Mods & Warranty

New Tacoma owner so I am wondering how the factory warranty is affected by the mods I've seen here and elsewhere on the internet. Are there changes that don't affect the warranty and parts of the truck that are "DO NO TOUCH!"?

Thanks

 

Not really, it varies dealer to dealer, but warranty is rarely voided. Big things like major driveline mods, super chargers are the big issues. Stuff like shocks, tires, skids, lighting, bumpers will not affect warranty.

 

You probably won't need the warranty but most things you see won't affect the warranty.

 

Doing something to your truck doesn't void the entire warranty, but it will or may void a specific part of it. Things I would def stay away from: Suspension changes and never touch the ECU.

 

Seems like just about anything aftermarket can technically void your warranty. A lot of it depends on your dealer and if they can blame the aftermarket part for whatever the failure is.

 

This question really depends on your service center, some of them are sticklers about it and others don’t care. As said above it all depends on who you work with and what part you’re modifying.

There’s been a lot of people here who have had to work with dealers regarding covered parts, but most have been able to modify without worrying about it. If you’re planning on doing things like lifting your truck, and you’re worried about your warranty, maybe look into using Toyota’s OEM lift kit?

 

By law they cannot void a warranty or deny a claim for modifications unless they can show the modification caused the failure. You can strap a supercharger on and the dealer may have a good case for denying a claim for a blown engine or trans. But they would have to fix a bad windshield wiper motor.

 

Minor cosmetic mods are one thing. But when you start modifying the suspension, engine, drive train, control computers, etc then it is "mod at your own risk" while under warranty. The dealer can claim your mods caused just about damn near any problem and it is now your burden to prove otherwise. Not worth it IMO.

 

All depends on the mods, install a supercharger and go in for an engine replacement and there is a good chance you wont get far.

Install bigger wheels/tires and go in for a brake caliber replacement, they should leave you alone.

Install a lift kit and go in for a a/c compressor replacement, scream like heck if they try to deny warranty as they can't.

 

Good luck using that warranty law with a dealer who refuses to cover your warranty:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ffs-lets-all-stop-referencing-the-magnussen-moss-act.609911/

Most dealers won’t give you much trouble, in fact mine suggested which mods I should temporarily undo to keep the regional rep from saying I invalidated my warranty when my claim was inspected. Was there something they knew about that rep? Go figure!

 

Some of the most popular mods you will see people talk about here and love can have an effect on your warranty, depending on the warranty issue. For example:

• Custom ECM tunes such as OV Tune or KD Max could effect any warranty claim involving the engine and powertrain. You will see people claim that TechStream can't detect these, which is true. However, if the claim is big enough Toyota will inspect/read the ECM, and they can tell if there is a custom tune. FWIW, I was speaking to a Toyota tech at my dealership yesterday when I was in getting my wife's Prius new tires, and he acknowledged that TechStream can't detect them, but then said they had a separate tool outside of TechStream that could. Was this true or not? I have no idea, but figured I would pass on what I heard. He did agree that the stock tune sucks but it's the way it is for fuel economy.
• Suspension mods such as lifts could affect claims on any remaining OEM suspension components.

As others have said, even if you do decide to mod they don't (I should say shouldn't) void the entire warranty. Claims unrelated to any mods you do will still be honored. Also, cosmetic or convenience mods (tonneau covers, etc) that are not part of the vehicle's internal components are pretty much safe. My personal preference is to go with OEM parts & accessories whenever possible. The increased price is worth it to me for the fit and finish as well as not having a potential warranty issue. And yes, a lot depends on how cooperative you dealership is. I think long and hard before doing other mods and understand that I am doing so at my own risk if I decide to do something that's not factory authorized.

 

Excellent point above, if the claim is big enough the manufacturers can and at times WILL find a way to deny the claim.

Manufacturers have been known to take gasoline & engine oil samples so that a "lab" can find a warranty loophole. Luckily our trucks are good at only requiring 87 octane but if you had a vehicle requiring 91-93 octane and the gas tank sample shows your girlfriend has been putting in 87 octane so that she has enough money leftover for a Starbucks coffee, well be prepared for a fight. Oh by the way that "fight" is with an per hour attorney with a rather large retainer paid upfront by you.

Same with engine oil change and specifications. If the sample shows the 15-minute oil change & lube shop put in cheap single weight dino oil and your owners manual states 0 weight synthetic, well refer to the per hour attorney mentioned above.