Rear Engine Seal Leak at 23k! May Not Be Warrantied?!

[4runner_RN]

I'm really frustrated...

Brought my rig to the dealership yesterday for a leak. Turns out that it's the rear engine seal that's leaking. Dealership said it might not be warrantied because my truck is "modded" and that they found dirt and debris in that area.

I was like "Of course there would be, I bought an SUV for a reason!!" :frusty:

The only engine work I did was add a TRD intake, if that even counts but the truck has no damage whatsoever. Not even 1 dent! It was never abused and all the services were done on time.

I took a 50/50 chance and had them do the "diagnostic" which is 2k. It's a gamble but I'm hoping to get it warrantied...

Anyone have any luck escalating a case with toyota in case it goes there?

 

[RCFJ]

I'm really frustrated...

Brought my rig to the dealership yesterday for a leak. Turns out that it's the rear engine seal that's leaking. Dealership said it might not be warrantied because my truck is "modded" and that they found dirt and debris in that area.

I was like "Of course there would be, I bought an SUV for a reason!!" :frusty:

The only engine work I did was add a TRD intake, if that even counts but the truck has no damage whatsoever. Not even 1 dent! It was never abused and all the services were done on time.

I took a 50/50 chance and had them do the "diagnostic" which is 2k. It's a gamble but I'm hoping to get it warrantied...

Anyone have any luck escalating a case with toyota in case it goes there?

What mods are they referring to? Adding Toyota parts does not count as mods

 

[4runner_RN]

What mods are they referring to? Adding Toyota parts does not count as mods

Separate Mods like my icon suspension, bumper, roof rack: things that reflect that I offroad.

But in terms of the powertrain, nothing was ever modified to the engine aside from the TRD intake.

 

[12Bravo4R]

Dealership said it might not be warrantied because my truck is "modded" and that they found dirt and debris in that area.

They really need to be more descriptive with what mods they are referring to and be able to articulate how in fact those mods may have contributed to the issue at hand.

Of course there's dirt and debris in that area, it gets driven in many different road conditions....what are they expecting to see?

 

[SR5Bart]

As long as the engine is stock they can't not cover it man. Looks like a bunch of dumbasses just trying to pass the buck

 

[MattAK]

That dealer or service writer that told you that is full of it. If you search around on the forum for Magnuson Moss a bit you'll find other discussions related to this topic on mods and warranties.

 

[TfourR]

I would go to a different dealership. Having the mods you described would not void the warranty for that. You bought a vehicle for off road capabilities, of course there’s dirt and debris.

 

[4runner_RN]

They really need to be more descriptive with what mods they are referring to and be able to articulate how in fact those mods may have contributed to the issue at hand.

Of course there's dirt and debris in that area, it gets driven in many different road conditions....what are they expecting to see?

you have a good point. I have taken it through different road conditions.

 

[4runner_RN]

I would go to a different dealership. Having the mods you described would not void the warranty for that. You bought a vehicle for off road capabilities, of course there’s dirt and debris.

unfortunately I already authorized them to start working on it.

 

[RCFJ]

Separate Mods like my icon suspension, bumper, roof rack: things that reflect that I offroad.

But in terms of the powertrain, nothing was ever modified to the engine aside from the TRD intake.

None of those parts can cause engine issues.

 

[RCFJ]

Keep us posted. These always make for a great read- ya know despite you having to deal with typical dealer bull ****.

 

[brtnstrns]

They're full of shit. Unless they can prove that your suspension and roof rack caused the engine leak, you don't have to pay them shit.

 

[nb rob]

there are a handful of features on your 4runner that the manual specifically says are for offroad use only, such as 4LO, atrac, if you have a trail, all the buttons and knobs on the ceiling. The vehicle is built and sold for on-road and offroad use.

dirt and debris should not deny warranty work.

Any they're going to have a bear of a time proving that your suspension caused engine damage.

Good luck!

 

[Faust301]

This has got to be a NOOB service advisor. I would ignore it and ask to talk with the service director. Being that I have been in this business for 20+ years I have seen many kids put behind the desk as mouth pieces who can't even change their own oil.

But then again... The extra drag caused by your roof rack may strain the seals in your engine and make it leak.... :wtf:

 

[Sothras]

Good luck. I hope it gets taken care of. Great looking rig.

 

[dot_tom]

I would take my business else well. They should want to get it warrantied as they get paid by Toyota for warranty work that in turn provides work for their service guys.

I'd personally call Toyota just like I did with my 3rd gen trans issues. They took care of me and told the dealer what to do. After Toyota called my dealer, their whole attitude changed.

 

[vvhiskey]

I thought the TRD CAI (PTR03-89100) was technically for the 2010-2011 4Runners? Maybe they're calling you on out that mod?

 

[EddieV4runnin]

I don’t understand why Toyota dealers are always dicks. I work for another manufacturer and have warrantied transmissions, engines with aftermarket intakes, exhaust systems, throttle body spacers. You name it I’ved warrantied it. Toyota is still paying them for it, and rear main seals are easy.

They just want to get CP (Customer Pay) hours.

I actually had to get the Bureau of Automotive Repair involved the first and only time my 4Runner went into a Toyota dealership, to have my windows programmed to roll down with my key fob.

 

[4runner_RN]

there are a handful of features on your 4runner that the manual specifically says are for offroad use only, such as 4LO, atrac, if you have a trail, all the buttons and knobs on the ceiling. The vehicle is built and sold for on-road and offroad use.

dirt and debris should not deny warranty work.

Any they're going to have a bear of a time proving that your suspension caused engine damage.

Good luck!

You have an excellent point here! The vehicle is already equipped for off road use.

 

[4runner_RN]

They're full of shit. Unless they can prove that your suspension and roof rack caused the engine leak, you don't have to pay them shit.

They did mention that something along the lines about "external factors" which is why they mentions dirt and debris.