Toyota should pay to fix leak on car

DEAR CAR TALK: I have a 2013 Toyota Prius V with 55,000 miles on it. The full warranty is good through 60,000 miles. During an oil change, the dealer said I have an engine defect causing a small oil leak. But he said he can't replace it under warranty unless it's a provable oil drip. He said it's seeping, but is not dripping yet. He said the repair would cost at least $1,600, and it would have to come out of my pocket. Would you pay to repair it or get another car? - Athena

RAY: This doesn't sound right at all, Athena. If the mechanic says it's a defect, and it's causing the engine to lose oil, and the car is under warranty, then Toyota should fix it. End of story.

First, make sure you get an estimate in writing. Ask the dealership to write up what needs to be done and the cost estimate. That'll be your proof that the leak began, and was diagnosed, while the car was still under warranty. That should be all the proof you need, even if you have to go to small-claims court someday to get this resolved.

Next, call Toyota. Explain to them that your car is under warranty, that the dealership's mechanic identified some oil seepage caused by a defect, but that the dealer suggested that you should pay for it. And tell them you'd like to know why. After all, isn't that what the warranty is for?

If they stonewall you, keep pushing, politely but firmly. And follow up in writing, with a copy of the repair estimate you were given. But in no case should you pay for this.

In any case, if they argue that it's not leaking enough to fix now, then they should agree to fix it for free down the road if, someday, the "seep" does become a "drip" or a "downpour." Get that in writing, too, Athena. Good luck.

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