Toyota GR86 Owner Gets Warranty Coverage for Engine Failure on the Track

Toyota has recently been emphasizing its performance vehicles and the driving experience that comes with them. However, a GR86 owner recently claimed that Toyota refused to replace his unmodified engine under warranty when it blew up on the track back in May. This led to questions about Toyota’s commitment to performance driving and its advertising claims. However, Toyota has now confirmed to Carscoops that the warranty will cover this engine failure. Here’s what happened and why Toyota might have changed course.

The GR86 Engine Failure Incident

Late last month, a Toyota GR86 owner reported that his engine failed while he was participating in a sanctioned track event. The dealer denied warranty coverage, claiming that the car had been abused. This contradicts Toyota’s advertising claims and the performance-driving events that it organizes for customers.

Toyota’s Response

To clarify the situation, Carscoops reached out to Toyota, and a spokesperson for the brand confirmed that the process took some time because each case must be considered individually. Toyota sent someone from corporate to inspect the car on May 25th, and permission was granted to pull the engine for further diagnosis on May 30th, according to the owner.

Toyota also stated that, as a result of the investigation, the owner would receive a new engine under warranty. While Toyota did not specify why the engine failed, it is likely that the automaker has little doubt about whether or not the car was misused.

Toyota’s Warranty Coverage

Toyota emphasized that it stands behind its product and that taking a car to the track does not necessarily limit or exclude the warranty. The same is true for Toyota’s off-road products. However, misuse is not covered under warranty. Missed shifts were one example of an action that Toyota called out as one that would not be covered.

Modern-day cars have their own black boxes of sorts, and automakers have access to all sorts of data about how the car is treated. This could include redline events, component temperatures, speeds, and more.

It is also worth noting that the car in question was unmodified, as the owner claimed. Dropping a giant turbocharger or NOS on a GR86, for example, would certainly void warranty coverage for that item. Therefore, track enthusiasts with GR Corollas, GR Supras, and even GR86s can rest easy. If your car is stock and not misused, your warranty coverage should hold up.

Conclusion

Toyota’s commitment to performance driving and its advertising claims have been called into question after a GR86 owner was initially denied warranty coverage for an engine failure on the track. However, Toyota has since confirmed that the warranty will cover this engine failure and emphasized that taking a car to the track does not necessarily limit or exclude the warranty. Misuse is not covered under warranty, but if your car is stock and not misused, your warranty coverage should hold up.