Toyota is replacing the frame on my '05!!

128,500 miles

 

If/when my blows out, i think thats where mine will happen too. i've tried to keep up with it since ive owned the truck but it seems like no matter what i do i'm still fighting a losing battle with tihs frame.

 

Is this verbal or in writing from TCS ? Create a paper trail if you can then after you create a paper trail inform them in writing that they will be take to court to retrieve and damages + costs. They really don't care about anything but money. You would think they would have learned a lesson from the $1.2 billion.

 

Paper trail from dealership. It is verbal with TCS but they gave me a reference number. I called them to see if they would send over the info pertaining to said reference number and they said they weren't able to because it's Toyota's proprietary information. I asked them about other vehicles being repaired and they said it's "very VIN specific" and my truck isn't on the list.

 

Maybe there is a lawyer on TW that could chime in. I would keep a detailed log - time, date & what was said.

 

Just as I relayed it. Just asked them to look at the frame, noted that I found it shocking that I have a 9 year old battery and exhaust system in good shape, but the frame looks like a 1940's junker Hudson Wasp I looked at buying in high school sitting in a field.

Sorry to hear your troubles. Was this in the past few months or quite some time ago? Interesting comment later by you that it is "VIN specific."

Let me pick the brain of the service tech when I go in and see if he can shed any light on what he understands to be Toyo's posture and method of consideration.

I would encourage you, as others have done, to keep paper as you go forward, document everything, and keep an eye out for a class action coming. I'm a lawyer, but can't offer you any legal advice in my posture. It's coming, though, if a recall doesn't come first. Just document everything, and keep initiating contact in writing to the dealer and TOA as you go.

 

I'm not a lawyer but nice 2 C U agree with my suggestions. BTW a guy I work with told me they are buying his brother's 1999 back. They bought my 2000 back years ago.

 

And now in writing via email response:

"Dear Mr. XXXXX:

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

We apologize for the concern you are experiencing with the frame on your 2005 Taocma.

According to your Vehicle Identification Number, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, there are no known issues or current recalls relating to frame rust for your 2005 Tacoma. The warranty on the frame is 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first from the date of first use. Our records indicate your vehicle's date of first use is 05/28/2005.

Since your vehicle is outside of the warranty parameters based on time and mileage, Toyota is unwilling to offer any assistance for your frame repair.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us. Your email has been documented under case number XXXXXXXXXX.

Brett K.
Toyota Customer Experience"

 

Wow! As I mentioned, let me see what I can find out about the decision on my '05 with this dealer in Vermont through TOA. The inconsistency in results is baffling.

 

I got a recall notice on my '02 and scheduled it for inspection; they coated it with goop and sent me on my way.
I believe it's related to the NUMMI plant they shut down in '10-lots of qual problems there. The process/steel is better in TMMBC and TMMTX builds.

 

As far as I know, it is on a case by case basis and not the VIN. Like I said, I contacted Toyota and got a reference # but that didn't help me - the dealer did.

My frame replacement on my '05 was called a 'courtesy' replacement.

I didn't get my clock-spring replaced because of them saying my VIN wasn't covered even though other '05s were.

The new frame has been great, no problems other than the heat shield falling off.

I only wish that winter would stop so that I can clean it up and Fluid Film it!!

 

I had the frame on my 03 Tacoma inspected years ago when I first heard about the "Campagin". The frame passed the inspection and they applied rust-proofing.
Last week the top of my rear shock absorber broke off the frame. It was the frame that broke, not the shock. Called dealer and he asked me to bring it in for another inspection. The truck was deemed unsafe to drive. Besides the shock, there were other holes in the frame. They took the photos, made out the report and sent it to Toyota. Toyota gave the go-ahead to replace the frame and I was given a sweet Venza Sports Wagon as a loaner.
The dealer came up with a list of suggested part replacement which totaled close to $6K! (attached) I told them I just wanted to replace the shocks and to leave everything else as-is. I wanted to purchase Bilstein shocks and have the dealer install them as part of the rebuild. Even though the shocks would be off anyway the dealer wants to charge me $222 in labor to install the Bilstein front shocks I would provide. Seems like double dipping to me. I know the front shocks are more involved than the rear but $222?, come on!

 

UPDATE
Frame rust - replacement
Just a FYI update to all you guys- There (was) not a speck of rust on my frame until last week i noticed a spot around both cats. The drivers side was flaking worse so i touched the spot just back from that rectangular hole. A whole piece of frame intact with the paint on it fell off into my hand. It's just bigger than a half dollar. So unless you can spray something all around the whole length of both inside layers of the boxed frame, your not getting to the root of the problem. if i had a newer one, i would also put a heat shield between the cats and the frame. I think maybe when the truck sits idling and such it may burn off any (if any) protection on the inside. Also when it does this condensation may be forming on one of the layers of the inside frame and of course reacting with any salt that may be in there to make things even worse. As my truck stands now, my R.I. dealer also wants the $1000 deductible. My truck was not deemed unsafe to drive. Not sure what to do yet- wait for possible recall or get it done and if a recall comes out hope to be reimbursed.

 

What is the deductible for? And don't worry you won't be reimbursed.

 

i Found an 8" or larger rusted spot under the area where the cats are on the frame. Not happy.

 

What exactly is "sprayed a penetrating grease" ? How can you get it inside the frame ? The frames seem to rust from the inside out ? Thanks for any reply.

 

It's like a wd-40 but thicker when it dries, leaving a thin coat of grease. It is mixed with something in the can so it is easy to spray, and when it comes out the one chemical evaporates and leaves the grease. I know ZEP and Wurth make the products. I get it at my work. You can go to any garage or body shop and ask if they can get it for you. About $18 a can and 2 cans should do it. The point is, there is no way to spray the inside of the frame. You can maybe get some spots where there are the factory cut out holes and hope it creeps a little. frame design totally sucks. A thicker C channel frame would be better.

 

Thanks for the answer. My 2000 rusted from the inside out so the problem is the same. Thanks again.

 

My '06 frame is being replaced as we speak. Kinda upset that the problem is still around, but positive side it'll be like a new truck at 145k. So there is a recall in the northeast belt, to any and all up here with 2nd gen.

 

hmm...my '06 has some surface rust and some mild flaking...it was a Pennsylvania truck but I'm in Virginia. I'm almost afraid to do anything preventative to it just for the fact of a possible frame replacement.