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Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem

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Comments

  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    I think you would be able to tell if you ran it up on ramps and looked. Our muffler guy told us. Remember you still have extended warranty right?
  • kelokelo Member Posts: 5
    It has not been taken away. I just asked because I have read that some dealers were not extending beyond the initial 30 days and others were only telling customers they would only have the loaner for 20 days. I'll keep you all updated.
  • sadtacomasadtacoma Member Posts: 1
    This seems like a good forum to throw my 2 cents in……….Like some of you, I traded my 1999 Tacoma limited (only 142k) and bought the Highlander in mid January 2008 because my mechanic told me that the entire passenger side frame of the Tacoma had rotted out. Until recently did I discover through the news that there was an announcement by Toyota that they initiated a warranty extension and possible 150% buyback for Toyota Tacoma owners. However, as I spoke with Toyota, that this would not be the case for former owners. I wrote a letter to extend a full explanation of this past trade-in and purchase of a new vehicle in hopes that Toyota would see that I would be deserving of a fair and satisfactory monetary compensation similar to what all the other owners are receiving for their Tacoma. I would not complain, nor would I have wrote the letter if I sold my truck years ago or before this problem was discovered. The frame rust perforation issue was, first and foremost, the only reason I traded-in my truck and purchased a new vehicle. My plan was to keep the Toyota Tacoma for as long as I could. Toyota evaluated my letter and offered me $200 over the trade-in and $500 for the Highlander. I am still upset over this and have not taken their deal. I know other former owners have been shafted as well, but has anyone done anything else about this? I would be interested in hearing others opinions. I can be emailed at Jwestfordrock@comcast.net :mad:
  • muradsaymuradsay Member Posts: 2
    When I heard about this mess I was immediately under my taco with a flashlight and a screwdriver, looking for perforations, cracks, sheets of metal peeling off the frame. I saw none of that. I did see that the frame's coating was coming off in sheets and that rust was getting a good start. FYI: I live in Maine and winter salt is a reality. So, I was pretty surprised when the service dude came out to the waiting room yesterday and told me my beloved taco had failed and they would be initiating the buy-back program.
    I hear the fellow's pain around having a good truck, been to hell and back, through 10 Maine winters, 4 wheeling in Utah, lots of memories....and was thinking it was good for another 150k or another ten years. I actually teared up, just a little, when he broke the news. And, no I can't afford a new one to replace it.
    What I want to know, is how the hell Toyota let over 800,000 trucks get through the build process without the right coating on their frames. What is the story about how this monster screw-up happened?

    BTW: my understanding is--as of now, but subject to surprises--that the buy-back is based on 1.5x KBB......so a truck owner might feel almost okay about that, in some ways anyway. And, I am taking the Leer cap, tow frame, lights, and the aftermarket alloy wheels (with almost new tires) off before I turn it in. Damn right.
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    you're right damn right.

    almost like they are rotting from the inside out. february we get new tires and everything is fine. may we get a baffle on the muffler fixed and half the frame is junk! and we have an 01!
  • 2001taco2001taco Member Posts: 14
    We took our 2001 Tacoma in last month . It failed no problem . Now we less then a week from our rental being up . They will not give us any information. I guess Toyota really does not want us as a repeat customer!
  • quazi222quazi222 Member Posts: 3
    I also failed frame inspection with a 2001 tacoma xtra cab they told me today a 100% and thats it !!! I am furious still owe 7000.00 on it what do I do now?????just be prepared when they only offer 100%
  • mysportmysport Member Posts: 19
    Hi,

    I've been watching these posts for a while now and was wondering if it was true that the 2002's were effected too? I don't see a lot of rust except for a spot on my rear bumper chrome. Is the only way to tell when you bring it to the stealership? I live in the NE and love my taco. It has 112K mi on it and I want it to keep running till 200K.

    Should I be concerned?
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    i have seen a 2002 fail inspection. my dealership said they willl inspect and if it fials you don't have to pay for the service. apparently they used scrap metals up to the 2002s. i think someone even marginally knowedledgeable could tell you if you might have a problem. they are rusting from the inside of the frame first so you really have to get underneath them.
  • releaserelease Member Posts: 8
    I hope nobody accepts 100% KBB. Why would the older models receive a different compensation package than the newer ones (other than the fact that it is cheaper for Toyota). Clearly, this is evidence that the whole buyback program has little to do with taking responsibility or they would compensate us all fairly and equally.
  • 13gunbunny13gunbunny Member Posts: 4
    Well, I took it in, as suspected they failed it...The people at the dealership have been criptic and have the same "case-by-case" reply..They did give me a rental and didn't say how long i can have it or when Toyota will get back to me..
    Pretty frustrating...I would be happy as a clam if they did the 150% and am going to be [non-permissible content removed] if they come back with the 100%.

    Anyone get a hard offer from Toyota on an 01 buyback? Can you negotiate the price?
    If so, how long did it take?
  • dvincentdvincent Member Posts: 1
    I have the same problem. I bought a 2001 Tacoma a few days ago from a dealership (now I know they're crooks). I thought it needed shocks and took it to be looked over at my garage. Frame is rotted and has been patched in the past. I went right back to the dealership and they wouldn't make good on the truck. They insist the frame is just fine (even though I can push right through the steel in places. I'm sick. I'm going to a Toyota dealership tomorrow. I don't know where to turn.....I now have a loan for junk. Pieces (chunks) of rust were falling off while I was driving down the road! I never noticed it while test driving the thing.
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    omg! what state? check your lemon laws. threaten, bager and nag. complain to the attorney general and whoever will listen.
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    :mad:

    lets get real people! on the 01's and newer. who has ideas on what we can do to make some noise? and make a difference! we need to assemble. does anyone know an attorney that would point us in the right direction. i can't keep listening to these stories. toyota knows that they used bad stuff in the 01 frames and they know exactly what trucks they used it in. it is not a coincidence that all these 01s are failing inspection.

    i have said before. everyone should file a complaint with nhtsa and the center for car safety and their states attorney general.

    we have been without a truck since may 13. it seems more and more people with the 01s are logging on every day.

    we should be able to do more. my friend suggested contacting tv stations. i might just do that in my area.
  • jbclimbsjbclimbs Member Posts: 6
    Ah? because they are older and not worth as much?

    So you don't think it's fair that someone that's driven their taco longer and further, or might not have the options others have should get less then those with newer vehicles where people have paid more for them. The fact that Toyota is taking responsibility for this may be marketing and in the long run may make them more money. It's a very smart move on their part. Please don't condem them for attempting to make money and save as much loss as possible. That's the way commercialism works! Oh wait, I'd bet your an Obama voter!
  • totouchantlertotouchantler Member Posts: 11
    Okay.....Just got word from the third party rep. $12,000 for my 1999 tacoma short bed 183K. Just signed my offer and scanned and e-mailed it back to the rep. Should have check in hand in 7 to 10 business days.

    I have no idea why you guys are getting the run around on the 01's and later models. If anything shouldnt you be getting more money than someone like me????
  • mrbill1957mrbill1957 Member Posts: 823
    I've followed the complaints of frame rust since the beginning. It took a while before Toyota announced the recall on the 95-2000 models. If your 01 is still safe enough to drive, my suggestion is to hold off for a bit while Toyota decides what to do with the 01+ Tacomas. If the extent of the problem is as wide as it is with the 95-2000 models are, they may extend the 150% buy back to these as well.

    Mrbill
  • kelokelo Member Posts: 5
    Offer letter signed and faxed back yesterday for $15,900+ to buy back our 2000 Tacoma xtra cab, off road package. Truck was inspected w/130k+ miles on it. We should have the check in 7 to 10 days. They moved pretty quickly, it was only 3 business days between the time we had the truck inspected and the offer letter arrived (they called us on day 2 and left a voicemail message stating they had overnight the offer letter). I hope the speed of this process continues to travel in this same path and we'll have the check by the end of the week. We already have a new Tacoma on deposit. Although my husband LOVES his old truck and planned on having it for another 100k miles, he can't wait to take the new baby home. Course my daughter is disappointed, she's been trying to talk him into buying a new truck for 2 years so she could take the old one back to college with her. It will probably be another 3 years before he lets any of us drive it (that's what happen with the last one).
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    recd word today that they are still working on our claim. this is the 3rd msg of this type. and that the person handling our claim will be out for a week. well oh joy!
  • mehuntermehunter Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone heard of any 2002 Tacoma crew cabs being recalled?? I was wondering if I should schedule an inspection for my truck.
  • halifax69halifax69 Member Posts: 1
    My '01 extended cab has wicked frame rot (and in the rear bumper and tailgate) ... 150k miles, was expecting to go another 100k at least ... I hope Toyota takes care of us.
  • kentuckytookentuckytoo Member Posts: 4
    me and my husband sent our last payment in on november of 07 for our 2000 tacoma acess cab,extended bed,tow package,4x4 with 101k miles.(took so long because it started as a lease,and then bought it.BIGGEST MISTAKE we made,ended up paying a whole lot more)anyway we didnt know anything about the rust issue until are local news reported about it.WE NEVER RECIEVED ANY LETTER. so we took the truck to local dealer for inspection on june 17,was schocked it failed. We have no problems with truck in 8 years,besides oil changes and plugs once. but anyway they said that toyota rep would contact us and sent us home in our truck. Asked person if it was safe to do this,he said oh yes. We were not offerd a loaner or anything, we didnt sign no waiver either. My husband is driving it to work every day.I worry something might happen.Anyway I was wondering if they let you drive your truck after it failed.I hope we have a smooth transation as you did.
  • releaserelease Member Posts: 8
    Iam under the impression that you should be issued a loaner for 30 days (which you could probably have extended if they haven't completed the buyback). As far as driving the car, I was given the option of either driving mine home or accepting the loaner (I chose the loaner) but was told that I would need to sign paperwork if I was going to take it. If you are worried, I would get back in touch with them.
  • kelokelo Member Posts: 5
    Yes. We did drive our truck home and was given the option for a loaner. We needed the truck for some pre planned items so they gave us a waiver to sign and we'd have the longer waiting for us next week. If all goes well, we'll only need the loaner for a few days before the check is ready. Go back and question them about it. You should of been offered the loaner and signed a waiver if you took your truck home.
  • donnyxdonnyx Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2001 Tacoma for which they've offered me kbb + $2k plus 1000 to buy another Toyota of any kind. Almost 3 weeks since they told me it would be about 2 weeks to finish this. Not thrilled with the offer but stuck in needing a drivable vehicle and needing to get this over with since it started in April. It seems now that they're only now offering Kbb + 0? Hard to believe that they've lowered their lower offer now but they've dicked me around enough that I suppose I can believe any stupid thing they do. I guess they think 2001+ owners are stupid or sheep.

    Best idea I've heard about for fighting back beyond lawyers and filing complaints is picketing dealerships. I've heard this worked against Toyota in cases involving engine sludge failures. Picketing can hurt sales and maybe get on tv too.
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    did anyone catch the news tonight on channel 4? good job channel 4 for re-reading the toyota press release. where is the news in that? i guess it gets the word out there to owners who don't already know but really only half the story. what about all the owners of 01s and 02s etc? they should have told people that just because their tacoma wasn't in the buyback years doesn't mean that it isn't possible that the frame isn't rusted.
  • stormpupstormpup Member Posts: 2
    If you opt to take the 30 day loaner, then complete the settlement in less than 30 days, can you keep the loaner for the full 30 days? Or, must you turn it in after receiving the check?
  • stormpupstormpup Member Posts: 2
    I have a 1997 tacoma which i have had frame rot repairs done twice prior to 3-08. This was pretty costly, about $1,700 , and was needed to pass
    NH state inspection. Just wondering if anyone else has had frame rot repair bills and was reimbursed for them by toyota?
  • yotafeller98yotafeller98 Member Posts: 3
    where did you take your truck?
  • yotafeller98yotafeller98 Member Posts: 3
    how bad is to bad you thiink for them to buy it from you?
  • kelokelo Member Posts: 5
    Good news, meeting with Toyota Rep on Thursday to sign the final paperwork and check. Looks like we'll have the new truck on Friday. Good luck to you all, I hope you all have a quick resolution.
  • muradsaymuradsay Member Posts: 2
    While I have been waiting to hear from the Toyo rep on how much they will give me for my '99 X-tra cab SR-5, I was on the Honda lot and a salesman told me that one dealership was using NADA to calculate the value--which is a lot higher--and others use Kelly BB. By my calculations, and those of a Toyo salesman who said he's been pretty close, I would lose almost $1500 by letting them use Kelly.

    But, this all sounds kind of odd. Wouldn't you think that it was the regional Toyo rep and corporate HQ that would be setting the policy on this?

    Also: as you might expect, there are people in this area--Maine--who are going around and buying Tacos from unsuspecting sellers, and then getting them into the buy-back program. One fellow has sold back SEVEN trucks. Sheesh. Human nature I suppose.
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    right, i have never heard of dealerships using nada for trade-in's. wouldn't that be nice. anyway yah i don't think the buy back price is figured by the dealership. isn't there an outside contractor is...something that toyo hired for all this?

    i know someone who bought a 99 to do the very same thing. ha it passed the inspection! i guess he should have gotten under it before he bought it da.
  • yotafeller98yotafeller98 Member Posts: 3
    if you wanted your tacoma to be bought from you where would you take it in kentucky?
  • doug70doug70 Member Posts: 4
    Well, I have a 98' tacoma here in the NE. 119,000K but after replacing leaf springs brakes brackets etc... I still passed inspection in Johnstown NY!. Since I will still have it for the time being I mind as well replace the rear bumper.. Anyone selling one?? probably not bc they all rust. . I can purchase it for $300/chrome new.
  • gammaphi74gammaphi74 Member Posts: 1
    I live in upstate NY, bought my 98 brand new in oct 97. Have the frame, doors, box walls and gate sprayed every year for about 80 bucks a pop. Not a mark on her with over 150 thou on. The only thing I have ever replaced is the muffler (once) and two brake jobs. Truck is solid as a rock and long paid for. I feel your pain, but amazing what a little preventive maintance will do. I highly recommend the spray job. I got the first one done at a rust check dealership but I found that my local walmart will do it for a third of the price. Just something to think about with you "new" trucks and your "new" payment plans.
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    i think you can. you should email toyota cust svs on the toyota.com website. they got back to me pretty quick (even though now i am waiting almost 2 months). they may want to inspect it though, which i have heard can take a long time for the second inspector to come out. we happened to get lucky and call the day before he was going in to that particular dealer.

    be persistent.

    luck
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    that's a nice added expense. i suppose it works BUT the point is TOYOTA messed up.
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    i don't think it works that way
  • kentuckytookentuckytoo Member Posts: 4
    we recieved our offer today from toyota for our 2000 tacoma acess cab 4x4 extended bed tow package. it was 15,400. Have not accepted yet,thinking about it.The truck was worth more to us since we just got finish paying it off in november. we been trying to buy a 2008 tacoma but it seems like the dealers here have inflated the price. It is not fair , they know the former owners of the recalled tacomas would want another tacoma.We are so discussed with whole thing. I t been one big pain.We went and looked at some honda ridgelines,was very impressed,you can more truck for less money. We are probaly buying the honda.SO THERE TOYOTA YOU LOST ANOTHER FAITHFUL CUSTOMER.
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    first of all if you are seriously considering buying another toyota ASK what incentives they will give you in addition to your buy back check. you never know what they will come back with.

    second regardless of whether you buy another toy or not; if the offer isn't what you thought it was going to be (basic math) by looking up what you think the kbb is and taking 150, tell them and why. i read about someone going back and saying no because it wasn't what they calc at and they showed them how they got the numbers and toy changed their offer.

    honda is a good motor. :):)

    yeeeessss the whole thing is disgusting. :(:(

    best to you.
  • hockeyeasthockeyeast Member Posts: 43
    Nice to see that I wasn't the only one finding this out. Some dealers did inflate the price. They lost me as a customer after I had 2 tacomas in the last 10 years. I bought a nissan frontier and so far so good. I don't blame toyota in calif., they have stepped up and were very good to me. The dealers suck!!!!
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    Just got an offer from Toyota for our 2001 double cab 4wd tacoma. it has the trd offroad pkg and we have a supercharger in it that we put in before we even drove it off the lot and have been saying all along that we want something for it. We were told before that they prob wouldn't consider it and looked like we were only going to get 100% kbb which was only around 7500. and drum roll please..................they just offered us $14,161 and an extra grand if we buy another toyota. they said it would be a couple of weeks, okay we all know that means 3 or 4 but we are very happy with this numbr.

    every one wiht 01 and NEWER; keep pushing for that number that you want!
  • 13gunbunny13gunbunny Member Posts: 4
    14K IS 100% KBB.....I have the same 01 double cab WiTHOUT TRD/Turbo and it books for that!!???
    It has been 3 weeks and I have heard NOTHING!

    ETA...how many miles on it?
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    what do you mean 14k is 100% kbb?

    it has 170k and the kbb is about 7775 wihtout the supercharger. it took almost 2 months for us. clearly they gave us something for the super charger say about 1700 and they gave us 150%! i think that is good news for everyone else with an 01.
  • 2001taco2001taco Member Posts: 14
    My 2001 Kbb is 12,995 that is only 100 % I would take that ...It has been almost 5 weeks and we still have our rental and have NOTHING from Toyota! I guess we are just stuck waiting for them..This has been a discouraging process...everytime I call ..."We can tell you anything more because you are a 2001 owner" is all I ever hear....I guess they really want to make sure I never want another Toyota truck!
  • tylorkittytylorkitty Member Posts: 18
    HI, Ok, I had to do it, inspection was due and registration....... I KNEW I had gaping holes.... brought my 2000 Tacoma Extended Cab, 163, 700 miles on it.
    left dealership Wednesday June 25th 10:30 am EST . Received call from ISG on Monday June 30th 10:45am EST saying an offer letter is being overnighted and if I do not receive it within 2 days to call them back at an 1-866 number. THIS SUCKS!!!!!!! I am sitting here waiting.............Dealership in Southern NH was good, got me a rental with Enterprise, a DODGE!! EWWWW 2008 Dodge Nitro, I am so :mad: :cry: lost without my Taco!!!!
  • cgranbergcgranberg Member Posts: 23
    you must have low miles? do you have lots of options? and doesn't it go by your zip code too? ours kbb must be low because of the miles. do you think?

    you should hear soon. it was 7 weeks for us. call again and ask them if they changed their policy on the 01s yet. the dealership said to me when i talked to them saying the 01 was not in the buy back "well not yet". i would call again. it can't hurt.\

    good luck. i'm sure you will do good. keep posting. i'd like to hear.
  • tylorkittytylorkitty Member Posts: 18
    MY TRUCK WAS TAKEN JUNE 25th 10:30 NH Dealer :

    Well UPS just showed up, 7/1/08... offer was NOT what I had hoped for. :mad: My truck is a 2000 extended cab, SR5 with Power steering, casette/cd player, 4wd big 4 cylinder auto, sliding rear window...... they def are taking mileage into consideration. KBB with 100 miles in excellent retail is at 11k, but when you change it an add the 163k miles it drops to $9k. NOT happy, plus I had spent over 4k on adds on like alarm, electric start, runnning boards, fender flares, tonneau cover, sprayed bed liner etc etc. Offer was only $14,500.

    This whole thing sucks.
    UNHAPPY IN SOUTHERN NH
  • 2001taco2001taco Member Posts: 14
    I have 95,000 miles on the truck and it is loaded ...Spent the money to up grade the truck!!...To bad it did not last!!
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