Toyota considers five-year warranty

Toyota, the world's biggest car maker, is considering upping its warranty coverage from three years to five to help restore consumer confidence following the international recall of eight million cars earlier this year.

Toyota worldwide currently offers the industry average three years/100,000km warranty on its vehicles, with the exception of Toyota UK, which increased its coverage to five years and 160,000km in June this year.

In Australia, Korean brands have used five year warranties to help boost their reputation for quality: Hyundai since 1998, and Kia since 2007.

Mitsubishi Australia has had a five year warranty since 2005 to gain an advantage over its Japanese competitors. And in recent times Honda, Ford and Suzuki have occasionally used five year warranties during promotional campaigns.

Speaking at a preview briefing ahead of the Sydney motor show this morning, the boss of Toyota Australia David Buttner told the Carsales Network:

"As you're aware, Toyota globally went through some serious challenges at the start of the year, recalling up to eight million vehicles. And that got a lot of attention globally," he said.

"It's safe to say that Toyota globally is looking at everything that goes into quality reputation and desirability. Five-year warranty is one element. I have no doubt that in Japan they're giving consideration to that as one of a whole host of ideas to restore faith and trust in the Toyota brand."

Buttner said Toyota's reputation with customers in Australia is back to where to was before the international recall of eight million cars.

"We're finding we're back to the customer approval rating we were at prior to the global recall. Globally, Toyota has been focused on how to ensure we get quick speedy feedback on any issues that arise in the field."

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