Toyota's Respone to Aftermarket Grab Handle

Decided to write Toyota and get their opinion on the aftermarket grab handle in regards to airbag deployment. The reply was as expected somewhat generic but also quite specific. If that airbag doesn't deploy don't call them. Their butts are covered.

"Dear Burica,

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Other than Toyota Racing Development (TRD), we do not recommend or assist with modifying our vehicles from the original factory specifications.

Toyota's warranty covers repairs and adjustments needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship of any part supplied by Toyota.

Modifications to your vehicle could affect the performance, safety or durability, and may violate government regulations. Non-Toyota parts, or any damage or failures resulting from their use, are not covered by any Toyota warranty.

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Ashley M.
Toyota Brand Engagement Center"

 

This is the same thing that lets them claim your aftermarket wheels are the reason they don't have to warranty your cigarette lighter.

 

A bit more than that. If the airbag doesn't deploy in a crash and the driver gets blunt force trauma to the head -- especially with that handle sticking out -- the driver will not be able to successfully sue Toyota because the airbag didn't deploy.

 

and water is wet

 

Is this in regard to the KTJO grab handle for the driver side?

 

If it is, the airbag doesn’t pop out of the A pillar. In the event of a crash, I do believe the aftermarket grab handle will fly off or shatter completely as it is not OEM Toyota quality plastic, but it won’t fly directly into your face

 

Well, the company selling the grab handle will not commit to saying the airbag will deploy with their aftermarket product and state their products are for off road only. And Toyota will slam the door on you in any lawsuit if the airbag doesn't deploy.

Lonely world when a person is in the hospital with bills mounting up over $200,000 dollars and growing.

My nephew had a blow out and the vehicle rolled over breaking his neck and causing him to become a paraplegic in a wheel chair for the rest of his life. He was fortunate in one aspect is that he was able to sue the tire manufacturer for around $10M dollars. All of which went to medical expenses and arrangements to a life in a wheel chair.

You won't get a dime from Toyota if that aftermarket grab handle impedes the airbag nor from the company who sold it.

Good luck.

 

Still trolling, dude if you don’t want the handle DONT GET THE FUCKING HANDLE!

You went out of your way to email Toyota about something you have no interest in getting just for what?

 

Here we go! Magnuson Moss Warranty Act anyone?... hahahaha

the better question is identify what caused the theoretical accident and injuries and then work from there. If people are that worried about warranties being voided or not covered, etc DO NOT MOD YOUR RIG. If fault or finger pointing is your approach, get a dash came facing the road and again towards the cabin with synced time stamps. (Could be a blessing or curse)

At the end of the day, there are some dealerships that are very rigid regarding mods and documenting all mods and not supporting any add- ones non-Toyota.

There are also other Dealerships that are very cool about mods and support your mod efforts to include warranty work,etc,

I would encourage anyone to research and understand the risks to adding aftermarket parts. Then own the ultimate decision you made and find respect for those that do or those that choose not to partake in the Mod Funhouse.

To all, the debates are entertaining, at the very least. More importantly they are very “American”. We are one of the few Countries that provide us these freedoms and furthermore one of the few Countries that can debate, respectfully disagree, and break bread with those same folks only hours later.

Thank every last one of you for giving me a place to land, read, learn, review, debate, discuss, and share.

Semper Fi!

 

its almost as if water is wet

 

Give it a rest and lose the attitude. If you can't discuss the subject then move along. There are serious safety concerns of an airbag possibly not deploying.

 

Give it a rest says the person that already had no interest in said handle due to safety concerns. Alright you posted your thoughts on it already and done… then you gotta be some kind of extra, again for what? Wtf do you care what someone else does? Is it effecting you if someone else gets hurt due to their decisions?

I don’t wear a seatbelt- who you going to email

 

Calm down. Possibly rendering a crucial lifesaving airbag inoperable is a big deal. Move along. You're too emotional.

 

So don’t get it…problem solved and now you can move along. Amen

 

You're very emotional.

 

Using that argument, why should you care that he's initiating a discussion about driver safety?

Seriously who peed in this guy's Wheaties

 

Brand engagement

 

Safety third is my motto. And you have to get what you ordered in the first place. KTJO really makes you think about you purchase by sending these things weeks or months late.

I also wondered about the durability of the plastic itself. Will it resist heat and UV exposure that's in the front or start crumbling/fading in a few years? Unless she's using a factory that produces molded auto parts but why would they want to work with a small timer on some custom shit?

I will admit she has some cool shiny stuff if you're willing to sell your soul and don't need it in a week.