Tacoma Frame Replacement

I have a 2001 Tacoma that had a rusted frame. The frame was replaced in 2009 along with some other parts. This repair was covered by Toyota at no cost to me. My truck was in for service today (12-10-2018) and I just received a call stating that there was a rusted frame problem. I told them that they had replaced the frame in 2010 and at that time I was told that the new frame was warrantied for 15 years from the date of installation (12-22-2009). Has anyone else encountered this issue and how was it resolved? I am waiting for a call back from the dealer and will post there reply. Thanks

 

From what I have read any claims for a frame replacement ended in 2016, so if your frame was replaced in 2009 you had 7 years after that for any warranty claims.

 

Good luck, but I'd be shocked if they started the clock over when they put a new frame on.

 

I’ve heard of people getting their replaced frame replaced again.

 

Wow. Within the original 15 years? That wouldn't surprise me as much as outside the first 15.

 

I’ve heard of it, just can’t dig the thread up.

 

My Local service manger and I have talked about the New Frames on a few different occasions .

Should be interesting this time around I hope nothing was left out of the steel specs again!!

Be nice to know where you live OP ??

I vote on Liquid brine being the cause .

Was any maintenance done to the new frame at all ??

Pictures would be wonderful !!

Best of Luck !!

 

You would think they would cover it again as it's only been since 2009. Hard to believe a brand new replacement frame is rusting out again after only 9 years.

 

My frame was replaced for free this year.

 

Wow, how close were you to the 15-year cut-off date? Between the extended longevity and higher resale value, you must be really happy.

 

14 more days and they wouldn't have touched it!

 

High Five!!!

 

Guess I need to keep up with washing and Fluid Film on my now two year old replacement frame!!

 

I hope you have that in writing............

 

Initial Problem 12/08/2009:

In early December of 2009, I dropped my Toyota Tacoma off at my local dealer (Lexington Toyota, Lexington MA) for a routine service appointment. Later that day Lexington Toyota called and stated that my 2001 Tacoma had a serious frame rust perforation problem. They stated that the solution to this problem was to replace the entire frame at no cost to me. The next day I called the Toyota Customer Service Experience Center, explained the circumstances, and asked what options were available to correct this problem. The Toyota representative opened a case number and said that they would get back to me. A few days later, I received a callback and was told that frame replacement was the only approved option and that the repurchase opportunity was not available to me no matter what the frame condition. Of course, the dealer suggested other part upgrades while the frame was off. The total cost to me when the job was completed was $1,717.77 The frame repair invoice was dated 12/22/2009.

Fast Forward to 12/10/2018:

On 12/10/2018, I brought my 2001 Tacoma into the service department of Lexington Toyota for some brake work. Later that day they called and said that my frame had selected rot and would not pass the next state inspection. They ask if they could keep the truck overnight to explore the repair options available to me. The next day the service department called me back. They stated that they had reviewed the situation with the service manager and that there was nothing that they could do for me. I explained that the frame had been replaced in December of 2009 and that the service advisor (xxxxxxxxxx) had stated to me that the new frame was warrantied for fifteen years from that day. I jokingly replied that it would probably last longer than I would. I guess I was wrong.

I purchased both of my vehicles (2001 Tacoma & 2013 Corolla) from Lexington Toyota (MA) and have always been more than satisfied with the service they provide. I have all of my repair work and yearly state inspection work done there. I am disappointed that this situation was not identified earlier when it could have been dealt with before getting to its current state. I BELEIVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT IF THE FRAME FAILS WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. MY SAFETY AND OTHER MOTORISTS SAFETY IS A RISK! If this happened to me, how many Tacoma’s and other Toyotas are out there that had frame replacements that are now defective. It looks to me like Toyota used the same substandard frames for their replacement program. I have contacted Toyota and was told there was nothing they could do. I spoke with two, customer service reps. on 01/09/19 case# 181-221-1897.

I have sent copies of all appropriate material to the NHTSA and the MA Attorney Generals Office of Consumer Affairs. iF YOU HAVE A REPLACEMENT FRAME YOU HAD BETTER CHECK IT. It may be time for another Class Action Lawsuit.