Leaking 3rd brake light. Platinum coverage?

Update: you're SOL if you're outside 3/36. Not even the platinum coverage will help you.

Ok. Sorry for what is guaranteed to be a repeat thread but I couldn't find anything in the search that applies to my particular situation. But please if you can link me to one and lock this that is fine.

Its been raining pretty good down here in Socal and I just found a leak in the back of my cab. It's a 2017 and I hit 45k on the way to the dealer to have them look at it so I'm well out of the basic warranty.

BUT I have platinum coverage on it. The dealer said that it may not cover the repair though, and looking through my warranty contract they may be right. Light housings and weather stripping are excluded.

Has anyone had luck getting it covered under the platinum coverage or having the TSB covered because it was a known issuee? I was quoted $1800 if I was to go out of pocket on this which is straight up ridiculous and I'll silicone it myself if I'm SOL. Dealer said I can come back Monday and they'll call in to find out but even then no guarantee that they could get an answer if Toyota decides to close offices over the pandemic. Meanwhile were going to be getting more rain all week.

 

It’s covered under your extended Toyota warranty

 

Wow $1800.00 . There is a DIY thread here somewhere , you have to buy the new light assembly with a new gasket . The hardest part is taking the headliner loose . I would never pay that for replacing mine , good luck .

 

Sorry to see that. Needs to be fixed quickly as mold can grow fast.

It's a known bad part, hope Toyota covers it. The new light is only $148 list price. Don't pay the dealer to install it.

 

I have no problem going DIY. I just have the extended warranty and not a whole lot of free time right now, if I can get it covered I want it covered. Mold/mildew is my major concern since I'm very sensitive to it. Thankfully its mostly dry here and this may be the first instance. The carpet isn't wet and the headliner looks alright. Just an obvious drip coming from up there. You can also physically see the gap between the light and the cab.

 

My truck is also under the VIN range that is affected. After seeing the other threads on here and the mold, I check for leaks all the time. It should be a recall IMO.

 

I thought this was a recall?

 

I'm only seeing a TSB which basically acknowledges an issue on some trucks. Nothing about a recall that would be a sefty hazards. Because mold is totally safe

 

Mold is deadly

 

I like the way the little drips line up..Looks like half time at BYU.

 

Curious why it’s $1800 to replace a third brake light assembly? Isn’t it like two screws?

 

Double cab Tacos have this wonderful design where it bolts from the inside. Have to drop the headliner.

 

It's a manufacturing defect. Your platinum warranty will cover it just as my warranty covered my faulty thermostat at 75,000 kms today.

 

Oh! Wow. Not even surprised. Lol

3rd Brake Light removal and installation:

Step 1: remove engine assembly

 

Not sure. the service advisor dropped that number on me and I noped my way right out of there to go read my warranty contract to see what is and isn't covered. He possibly could have included replacement headliner or upholstery. Not sure. Neither of those are covered by platinum also if I were to have damage from this.

 

I’m pulling for you man.

I’m also going outside now to check the gap

 

This might help


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/third-brake-light-leak-warning.502032/

 

Had the same problem. Dealership quoted me $450 to fix it. The third brake light on mine was over tightened and broke the bolt screw from the housing. Unfortunately my warranty was over. Ordered a replacement part on TRDshop.com for $150 and installed it myself and applied silicone around the included foam gasket. Took about 3-4 hours to do.

Edit: Looks like the TRDshop does not have any "High mounted stop lamps" aka "third brake light" in their inventory. Next best option would probably be Ebay or asking your local dealership if they'll sell you one if you plan to do it yourself.

 

Toyota rejected the claim under the extended warranty. Going to DIY this one. Amended quote was $400 for just the light and labor.

Edit: failed to mention quote included labor

 

Toyota sucks for doing that.