2005 tacoma 2nd gen terminal frame rot rust cancer

To be sure, there are fixes to be considered.

Right now it is flagged as unsafe by the dealership and they are investigating options, incl redress from Corporate.

I'm assuming we're not going to have a sit-down until after 1 Jan 2013.

 

Great news. Best of luck getting this issue fixed by Toyota!

 

The frame on my 2001 was replaced by the dealership at no charge to me.
I was covered by the factory.

The mechanic did see the bill sent to Toyota.
Approx. $12,000.

I didn't pay anything other than what I had them replace while the truck was apart.
Shocks, struts because the labor was free.

 

Hi,

I'm up north in Ottawa, Ontario and am dealing with the same situation. I brought my truck in on December 21 after hearing some odd noises under the hood and was told that one of the engine mounting bolts had failed. The tecnician said it wouldn't take too long to fix, but as it was over the holidays it would take a few days to get the parts. Well they never called me back so I gave them a call on the 24th. I was told they hit a "snag." The technician found a rust hole in the frame just below where the mounting bolt failed. I was told it was undriveable and a case had been opened with Toyota Canada. Well I'm still waiting for a reply and haven't discussed a loaner to date. I'm the second owner of this truck, it is originally out of New York and has less than 100 000 miles. I was told by the dealership that we're looking at a frame replacement and I haven't dared to ask the cost if Toyota doesn't cover the bill.

If you could follow up with the outcome of your query I'm very interested to hear the results.

 

Not sure what the Dealer is going to do for you... but if they don't help you out, and only offer to get you into a NEW toyota with a trade in.... I'd look at getting the frame repaired by a shop that specializes in these repairs. I had a car done once for under $200.00. It rotted through the front frame section, and was pushed into itself over 4" (following a front end collision with a tree).

Ultimately, I'd have it fixed, then coat the entire undercarriage and inner body panels with oil of some kind. I use recycled motor oil for mine.... but it's not a very popular option for most Environmentalists....

I can say though, living in North Eastern Canada, where road salt is used liberally, my 98 4Runner is well coated, and has a frame that is solid. My Tacoma is undergoing the same treatment every fall.....

I hope you get the outcome you're looking for.

 

I was involved in the frame rust problem for 1995.5-2004 Tacomas.
1995-2000 Tacomas were bought back because the frames were no longer being produced.
2001-2004 Tacoma trucks, the frames were available. A rusted (hole in the frame) frame got you a new frame, along with the work and parts needed. (Frame, rear springs, e-brake cable, brake lines, LCA, hardware and the labor to do the job. All free.)

They are also replacing Tundra frames now with the same problem.

Looks like the problem didn't end with 2004 trucks and now catching up with 2005 and newer.

If they opened a case, I'd say they might be thinking of replacing your frame. It did come from NY, one of the original problem states listed.
If they replace your frame, chances are it will be free.
If so, they will have to remove the exhaust and shocks. If you buy a new set from Toyota, you'll then have their life-time warranty on those two items. (It makes for a quicker job when they don't have to remove the rusty stuff.) It's free labor for you.

When my replacement was done (took 4 days), I ran the truck through the car wash and then dropped it off at the local Ziebart location and they "rust-proofed" it. My frame warranty runs until 2016. (Toyota gives you 15 year extended frame warranty from when the truck was put into service.)
Truck was running fine (99K at the time). While everything was out of the truck, I replaced the clutch. Easier when out of the truck.

Good luck. They took care of me.

 

Wow!! This has me worried about my truck now

 

sorry to hear that. It seems like the engine mount issues are more prevalent /well known right now and that the premature frame failure is increasing in frequency -- and will do so as the months elapse.

can you tell us what year truck you are in please?

I will keep this thread updated on outcomes & activism.

we are not writing off our investment in this truck.

we have just purchased a second-hand vehicle to get us out of a rental because the Taco was our only ride.

 

Hi,

I'm in a 2005 Crew Cab TRD Offroad. Spoke to the dealer on Friday and they say they haven't heard anything from Toyota Canada yet. I'll be talking to them on Monday - fingers crossed for a confrontation free outcome.

 

I own a first gen but I am curious to see how Toyota steps up to handle this guy's situation. Im headed out to spray some Eastwood Internal Frame Treatment right now- better safe than sorry...Hopefully either the dealer or Toyota will step up to help you out guy. FWIW it seems like all companies are having some rust issues with the new chemicals on the road but Toyota is doing more to stand behind their trucks than any other manufacturer. I realize it seems as though Toyota has more of a problem, and they do; but they also do way more than other brands to make these situations right. Good luck and we will be watching.

 

the frame part number for my truck is 51001-04480

other frame assemblies are noted here as well:
www.midatlantictoyotaparts.com/parts-catalog/toyota/tacoma/2008/base/4-0l-v6-gas/body-hardware/frame-and-components

It shows at discounted prices on the sites of a number of retailers, (1500 off in some cases), I wonder what shipping would be.

 

I know this has nothing to do with the frame but I bought a new 2013 Tacoma and whats different about this one vs the other 2 I had is when I look underneath the truck the bottom of the whole cab is painted black with this thin semi rubber coating and it looks like it had to be done before they put the cab on the frame or the factory just did a good job of not getting it on the other components. My other 2 trucks it was the same color underneath as the color of the truck. My point is maybe the newer ones have more protection underneath due to all these issues.
FYI i bought the truck with 4 miles on the Odometer

 

we don't expect to incur the costs of a frame swap. we would never be able to get out of the truck anything close to what we would then have in it.

the truck remains on the dealer lot.

dealer has asked us to make direct complaint to the regional TMC people. we are in the process of doing that. I plan on copying that to national and japan as well.

Also currently communicating with a lawyer, the BBB and the state Attorney General's office.

so, no progress yet.

I continue to develop a plan for online and offline action -- in my head for now.

The post about the frame part number relates to trying to find out if there are actually any available in the USA for order. Our dealer says there are not; I'd like to test that and am checking with an out of state dealer who's been helpful on parts.

We were up at our dealers the other day and there were 2-3 Tundra (I think) frames (all black coated) sitting outside the shop doors.

 

They are still doing frame swaps on rotted first gen tundra's I believe. There is also a special undercoat put on the dealers puts on the frame if it passes tech inspection (no holes after test)

Closing in on a month and no action yet, pretty f-ing sad Toyota

 

Hmm, need to crawl under my '05 and take a closer look.

 

BTW - I have confirmation that our Tacoma was manufactured in November of 2004.

also: the out of state dealer not involved in our case at all says: "showing the part as not available currently" in reference to my request to see if it would be possible to order a replacement frame.
This confirms what our dealership said.

 

Any updates from anyone? Saw the following which reminded me about this thread...

http://www.reddit.com/r/Justrolledintotheshop/comments/16ujob/tundra_frameguy_got_lucky/

 

"reddit"

Man, that's all harsh.
For sure I'm Eastwooding my frame come paint weather

 

nothing new to report. truck remains on dealer lot. we are kicking letters out to corporate right now.

 

Sucks theyre dragging along on this.