Skip to main content
2021-Toyota-Tacoma-Tundra-4Runner-Trail-Editions

Is the Toyota Warranty Really the Worst?

When you go to buy a new car, one of the draws is knowing it will come with a factory warranty. Not all warranties are created equal, though. Some offer significantly more coverage than others. On one hand you have brands like Hyundai that are known for terrific warranty coverage. Then there are others like …

When you go to buy a new car, one of the draws is knowing it will come with a factory warranty. Not all warranties are created equal, though. Some offer significantly more coverage than others. On one hand you have brands like Hyundai that are known for terrific warranty coverage. Then there are others like Ford whose warranties don’t garner much attention for impeccable coverage.

Toyota is one of the most trusted auto brands known for reliability and safety. According to this list, however, it has the worst warranty around. But is that really true? To get to the bottom of it, let’s first go through what the Toyota warranty covers.

What does Toyota’s new vehicle factory warranty cover?

Toyota’s new vehicles warranty is right down there in the bottom five with Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and Subaru. But what does it cover? Let’s go over the details of Toyota’s warranty.

The Toyota Highlander.

Basic new car warranty coverage

Toyota’s basic coverage is, as it stands, extremely basic. It, like other carmakers’ warranties, covers bumper to bumper components. Pretty much any issues outside of normal wear wear and tear are covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles. This is pretty standard but the coverage doesn’t last very long, especially for high mileage drivers.

Powertrain and rust coverage

The Toyota powertrain warranty covers new vehicles for 5 years or 60,000 miles. This service will help out with engine, transmission, and transaxle problems. Additionally, powertrain warranty covers the front-wheel and rear-wheel drivetrains, seat belts, and airbags of new vehicles.

Rust through coverage last 5 years or 60,000 miles as well. This covers corrosion and perforation of sheet metal due to normal wear and tear. This coverage is comparable to others like Honda and Nissan, who offer similar powertrain and rust warranties on their new vehicles.

View this post on Instagram

Make today extraordinary. ✨#RAV4 #TRD

A post shared by toyotausa (@toyotausa) on

Hybrid bonus coverage

One plus side to Toyota’s warranty is its hybrid warranty. If you buy a new car from Toyota that is a hybrid, you can expect this bonus coverage.

The Toyota hybrid battery warranty is actually pretty good.

Everything and more

A new Toyota hybrid comes with tall the standard new vehicle coverage. It also come with more. In addition to the Toyota new vehicle basic, powertrain, and rust coverage, a Toyota hybrid also has bonus battery coverage.

A new hybrid from Toyota boasts battery coverage for 10 years or 150,000 miles, beginning on the day of first use. This is actually pretty sweet, and competes well with big names in EV like Tesla.

What about Toyota Certified used vehicles?

One warranty particular that helps Toyota stand out is their generous warranty coverage of certified used cars. Not only do they undergo rigorous inspection before certification, Toyota’s used cars also drive off the lot with a pretty robust warranty.

Toyota Certified Used Vehicle CUV warranty

Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUVs) come with a comprehensive warranty from the date of purchase. Used hybrids are the exception to having better coverage, but the battery warranty is still 8 years or 100,000 miles.

All TCUVs are covered by a 7 year/ 100,000 mile with a year of 24 hour roadside assistance. Their basic warranty is 1 year/ 12,000 miles –– not bad for a used car. A TCUV owner can rest assured with their new-to-them car with a used car warranty offering free of charge transfer.

This warranty includes components such as engine, manual OR automatic transmission, axle assembly, as well as hybrid parts. That’s pretty awesome for all those Tacoma fans on the hunt for a used Taco with a manual transmission.

Used Toyotas come with a competitive warranty that covers both auto and manual transmission components.

Is it really the worst?

Of the bottom five, Toyota is in the lowest spot because of how their roadside assistance ranks among others. But in the scheme of things the Toyota warranty is actually pretty standard. Sure, it’s not one of the best, but how bad is it?

If you factor in the comprehensive the Toyota Certified Used Vehicle warranty coverage, it’s pretty easy to say that they are definitely not the worst –– despite such a low ranking.

Toyota remains a safe and trusted brand, even if their warranty warrants improvement. In fact, if you are looking for a great used car with a super competitive warranty, Toyota may be one of the best places to look.