Automotive Forums

In conversation with Toyota customer service, I learned that the dealer makes the decision about what is covered by a Toyota warranty.  Because the dealer loses money when it has to do warranty work, they are unlikely to agree with the owner that a part or service should be covered.  At 3,000 miles the (flimsy plastic) splash shield that forms the left front wheel-well of our Toyota Matrix came loose, was damaged by rubbing the tire.  It had to be replaced.  Despite the fact that the Toyota website says that "all components other than normal wear and maintenance items" are covered, the dealer claimed that this part was not covered by the warranty, because they have to be replaced "all of the time." (If so, why does Toyota merit even a good repair record?)  At 23,000 miles the same splash shield came loose, hit the tire, and was ripped off at highway speed, leaving a large piece of plastic on a busy road, endangering other drivers.  When this splash shield fell off, it ripped away the ABS wiring harness, significantly increasing the cost of the repair.  And, you guessed it, replacement and repair of none of this is covered by the warranty.  I have already posted about the known tire wear problem of the Toyota Matrix, which too is not covered by the warranty, which it seems is entirely worthless.  

I have this vehicle myself. I understand what your talking about, I have conversed with a few owner's in parking lots. To prevent the splash shield from coming off, one must assure that any snow / ice build up has been scraped off. If there is too much, it can way it down damage it. This is also the same on many other vehicles too. A little annoying but you get used to it. This is considered a 'factor beyond manufactuers control' and therefore not covered. At least this is how it was explained to me.
Hope this helps.  

Tire wear is never covered by the auto manufacturer.  You have to take those issue to the tire manufacturer.  Usually they only cover defects in the first 12 months/12,000 miles.  Different people drive differently so it can change the way tires wear.