OEM Battery Life

Average life for these OEM batteries is 2-4 years. Toyota doesn’t make them, they simply buy them from a manufacturer (normally Johnson Controls) to their specifications. I’ve had OEM batteries last 8 years and I’ve had them go out in 3 years. Roll of the dice.

 

It is weird about whatever is up with the Toyota batteries. A weird spec or something?

I'm pretty confident that this battery is going to last longer.

 

Only a few months on the OEM battery before it started leaking acid through the caps. It was replaced for free with Toyota's Truestart 84 month warranty battery that lasted about 5 years before it started leaking too. Now I've got a sealed AGM 24F Everstart from Walmart and an off grid engineering strap. Noco Genius 10 keeps it topped off.

 

It must be like the starter toner/ink that comes with new printers that print half as many pages as the replacements.

 

Something like that. Selling millions of vehicles per year means that saving a few pennies on the spec can add up.

 

I used to love to go into a brick and mortar Sears store for DieHard Gold batteries (yes I know you can still go to a Auto parts store for DieHard, but they seem more expensive). Now I go to Costco for Interstate when needed. Stick with what serves you well and switch brands if needed.

 

Everstart Maxx at Walmart. Great warranty (3 yr full replacement) and cheaper than most.

 

My OEM battery lasted a year in Texas. That was so short I had a hard time accepting it was just the battery.
I replaced it with a DieHard AGM Platinum battery.

 

Any brand owned by Johnson Controls is going to be coasting on past reputation.

Brand Manufacturer
ACDelco Johnson Controls
Advance Auto Johnson Controls
AutoCraft Johnson Controls
Autolite Exide
AutoZone Johnson Controls
Bosch Johnson Controls
Champion Johnson Controls
Costco Johnson Controls
Delco Johnson Controls
Delco-Remy Exide
DieHard Johnson Controls
Duralast Johnson Controls
Duralast Johnson Controls
Equalizer Johnson Controls
EverStart (Wal-Mart) Exide or Johnson Controls, depending on model
Firestone Johnson Controls
Interstate Johnson Controls
Marathon Exide
Motorcraft Johnson Controls
NAPA Exide
Optima Johnson Controls
Orbital Exide
Pep Boys Johnson Controls
Sears Exide or Johnson Controls, depending on model
Wal-Mart Exide or Johnson Controls, depending on model

 

After years of working for Interstate Battery, I can say with certainty that we recommended the owner start thinking of replacement at 36 months for conventional flooded lead acid batteries. Especially in hot Southern climates.

 

On my 2nd gen it lasted 7 years. One almost-not-starting on a cold morning and then that was it.

 

JC is no longer in the business.

 

They are still in business, just changed the name of their automotive division.
https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/insights/2018/ps/varta-new-role-car-batteries

 

I have 3 vehicles Tacoma, Wrangler and a CX-5. Tacoma is new but my vehicles get a new battery every 3 years no matter what. $150 is little to spend to avoid the 0 degree 6am dead battery.

 

Another reason to replace on a schedule is engine performance. A weak battery may start the vehicle, but it can adversely impact the powertrain’s operation.

 

I have a 2017 OR. Had to replace the original battery last summer. What did surprise me was that it gave NO advance warning at all. Was only sitting about 2 hours since it was last started and ran and "nothing". Replaced the battery and was as good as new !!

 

What do you mean? An automobile engine will run without a battery. The alternator provides power when the engine is running. The battery is for starting the engine and also for providing temporary power to accessories when the engine is not running.

 

Are we are all working with the same definition of an inoperable battery it need of replacement? One case of a depleted battery does not necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. I would just push start it or jump it and move on. Only if it keeps happening would I replace it.

 

I replaced the original battery on my 2016 4Runner last October before winter. It was time. Got an Interstate battery at Costco.

Also replaced the halogen low beam bulbs, wiper blades, tires, etc.

 

Yep! If my battery makes it past the 4 year point, I start shopping for a new one. I know they can go longer, but why folks do the "Kramer" gamble with such a mission critical component is beyond me.