a bad clutch.