I took my 2020 ES 350 to the dealer because the AC was not cooling.

They called me back and told me that the condenser has a hole in it and it’s not going to be covered under warranty because it was damage from road debris.

I don’t buy it.

My plan is to look at the old condenser to see the damage.

Any thoughts?

 

I can understand that, if damage was done by road debris, the warranty would not cover the repairs. However, if the damage was caused by road debris, your comprehensive insurance should cover it. Most comprehensive policies have little or no deductible, and a comprehensive claim should not have any effect on your future insurance premiums.

 

I understand that the repair wouldn’t be under warranty if it was caused by debris, but I’m not sure that’s what happened. I guess what I’m really asking is should I trust the dealers assessment or do you think they may be making it up because they don’t want to warranty the repair.

would you want to see the old condenser?

 

Road debris took out the condenser on my old Avalon...a very common problem. Fortunately I could do the repair myself. Added some plastic gutter guard to prevent another episode. Can be impossible to spot. All it takes is a tiny pinhole. Would probably have to do a sophisticated analysis with magnified images to prove one way or the other.

 

You could ask them to see the damage on a lift.

 

Road debris damaged the condenser on my two week old 2014 Honda Odyssey. It was not covered under warranty.

 

When a repair is done under warranty, the dealer gets paid by Lexus. I don't think most dealers are reluctant to do warranty repairs if they can substantiate the cause was design flaws, mechanical failures, etc. and is an item covered by the factory warranty.

 

If they are refusing to cover it under warranty, I would definitely want to see it for myself. I have had good luck with my dealer and don't believe they would say this unless it were true, but just for my own peace of mind I would still want to see the damage. Your insurance carrier may need a photo or some proof with a comprehensive claim as well?

 

Dealerships would bite at the chance to replace parts under warranty. They send the bill to Lexus for the labor. The entire point of the business of a dealership. Just ask to see the hole. I'm guessing they're not making it up.