2002 Tacoma Rusted Frame

I purchased the 2002 Tacoma 10/9/2013, I noticed some of the recall repairs had not been made by the previous owner, I took it to the dealer, 10/29/2013 for the necessary repairs. I was informed by the Toyota service guy, using a hammer, that my frame was crumbling and I would be needing a new frame as well. I called Toyota Customer Service numerous times and all I ever got was, I'm sorry, and how they were well aware of the corrosion problem with the frame on the 2002. The rust problem on my Tacoma is so severe, the truck is starting to buckle, no space between the cab and the bed at the top. It is in such bad shape no one will put it on a lift! It will be the complete and single cause for the demise of my truck, and quite possibly myself. I had just bought the truck. I will be driving the Tacoma when the frame breaks apart and I will probably die. 9/11/17 I wrote James Letz, CEO of Toyota, and manager of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing, 6781 Headquarters Dr., Plano, TX 75024, I stated, "I followed the corrosion prevention in the Owner's Manual. The quality of the frame on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma is inferior due to inadequate rust protection at the factory." 9/28/17 I received a response by phone, (972) 324-7000, from Grand Prairie, TX. He told me there was a recall letter sent out to the owners of 2002 Tacomas, informing the owners to check for rusting and corrosion on the frame, and they could bring the truck in for a rust prevention spray; however, it expired 2011. They obviously know how severe the problem is. I told him I was scared, and he answered, "I understand I would be too." He led me to think nothing was going to be done, but it was up to the Engineering and Manufacturing department, oddly enough, that is Mr. Letz! Where is the "Genuine Toyota Quality?"
I have filed a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration @SaferCar.gov and @CarComplaints.com

 

Classic case of you snooze you lose. How do you not notice the state of that frame for four years? You really should stop driving it before you expose yourself to a civil liability via an accident where someone gets hurt or killed.

 

Actually I didn't see how bad it was until the service guy started hitting it with a hammer shortly after I bought it, and I have been working on the problem ever since. The truck is a liability and a risk.

 

There is no recall. There is an extended warranty. It is good for 15 years from date of first use. You can find date of first use on a website, thought I don't recall which one. You'll need to plug in your vin. Where you are matters, too. If you are in one of the 20 cold-weather states the truck has to have also been inspected and sprayed by Toyota before a particular date to maintain it's eligibility in this warranty program.

Given what you're being told I'm going to guess that you're in one of the 20 states and that the preventative measures were not taken.

 

Thank you. Yes I was told that letters were sent out to the original owners and the option expired in 2011. However, some original owners never received their letter to have their truck sprayed and to extend their warranties.

 

If your truck was sprayed/coated by Toyota prior to the deadline in 2011 then it should qualify for the frame replacement for 15 years from the in-service date of the vehicle (2002). That would mean that it expires sometime this year, so it's likely already expired but it can't hurt to check. If it wasn't sprayed/coated by Toyota previously then unfortunately there's nothing they're going to do for you. Can't hurt to plead your case, maybe they'll make an exception but I wouldn't hold my breath on it.

 

A 2002 truck will have the warranty expire sometime this year. Mostly. What state are you in?

 

Ohio

 

I say cut your losses (liability). Junk it and buy something else. You could stand to make a bit of money if you piece it out. People on here are always looking for 1st gen parts. I know its not what you want to hear but I don't think Toyota is going to open itself up by admitting liability on a 15yo vehicle in the rust belt.

 

I would if I were financially able. I buy Toyota's because I thought they were reliable and had good customer service, but I guess I was just lucky with the other Toyota's in the past.

 

Sad to hear this happened, I'm not sure why the owner didn't disclose this issue with you. Hopefull you'll be able to find another frame to swap it over.

 

Sell it as is don`t scrap it if you were close and we could agree on a price I would buy it .

Nothing that can`t be rebuilt .

It is 15 years of winter most any truck looks like that if it did not have constant attention

 

Ohio is definitely one of the 20 states designated by Toyota as cold-weather. About all you can do is all Toyota USA and ask them if the truck had been inspected and undercoated in accordance with the warranty requirements. But, it sure sounds like it wasn't.

 

Unfortunately, this is a well known issue, Toyota actually stepped up to the plate on their part, but you cannot expect a company to stand behind a frame forever especially if the proper precautions were not taken. It is in fact a classic case of "bummer."

 

The frame issue really needs to be a sticky thread with just the facts such as the original copy of the PDF of the TSB. These trucks aren't getting any younger and there's now a few of these threads a month. This topic needs to be outside the buyers guide.

 

I feel for the people that buy these trucks used, not knowing what we know about these issues and end up with a paper weight because the previous owners neglected to take the proper steps (not that it's their fault either really, Toyota dropped the ball big time as far as the frame issues goes). I wasn't aware of the frame issue either when searching for my 1st gen, I got lucky with an Arizona truck though and don't have to worry much about it here in SoCal. But it could have just as easily happened to me.

 

I feel Toyota should make a bigger effort to right a wrong! The body isn't rusting, so why is the frame rusting after only 15 years? Huuum, maybe no rust protection.

 

This is and was a huge lawsuit Toyota is still dealing with today that originated with Dana Corp (the makers of the frames). Toyota sued them too. Its affected Tacomas all the way up to 2009 I believe.

 

Yeah do to lazy American corner cutting workers! (Dana Corp)
But seriously what do you want them to do? The previous owner didn't do their part. You bought someone else's problem, now Toyota is supposed to fix it on their dime? Every other manufacturer out there would just tell you "Sorry you live in the rust belt, not our problem" I feel your pain, mine has endured 10 Wisconsin winters and I think the frame is looking questionable but the stealership says its still good They sprayed it with the goo and sent me on my way. In less than 9mos. it started flaking off. Not doing much good on the ground!

 

15 is ancient for a car. The average car on the road hit a record 11.6 years this year.