Warranty on TrueSmart battery

[marnow]

Hello guys,

I have 4th gen 2009 model, my original battery was replaced under bumper-to-bumper warranty in 2011 by the Toyota dealer. I got the TrueSMart 27F with 84 months warranty on it.

It is February 2015....my battery went bad again. I had to jump-start the vehicle every morning! I called the dealer and he said initially that I will pay just 50% of the OEM price because the battery is less the 4 years old....I said OK great.

But I was quite surprised this morning when dropping off the vehicle.....he said, I'm sorry the battery was replaced under the b2b warranty and the battery warranty terms did NOT apply - you have to pay the FULL PRICE! I was shocked, called the Toyota corporate customer service - they saying is not true and investigate it.

BTW. I asked the service consultant for a written proof on "this policy" but he did not have one.

Anyone had a similar experience? Any advice?

Thanks
Mario

 

[LTDSC]

its usually paid up to certain amount depending on the year of purchase. Usually has to be documented where you bought it, date and has to be in your name only.

Every dealer should have the pamphlet in service and parts about the 84 month warranty*

Most people i sold batteries to never read the pamphlet nor fully understood the "warranty" on it. Yet were quick to buy.

 

[marnow]

its usually paid up to certain amount depending on the year of purchase. Usually has to be documented where you bought it, date and has to be in your name only.

Every dealer should have the pamphlet in service and parts about the 84 month warranty*

Most people i sold batteries to never read the pamphlet nor fully understood the "warranty" on it. Yet were quick to buy.

Agree, they do have all info, when, where etc....I should pay for the replacement 50% of the new one about $60. The problem is that they don't want to honor the TrueSmart warranty conditions, because it was replaced under B2B warranty.....it is stupid I know. How the vehicle B2B warranty can void the warranty on the TrueSmart battery? There is nothing about the "policy" in any booklet.

 

[LTDSC]

Agree, they do have all info, when, where etc....I should pay for the replacement 50% of the new one about $60. The problem is that they don't want to honor the TrueSmart warranty conditions, because it was replaced under B2B warranty.....it is stupid I know. How the vehicle B2B warranty can void the warranty on the TrueSmart battery? There is nothing about the "policy" in any booklet.

any other local dealers in the area? Im not sure on the B2B exchange and how that affects the TRUstart warranty.

 

[marnow]

Yes, I do have a few dealers around I have to check with them, also the Toyota customer service investigating it. I should get a phone call from them in 2 business days I was told.

 

[marnow]

Thank you all for your input! At the time of pickup I was able to get the 50% off the MSRP price.

 

[Sungod]

I know it doesn't sound fair, but what they were saying is correct. Batteries and tires are wearable parts. They have a specific life span. Your b2b warranty basically says that they will keep it running for a specified time. After that, you are on your own. The clock isn't reset just because a part is replaced. You could argue the point that they didn't replace it with an OEM part. That is about the only real legal point you have.

The reality is that most customers have a tough time understanding that and it is easier to just give something away than try to argue with them. 50% off is a good offer. My guess is they still made money on the deal, and you are happy so you will be more inclined to go back.

 

[marnow]

I know it doesn't sound fair, but what they were saying is correct. Batteries and tires are wearable parts.

According to my 2009 warranty booklet:

This warranty also does not cover the following:

Tires
Tires are covered by a separate warranty provided by the tire manufacturer.

Normal Wear and Tear
Noise, vibration, cosmetic conditions and other deterioration caused
by normal wear and tear.

Maintenance Expense
Normal maintenance services such as:
• Engine tune-ups
• Replacement of fluids and filters
• Lubrication
• Cleaning and polishing
• Replacement of spark plugs and fuses
• Replacement of worn wiper blades, brake pads/linings and
clutch linings

No word about batteries.

Yes, it is a good point they replaced initially the OEM Panasonic battery with the TrueStart, but I was under impression that the warranty would be extended on the part that they just replaced it.