2002 Frame Rot

Today I decided I would purchase a new set of bfgoodrich all terrain t/a, balanced, alligned ect. from my local VIP.


I was waiting for them to install the tires and the service manager asked me to go out back with him to look at the truck.


The technician who was supposed to be working on my truck asked me to take a look at where his flash light was, so I did. The tech than said "watch this" and put his thumb through the frame.


He said that he didn't feel comfortable putting the truck on the lift due to frame rot. He also told me about a recall that was done years ago on the frame.


Now I've looked everywhere and have not seen ANYTHING on the interwebs about a recall on the frame. Although I did heard of a friend of a friends dad receiving $10,000 for his truck with the frame rot. I have also heard that some dealers will tell you "oh sorry, there's nothing we can do"


I did see on edmunds somewhere saying that there IS in fact a 15 year frame warranty from the day the vehicle leaves the factory.



My question to you all is, What should I do? What would you do? Has this happened to any of you?

Thank you in advance!

 

Take is to your local dealer and talk with them. Yes a recall occurred. I have a letter from Toyota in my truck to take it in and let them check it. Being in NC mine was in great shape and not rusted bad at all.

 

Just do a quick search there have been tons of problems with these frames. Take it to the dealership and see what they say. I'm sure someone will chime in who might have a little more experience with frame replacement or damage.

 

Was the frame sprayed via the recall by the expiration date?

Was the vehicle originally titled in the qualifying states?

If yes to both above, you are covered for replacement 15 years from in service date. IOW by 2017

 

I had the exact same issue when I changed my tires 2 weeks ago.
I have a US Tacoma that I imported to Canada.
So after I brought it to the dealer they told me to contact Toyota Canada.
Toyota Canada told me to call Toyota USA who told me that I did not receive an invitation for frame inspection because they don't post letters accross the border.
So they told me to call Toyota Canada.
After spending a day on the phone I can tell you that the program expired in December 2012. You needed to have the frame inspected and sprayed for corrosion at the dealership prior to that date to get an extension to 15 years waranty unlimited mileage and qualifiy for a frame replacement.
As for me, they told me I could not get any help from Toyota.

So now I could just weld plates on either side of the beams for $1500. or have someone replace the frame for me ( I found a used one for $1000).

In the mean time I filed a former complain to Transport Canada ( equivalent to safercar.org in the USA). And I am considering legal action. A class action suit would be ideal but a lot of work.

 

Just got off the phone with Toyota Customer Service. The manager over there told me the same thing.

I don't understand how they can expire a safety issue.


I purchased the truck about 1 year ago for $12,000 and had no control over previous owners taking responsibility and getting the frame sprayed.



I guess my next question is:


Do I sell the truck for parts? Try to trade it in at the dealer? Or fuck someone else over and sell it as "Great condition! Low Miles!"

 

I spoke with the dealer and the Toyota rep. I also spoke with the customer support people over in California.

All 3 people turned their back.

Looks like I through $12,000 down the drain.



Waiting for the customer service managers supervisor to call me on Monday.


If all else fails, it looks like I'll be posting a Parts Truck FS. ONLY 80K miles on it!

 

Did you call corporate?

 

Leave your truck running on the street in Bridgeport, you'll never see it again.