Your 2016 Scion iM Door Hinge: A Guide to Replacement and Repair
Addressing common door problems like sagging, noise, or swinging open unexpectedly on your Scion iM.
- First, confirm if your problem is a bad hinge (door sags) or a bad door check (door won't stay open).
- No recalls for door hinges exist for the 2016 Scion iM.
- Aftermarket brands like Dorman and other 'Replacement' parts are affordable and suitable for this repair.
- Replacing a hinge is a moderate-difficulty DIY job that requires a helper and careful alignment.
Is It Your Hinge or Your Door Check?
Before buying parts, it's crucial to know what's wrong with your Scion iM's door. The symptoms for a bad hinge are different from a bad door check.
- Bad Hinge Symptoms: The door sags and is hard to close, you see a large or uneven gap between the door and the car body, or you hear grinding and popping noises when moving the door. This is caused by wear in the hinge pins and bushings.
- Bad Door Check Symptoms: The door swings open too freely, won't stay open on its own (especially on a slight incline), or it slams shut on you. This is a common issue on many cars as they age.
Pro Tip: The Door Check Test
Open your door to its first stopping point. If a light push or a gust of wind causes it to swing freely, your door check is likely worn out, not the hinges.
Known Issues for the 2016 Scion iM
There are no official recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Scion or Toyota related to door hinge failure on the 2016 iM. However, some owners of the identical Toyota Corolla iM have reported that the doors swing open too easily, which points to a weak or worn door check rather than a hinge defect.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Door Hinge
Since the Scion iM is mechanically a Toyota, the parts are reliable and widespread. When replacing a door hinge, you have a few options outside of the expensive dealership part.
Brand Quality: Dorman vs. Replacement
- Dorman: Dorman is one of the largest aftermarket manufacturers. Their quality is often described as hit-or-miss, but for a part like a door hinge, they are a widely used and generally reliable choice. Dorman sometimes improves on the original factory design and offers parts that are otherwise hard to find.
- Replacement: This brand category represents various budget-friendly manufacturers. While they may not have the same engineering reputation as Dorman, a simple mechanical part like a door hinge is a low-risk item to purchase from a value-oriented brand. For many drivers, it's a perfectly adequate solution.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM (Dealer) Hinge | $75 - $150 |
| New Aftermarket Hinge | $23 - $50 |
| Shop Labor (Hinge Replacement) | $100 - $200 |
| Shop Labor (Door Check Replacement) | $50 - $100 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My door sags. Do I need a new hinge?
Most likely, yes. A sagging door is a classic sign that the pins and bushings inside your hinges are worn out, creating extra play. This allows the weight of the door to pull it down, causing misalignment. Replacing the hinge assembly is the most effective fix.
Why won't my door stay open?
This is almost always a problem with the door check, not the hinge. The door check is a separate part with internal mechanisms that create friction or catch in detents to hold the door open. When it wears out, the door will swing freely. This is a much easier and cheaper part to replace than the entire hinge.
Can I just replace the hinge pin and bushing?
Sometimes. On some vehicles, you can buy a kit to replace just the internal wear components (pin and bushing). However, this often requires special tools to press the old pin out and the new one in. For many modern cars like the Scion iM, it is often faster and easier to replace the entire hinge assembly, which comes ready to install.
Is replacing a door hinge a DIY job?
It can be, but it's a moderately difficult task. The door is heavy and must be supported perfectly with a jack and blocks of wood to prevent it from falling or damaging the paint. You will need a helper to align the new hinge and bolt it in place. Marking the exact position of the old hinge before removal is critical to ensure the new one lines up correctly. Replacing a door check, however, is a much easier DIY job for most people.
Technical Specifications
The 2016 Scion iM uses a two-piece, bolt-on hinge assembly for each of the upper and lower positions on the front and rear doors. Aftermarket part Dorman 924-990 is listed as compatible with select Scion models.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Scion iM: