Toyota Warranty Advantage, accessories explained

We caught up with Lou, a Manager responsible for Warranty at Toyota. He’s been working at Toyota for 28 years and is the perfect person to help break down the Toyota Warranty Advantage[W5] when it comes to accessories.

From off-road adventures to the kids’ sport pickup, having the right accessories can help you get the most out of your Toyota. But what are the real differences between non-genuine accessories and parts versus Toyota Genuine Accessories when it comes to warranty? We ask Lou to answer the trickier questions so you can make an informed choice.

What are the main benefits of the Toyota Warranty Advantage?

The Toyota Warranty Advantage[W5] for accessories is valid for five years and unlimited kilometres when the accessories are fitted to the vehicle new. When the accessories are fitted to the vehicle thereafter, they retain the full warranty period for that vehicle. If they’re purchased within the warranty period but fall short of two years to expiry, the accessory still receives two years of warranty[W5].

What are some common examples of aftermarket accessories voiding a car’s warranty?

Suspension upgrades, also known as Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrades. It’s where there are changes made to the vehicle’s suspension to increase the carrying capacity of the vehicle above what is stipulated. This is a common issue with commercial vehicles because customers want them to tow more than what Toyota specify.

Then there are performance upgrades that void your warranty[W5]. Some examples include catch cans, power chips, modifications to the engine ECU to gain more power, and exhaust system modifications.

What exactly are “intended purposes” for accessories? For example, if my Toyota Genuine Bull Bar is damaged protecting my car from a stray kangaroo, is that considered an intended purpose?

Your warranty covers manufacturing defects. That situation wouldn’t be considered a manufacturing defect. For impact damage to bull bars, Toyota suggests you discuss it with your insurer.


Are any Toyota Genuine Accessories not covered by the Toyota Warranty Advantage?

All Toyota Genuine Accessories are covered, however, there is a range of partnered accessories, called Toyota Approved Lifestyle products[W6], which are not covered by the same warranty[W3] period. As they are partnered products, they go through a different approval and testing process to Toyota Genuine Accessories but are still designed specifically for Toyota vehicles.

If I miss a service, does that void my warranty?

That’s a grey area for accessories because with every service where an accessory like a bull bar or a tow bar is fitted to the vehicle, the fixings of that component to the vehicle are inspected. This is to make sure things are still tight and that any of those heavy steel components won’t rattle around and eventually cause damage. A Toyota Genuine Service will check accessory fitment is still strong, whereas a non-Toyota dealership can’t guarantee that.

The best advice is to play it safe and not miss a service.


If a Genuine accessory is installed by a non-Genuine repairer, is it still covered?

Toyota Genuine Accessories themselves are covered inside the Toyota Warranty Advantage[W5] period. However, if there is deemed a manufacturing defect and the accessory has been fitted by an independent – not a Toyota Dealer – the labour won’t be covered, only the accessory or part will be covered.


If my accessories fail or are damaged on a race track, are they still covered?

No, this isn’t covered. There is a proviso that the intended usage of a Toyota vehicle means it’s not meant for a race track, time trial or any competitive event wherever it may be.

And there you have it.

Choosing Toyota Genuine Accessories over non-genuine accessories helps ensure you don’t void your warranty[W5]. It also means your Toyota is fitted with accessories that complement your vehicle’s design and benefit from our commitment to quality, durability and safety.

Please read our Toyota Warranty Advantage document or contact your local dealer for further information.

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