This is what I get for being a Ride-share Driver, with all the riders who inadvertently slammed the hatchback over and over again it had to give out eventually. Even with the signs on my car saying: "Don't slam the doors" they do it anyway, and then they say "Sorry, I forgot, or I didn't see that"; or, they don't say anything and could just care less.
Passengers just don't understand how much money and time it takes to maintain and keep our cars operating. Unfortunately, there is no way I can re-coop my losses because this is considered a maintenance thing and cannot be written off on my taxes; so, I have to pay. Fortunately, it is not a very expensive part and since it is not difficult to replace, I can't complain too much about it. At least, I knew something like this was going to happen because I had tell-tale signs that the lock assembly was going bad.
In my opinion, Toyota makes some pretty tough car doors; even my passenger-doors have seen some abuse, and I can assume some of those door lock assemblies will go bad too. Fortunately, those locks are less expensive but may take more time to replace.
Update from Mar 6, 2023: February 2023, 217,000, the hatchback lock broke again. Had to replace it. This is the second time this has happened. Cost me the less because I purchased a refurbished lock, but at least I got a lifetime warranty.
This is what I get for being a Ride-share Driver, with all the riders who inadvertently slammed the hatchback over and over again it had to give out eventually. Even with the signs on my car saying: "Don't slam the doors" they do it anyway, and then they say "Sorry, I forgot, or I didn't see that"; or, they don't say anything and could just care less.
Passengers just don't understand how much money and time it takes to maintain and keep our cars operating. Unfortunately, there is no way I can re-coop my losses because this is considered a maintenance thing and cannot be written off on my taxes; so, I have to pay. Fortunately, it is not a very expensive part and since it is not difficult to replace, I can't complain too much about it. At least, I knew something like this was going to happen because I had tell-tale signs that the lock assembly was going bad.
Overall, it cost me: $208.66 (part, free shipping, tax + $30 (my labor) = $238.66.
In my opinion, Toyota makes some pretty tough car doors; even my passenger-doors have seen some abuse, and I can assume some of those door lock assemblies will go bad too. Fortunately, those locks are less expensive but may take more time to replace.
Update from Mar 6, 2023: February 2023, 217,000, the hatchback lock broke again. Had to replace it. This is the second time this has happened. Cost me the less because I purchased a refurbished lock, but at least I got a lifetime warranty.
- Steven J., Petaluma, CA, US