1996-2000 Warranty Enhancement

Posting here for general edification among owners. If anyone else has had a similar experience and has found success, I'd love some tips on any next steps I might have:

In 2008 and 2009, I received letters from Toyota Motor Sales USA informing me of a Warranty Enhancement Program and Limited Service Campaign involving 1996-2000 model year Tacomas, several of whose frames were found to be faulty when exposed to harsh winter conditions and road salt in northeastern states (including Maryland, where I live). The letters directed me to bring the truck to a dealership for a complimentary inspection of the truck's frame and application of a corrosion-resistant compound. Quoting the letter: “Participating Toyota dealers located in the states listed above will be happy to conduct this inspection and apply CRCs at no charge until 12/31/2011.”

On April 13, 2009, at the behest of the letter, I took my truck in to the same Toyota dealership from which I had bought the truck two years earlier. The service department inspected my truck and found no rust (I have the service ticket that reflects this). The service ticket also reflects, however, that the service department did not elect to apply a CRC, in direct defiance of the letter's directive in such a case (quote: “If no rust perforation is found, then Toyota will apply corrosion-resistant compounds [CRC]”). I fulfilled the terms of the warranty extension and limited-service campaign; the dealership and Toyota Motor Sales USA did not.

Now, of course, my frame is so perforated as to render the truck undrive-able and basically unsellable. I have been in touch with Toyota Motor Sales USA to see if they can help me out, and the answer has been a consistent "No" because we are past the 15-year window of the warranty enhancement. What about the dealership's failure to apply the CRC while the truck was still within the warranty window? There's apparently nothing they can do about that. Not even any sort of small goodwill credit toward a new Tacoma. So, I have a faulty frame and no prospects for any sort of compensation.

I still haven't decided what to do yet, but it's looking more and more like Toyota's failure to hold anyone accountable for this situation has cost them a lifelong customer (and all the recommendations I always make when a friend or co-worker is in the market for a truck).

Sorry, guys. It's been fun to be in this special community of Toyota enthusiasts. Hope something changes soon (so I can become a Tacoma owner again), and I also hope none of you get abused like this.

-- Forlorn in Baltimore

 

Should have raised your voice then, when the dealer refused to follow directions, and been such a demanding customer when you had the wide open opportunity.

Oh well, fuck Toyota!

Adios! Let's pass this buck elsewhere!

 

I would talk to an attorney. Period. See what your options are. You might have to pay a consultation fee. It may take just one dirty letter to Toyota to get the wheels rolling. Check around the area for a legal clinic at a law school or radio/TV show, they offer free advice.

Not sure if any of our fellow members are actual licensed lawyers in Maryland, they may tell you what you need to know on here and if you have a case. If they aren't an actual lawyer in Maryland, who has experience with this sort of thing, I would treat all other advice with heavy skepticism. Just my .02 and having to deal with "shit house lawyers" and the Masters of 101-101, where we learn that learning the basics of 101, doesn't make you an expert on anything.

Make an informed decision based on real legal advice and weigh it against your economic means. Don't give up the fight just because some-Juan told jou to, vato.

 

Lol.

You must be new to frame warranty complaining. Welcome.

 

Got my free brand new frame a few years ago, counselor. lol. I too have a Doctorate of Frameology. We should start a band!!!

 

Lots did. How many get new frames even though they didn't follow warranty retaining procedures?

Lots less.

For the band name, I'm kinda feeling "The Daydreamers." Your thoughts?

 

The probability of success may be low. But it doesn't hurt to:
1) research the issue and determine how many were successful based on the same circumstances
2) weigh how much effort and cost to find out a yes or know or maybe
3) make a decision
PeeRunner may be 100% right. But if he is not, wouldn't it be prudent to get a real answer from someone not jaded by the complaints on this site about Toyota, or other than from Toyota itself? I tend to agree that the chances are slim...but sometimes things are worth going the extra mile of digging. My Toy was.
My choice for a band name would be "Words on a Screen". We would do a Velvet Underground art thing mashed up with Walk Hard and Spinal Tap. First 200 people with Tacos get free admission and back stage passes while we frolic with the Real Housewives of 8-Mile Detroit Rock City, a new reality show to distract you from your upgrades.

 

You know what that all sounds pretty bitchin. Let's party.

 

This is the part where the Karen Carpenter music kicks in and both our toyotas cross a finish line at the same time.

 

You are gold.