2004 Regular Cab RWD Frame Recall

Hi, I'm looking at this https://madison.craigslist.org/cto/d/middleton-2004-toyota-tacoma/7001156538.html.

The guy says that the undercarriage is fairly rusty. I understand that there's a frame recall out on 2005+ frames, but I'm wondering about a 2004. Would that be covered by a Toyota recall if it's really bad?

Thank you in advance for any information.

 

Not a recall Extended Warranty

Then Toyota had a campaign in 2011 to inspect and under coat if it was not done your likely out of luck

depends on the in service date your 15 years might be expired.

 

For 2001 - 2004 Tacomas the frame replacement program was offered for 15 years after the in-service date of your truck, so your's might be just out of qualifying. Maybe not though, better get it to them quick and see if you still qualify. Also need to have a failed frame (10mm or bigger rust perforation in the frame), and if you live in one of the 15 "cold weather states" as determined by Toyota, then you had to have had your truck's frame undercoated by them prior to 2011.

2019 is the last year that any 1st gen will be able to score a new frame on Toyota's dime, probably only a handful of 2004's that still meet the criteria.

 

Thanks for your help. I'm looking to purchase but don't want to purchase if the undercarriage is bad and I can't get it replaced. I'm asking the current owner about undercoating prior to 2011, the in-service date, and the VIN to look up eligibility. We are in Wisconsin. I am assuming that's qualifies as a "cold weather state".

 

Most of the Toyota-deemed 'cold weather states' were on the east coast, but I wouldn't be surprised if WI is one of them too

 

Pass. Too risky this late in the year. My 15 year in service date just passed this week, and Im certain my truck was an end of model year closeout sale based on the paperwork the PO left me. By this time in 2004, the 2nd gens were hitting the lots, so trucks with an in service date this late in the year have gotta be few and far between. What if you buy it and there's no holes, just a ton of surface scale that will leave you with holes a year from now?

 

it is

 

one thing i was told this past week from someone formerly affiliated with a local dealership is that one stipulation of the extended frame warranty ONLY applies if YOU have owned the title for at least 1 year
(to prevent taco flipping if nothing else?)

is this true?

 

I doubt that is true because it still goes by the in service date and other criteria .

So many used car dealers and buyers are still unaware of the problems

Another rumor was that prior frame repairs disqualified you from the extended warranty

 

Nope. Run away and don’t look back. Unless it’s already set-up to receive a new frame from Toyota in writing, look elsewhere. Too much of a liability.

If you want a rust free truck buy one in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, etc. and drive it back. Do not take a chance with a truck like that.

 

Huh thought that was over. I got decent sized rust hole on the silver trucks frame by the engine mounts

 

Just about, my '04 was a year end closeout. It failed the frame inspection last month and qualified for a replacement. Waiting for it to come in right now.

 

Severe cold climate states include vehicles registered in CT, DE, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI,
MN, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WI, WV and the District of Columbia.

 

and why not MO, IA, KS, NE, SD, ND ... all border states to (MN IL WI) that are cold, have severe blizzards, ice storms and use chemicals to artificially melt ice and snow
why are these states not a part of the list, are they 'NOT IMPORTANT' or what the heck is the deal
residents of these states have crossed state borders more than likely, i know i have

 

That's not a bad thing. It's a good thing. The non-cold weather states have fewer requirements to meet for the warranty.

 

you mean like no spray requirements?
the CRC stuff

 

Right, no spray requirement. I think it still had to have been inspected, but not sprayed. Might not even have needed inspection. I can't remember anymore.

 

That's awesome!