Toyota Frame Rust Recall

I had the same thought. The repairs will most definitely cost more than what they recently offered me on trade or even what I could sell it for. From what I've heard Toyota is required to replace the frame for liability reasons. I do not know if that is 100% true, just what I've heard.

 

There's a number of rational explanations for replacement of the frames;
1) That's part of the settlement.
2) It gives them the appearance of standing up for their customers.
3) It gives them the OPPORTUNITY to make things (despite #2) very inconvenient for their customers, meaning that during the WAIT, the customer will feel good that they're being looked after, but simultaneously annoyed that its taking a long time, increasing the chance that the customer will buy a new vehicle during the interim and trade the old one in.
4) It doesn't cost them NEARLY as much as you would have to pay out of pocket for the same repair -- repair costs are listed according to "parts counter" prices, i.e., thousands for the frame, even though they pay probably under $100 for each frame.

 

I think I remember reading that some people were offered buy outs but that may be a dealer level decision. When I saw that my truck was waiting for its new frame and I was trying to think what I would do if I was made an offer and what that offer would have to be for me to take it. I concluded I wouldn’t take any offer that wouldn’t allow me to drive away with a better truck and no payments which I think would be impossible to do unless they cut some sort of crazy deal off a used truck they had in the lot. My truck is paid off and I’m not in a position where payments are something I want. Getting a used truck from a dealer for the value they deem mine worth in a buyout would most likely be a downgrade and leave me being an unhappy customer.


I was never offered a buy back but I don’t think I would have wanted it no matter what it was. Knowing the history of my truck is comforting and getting put into a used truck of the same value isn’t something I would want. Plus I’ll take my 6 speed manual off-road over the stock 2017 rental they had me in any day!

 

When they told me mine failed they said it could be 1 to 3 months. It ended up taking right around 1.5 months.

 

So they allowed you to go for a second inspection, correct? I've scheduled my second one for this Friday, but he was very hesitant to say they would actually proceed a second time...my first inspection (almost 2 years ago) failed, but I can spot a perforation way over the 10mm minimum. I will fight it with corporate if they refuse to inspect it.

 

Thank you! Hoping for a new frame!

 

So, my 2005 dcsb just failed the inspection today. It was in getting free leaf springs (recall). They’re telling me to expect extra charges when they do the frame swap. I’m already having to pony up for new u-bolts since I have lift blocks in the rear. I really don’t have extra cash laying around if they find broken stuff during the frame swap. Any guidance on not incurring added charges during the swap?

 

Same here. I just left mine with the dealer. They said 1 to 2 months. As far as replacements. I have a 2007 TRD and was thinking Bilstein 5100s and cab mounts.

 

Mine failed at the end of august. They told me because of the back log either late fall or early spring. They called me yesterday morning without notice and asked if I could bring it in asap so they could have it finished before friday.

I am a happy camper.

 

Agreed most will probably be in that ballpark for the replacement.

In my example, I have a 2010 single cab 2wd, 92K. Got 3 more years to deadline, but clearly I don't own the most expensive version of the Tacoma. Add in the winters here and maybe I'll be in the position to be much more worth their while to buy it.

My wife got her 96 bought back but that's a different program. I know with her she not only was more loyal to Toyota for it, but they earned mine and I bought my 2010 several years later after a lifetime of GM products.

 

My father had an 02 that was recalled under the first program and he got a look at the invoice for the frame replacement, it was in the 13k range. Truck was worth half that but they wouldn't buy it out. Ended up talking them into $6500 on trade after the replacement. Crazy to think they were almost 20k into an 8 year old truck at that point when he would have been happy with a 10k buyout

 

Dealer called me yesterday to say they have my frame in already. That is just 2 and a half weeks since it was approved on the 26th of November. So I am dropping mine off tonight. I am a little anxious about the potential for additional charges but hoping for the best. Ive been told they will have it done before Christmas. I was hoping for another Tacoma as a loaner but I was told they will give me a Corolla as a loaner. :-(

Failed frame inspection on November 23rd, approved swap on 26th, dropping if off for replacement December 13th.

 

Well I'm happy. Took my 08 in monday at 8am, picked it up this morning.New frame , zero cost. They did find a leak in the steering gearbox that they want 2K to replace. It isn't serious so I'm going to find somebody cheaper to do that. They gave me an 18 Tacoma loaner.Not that impressed. Mine really seems to drive a lot better now. Anyway, I couldn't be happier with my local Toyota dealer.

 

Dropped off my truck on Tuesday afternoon, dealer called me this morning to say it was just about ready. Only thing they recommended I change was the rear shocks as the old ones were leaking.

Cost to me was $160 cnd (their cost) and no additional labor. They also threw in new lightbulbs.

As I drove it home, my only issues are:

• Brakes were spongy and barely stopping (most likely didn't bleed them)
• Loud rattle/drone on acceleration (I think it has something to do with the exhaust)
• Interior and seats seemed to be all dirty from grease (not sure what I can do here?)

Going to call them tomorrow. Any thoughts?

 

My thoughts are why do you not seem more irritated? The brakes wouldn't be a big deal to you after a deadly crash of course. But at least you'll have greasy pants on. Maybe I'm intolerant. The loud rattle could be countless things from exhaust brackets to the drive train. Call and be firm. Maybe money back on the shocks.

 

Ive noticed alot of you guys saying you were recommended that the rack and pinion or steering gear box be replaced when you had this done, which isnt cheap to have them do it. Mine is getting a new rack with the frame replacement cause it was leaking so I figured might as well have it done since I plan on keeping the truck a while longer. Ive been thinking back and I havent owned a toyota that didnt need the rack replaced or have some kind of power steering leak/issue, all 3 of the toyotas Ive owned. Is this just an easy money grab for the parts departments, can toyota not get their shit together on steering racks, or just the territory for older aged vehicles? Not a huge deal to me just thinking out loud here. Doesnt matter much anyway with everything going to EPS.

 

The $13000 for the frame is bogus. That's just the RETAIL PRICE that they would charge YOU if you went to the parts counter and ordered one. It includes retail markup of probably around $12900.

 

I agree. I spoke with them this morning and they are going to address everything asap. Only annoyance really is having to go back to the dealer so often. Long drive and they don't usually offer a loaner when I bring it in for a few things, therefore someone has to follow me there to drive me back

 

For the frame replacement. Not just the frame. Including labor and all the other bits they replace along with it. I'm not the only one on here that has seen similar numbers for the whole job