Frame Rot Vent!

I took my truck in back in February to get it checked. It failed. I specifically asked dooda how bad was it...and was it drivable? He said they found to pin holes up at the front end...it is drivable, but you have to sign a waiver. nothing to worry about. OK, fine, I'll drive it until June.

I am a Career firefighter, and I do landscaping on the side, so I actually use my truck. I asked if it wasn't that bad, if I can drive it until the frame comes in...SURE...you just have to sign a waiver releasing liability. I was hesitant at first, but he said it was two small holes, just barely enough to fail. Fast forward FOUR MONTHS...

My Virginia inspection is due...take it to my local mechanic. FAIL...why? Major frame rot near the suspension. I was taken back because Toyota told me it wasn't major rust, just enough to fail. So I'm a tad pissed off at this...Yes, I know I signed a waiver, but it was only based on what the man at Toyota told me. That and I haven't really noticed, nor did I really get in there and check.

So now I'm stuck at work, have to wait till tomorrow to figure this out. I left a nice long message for the service manager. Either I get a SUV or some sort of truck that can tow stuff...or you put a new frame in my truck and bump someone. I hate to be like that, but I have a business to run. In Virginia, you have 15 days to get it re-inspected. I was supposed to have my frame by June...and the nice lady told me it will be 2 more months.

End of my rant...I just wanted to vent a bit.

 

Sorry to hear that OP. What a shitty situation. I was stationed in VA so I know what the inspections can be like. They can be such anal pricks.

 

There are a lot of people in the same situation as you. It sucks, good luck.

 

I wish My dealer was up front with me in the first place. Sure, it failed, but when I ask if I can drive it until the frame comes in...and said there was NO FRAME ROT, just a couple of small pin holes..that is not the truth. This whole thing is a giant Cluster EFF. They should have bought all of these trucks back.

 

Have you gotten under the frame and looked for yourself? If it's not bad maybe you could just rattle can the rust spots in a hope that it'd pass inspection? Just an idea for a last ditch effort.

 

I'm going to check tomorrow when I get home. I'm at the firehouse now until 7am...so I'll look hard when I get home. Maybe I'll rattle can the entire frame, take it to another mechanic and it will pass. We'll see. But on the other hand..if it is significant, I don't want it to be a safety issue. I'll see tomorrow.

 

Just noticed you're in Richmond! My wife was a volunteer EMT at the Williamsburg FD the past few years. Not like you'd know her or anything.

Anyways, hope it works out well.

 

Sorry about your frame!
Is your truck under warranty for frames! I've lost touch after Toyota spayed some shit on my 08 and said have a good life! I bought it in 2011 and maintained my frame knowing they have issues and I am in Vermont. Now it's buried in a black wax coating and I'm not happy about it.
My rant sorry!
If this a warranty issue bring it back to the dealer!
Tell them you need a truck for work. My father in law has a bad frame on his 06 and can keep it until inspection time, at that time dooda will pay for one of their rentals but you use your insurance.
Just curios do you have much salt exposure?

 

from my experience, state inspections and their results/findings on the status/safety of your vehicle, can vary gravely on the individual inspector/station.

Best of luck on your repairs! if you choose on keeping the truck of course, viva la taco!!!

 

I've owned Toyotas all of my life...but this frame crap is for the birds. They should have just bought these trucks back.

 

Trust but verify - next time look for yourself.

 

VA safety inspections are such bullshit. When I lived in Fairfax, we bought a new car in MD. When the temp tag was up and time to register in VA, the moron inspector tried to fail me on brakes. I said no way in hell the brakes are worn out in 1,000 miles on a brand new car - I want to see your supervisor. Cleared that right up.

Rattle can the frame and take it to bubba out in the sticks somewhere. Buy some gas, drinks, beer, snacks at the store if there's one. That's where bubba's profit is. I bet you'll pass then!

 

All those people with air bag replacement issues are in the same boat. Consider what they have to lose and your problem may not be to bad.

 

Move to Maryland. There, you only have the initial inspection, and then you're good to go for the life of the vehicle.

 

Maryland: The preferred side of the Potomac.

 

Toyota "failed" your truck due to some amount of frame corrosion significant enough to make you sign a waiver saying you know about it and want to continue driving the truck, you never checked it yourself, and 4 months later you're upset that your truck failed state safety inspection due to frame corrosion? I find it a little hard to sympathize with you on that aspect. Terms like "not that bad", "safe to drive", "frame rot" vs "pin holes" are all subjective.

That said the fact that Toyota owes you a new frame and it's taking months and months sucks, I too would be mad about that.

 

take it to the dealer and have them do the inspection. The Service Manager will pass it after he hears the story.

 

The People's Socialist Republic of Maryland..

I'd rather take a chance in Berry Farms SE DC....

 

I waited 16 months and 2 dealers to get a new frame.

 

No thanks...I lived in that communist state for a while. I'll take VA any day and carry my Glock 42 wherever I go.