Big enough frame hole for toyota to recall?

Was doing an oil change on my truck, noticed some suspect areas developing. Poked right through with a screw driver in a few spots.

I may still be covered under the 12 years from dat of first use (till October). Its a 2010 truck. It goes in tomorrow for a frame inspection at the dealership. Not sure what criteria they use to decide if it's fit or not. In my opinion, this has several soft spots, ill definitely have to weld a patch or something if they don't offer a new frame.

"wetness" is from fluid film that I usually apply each oil change to particular spots that are always rusty.

 

I think the size is 10mm or larger. But do not take my word for 100%

 

This is correct. Has to be one hole 10mm or more.

My truck (see my album for pics) failed last spring. Just pushing with my finger on the 2 holes caved one in to a 1x2 inch hole.

 

Do not do this. Leaving any tool marks, or anything that suggests you opened up any rust area more yourself can give them basis to deny frame replacement if they want to be dicks about it. Toyota specifically states this somewhere iirc. Good luck.

 

Looks like it'll qualify, I got a new frame last year with a whole about that size - it only has to be 10mm.

If a dealer gives you a no, make sure you bring a ruler and show them that it is in fact 10mm or larger.
If they still say no, go to another dealer.
I had one dealer deny my replacement and another finally accept it last year.

 

I'd go corporate after a first dealer denial. Good idea on ruler esp if you have a dual metric, standard one.

 

Well, what were the results?! The suspense is killing me!

 

Truck was inspected, a hole was found. A report has been submitted to Toyota Head office to make a decision if I can have the frame replaced under warranty. I am told it will likely be a few days before I have an answer.

 

Congrats! Here’s to it going your way

 

Out of curiosity, what happened when your Frame Failed?

 

I use to work at a Toyota dealership and they would replace any frame on a Tacoma if it had any rust holes but it depends if the frame has had the recall inspection and the Toyota frame spray that protects the welds on the frame. If you have had the spray, it’s an automatic 12 year warranty on the frame.

 

I had the inspection and CRC spray done at the dealership under 2 years ago. My truck is a 2010 with date of sale in October. So I theoretically should fall in the 12 year window... but we will see what happens.

No much, they called me, told me they found a hole and submitted a report to the higher ups who will have to make a decision. I was told I could come get my truck and that it was ok to drive. They will contact me when they have an answer from Toyota.

Cheers, thanks. Fingers crossed, I'll be sure to send an update when I hear. Really hoping to have a green light, this has been a great truck and I'd like to keep it going a while yet if possible.

 

Also I forgot to mention, have you done any modifications to the frame? Because that can jeopardize the frame warranty.

 

Standard procedure, did they let you leave with the truck or a rental?

Mine was taken when I brought it in and I was sent home with a rental. The service writer said they have to take pictures and send it to Toyota no matter what but that he could "unofficially" say he thinks I'll be covered..which I was.

I found an exhaust hanger let loose in April 2021 and looked underneath. This was outside passenger rail, fit a 15mm socket and just pushing with my finger it caved in to a 1x2 inch hole.



This was where the hanger attached to the bottom of that rail, a 10mm socket would slide right in.

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Called the dealer and brought it in the next day after describing the 2 holes and measurements, they had a rental car waiting (they use Enterprise). They did the report/pics/etc and 7-10 days later got a call confirming I'm getting reframed. Was ready in 3 months, I paid for new shocks and springs all around. Had it back a year and zero issues.

You mention date of sale October, what year? 2010 I presume..if so, then you're definitely in the range as it's 12 years from the exact date it's first put in service.

 

I just had mine replaced at the beginning of the month. The dealer had their OK from Toyota the same day they inspected it. Toyota has to determine if the truck is safe to drive still at the time of inspection or before they give the truck back to you.

 

I brought my plain Jane 2007 Taco 4 cyl Reg Cab in for the frame inspection back in 2018. They would not let me drive home with it, said the frame was 'swiss cheese' - their words. They did have to go through the formality of taking pictures and sending them in to HQ for review, but they told me that I was definitely getting a new frame.

It took 2.5 months for all the parts to come in, and in that time, I was driving around in a brand new (the manuals were still in their shrink-wrap) 2018 Tacoma Double Cab with ALL the trimmings. It took most of that time to figure out the electronics ;-) If that wasn't a blatant enough attempt at upselling me to a new truck, it was the same color as mine (Impulse Red Pearl). Naturally I told everyone that I had traded up

It was nice enough, I suppose, but too big! I was very happy to get my truck back, and very very happy with the result of the frame replacement. Really felt like a new truck.

 

What else do they replace with the frame? Surely they put back in a few new parts besides the frame while they’re tearing down/rebuilding the whole truck… or do they just throw the rusted out skid plates and hangars etc right back on there?

 

I started with a Chevy Malibu, shortage. Could have had a truck in a few days but my wife was coming off meds prior to spinal surgery and loved the heated seats so I let her drive it a few weeks before getting a Nissan Frontier.

LCAs
Leafs
Brake lines
Replace coolant..might be more but I know that for a fact as mine was about due for it but they said they did.

I requested and paid for new shocks/springs but parts only, free labour.

 

So I got a response from the service manager at my dealership. Toyota has agreed to replace my frame!!!
Unfortunately I wasn't offered a loaner, and will continue to drive my tacoma for the 3-4 months it takes the parts to come in. They warned me to avoid rough roads or off roading until it is fixed.

Regardless, I am thrilled and thankful to hear this. I hope the job is done well, it looks like quite the process.

I have also diagnosed a leak in my driver side exhaust manifold today. I may try and see if they would be willing to swap those out while the engine is out if I buy the parts.

 

Awesome news OP!! Good luck!