Timing Cover Gasket Warranty?

If possible, go to another dealer and see if you get the same "seepage" response. Sounds like the usual run around to me. Nothing on my previous cars ever "seeped" unless it eventually turned into a leak. Try another dealer. If you get the same response, I would wonder about the realibility of our dealers versus warranty.

 

Yes, try another dealer. Did the first dealer document your concern in writing, along with the odometer reading and date? If they did, then the fact that it is documented that there was seepage/leaking should help you get it repaired under warranty later, when it comes to it.

 

Call Toyota customer service and have them document your issue and have them inspect it at a dealer. How many miles on the car? They may fix it under good will.

 

Wouldn't it count that you reported it prior to warranty expiration, ie: the "clock" stops ticking, it doesn't matter if you run over the limits by a few miles or days?

Not sure, but sounds good to me.

 

Wait a minute, the timing cover seal is covered under the engine/powertrain warranty, which is 6yrs/60k miles, whichever comes first if it's the same as the Prius hatchback.

I got mine replaced under warranty free of charge. Take a look at the warranty information on Toyota's website and download the manual and printout the page(s) that state the warranty. Take it down to the dealer and they will begrudgingly admit that it is a covered repair.

 

Definition of seep:
no object, with adverbial of direction (of a liquid) flow or leak slowly through porous material or small holes.

‘water began to seep through the soles of his boots’

From seep - definition of seep in English | Oxford Dictionaries

So, seepage == leakage

 

Going by what you went through, one could say the dealer is playing with words to keep from having to actually do the work that is needed to be done. Stories like this really are sad and justify the bad reputation that they have.

 

A bit of oil taken from your dipstick could be applied to the affected area.

Just kidding.

 

A few thoughts:

As mentioned, it's pretty much slam-dunk that it's the major drivetrain warranty that covers this, so you've got lots of time yet. Still, it's good that it's on your service record already.

Also, even though right now it's bugging the heck out of you, just maybe it is minor, and will continue thus. For sure monitor, but if if stays thus, it won't be the first time a gasket showed a bit of oil, without getting significantly worse.

Removing that cover, if it's anything like the regular Prius, is a bear. And unlike the factory, I believe they do this without removing the engine, in very tight quarters. That's why it's so expensive. I have the regular Prius Repair Manual info on timing chain cover, and the diagrams for sealing procedure and bolt torquing are nightmarish complex: I'd really think twice before unleasing local mechanics on it, under such tricky, reaching down the side in close-quarters conditions. It might end up worse than at the outset.

 

You are doing the right things - documentation, documentation, documentation. Take your own pictures of the area as the seep/leak reappears so you have a timeline. I feel Toyota is really great about covering issues with their vehicles; the problem is that you need to use a dealer's shop to get it fixed. It is my understanding that Toyota doesn't reimburse dealers at retail rates, so dealers make less profit on those repairs (so of course they would rather have you pay them!) Keep us posted, and best of luck!

 

I think you will find this is true for pretty much ALL automotive brands.
It is NOT unusual for a tiny bit of oil to show up in places like that after the oil catches a little dirt and grime.

Did anybody suggest re-torquing the screws/bolts that hold on the cover ??

If it really is a "seep" it may have stopped leaking long ago.
Or maybe not.

 

I took my 2013 Prius to change oil & rotate tires and they told me i have oil leak after i read the details it was timing cover leak , my car had 71000 miles on it but mine is certified pre owned car so my engine warranty is 100,000 miles or 8 years so it was covered & i just paid deductible $50 although the whole cost was $1500 including all parts & labour

 

Sounds like that turned out well for you!