Need Advice – AC Issue on Brand New 4Runner Not Covered Under Warranty?

[dxp470]

Hey everyone – looking for some insight here.

I recently purchased a brand new Toyota 4Runner, and at just 400 miles, the AC completely stopped working. I took it to the local dealership, and they told me a rock hit the condenser/radiator, causing the failure, and that this damage is not covered under warranty.

They quoted me around $3,000 for parts and labor to fix it. I’m shocked – it’s a brand new vehicle, barely driven, and I feel like this should be covered. Is it normal for something so vulnerable to fail this easily and not be covered? Has anyone else experienced this?


Really appreciate any advice

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[LLL1990]

Ask them to show you the damage before making any decisions.

 

[balong48]

This has been a common issue on newly designed Toyotas. So much so someone began selling screens to cover the area where the AC condenser radiator is.

I agree, ask for proof, but sadly yeah the warranty isn’t going to cover road damage, even if it’s a poor design. Definitely still bring it up with Toyota though because the more we complain about it they *might* do something about it.

 

[Mad Ghost]

I feel your pain.... I have 22 Avalon and it took a hit from a bolt.... the bolt was still sitting there and you could see where the gas sprayed out. Sucked but I had to pay the 1200 to fix it. With that being said this is my 6th Toyota and only 1 of them has had this happen.... bad luck I guess..... however I do feel and have thought about adding a "screen or something" to prevent a repeat offense.

 

[OnePunchPan]

Errr what? I'd be furious. How is a car that's meant to go offroading go bad from a pebble?

 

[HVLA]

Did you look for yourself? If it was damaged why would a warranty cover it? It isnt a defect. No different than expecting them to replace your windshield if a rock hit it.

 

[dxp470]

Did you look for yourself? If it was damaged why would a warranty cover it? It isnt a defect. No different than expecting them to replace your windshield if a rock hit it.

So I checked myself and I don't see any damage to it in the front behind the bumper. Nothing stands out nor any leaks. In the picture below is the thing I noticed off, but I am not mechanic by any means so idk if this is significant enough to cause such an issue?

 

[AliTrd]

So I checked myself and I don't see any damage to it in the front behind the bumper. Nothing stands out nor any leaks. In the picture below is the thing I noticed off, but I am not mechanic by any means so idk if this is significant enough to cause such an issue?

Are they saying your condenser is messed up or your radiator? I feel like I am looking at your radiator coils, if so, this is normal wear and tear in the picture.

 

[dxp470]

Are they saying your condenser is messed up or your radiator? I feel like I am looking at your radiator coils, if so, this is normal wear and tear in the picture.

they are saying its condenser, the radiator is just above it...I am taking it to different dealer tomorrow for a second opinion.

 

[HVLA]

Looks like a hole to me.

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