tacoma frame recall

So, found a low mileage 2002 tacoma, dealer says frame was replaced but has no proof, its not on the carfax either. dealer said they announced that the frame was replaced at the auction. checking the vin on the recall list it say it has no recalls, if the frame recall was completed would it show as a completed recall on the toyota recall site? or no recall at all.

The frame has an under coat, came from new jersey where they salt roads, spots look like the rust may be just covered with under coat i will post pictures to see what you guys think.
Thanks

 

What I have learned in the other thread is that it is not a recall. That does not look like a new frame to me but a painted/coated one and it looks like they painted over the rust.

 

The frame looks alright to me. I would say it was replaced if it’s an 02 in New Jersey. Here is a pic of my 03 that was sprayed by Toyota in 2011 and getting the fram replaced when it arrives at the dealership. This truck has always been in KY and nj I would imagine is way worse. Tap around under there and make sure. Just my opinion.

 

KY truck that was sprayed by Toyota in 2011

 

Looks like a good cover up to me. The pic of the shackles definitely look like there is something under that coating. Because it appears to be "bubbling" under the coat of paint. My Carfax report on my truck showed that in 2010 it was coated by a Toyota Dealer, so it not showing anything about it on the Carfax is definitely suspect. My advice is to Run...

 

update, i called toyota they say the frame was not replaced but was sprayed in 2014.

kytacotrd, toyota said the frame repalcement warranty has expired, how are you getting your frame replaced?

 

also, truck has 64k miles

 

His lips were moving right? That means he was lying.

Bet the auctioneer's lips were moving too.

You were wise to dig deeper, 'cause this is a Watergate frame. Full cover up.

ANY frame of interest that you suspect, beat on it with a ball peen, probe it with a big pry bar, and look inside through various holes with a borescope.

Don't take anyone's word for it. Especially if it's coated.

 

The extended warranty on the frame of this truck would have expired (IF the truck was undercoated before the deadline back in 2011 for NJ) in 2017. It apparently was not, based on what Toyota told you. You would be buying a truck without any extended warranty due to both of those factors.

Why would a dealer undercoat a vehicle with a known history of frame corrosion? Draw your own conclusions.

 

Nah, just walk away. It def looks like the sprayed a thick coat on there to protect it but best stick a camera inside the frame to see how it really looks.

 

do you guys think this under coat has been done more recent than 2014?

 

Mos Def.

 

There is no road grime on that frame. If it were from 2014, it would surely show some ware. You can also see that they sprayed over whatever grime and rust was on the frame.

The frame may be "sound", but they have to be examined from the inside out. They typically rust from the inside of the boxed in sections, but other area's are susceptible too. I never saw the rust on my '01 frame until the dealer pointed it out during an inspection. The frame was paper thin in the rear by the leaf spring hangers. Fortunately, I was under the extended warranty and the frame was replaced.

 

We are just trying to caution you about an easily overlooked/undetected condition. It should be inspected by a dealer experienced in the frame issues. Don't spend your hard earned money without knowing the condition.

EDIT: where is the truck now? You said it was a NJ truck originally.

 

thank for all the replies, i appreciate all the input, i was nervous when it looked like a rust cover up

 

Mine was sprayed in 2011. This covered me 15 years from start date of June of 03, I am covered till June of 18.

 

Hard to tell from this few pictures, but the texture underneath does indeed look weird

Try to look for things such as rusty bolts, skidplates, cab sheet metal.

These frames rust from the inside out, so it may look ok from the outside (especially when painted over like this) when they are in fact paper thin
If you can, shine a flashlight through the square holes on the frame rails and have a look.
Also, try to poke a finger or something in there. If there is rust flakes and chunks, not a good sign

Then the fact there is no proof and records of the frame having been replaced is suspicious as well

 

Thanks for all the quick replies guys, some one already bought the truck. The search continues