Tacoma Rust/Corrosion Issue

Yeah, we're starting to hear more, and more of these situations, and sure Toyota may not be legally obliged to do anything, but this type of thing will do major damage to their reputation.
I've said it before, if anyone reading this, just gets the CRC applied, it would be a good move to unload it ASAP. I know I would. I was one of the lucky ones that got a frame replacement.

 

I would see it as doing the "right" thing, more than legal obligation or responsibility on their behalf. At the minimum they should offer an extension, like the 2001-2004 received, seeing how these frame are defective. I have been washing and using Fluid Film, but if this truck doesn't last as long as my previous Nissan truck, which I didn't care for the frame half as well, I won't look at another Toyota truck again.

 

There is power in numbers... the more customers that don't take no for an answer the greater chance we have to make a change

 

Even if it deters some, it won't effect them very much. The 3rd gens are selling like hot cakes. Toyota probably looks at that like it had little or no impact on their sales. Only time will really tell but I think it will have less than a 5% impact. As for the ones who ended up getting frame replacements, they are happier than a pig in shit. And will continue to buy. The rest who got screwed, some will buy another Toyota others might try a new brand. What's amazing to me is people are still buying these things used, some even knowingly of the problems. Even if they don't seem too bad at the time of sale, it doesn't take long for things to deteriorate rather quickly.

 

I'm thinking you could stand out in front of Toyota America HQ with 5,000 people and protest for a month and that still wouldn't change anything. Like I said I wish you the best of luck

 

If I didn't buy this truck new and know how well I cleaned the frame, I would. I remember the service person asking if my frame came from the south, because it looked so good. I will be using Fluid film inside the frame and with the added plugs, I will take my chances, but sure don't look at Toyota the same. Maybe if I get just one spot I may weld a plate to extend the life, but think Toyota should at least extend the warranty for people like her son that paid over $16,000.

 

Just out of curiosity, how much would a frame replacement cost out of pocket?

 

Unfortunately for a lot of big corporations, money trumps moral obligation. I'm honestly surprised they were replacing half the frames they did in the first place. Would of thought the whole "accelerator" issue would have extremely hurt Toyotas rep, but it really didn't. People were watching and hearing people and their families die on the news. It really didn't effect their sales too much from my understanding. If that didn't really effect then I don't see this issue doing anything either

 

I deleted that posting because that is what Toyota is charged, but I think it would be lower for out of pocket?

 

Dealer in NY said $13,000 for frame replacement

 

Remember, they did get a 25 million settlement from Dana. I agree, and don't understand why these trucks hold there value so well. I think one of the reasons I didn't buy another Nissan truck, was because a guy at the gym used to always talk about Toyota trucks at 100,000 miles are just broken in and LOVED his truck.

 

It will take one lawyer winning a multi million dollar [or more] injury lawsuit due to a T/A with additional injuries caused by a weakened rusted out frame to cause Toyota to rethink their denial of defective manufacturing and in America, Juries tend to side with the customer/injured party, especially when there is a proven history of excessive and early onset corrosion causing extresive perforation and weakening on a part that is considered to be a main component and safety barrier to intrusion. If it ever happens, we're talking likely billions for a class action, not piddly 10's or 100s' of millions.

I'll be blunt, if I ever ended up on a jury on this matter, it would have to take magic mind tricks on the part of Toyota to make me NOT side against them simply because there is a decade of factual proof documented on how poorly made and treated their frames are. [and that isn't just the Taco, almost ALL of Toyota's SUV's and trucks have horrid rust issues on the frame as compared to ANY other vehicle manufacturer.

 

Check these links out for documents that show extended warranty:

http://www.toyoheadquarters.com/threads/2001-2004-toyota-tacoma-rust-corrosion-on-frame-csp-zth.202/

http://www.trucktrend.com/news/163-news100507-2000-2003-toyota-tundra-rust-warranty/

 

23 million would cover about 1,800 frame swaps. That's if they didn't calculate the legal fees. That would be at full retail. However Toyota is supplying the parts so the dealers aren't marking the prices up. So maybe the would cover about 2500 frame swaps? That's nothing compared to how many were effected

 

Well, how about the leaf spring recall, 690,000 Tacoma's @ $1,300 = 897,000,000 or 897 million and there was no settlement there. The defective frames should be recalled like the defective leaf springs in my opinion.

 

I agree Toyota should be fully responsible for frame swaps. These companies rake in millions. Amazing how even after payouts like that they still stay afloat. Only shows how much money they are profiting. I'm looking at possibly buying a 3rd gen. However if I actually buy and not lease I'm a little leery as to how these frames will hold up. I'll definitely coat it if I'm buying for the long haul but I want it to hold up. Only time will tell if they actually made some changes.

 

Just ordered the plugs last night. Thanks again for the heads up on those. Wouldn't have known about them without your post.

I'm also going to pick up some Fluid Film going into the fall.

 

If you end up going with the Fluid film spray kit, I can get you a discount and the lowest price Google search has found. I was thinking of going with the gallon instead of the cans, but still debating. If you buy them at http://www.kellsportproducts.com/, put "Tacoma" at the promo code and get 10% off. I know those plugs lessens the road spray that travels from the front tires through the interior frame, then sits and causes corrosion from the inside out, I'm glad it was of help to you.

 

I'm not sure why you don't get an extended frame warranty... On my recall letter, it clearly says that if I the CRC spray done, that it would extend the frame warranty to 15 years. Only difference is I live in Canada, but I dont see how that would affect the warranty.