Let's hear about frame rust.

I have a 2005 with serious frame rot around the catalytic converters on both sides of the frame rails, and I'm trying to figure out who else has had or currently has this problem and what to do about it.

If you've had this problem with no assurance from Toyota, please contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and file a formal complaint about your unsafe vehicle.

I've been in touch with Toyota several times over the past few days and they assure me that they are very concerned, and then no one ever calls when they said they would and it's on me to continue to initiate contact.

It seems to be a pretty serious problem and really unsafe, especially for drivers who don't even know that this is a problem.

Toyota has admitted that there is a problem and they launched a Limited Service Campaign until March of 2016 for 20 cold weather and salt rich states. It turns out that the previous owner never got the letter from Toyota, as I can't imagine anyone in their right mind not getting that checked out. But, who knows?

Just for reference, mine is a DCSB 4x4 and it was purchased initially in NJ and only lived there for a year and now it's a CO truck.

 

OK...

Click on -> Search - upper right
Click on -> More
In the Keywords field - type in -> rust
Underneath that - click -> Search title only
Further down - click -> Search

6 screens worth of rust talk - this includes only posts with "rust" in the title

 

I hate to say it, but likely you are effed. Toyota isn't doing jack for anyone in the US concerning this issue. As you said, as of March of this year, the LSC ended. Canada is a different story for some reason. Those guys are still getting this taken care of.

Post some pics, so we can see how bad it is.

 

Thanks Lester, I realize that.

I was hoping to find more Tacoma owners on here currently and see what the status of their trucks are currently.

If enough time people would contact the NHTSA about their problem and the definite safety issue with frame rust issue, someone other than Toyota would look at the problem.

If you'd had this issue with you truck, please take to time to file a recall complaint at NHTSA.

 

So you bought a 10-year old truck in a cold weather state and didn't thoroughly inspect the undercarriage for rust before purchase?

 

The issue has already been delt with. Toyota issued replacement frames for the affected trucks. Just like you stated. There have been many here that took advantage of that and had the frames replaced for free. Seems you may be late to the party.

 

Just google frame replacement tacomaworld, you will see tons of threads on people getting replacements.

 

It seems that there are many of us for whom the issue hasn't been dealt with, and I'm just trying to get those people to contact the NHTSA for assistance in this matter.

Thanks.

 

No, the people that had the trucks didnt take the trucks in for frame replacement. Toyota already recalled the affected frames.

 

I got a buyback for %150 of the excellent condition book value on my 99. Toyota fanboy for life lol

 

I appreciate what you're saying, and believe me, I've done a ton of research on this over the past week.

Whatever the reason for people failing to take affected vehicles in, mine, and many others have not had the problem dealt with appropriately, and I'd imagine that if you were in my shoes, you'd be advocating for yourself and trying to get help in fixing a truck that's unsafe to carry your family in.

 

Unfortunately the frames didn't come with a lifetime rust through warranty. None does that I know of.

Toyota, while providing crappy frames, has replaced thousands of them at no cost to the owner.

There was a well documented procedure to follow. If the PO of your truck didn't follow it, what do you expect Toyota to do? Go to his home and tow it in?

Buyers of any used vehicle should be wary of everything, and have an independent mechanic of their choice do a pre purchase inspection. An exception 'may' be buying from a dealer and having a reasonable warranty as part of the deal (ie, way more than the typical 30 day clap trap)

NHTSA could care less. It's an old vehicle, with corrosion caused by element exposure.

Sorry for your misfortune.

 

Personally I would have taken the truck in and not waited. Proactive.

Like Clearwater bill said, toyota will only issue recalls for frames for a certain amount of time. They gave a reasonable time frame to get them replaced. They cant leave it open ended. You may get lucky and toyota extends the recall to a later date, but until then its up to the owner to take responsibility to fix something when the manufacturer offers a fix.

A buyer needs to check things out before purchase. Any older vehicle in the salt states are prone to corrosion. Thats the first thing to check for.

 

i'll sell you my year old frame. 10k and it's all yours. i'll even toss a body, engine, transmission, and new tire carrier for free. lmk

 

When you buy a used vehicle, especially one that's 10 years old, the onus is on you to make sure the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition prior to purchase. If you are not knowledgeable, take it to a mechanic for inspection. The previous owner could have done all kinds of damage to various critical components in the vehicle.

BTW, if the only perforations on frame are at the inboard frame faces near the catalytic converters, you can have an independent shop trim away the rust and weld in a reinforcement patch. This is the least costly repair method and would not be much higher than the typical incidental expenses when a Toyota dealer replaces the frame for "free".

 

I had mine taken in at the time of the recall. Now all the " undercoat"is gone and now I have holes in my frame does anyone know of any way to get Toyota to help. They say there is nothing they can do now.

 

I'm new to the site. I have a 2006 Tacoma. I was not aware of the limited campaign regarding the frame on my truck. I didn't get the "temporary" fix. Now my frame is in terrible condition. Toyota said it is my problem. Previously, I had a truck that was in the national frame recall. Toyota purchased the truck from me. I thought they learned their lesson and corrected the frame issues. I was right. They did learn their lesson. Now they know how to avoid responsibility for defective frame issues. I have a truck I can't afford to fix and I can't afford to sell.
Currently there is a lawsuit in AK regarding the defective frames. I don't have a choice. I have to try to get my truck fixed by Toyota.
Has anyone been successful with the Toyota getting their vehicles fixed?
Red guy, Bhodgin, I'm very aware of how frustrating this can be. I hope we can get some information to assist us. I've filed my complaint with NHTSA. Does anyone know why this is different in Canada?
I'm happy some of you are satisfied with how Toyota has rectified your problem. I wish I could change rank and join you.

 

Yeah I gave up gonna get whatever I can out of the pos on trade and get something not Toyota I'm done with these a holes I had a dealer offer me 6 for mine on trade I'm taking it and never looking back. Other than to tell people never to buy a yota. I need a half ton anyway.

 

I wish I had the same option. My truck has a color matched topper that cost almost $4000. What a waste of money. I have been a loyal Toyota customer for many years. This is my 4th Tacoma (includes the one I bought for my son while he was in college). Some people have legitimate reasons for not having the recall completed. I'm a widow. My family lives in another state. My son is in the military. I've had 6 shoulder surgeries, finally after 2 years of torment, it has been replaced. During this recall time, I was in a physical rehab facility, 150 miles from my home. So I didn't make the recall in time. My truck has a manual transmission. I couldn't have gotten it to the dealer, if my doctor released me to drive, which he didn't. I don't want sympathy. I just want others to realize that things happen that prevents some of us from doing what we should. Despite having issues with Toyota, I'm blessed. Not as ignorant as before, but none the less, blessed.
I wish for you (red guy) a happy outcome. I have no choice, I will continue to use all the resources available to me to get my truck fixed. I hope for success for myself and others with this problem.
Good luck and
Take care, Mr. Red Guy.

 

No need to take your ball and run from the playground that way. Toyota is an excellent brand and the Taco is one of the finest trucks on the road. If people in Fl, Az NM or any of the no snow states listened to you they would be getting a disservice.