Rusty Frame

Hello, I'm new here!

I love my truck and would like to keep it on the road as long as possible. I have an 05 Tacoma w/ about 135000 miles. Its in pretty good shape except the frame. I would have qualified for frame replacement through the class action law suit, but I was never notified about it, and it has expired.

I'm told Toyota is still replacing frames, but I'm just not sure how to get them to replace mine. The truck is going into Mountain States Toyota here in Denver to have some minor recall issues addressed. Upon frame inspection I'm hoping they'll work with me.

Does anyone out there have similar experience or advice with this matter?

Thank you!

 

Hello and welcome!

Unfortunately the frame recall was only for 12 years (so that would have ended in 2017 for your truck) and a short stint in 2018 to allow customers a final chance to go in for the recall. I don't want to say you're completely out of luck as I've heard rumors on here from people still getting a frame replaced but it is not an easy process. However this is extremely unlikely unless you know someone in the system (aka owner of a dealership) or something similar. Best option I would say is to look around for a local fabrication shop to cut out the rusty sections and weld in new plates. It won't be cheap, but if the truck is in good shape it might be worth the investment.

Best of luck!

 

for comparison to others, and possible treatment measures:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-prevention-treatment-consolidation-thread.355928/

 

Yes, they are changing frames still, but older models are now excluded.

I guess the big question about this is WHY were you not notified? If Toyota has your proper mailing address (or SHOULD have it, its supposed to be updated if you bring your vehicle in for service at a Toyota dealership), then you might be able to push them into covering it on the grounds that they SHOULD have notified you. However, if the vehicle has never during your ownership been to a Toyota dealer, then they've probably notified a previous owner or whoever now lives at that previous owner's address, and they've done their due diligence.