Spare Tire Carrier Recall

Just took my truck into the dealership this morning for this recall. I was told that my spare tire carrier was showing significant amounts of rust and would normally be replaced. However, since my truck frame required a welded patch (I recently had completed), they would not replace the tire carrier. Instead, they are going to cut the cable, remove the tire and put it into the bed of my truck and give me an inflator to use in the event of a flat. I hate that my truck is not eligible for any kind of fix for the frame and now that is causing other issues. I have owned this truck from day one. Every time I contacted Toyota concerning the frame issues, I was told I was not eligible for any relief. Now this mess with the spare! I cannot believe that is the best they can do but I was told to call Toyota customer service to see what they say. Anyone else in this same boat?

 

No, but that seems like total BS. Are they telling you that because you patched "altered" the frame your out of luck? I would certainly think living in Indiana that you would be eligible for frame replacement if it's bad enough.

 

I was under the impression that a dealer or manufacturer would need to show proof that an alteration to the vehicle was the cause of said defect in order for it not to be repaired.

So if I were you, I would go back and ask how a frame patch could void a recall for a tire carrier? What is the link there? Stand firm and don't take no for an answer or go find a new dealership and then call Toyota directly.

 

Anybody got a recall number/auth #? for this. This is news to me.

 

Do you have a salvage title? And what was the frame patch for?

 

Thanks for the input! I really appreciate it.

No salvage title. Last year, I had some work done and while the truck was up on the rack, there were two places that required welding. I believe the frame had practically rusted through so I had it sent to another shop for welding. I did not feel that Toyota would help me and I didn't feel safe driving it in that condition.

Also, I should back track a bit... The guy at the dealership said they would not replace the spare tire carrier because they were afraid the cross member would rust out and therefore, drop the spare tire at some point. The welds I had done were near the cross member. Toyota will not complete any alterations to patch.

I will call Toyota Customer Service but I have very low expectations for any help. But I believe there solution to just cut the cable and throw the tire in the bed is ridiculous at best.

 

Ask them for the replacement parts and take it back to the shop that did the welding. If you were happy with their work last time, why would it be different this time, right?

Hope you get it resolved.

 

That really sucks that they won't help you. Stick with it and don't give up, if possible try another dealership. I can't help but think there's other areas of rust that should be addressed.

 

Absolutely other areas of rust they need to be addressed! That frame is a messy - pretty scary stuff happening under there.

 

Any other dealers in your area that you can take it to for a second opinion? Just tell them that you had to weld it while on a trip to make it home for safety reasons and were afraid of failure. Say its better than a failed frame and accident which would have been a lawsuit.