Toyota

Introduction

Toyota Motor Corporation, commonly known simply as Toyota) is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan. This page contains topics related to business practices as well as products and/or services provided by the Toyota Motor Corporation and its subsidiary Lexus.

GR Corolla Engine Fire Denied Warranty Claims

Image of first burned Toyota GR Corolla

Image of second burned Toyota GR Corolla

Warranty Claims

The Toyota GR Corolla is a high-performance hatchback released in 2022 and still for sale in the United States and other countries as of the time of writing. There have been at least 2 owners whose warranty claims have been denied by Toyota under suspicious circumstances.

The first owner suffered an engine fire which totaled the vehicle. Toyota denied the claim, asserting that the tires were the cause of the accident. The reply from Toyota's Engagement Center was: "The owner's manual warns not drive [sic] in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 85 mph unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds. Based on our inspection findings and the facts relating to this incident, we cannot provide any assistance in this matter." [1] The Tires Fitted on the GR Corolla from the factory are Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires that have a speed rating of 186mph.[2]

The second owner suffered a more severe fire that destroyed the vehicle completely. Toyota denied his warranty claim, saying "In response to your concerns, a vehicle inspection was conducted on June 6, 2024....The odometer reading at the last service visit was 8,146 miles. The vehicle was severely burned. A possible hole in the engine block was observed on the front side, near the rear of the engine. No data could be recovered from the vehicle due to the amount of extensive burn damage. Based on the inspection findings, the cause of the fire could not be determined. Therefore, we are unable to offer any assistance."[3]

Both of these denials of warranty coverage have yet to be supported by evidence from Toyota.

Causes

Owners and Mechanics have speculated on the cause of these engine failures. A video from PIRAS Motorsport disassembles the G16E GTS Engine found in the GR Corolla and proposes engine failure results from excessive engine tolerances.[4] Prevention measures recommended include disassembly of the engine and replacement of connecting rods, pistons, and piston rings.

GR Corolla tire specifications from Toyota's website