2017 double cab 3rd Brakelight Leaking - Toyota won't cover it

I siliconed mine, can't even tell its there. bathrooms, kitchens, RVs, siding, windows all get caulk. I never have to worry about water issues for at least 5 years and never have to deal with the issue of "will toyota cover" or "shit, what if theres black mold all in my cabin now" So for me, its a 35k vehicle, i dont mind a little silicone bead at the top that absolutely NO ONE will notice and that provides me with a peace of mind

 

I’m working on this project today. The dealer quoted me $350 parts and labor, I decided to do it myself.
I got the new Toyota brake light online for $125 shipped.
So far so good. The passenger side grab handle is giving me some trouble though.

 

Buttoning it up now. That video linked earlier in the thread was a lifesaver.



Oh, that pic is of the old light assembly. I think that bolt was broken off before I got to it, so that may have contributed to the leak

 

rtv silicone and you're good and won't even know it's there.

i was still in warranty when it happened and water was all over - the fixed it and did not replace the headliner, just the light assembly and you'd never know it was taken down for the repair.

 

Just FYI - the headliner is easy enough to drop to get access to the brake light. But I don't think its really possible to remove the headliner from the truck without wrecking it.

I dropped mine chasing down some rattles in the sunroof and to install the thinfin and wanted to drive without the headliner installed, but I could not for the life of my figure out how to take it out of the truck without creasing it.

 

They probably slide it in from the front or back before the windshield or rear window is installed.

 

I understand what you mean, *but*, you're much better fixing a relatively new vehicle rather than a large repair bill on an old vehicle that has other problems as well. It just sux that you have to foot the bill on this.

My 2017 has 16700 miles on it, and this summer I had to do the fix on it myself because I was past the 3 yr/36mo warranty. I caught the issue early after seeing leakage immediately following washing the truck. Since I live in Southern California there hadn't been enough rain/leakage to cause mold or damage the headliner. I bought the replacement 3rd brake light part myself (which has a thicker gasket than the original part) and installed it in a couple of hours. It was a PITA, but not as difficult as you might think.

Pay the $700 and you'll still have a relatively new truck with a new headliner than doesn't leak.

 

Well, at least you got it fixed, and you did it yourself!

 

So, I'm going through this issue now. 2017 TRD OR DC. Took it to the dealer. They'll fix it for $500. I think it's a DIY fix.
Maybe just some silicone sealant will take care it, but it sounds like (from reading this thread) the new part is improved and will fix the problem. Am I correct?

 

Yes! I spent about $125 on the new light, which includes the gasket (attached). Watch that video linked above to learn how to take down the back of the headliner, take your time and you’ll be good to go!

 

Make sure it's not the actual rear window seal instead. My third brake light wasn't leaking but my back window was. They replaced the whole assembly under warranty and I had them replace the third brake light while they were in there and headliner was removed/drying. Caught it early enough that there wasn't any mold anywhere.

 

It is BS Toyota doesn't take care of this for all the 2016-2017 models that seem to develop the issue from their defective and/or improperly installed part. I always wait a few model years because of stuff like this......

 

Civilization sucks. Stay there. Everyone's been busy burning down cities nationwide as of lately anyway.

 

Nope! Access cabs use the Gen 2 brake light, only the double cab lights leak.

 

I posted after having the dealer look at the issue. My truck has 45k on it. They said there were no TSBs, btw. The tech verified it was the third brake light that was leaking. They said they would have to order the part and could fix it for $500. Weighing my options.

 

Do a search on this forum, the TSB is posted somewhere. I had a copy, but can’t find it now.
Basically, it says if it didn’t leak while under warranty the TSB is worthless to you anyways.
And it seriously not that difficult a job to do yourself if you have any mechanical inclination, some patience, the right tools(a couple small flathead screwdrivers and a deep 10mm socket) and the ability to watch YouTube.

 

This has class action lawsuit written all over it. They recognize there’s a problem obviously or they wouldn’t be covering the parts. It’s bullshit to do that but not take the next step and cover the repair cost as well. Why some People will defend a manufacturer to their own detriment even when it’s obvious they’re screwing people is beyond me. . .

 

I'd like to repeat what another member said, which I think is an excellent idea. If any of you are boaters, you may be familiar with

$23 3M 5200 (06500) Permanent Bonding and Sealing for Boats and RVs Above and Below the Waterline Waterproof Repair, White, 10 fl oz Cartridge

3M 5200 marine sealant. It is meant to be waterproof for boating, which I think will make your third brake light never leak again, if applied properly. When you apply this stuff, I dont think there will be anything better for keeping water out. Its MEANT to keep water out. You dont see boaters using RTV or silicone under the water line, the 3M 5200 is made to be used UNDER the water line.