Toyota Frame Rust Recall

They are. The drivetrain will last "forever". That's the problem. When the frame rusts out before the drivetrain gives out, people get pissy. Pissy enough to sue Toyota, and they won. The settlement is 12 years from date of 1st use. Not a day more. I'll bet you can't find any other manufacturer that will replace ANYTHING on a vehicle for free, 12 years after it was originally sold new.

 

While I agree, I don't think that you can call a class settlement "free". I appreciate your sentiment towards Toyota; it seems like you have a lot loyalty to the brand - but I will never buy another Toyota car/truck. This is going to burn me financially.. and I will tell my story to anyone considering a new or used Tacoma.

 

doesn't make a lot of sense. every car from every brand is susceptible to rust unless it is taken care of. your issue isn't with toyota, it is that you bought a used truck without inspecting it properly.

 

My '11 has a similar (but smaller) hole where yours was. Did they give you any issues since there was a factory (drain?) hole there? Did it have to be 10mm bigger than the hole that was there to start with? Anything like that?

 

Ottawa, Ontario here. I had my frame inspected at the end of August 2018 and it was approved within 2 weeks. They called me beginning of December 2018 and it was replaced within 2 days. They mentioned they had about 20 to do and there were 3 trucks in the day I brought it.

Seems like you've been waiting quite long.

 

No issues what so ever. The hole has to be 10mm.The tech that did my frame took a 10mm open end wrench and taped it up close to the hole.Then sent the pic to Toyota.Boom done!

 

Bought my tacoma in May 2008. Not quite 20 years. Do I just go to a local Toyota dealership to have it inspected or call and schedule an appointment ? Thanks guys. Hoping to get corrected if needed. As long as I get it inspected and a decision before the 12 years I’m good right ? Example: if they try and stall getting the frame in and say well bud sorry Charlie it’s been over 12 years now. ‍♂️

 

Did you buy the truck new? You didn’t specify if you’re the 1st owner. If you are, then you have till may to get it inspected. If I were you, I would ask around here what dealer in your area is good at doing frame swaps, find a 10 mm hole yourself, and then go into the dealer and make an appointment for an inspection. Just to cover your bases, you should find out what date Toyota shows for date of 1st use, before it gets too close.

 

Yeah I’m the original and only owner. Anyone familiar in the Jackson Mississippi or Birmingham, AL area who is doing frame swaps ? I spend time in each area. Thanks !

 

Is your frame pretty rusty?

 

I don’t know actually lol. I see other parts on it that have rust tho. Like the trailer light hookup outlet plug. And the bolts in the plastic bed liner.

 

You should crawl under there and look around. Especially look at the frame beside the catalytic converters. You should have an idea of the condition of your frame before you even talk to a dealer.

 

Alright brothas I took her in to the dealer today. I passed the frame rust test but wouldn’t u know they had a list of many other “recommendations” with hefty prices lol. I declined all at the time given upcoming Christmas. Spark plugs, all 4 tires, belts, flushes, v6 tuneup, etc u know the drill.

 

Did you pay for the inspection?

 

There should be no charge for the inspection

 

What certain model Tacomas? I am a second owner of a 2015. I’m a little nervous I wouldn’t receive a letter even if it was covered because of not being the original buyer.

 

The VIN is what determines coverage I believe. Call a dealer or better yet Toyota HQ. They were helpful.

 

I received my 2nd letter before end of year. My notice is addressed to me with VIN of my 2012 Tacoma. Again, letter states certain 2011-2017 Model Year Tacoma Vehicles. Also on letter it provides a website and Customer Service number you can contact. I can use this program up until 12/31/2021. If I don't take my vehicle to an authorized dealer by this date it's null and void. I'm currently in no hurry.

https://www.toyota.com/recall

Toyota Customer Experience Center: 1-888-270-9371

 

I got my letter over the holidays. I've got to look under the truck to see how bad the frame is, but most likely I will wait it out and see if the frame ends up rusting out before the 31 Dec 2021 deadline. Windsor, ON salty roads are not friendly to frames.

 

Just checked on their website and called. Guess nothing is out for 2015 Sports yet, no recalls shown for me