Add-on's and Warranty Issues

[BrianGTBC]

I tried doing a quick search on this topic, but couldn't find anything relevant.

I own a 2003 Tundra SR5 with 10,000 miles on it. I'm thinking of adding an exhaust system or Flowmaster muffler to it, but I'm concerned about Toyota warranty issues if I do such modifications.

I briefly talked to someone at my dealer's service department and he said anything that is affected by the modification will be voided under Toyota's warranty. He wasn't positive, but he was pretty sure this was the case. His thought was that since an exhaust system is tied into the engine, then my warranty on my engine would be voided if I were to add on anything but the TRD exhaust system (which is way too expensive for my budget).

Has anyone had any experience with warranty issues related to modifying the vehicle? And do some exhaust companies warranty their product to the point that if something did happen to the engine that the exhaust company would cover any repair costs?

Just trying to get some insight.

Brian

[nhparrot]

See Aftermarket Parts & Vehicle Warranty

[KLS]

If the car maker can prove that your actions (installing the non-OEM piece) caused the damage, they won't pay for warranty repairs of that damage. The whole warranty is not rendered void, neither is the warranty on the whole engine, just damage caused by your actions.

The most likely case is that the part won't cause damage and you will have no problem. The other likely situation is that if there is damage that is possibly related to your actions, the automaker will stonewall you and you're effectively forced to prove that your actions did not cause the damage. This isn't what the law says, but it's happened before.

The non-OEM product makers may offer lots of promises and a minor warranty, but it's usually nowhere near as good as the carmaker's warranty.


Ken