Why Toyota Tacoma Owners Should Not Fear the Frame Recall 2-year update

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We visited with Pete once again to check on how his Toyota Tacoma is doing since the frame replacement about two years back.

Those who have read the original story about my neighbor Pete’s 2007 Tacoma may be interested to know that it is my top Toyota story in almost five years of writing for Torque News. The first-hand experiences of dozens of Tacoma owners is what made it so special. A little less than two years ago, Pete took the truck in for a required frame replacement and we documented his initial visit, loaner car experience, and how the truck looked, drove and worked after the work was complete.

After six months we did a follow-up. At that time, the truck was better than new according to Pete. He had no rattles, noises, or mechanical issues at all. This week I spotted Pete shoveling mulch out of the bed of the truck with a pitchfork and stopped to check in. (Don't miss an important update at the end of this story on page 2)

I won’t waste your time being overly wordy here. The truck looks like new and drives like new. A quick glance at the frame showed that it doesn't look any different than one would expect a two-year-old frame to look. Pete still uses it as his daily driver and as you can see he does not baby it. This truck has seen two winters, one with 10 feet of snow and ice and is regularly used on Cape Cod in its salt-brine air.

One sad note. Pete’s sidekick shown in the six-month update image above has recently passed on after a long and happy 14.5-year life. Rest in Peace Buddy the dog.

Ps – Please excuse out on-going reference to the Toyota service bulletin as a recall. To us, recall seems like the best word for the program.

Yes, for the trucks that require the work, that is exactly what Toyota does. It takes two mechanics two business days to complete the work. In the story above there is a link to the original story and it goes into detail what is done, complete with multiple images. Thanks for the comment. I suspect many readers have thought what you did, but didn't write in.

I took my truck in and there was holes rusted out, they put on a new frame but it took 6 weeks. Most of that time was waiting for the frame to get in, then only 2 days to install.

Submitted by Edward Jones (not verified) on October 25, 2016 - 9:38PM

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Having the frame replaced starting tomorrow.I was told 3 days and 3 mechanics.Declined loaner,using my kids car.If they bust a part,or it cannot be re-used,do they hassle you to pay for it?I am not going to pay for anything.

Submitted by Donald Tiffany (not verified) on August 9, 2021 - 12:22PM

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My frame replacement experience was abysmal. No loaner was provided. I had to supply rear shock absorbers which they claimed could not be reused; a front caliper and a rear wheel cylinder that they broke the bleeder screws off and a sway bar link that broke during removal. The replacement sway bar link was gunned on so hard that the attachment nut spun and will require a torch or grinder for removal. They also wanted to charge for a power steering high side line which they claimed would break when removed. When returned, the front bumper cover lower attachment was done with cable tie, several fasteners were missing from the grill, some of the inner fender sections were missing, the alignment was improper (wore out front tires in less than 1500 miles), the left front brake line was so tight at right lock that I was surprised it had not pulled off. at least one of the rear brake line fasteners wasn't secured, no rear suspension bump stops were installed, the left bed cap vent window operating mechanism and left rear bed cap window latch were damaged. When I returned to the dealership and complained about the tire wear (as a starting point), I was told "we will do nothing for you, you don't spend enough money here".