Toyota Rusted Frame Settlement

It's the season to be thankful – for family, for health, for leftover turkey sandwiches. And if that wasn't enough, Toyota owners now have another reason: Toyota might have to shell out some serious cash if your vehicle's frame is rusting out. Toyota has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit that says certain vehicles weren't protected with anti-rust chemicals at the factory. That leaves them susceptible to road salt and premature corrosion. If approved, the settlement is going to cost Toyota a lot of money. As in, $3.4 billion or so. Here's why.

• The settlement covers the 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2008 Tundra, and 2005-2008 Sequoia. Court documents say that's as many as 1.5 million vehicles.
• Toyota will replace the frame of any covered vehicle if the frame rust is 10mm+ deep. That would cost the automaker about $15,000 per vehicle, so you better believe they're not going to cover you if the rust is 9.8mm thick.
• Toyota will spend $90 million on inspections ($60 per vehicle).
• Toyota also agreed to reimburse owners who already had to replace their frame.

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