Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Most popular vehicles
Popular New Cars
- New Acura MDX
- New Acura RDX
- New Audi Q5
- New BMW 3 Series
- New BMW X3
- New Buick Enclave
- New Cadillac Escalade
- New Chevrolet Equinox
- New Chrysler 300
- New Dodge Challenger
- New Ford Edge
- New Ford Escape
- New Ford Expedition
- New Ford Explorer
- New Ford F-150
- New Ford Focus
- New Ford Mustang
- New Honda Accord
- New Honda Civic
- New Honda CR-V
- New Honda Fit
- New Honda Odyssey
- New Honda Pilot
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- New Hyundai Sonata
- New Hyundai Tucson
- New Jeep Compass
- New Jeep Grand Cherokee
- New Jeep Wrangler
- New Mazda 3
- New Mazda 6
- New Mazda CX-5
- New Nissan Altima
- New Nissan Maxima
- New Nissan Rogue
- New Porsche Cayenne
- New Ram 1500
- New Subaru Crosstrek
- New Subaru Forester
- New Subaru Impreza
- New Subaru Outback
- New Tesla Model S
- New Tesla Model X
- New Toyota 4Runner
- New Toyota Camry
- New Toyota Corolla
- New Toyota Highlander
- New Toyota Prius
- New Toyota RAV4
- New Toyota Sienna
- New Toyota Tacoma
- New Volkswagen Jetta
- New Volvo XC60
- New Volvo XC90
Popular Used Sedans
- Used BMW 5 Series
- Used Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Malibu
- Used Chrysler 200
- Used Dodge Charger
- Used Ford Fusion
- Used Ford Taurus
- Used Honda Accord
- Used Honda Civic
- Used Hyundai Elantra
- Used Hyundai Sonata
- Used Tesla Model S
- Used Toyota Camry
- Used Toyota Corolla
- Used Volkswagen Jetta
Popular Used SUVs
- Used Acura MDX
- Used Acura RDX
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Honda CR-V
- Used Honda Pilot
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Used Jeep Compass
- Used Lincoln Navigator
- Used Mazda CX-5
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Forester
- Used Tesla Model X
- Used Volvo XC90
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Her name is Jennifer bearman. This forum has alot of information to help you, just go back through it, as I did, that is how I got info on boston channel 5. GOOD LUCK and DO NOT GIVE UP!!! tell toyota what you think about how they are trying to screw you with a new frame, keep calling them, keep writing them.
I wish I had heard from you earlier. All I've heard is that the replacement issue is the ONLY option. To the best of my knowledge, my truck is having the surgery as we speak.
Damn.
the frame replacment is a scam.
I had an 01 and fought my way into a buyback.
but the later it gets the less likely you will get a buyback.
they really are just stating a frame replacement or nothing.
I'm hoping for the 30 days and will be pursuing all avenues on the buy back.
----------------------------
Subject: Advanced Notification on Customer Satisfaction Campaign 917 – Warranty Coverage Extension for Tacoma Frame Rust Corrosion Perforation
For your advanced information, TCI will be initiating a Customer Satisfaction Campaign 917 on certain 2001 through 2004 Model Year Tacoma vehicles to extend the warranty coverage for perforation of the vehicle’s frame caused by rust corrosion.
In order to receive the warranty extension, customers must bring in their vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealer for inspection and to have a Corrosion-Resistant Treatment applied to the frame and (where necessary) any frame repairs performed.
Q1: What is the condition?
A1: Toyota has received reports regarding a number of 2001 through 2004 model year Tacoma vehicles exhibiting excessive rust corrosion to the frame, causing perforation of the metal.
Q1a: What is the cause of this condition?
A1a: The frames on a number of vehicles may not have adequate corrosion-resistant protection. This combined with prolonged exposure to road salts and other environmental factors may contribute to the development of excessive rust corrosion in the frames of some vehicles. This is unrelated to and separate from normal surface rust which is commonly found on metallic surfaces after some years of usage and/or exposure to the environment.
Q2: What is Toyota going to do?
A2: Although the vehicle’s frame is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 60,000 kilometers (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customer’s overall experience and confidence in their vehicle. To assure our customers that we stand behind the product, we will extend the warranty coverage, for a total of fifteen years/unlimited mileage from the vehicle’s in-service date, on the vehicle’s frame for this specific condition, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the owner notification letter.
Q3: Is it a safety issue?
A3: No. All iron based metallic material will eventually rust. This issue is related to inadequate corrosion-resistance protection, therefore, we believe this is a long term durability issue.
Q4: Is this a recall?
A4: No. This is an extension of the warranty coverage on 2001 through 2004 model year Tacoma vehicles for perforation of the vehicle’s frame caused by rust corrosion. This warranty extension, subject to certain conditions, will be provided for a period of 15 years with no mileage limitation from the vehicle’s in-service date, for this specific condition.
Q5: Why is Toyota launching this Customer Satisfaction Campaign?
A5: We at Toyota care about the customer’s overall experience with and confidence in their vehicle. To assure our customers that we stand behind the product, we are providing, subject to certain terms and conditions detailed in the Owner’s letter, an extension of the warranty coverage on certain 2001 through 2004 model year Tacoma vehicles for perforation of the vehicle’s frame caused by rust corrosion.
Q6: What are some of the terms and conditions of the Warranty Extension?
A6: In order for the warranty enhancement to apply, the customer must bring the vehicle to a Toyota dealer before October 31, 2010. The dealer will inspect the condition of the frame and apply a corrosion-resistant treatment at no charge to the customer. Owners of affected vehicles will receive the details of this program in the owner notification.
Q7: Does this Customer Satisfaction Campaign apply to rusted body panels?
A7: No. This Customer Satisfaction Campaign only applies to the frame of certain 2001 to 2004 model year Tacoma vehicles.
Q8: Are 1995 to 2000 model year Tacomas covered under this program?
A8: No. Toyota launched a Customer Support Program in early 2008 for 1995 to 2000 model year Tacoma vehicles.
Q9: Are there any other Toyota or Lexus models included in this program?
A9: No. This Warranty Enhancement only applies to 2001 to 2004 Model Year Tacoma vehicles.
Q10: What is Toyota’s standard rust perforation warranty coverage for the frame?
A10: Under the Toyota New Vehicle Warranty, the frame is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 60,000 kilometers (whichever comes first). This is typical practice in the automotive industry.
Q11: When did you learn about this condition?
A11: We began to investigate this issue in 2001 through 2004 trucks in the first quarter of 2008.
Q12: What is involved in the corrosion-resistant treatment?
A12: Any Toyota dealership will inspect the condition of the vehicle’s frame and apply a corrosion-resistant treatment. The treatment will be applied to both external and internal surfaces of the frame to enhance the corrosion protection of the Tacoma’s frame.
Q13: How long will the corrosion-resistant treatment take?
A13: The treatment process is an overnight process. However, depending upon the dealer’s work
schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time. During the corrosion-resistant treatment process, however, the Toyota dealer will arrange for a complimentary loaner vehicle for the customer’s use at no charge while the vehicle is being treated.
Q14: What is the warranty on the corrosion-resistant treatment?
A14: The frame on Tacoma vehicles included in this program will be covered by the warranty enhancement. The enhancement, subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the owner notification letter, is for a period of 15 years with no mileage limitations from the vehicle’s in service date for perforation of the vehicle’s frame caused by rust corrosion.
Q15: What if a vehicle has already experienced this condition?
A15: Any Toyota dealer will inspect the vehicle’s frame and apply the corrosion-resistant treatment if the frame is not perforated due to this condition. If the inspection of the vehicles confirms excessive rust corrosion to the frame causing perforation of the metal, Toyota will, at its option, either repair or repurchase the vehicle.
Q16: What is Toyota going to do if perforation of the vehicle’s frame caused by rust corrosion is found?
A16: Upon confirmation, Toyota will, at its option, either repair or repurchase the vehicle.
Q17: Is there any special consideration in the case of vehicle repurchase?
A17: In the case of repurchase, Toyota Canada will reimburse the customer for the value of their vehicle up to 1.5 times the Canadian Black Book® Suggested Retail Value or at original MSRP when the vehicle was purchased, whichever is lower. The vehicle will be assessed as a vehicle in excellent condition regardless of the vehicle’s actual condition; however, a deduction will be made for moderate damage and/or missing components. Owners will receive detailed information about the terms and conditions for this program in the owner notificat
any ideas or experience out there? I am not psyched to be one of the first to go thru this.........kinda like a surgeons first procedure...............
not good odds.
I would get in writing what is actually covered and I would specifically ask the service manager as well as your toyota case manager to answer this question.
this is why I have said all along that the frame replacement is a joke and toyota is screwing their customers.
there is no special number to call.
i lucked out because I had mine inspected and failed just prior to them coming out with the frame replacement program. they tried to tell me I was getting a frame and I said NO.
i fought and they gave in.. but i dont think that will happen now.
Didn't have to call anyone, just waited to be contacted by ISG. I eventually heard from Latonya there, who was polite and helpful and gave me an honest 150% KBB buyout offer. My local dealer was helpful throughout too, with a no-questions-asked loaner.
Just the luck of the draw, I guess. Wasn't planning on buying a new truck anytime soon, but so far, I very happy with my 09 Taco.
Hope the frame replacement process goes well for everyone stuck with it.
mention that since he is the service mgr of an authorized Toyota dealership that it might behoove him to know something about it......I say that I am hesitant to sign off on the repair without knowing that I will be covered "down the road" for any subsequent problems stemming from the frame replacement. He says : " There is nothing to sign- come pick up your truck!"
What the @%*& ! I have not received one piece of anything in writing from Toyota since the whole debaucle started on Dec. 1. I have a call in to our favorite corp. dude Kevin to clarify ( yeah right) the warranty......I am completely bummed about my dealer ( BTW I bought my truck there) and the service mgr. needs some anger management help. I have decided to wait till I speak w/ Kevin to pick up the vehicle.....I am a pretty laid back individual, but am also considering calling the Mgr of the dealership to complain about the aggressive way I have been dealt w/ and thelack of dealer support and knowledge of the situation. ( Like that will do anything.....except ruin all future service I have done there). As you can see, I am frustrated- so thanks for letting me vent- What's done is done, and maybe I will have no problems down the road-
Cheers
-wsn
In 9/08, with 122k on the odometer the local muffler shop noticed severe rust on the frame. I took the truck to Toyota. It failed the frame inspection.
The dealer sent me to 1-800 go toyota. No loaner, no loyalty discount, no help from a human being, and claims "you won't get 150% value (well... who are we kidding, 150% of a truck worth 50% less than I paid for it would be 100% what it should be worth, but let's not split hairs here....)
I was FURIOUS. I got nothing in writing about the contract Toyta wanted me to enter. I was threatened on the phone that if i did not take their offer right there and then it would be "significantly lower on the next call." Oh, PS, toyota offered me $1,000 less than KBB value.
After a lenthy debate and 25-50 letters (I'm not exaggerating) to every single authority or elected official I could find I took Toyotas measly offer, and left my baby at the dealership. That list is in a previous thread, folks
All the used Tacomas or sale out there of the same style and vintage were thousands more than toyota offered me. I also did not want to buy another rust bucket.
Toyota called today and made a generous financial attempt to right things. I don't know if is some new policy, whether my letters touched a nerve, or someone messed up on their bookkeeping. I'm glad the frame replacement was not avaialble to me - because I would have taken it, and I know it would have been a nighmare.
My message to people is this" Toyota is not handling this correctly. Frame replacements and sub-full-value buyback offers are simply not fair. I am glad Toyota is doing something, and in this economy, while posting record losses, it seems to me even generous of them. However, the process isn't appropriate for the trouble people are going through.
I can't believe Toyota is spending so much money on a program like this. Processing claims, losing slae value on loaners, paying dealers and mechanics to process and repair this, risking lawsuit, and finally, paying customer support to try to clean this mess.
Their policy should be
-Take the truck to any dealership. If it fails inspection Toyota will issue you a check for 125% the full value of the truck right there and then OR give you 150% the value of your truck to be used as a trade-in. Offer 1% financing for the balance of the loan. Don't give a loaner, no waiting, no frame replacement. Toyota or ISG takes the trucks and sells parts, or ships them to place in Texas that only does frame rebuilds (no rust, no problem) for the southern (salt-free) market.
Eliminate the delays and the poor customer service. Eliminate the hassle for a loaner.
Yes, it will be more expensive, HOWEVER people will be more satisfied, the dealer service depts won't be bogged down, inventories will move again. and Toyota will gain loyalty by doing everything the right way. People loved their Tacoma's Get people in a new truck with as little hassle as possible and keep people coming back.
Yeah... in a perfect world...
My advice is: Keep records, write letters, and don't take it sitting down. I know it seems that writing letters and calling elected officials doesn't seem worth it - but if you've been treated unfairly, well, no one is going to come rescue you. Perhaps I got hush money, perhaps Toyota paid me not to sue them (I had considered it), and perhaps its a coincidence.
I think to look at it this way
- If you make a bad product, that endagers people's lives, then you can't handle customers in a fair manner... well you get what you have coming.
No more Toyotas for me. They chose the bottom line for this hand and lost the entire game.
..
I recieved 100% KBB around the end of October 2008.
I just today 02/24/2009 recieved a call from Toyota and they are mailing me a check for the remainder 50%. So all told I got about 18.2k for my 2001 TACO with 130+k miles on it. Not to bad!!!
Two things in this whole process I did not like were.
1. That I had to wait 10 days for Toyota's check to clear and I had to return the rental the day they gave me the check. This could of left me without a vehical.
Luckly the Ford dealer who I was purchasing from worked with me on this.
2. The 3 months wait without a single word from Toyota. They could of atleast called and told me they missed me, lol. Seriously, give us an update once a week or biweekly atleast. It would go a long way to making us feel better about it.
3. I guess there is a third and that is that I had to give them an answer when they called about anything and if I said No, I had to return the rental. That is just bad customer service hell I was in the middle of a business trip the one time and could not even return the car for 3 days.
Anyways, I bought it cause of their reliability but I won't buy another. This frame issue is a major screw up, but they atleast are trying to fix it the right way.
Later,
~lj
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
I was asked to leave my truck on that day, just luckily, the rep was due in the following day. I was told from my dealer about the buyback, I was clueless, as to I knew of nobody in my area with this problem. the dealer told me my truck was more rusted than the earlier models. When the rep inspected it the following day, I was told it had failed, with 45 days I would receive an offer from Toyota in the mail.
well, this time frame put us the holidays, we received nothing. so, On January 7th we for the first time was able to reach our case manager, tiffany bishop, she told us that we were NOT included in the buyback, as to that program ended in december. I told her I was at my dealer on november 11th, I wanted to be grandfathered into the buyback, she said I am sorry, you are going to be getting a frame replaement. I said oh no I am not. I told her this issue would not be settled over the phone. I had asked to have a meeting scheduled with the rep, cause the first time of inspection I had just dropped off my truck, I was not able to talk with him. so, I continued almost daily to have contact with Ms. bishop, who was rude to say the least at times, and I was rude to her back, after all, we are the consumers drivoing our families in unsafe vehicles, not her, I am the loser in this situation.
she would contine to tell me I was only getting a new frame, meanwhile, I wrote out letters to everyone, BBB, auto safety , attorney general, state and local reps,toyota, over and over.
I asked Ms bishop who her boss was, she replied, I make the final decision. well, everybody has a boss. and her boss is Kristi.
I kept calling the toyota number, and different people would answer, I would tell them my problem, for as long as they would listen.
2001-2004 are being discrimated against for having newer vehicles, toyota needs to make it right for every owner with the frame rot. These trucks are not safe.
A frame replacement, to me meant big big problems I could not have imagined my truck ever being right or safe after a frame replacement, I told them I did not feel the dealership was qualified to do this work. I honestly did not trust them. To me this is a major overhaul, alot of parts included, alot of nuts and bolts.
Everybody MUST write as many letters as possible...
It is Toyotas responsibility to include every truck in the repurchase program with faulty frames from dana.
as I have read, many newer models 05 and 06 are starting with frame rust issues.
Not to sound stupid, where do I find when my truck was produced? it is 1 2002, so I suppose in was produced in 2001.
Good Luck Everyone!!!
I had researched online and found where Boston channel 5 had previously done an investigation on earlier models with rust, I contacted them, they responded, asking me if I would consider doing an interview, However, I am not located in boston, but anbody interested, her name was jennifer bearman. I just went to the website, and told them my story: I explained they needed to do another investigation as to the owners of 2001-2004, are being discrimated against. as you know..they have bought back 2001's and 2002's, why are they being selective?? Not fair..can do it for one, should do it for all. These trucks need to be removed from the highway ASAP!!
so, for the ones still fighting for the buyback channel 5 in boston did seem interested,maybe they would do phone interviews if you are not in that area, at least that was going to be my next step.
I honestly feel that i was included in the buyback because I hounded them daily, and wrote complaints to EVERYONE!!
hey, I bought this truck for its depenability and toyotas reputation.
Toyota is not a cheap vehicle, we have all bought them for their dependability.
I encorage everybody to not give up if you have not recived your frame yet, demand to be in the buyback.
"excellent condition, 65,000 miles"???
a 2002 ? and u got 16300?
was your truck a V6 SR5 automatic 4x4 ?
I hope not because I got bought back a few weeks ago and got 16385 .
my truck was a 2001 SR5 auto v6 4x4 with 136+ miles.
im about 25 mins north of boston !
I think I saw that investigation done by channel 5 and I am totally against the frame
replacement
http://www.krown.com/
Good luck.
Even though the scale of the job is larger than normal (big nuts and bolts), it should be an easy job for any competent technician. If you would trust a dealership, or any mechanic for that matter to do any specialized work (brakes, suspension, steering, etc...) a frame swap is no different.
There seems to be this idea that these trucks were somehow magically assembled by brilliant scientists. Each one hand fit together. No chance. These trucks were designed to be easily assembled, and can easily be taken apart. Rust and corrosion will hinder the process, but all the rusty hardware will be replaced.
I've monitored the first 2 swaps at a local dealership, as I know several techs there. Everything and anything that might be needed for the job with the exception of exhaust parts, is included in the kit. Other's have listed the parts in previous posts, so I won't repeat it. The total retail cost of the parts plus 60 hrs labor was around $14,000!!! Thats a lot of new parts for an older truck.
If you maintained your truck for the long run, this swap should make you feel even better about getting many more years out of it. Don't get me wrong, Toyota definitely screwed up, but they are trying to fix it (more so than most manufacturers would). I think it would make sense to continue the buy-back, as they can fix the trade-ins and resell them. Anyway, relax, get the new frame if you need it. The truck will be safe and reliable.
further more, no manufacturer builds cars to be easily disassembled.
car and trucks are designed and built as efficient as possible as to save the manufacturer time and money on the assembly line.... Frame swap is a very big job. if you get a rolling chassis ( everything built into the frame that is needed) then it would not be as bad but the simple fact is, when you disturb electrical connectors and other fasteners that have been in one position for a long time, odds are there are going to be problems. Most likely your concern should be with electrical.
"Not sure what experience you have directly with the repair of vehicles but your analogy about a frame swap being the same as brakes, suspension etc is wrong. "
mcalautt: I have many years of service experience, but more importantly, I owned a 1985 Toyota truck that I replaced the frame on. (As you can imagine I am a little ticked that I am 0 for 2 with toyota truck frames) I admit, I was a little weary at first, but the job overall went very smooth. After the swap, I drove it daily for 5 more years and 120,000 more miles trouble free ( I still own it)
An experienced tech, should know how to properly remove electrical connectors. And, if one should get damaged, fix it. Were talking vehicles that are 8 years old in the worst case.
Talking with techs who have done 2 frame swaps already, it went much smoother than anyone first anticipated.
My analogy to brakes, steering, etc..., was in the trust that someone who works on your vehicle will put it back together safely. El-cheepo tire barns who mount tires, install valve stems, and bolt wheels on everyday have an equal amount of responsibility, as would someone doing a frame swap. I guess everyone takes that kind of work for granted.
It's important to understand that this is just my opinion. Most people who know me, hold my opinion in high regard. I wanted to convey some optimism in an otherwise gloomy forum.
I have not written in a while because I wanted to really get a feel for things, but I have been driving my '01 Tacoma with the new frame, etc. for three weeks now.
No complaints. Handles better than when I bought it in 2003 and I have done my best to beat the hell out of it too to put Toyota's work to the test.
Buyback wasn't an option for me, as with most of you I'm sure, but it's better than nothing and we all know that the "big three" would have told us to kiss their [non-permissible content removed].
Anyway, if there are specific questions I can answer, let me know.
Ref my post of Feb 09 - believe I may be the first one here to get my Taco back w/ the replacement frame. On Feb 10 I stopped by the dealer to ask a few questions re the replacement - Svc Mgr said "it's apart - want to see it?"
There was my Taco - in pieces/chunks/components up/down etc. Frame was across the service area - naked (covered w/ a lovely light golden rust color!). At that point they were waiting for the replacement kit. Well, they must have gotten it in the next day, because they called my on Feb 13 to tell me it was done!. Only problem was they couldn't align the front wheels due tie rods ends "frozen" and they couldn't free them up. I argued why this not included in the work order (if frame hadn't needed replacemernt I wouldn't be facing that problem), but they were adament that it was not part of the deal. So I had to spring for new - cost $410 w/ labor - which labor I believe should have been included in the process - but will take that up w/ Toyota.
Picked it up on Feb 14. They did a nice job - truck feels/runs like new, no rattles/squeaks. Only thing I noticed was that front and rear body sections are very slightly misaligned - gap between them maybe 1/4" larger on one side than the other. No big deal - shouldn't affect aerodynamics at 70 mph.