2000 frame rust

Just got a 2000 tacoma 4x4 and had no clue about the frame issue till after i bought the truck. I called the local toyota dealer and they said the frame recall had ended but i see some recent post on here of people still getting new frames. So is the frame recall still active or has iy ended?

 

The frame warranty is for 15 years, so yours wouldn't be covered and only applies to people who had it inspected previously. Right now people that own 2001 and made within the 15 year warranty are covered.

 

I believe model year 2000 was part of the buy back program. 1.5 times the value of the truck. Frame replacements through Toyota started with model year 2001-2008.

 

You could call Toyota customer care and give them your VIN, to see if you have any recourse but being a 16 year old Tacoma, I think that window has passed.

 

Yes the window has closed on a 2000 model year. 95.5-00 were buy backs by Toyota because replacement frames were not available for a variety of reasons. Replacement began with the 2001 model year, provided the terms of the extended warranty were met by the owner.

I had a 97 and a 00 bought back by Toyota, much to my dismay because the were great trucks with low mileage. However, My beat up 01 with 225k, had its frame replaced. My current 03 is still under warranty.

 

Also, this only applies to vehicles that reside in cold weather states where road salts are normally in use. The warranty notice included the complete list.

You don't show your location, so don't know if any of this applies to you. And, the truck could have lived almost anywhere before you owned it. My 03 came from Maine, which was certainly on the list.

The further south, the better. Run your vin number on the Toyota owners web site and you will see all the dealer service records.

 

Thats cool thanks guys yea im In TN but think the truck spent some time up north. The fram doesn't loom bad except for right in front of the rear axle in the bend. One side has allready been fixed and im going to fix the other side my self. Didnt hurt to ask tho. Figured some one would know on here.

Was in a hurry when i bought te truck so didnt have time to realy research the recalls and issues. Had a 04 f150 and the timming chain slung of and pretty much trashed the motor its a issue with that year f150 doing that. And i was fixing to start a new job so i needed a truck and found this 2000 tacoma 2.7 with 130,000 miles i got it for 8500

 

Was the fixed side a recent repair? A 2000 would have been under warranty up until 2015, depending upon the in service date. I don't remember if those early years had to be undercoated. Both of mine had failed the frame inspection the first time they went in, so I didn't get that far. My 01 failed when I brought in it for the undercoating treatment. I thought the frame was fine, but they would not let me drive it away.

The prior owner should have checked it out with the dealer prior to repairing it. It may have been bought back, and he or she would have been ahead of the game in dollars. Of course, you wouldn't own it now, but you might have another one in better condition.

 

It was a diy fix on the side already done. Actualy thinking about re doing it when i fix the untouched side. So what does a inspection at the dealer coast if i was to take it to them

 

That it needed a repair in the past does not bode well for the future. Just review the posts here and you will see how bad it can get. But many have been able to stay ahead of the oxidation with diligent cleaning and treatment of the frame. I don't think it's a bad idea to redo the old work. I would want to know where I stand in the process and would not rely on another's work without knowing how good he or she was at it. Rust is a wily opponent, and will require your ongoing attention.

I've never had to pay for a dealer rust inspection. Depending on their experience with frames, it might be good to have their opinion. My local has done many hundreds of frames, and I talked to the tech that did mine. I would trust his opinion. They will also point out every other thing that is wrong trying to sell you service. I can't afford the way they want to work on my truck. For example, I needed outer tie rod ends and they said I needed a whole new rack (3k) because they don't do tie rod ends. What a crock. I bought the parts and my mechanic did them for a great cash price.

 

This topic really needs to be made into a sticky in red. It seems like once a week someone rambles in asking questions about frame rust

 

I agree

1995.5-2000 Toyota tacomas, if frame failed inspection by Toyota garage they would buy the truck off you at 1.5 times market value and send it off to the scrap yard.

2001-2008 tacomas are getting new frames if they meet various criteria set by Toyota. If your truck passed inspection, you get a 15 year warranty on your frame from original date of purchase.

 

I am one that refused the buy back from Toyota .

To me it just was not worth the hassle just easier to build a new frame .

My Truck came from some place not to far from Waco

2 fun filled brine winters it looked like it lived in a Salt mine

 

My friend got $21,900 out of his '99 trd. Where do I sign?

 

I took the money, mainly because it was so much more than I paid. A bit short of twice what I paid for my '97. Within a month I had a 2000, which also failed inspection a year or so later. Once again, the money looked good after Toyota allowed the buyback. They had a one per customer rule back then. It then began to get harder to find 1st gens. I went out of state, to PA, to get a high mileage '01 that was beat to hell. It wasn't long before that one had a new frame, and drove like a new truck, despite looking well worn. I came across an '03 in NJ that I bought because it had many power options and lower mileage, and sold the '01 to a friend.

I can relate to your situation. I don't weld, but did most everything else on all the trucks, included upgrading the suspension on the '01, then moving all that to the '03. If I still own this after the warranty runs out I may need to give you a call. The frame looks terrible, but keeps passing inspection.