Replace my frame?

Several weeks ago I go a recall notice on my 2011 2WD base Tacoma with 110k miles. Today I brought it in and they tell me they are going to have to replace the frame. I was blown away. I've always bought Toyotas because historically they are the most reliable and long-lasting vehicles. They are still totaling up what the cost will be for me. I did rear shocks and complete springs/shocks in in the front about two years ago. I can't imagine what else I would be libel to pay for.

I'm interested in other people's experience with this recall. I did a search in the forum but I didn't see much other than someone who was told they needed to spend $17k on their own. That's more than I paid for the truck. The dealer told me they have a truck in their shop that's been there since September 2020.

• What are some of the things you end up paying for?
• How long did it take?
• Will they just buy me out of the truck? (seems like it would be cheaper)
• Should I buy another used Tacoma? How do I know if it doesn't have the same problem?
• Should I get another opinion? Could the dealer be looking for some extra work?

Any replies would be appreciated.

I'm very disappointed in this as I hoped to keep this a long time. I use this truck in my small lawn mowing business and this puts wrench in that too.

Thank you.

 

Read through this thread:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toyota-frame-rust-recall.508555/

Consider it good news. Congratulations — Your truck is 2011 and covered by the frame settlement lawsuit.

Everything should be covered by Toyota including any rusted parts that break when they take your truck apart. They also put in new lower control arms at no cost to you. New frame comes with new brake lines up and down frame. You will get new brake fluid. They shouldn’t charge you for any of this.

You should get a rental while your truck is in their facility. At no cost.

The only thing you might want to do is some extra work “while they are there” and they should consider discounting labor where it makes sense.

Sounds like you are being told it’s all your expense. Go google “Toyota frame settlement Tacoma” and let the dealer know you’ve read the settlement details. You can also call Toyota corporate to confirm anything.

 

It does suck, but when they did my 03 they did ask if I wanted anything done to let them know, brakes, shocks. Took longer to get the frame than anything else.

 

Should cost you ZILCH if you drop it off and say "Do your warranty requirements" and take the free loaner...It might take forever...


Congrats on winning the 10 year old truck lottery. You can flip that sucker for $15K easy after

 

When they did my 05 told me i needed a steering rack
I had no power steering problems and no leaks-told them forget it
If you don't have it done your truck is going to worth near nothing
Have it done just be careful of extras
Most places will offer to do they no labor charges (extras)
After mine was done kept it 2 more years drove great no problem selling
You could post dealer who is doing work and see if anyone else had work done there

 

There are good dealers and bad dealers. Some will say, “you don’t qualify for a free frame”, when you actually do. Once a 10 mm rust hole is located, it’s submitted to Toyota corporate for approval.

The settlement clearly states, “at no cost to the customer”. Some dealers will try to charge you for some stuff that’s supposed to be free. Oil, coolant, refrigerant, bolts, etc. The good dealers will take good care of you and even throw in a few freebies. If they’re unbolting a rusty, worn part, there should be no labor charge for grabbing a new part and bolting it on instead. You just pay for the part. Other things may require a labor charge, but should still be cheaper than doing the job separately at a later date.

 

And nice dealers will let you bring your own parts. I ordered most of my extras from Boch Toyota South (water pump, cab bushings, motor mounts)

 

Thanks for all of the replies. I really appreciate it. Being 62 I'm planning on keeping this truck until I croak.

They are going to cover the frame replacement but they told me they were going to total up the other costs I may incur that are "not covered" by the recall. I should find out today.

 

Before you agree to pay ANY costs, post the list here. They can make suggestions on needed repairs, but they can’t force you to pay anything. The 1 item that’s kind of borderline is rear shocks. The stud breaks when they remove them. By then, the shocks need replacing anyway. When you drop off your truck, hand them a pair of Bilstein 5100 rear shocks and there should be no labor charge. Some people have had to pay for gas tank straps. I did a lot of work on my truck before delivery to make their job easier and they gave me free gas tank straps. I didn’t have to pay a dime on my frame replacement.

 

I too am 62. The 2006 in my garage is the nicest 15 year old vehicle that I have ever had thanks to Toyota and my new frame. Do yourself a HUGE favor. Print out the list of parts they will be replacing for you, its in the settlement, and familiarize yourself with it. MORE importantly familiarize yourself with the list on ancillary parts that should also be replaced FOR FREE. I paid for my power steering lines to be replaced and was NOT able to get reimbursed even though it was clearly listed in the ancillary parts list. If I could do it over again I would actually print both lists and and go over them in detail with the service manager/ writer when I bring in my truck.
Read as much as you can, there are many threads and a ton of good advice in this forum. Replace as much as you can afford while the truck is apart, where labor charges are either waived or reduced.
Realize above all that if you really are intending to keep your truck forever, you are about to receive the biggest gift from Toyota that you can imagine. Use it to your advantage. Stay positive. Make sure they know they cant get over on you and things will go smoothly. Enjoy your new, old truck. I am!

 

Good luck OP, keep us informed.

 

See https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...arts-list-and-request-for-suggestions.523352/

 

Did your dealer give you a option for parts? Mine offered waterpump, belts,hoses and motor mounts for around $300. Though they did want $200 to put in aftermarket shocks and struts.

 

I bought an '11 from a Toyota dealership back in December. They had to replace the frame under warranty before I could take it home. I was very surprised they were replacing the frame, as it was pretty good looking. Once they got the frame in (later that week) they had the job done in 3 days. Went to pick it up and was surprised to see stickers on so many parts that were replaced. I'm happy with the work they did. Good luck with a quick, proper job

 

I didn't pay a cent for everything done!
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-frame-is-now-installed.563035/

 

Nice photos. Same experience here! It's nice to see all the shiny new bolts and control arms + bushings. I did new motor mounts, cab bushings, trans mount, water pump, hoses, thermostat, tensioner and pullies, new starter + outer tie rods. I brought in 2016 TRD Sport spring/shock takeoffs which they put on.

 

https://youtu.be/zuo9uC42RVw

 

Kids and their wild dreams of the future......

 

The list of parts they replaced when changing my frame was 4 pages long. Didn’t pay a dime. Nice having all new brake lines too although they did reuse the old brake hoses. Gas tank strap parted a year later. Must have been marginal when they reinstalled it.

 

I’d love to see a pic of where the hole is on the frame