Indeed - so I've learned that living in SoCal, the OEM batts "might" make it towarranty age, but not always. Depending on my needs (aux lights, audio, accessories, etc.) I may replace with a Duracell or Optima regardless, but as in the case of my last Camry, we got two new batts under the 36 mo warranty period due to defects - nothing wrong with electrical system, as the last batt then went on to last 3 more years with no probs.
I think it may also just be a case of where the battery comes from through the factory or dealership - since all the Toyota models are built in different parts of the globe - one can assume so do the consumable parts they put into them.
