3.5 Rear Plastic Coolant Hose Issue -- Need straight answers

Hi Guys. Have a 22 Tacoma SR 3.5. I've been hearing a LOT about the rear crossover pipe plastic coolant hose splitting issue (i.e. 2017 Tacoma coolant leak | Page 5 | Tacoma World). I've read through the various threads on the matter, but can't seem to get a straight answer on some things:

1) Is it covered under the normal powertrain (Or even the Platinum VSA extended warrenty)? I'm concerned because I've read a lot about how it might not be due to it "not being an internally lubricated part." and/or because the Platinum VSA lists hoses as not covered (TFS VSA Platinum eBrochure 18-029 (3-18 - PRESENT).pdf (toyotafinancial.com).

2) If anyone has had to pay out of pocket to have a dealer do the repair, what was your cost? I will never DIY it or have a non-dealer service the vehicle.

3) Does anyone know if this specific coolant plastic pipe splitting/leaking issue only affects the early 3rd Gens (like 2016-18)?? Did they ever make any improvements to the part?

Thanks again.

 

2017 3.5 here. Had this exact issues a couple months ago. I’m like you, won’t have anyone else service it except dealer. I found the leak and had to physically point it out to the tech while the truck was up on the lift. I purchased the Platinum Warranty when I bought my truck. Long story short, the warranty didn’t cover it, I had to go to corporate Toyota. They would only cover partial cost, I paid out of pocket around $800.00. Quote was much higher than that (can’t remember the specifics).

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6tRAQ_r0Ms

The entire video is good, but if you don't want to watch it, skip ahead to the 3:50 mark. This is where he talks about the coolant leak.

 

The part number changed from 16356-31050 to 16356-31051 sometime in 18 or 19. We can surmise this was to improve the part.

 

Re: Video - Wow... they lifted the body to change it... those guys are hardcore.

 

Quick Search:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/check-your-3-5l-coolant-pipe.531758/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...for-plastic-rear-coolant-bypass-joint.701890/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3-5l-rear-water-bypass-joint-leak.651341/

 

Yes, I read those threads. They did not really answer my questions, which is why I posted this thread. I guess we know definitively that it's not covered by the warranty, so now my question is: "What is the cost to me if I have to go completely out of pocket at a dealer service dept?' And, "Does the problem only occur in the 2016-2018 models (did they improve the part?)?"

 

The reason the questions haven’t been answered directly isn’t because people turned their noses up and crossed their arms and said “I’m not sharing that!” It’s because it varies from dealer to dealer. Truck to truck. Owner to service writer etcetcetc. Sometimes they cover it. Sometimes they don’t.

 

Maybe you could go to a dealer parts dept. and have both part numbers pulled for your inspection to see if there is a difference in material or thickness etc. Service should also be able to quote a price, I would think ? Regards

 

The first part number has been superseded by the second... so getting your hands on a new unit may prove difficult.

 

Isn’t the newer part number aluminum?

 

No, that is the Lexus 8GR-FXS pipe.