Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem
I have a 99 Tacoma SR5 V6 with a bad frame rust / rot problem. Near the front of the spring shackles the rust is so bad that I can push my finger through the frame in spots. I have contacted Toyota and they pretty much told me too bad. My warranty expired 9/2006 and they said there is nothing they will do. I have since contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and filed a complaint on their website. It appears that many people across the country are having the same problem. I would encourage anyone having this problem to make a report here http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ . The ODI number for my complaint is 10183884 and it can be searched on the website as well. I am also pasting a copy of the other complaints to show it is not just one or two people. This is a search from just 1999 model years :
Report Date : March 5, 2007 at 12:51 PM
SEARCH TYPE : VEHICLE
YEAR : 1999
Make : TOYOTA
Model : TACOMA
Make : TOYOTA Model : TACOMA Year : 1999
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10175255 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: October 17, 2006
VIN : 4TAWN72N8XZ...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM BLAISE ALEXANDER FAMILY DEALERSHIP ON OCTOBER 19 2005. I BOUGHT IT WITH 80K MILES ON IT. I PAID ROUGHLY 13,500.00 FOR IT. MY LOCAL MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE NOTICED A SMALL RUST HOLE IN THE FRAME ON THE DRIVERS SIDE APPROXIMATELY 5 MONTHS AGO. WELL A FEW MONTHS LATER I HAD NOTICED A HUGE HOLE HAD APPEARED IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT REAR SHACKLE. SINCE IT WAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL WELD SHOP. HE AGREED TO TRY AND FIX IT. UPON REMOVING THE BOX, THE GAS TANK HE NOTICED HE HAD OPENED A MAJOR CAN OF WORMS. BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCKS FRAME WERE SHOT FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAB TO THE BACK BUMPER. HE IMMEDIATELY CALLED ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. SINCE THIS WAS MORE THAN I COULD HANDLE I THEN TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD BOUGHT IT ON OCTOBER 17 2006 AND SHOWED THEM PICTURES OF THE TRUCK THEY HAD JUST SOLD ME LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. THE GENERAL MANAGER JOHN PANKO SAID HIMSELF THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT ROAD WORTHY. WELL A LONG STORY SHORT... TOYOTA CORP WAS CALLED IN TO INSPECT THIS VEHICLE AND OFFERED TO GIVE ME $2000.00 TO FIX IT. A SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WOULD COST ABOUT $6000.00 TO FIX. WELL NEEDLES TO SAY I AM NOT PAYING ANOTHER 4K ON A VEHICLE THAT I ALREADY OWE $11,500.00 ON. I HAVE NO WARRANTY LEFT TO DATE ON THIS VEHICLE, AND EVEN IF I DID, THE FRAME WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE ALEXANDER DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT GIVE ME A LOANER CAR, OR HELP ME IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM. THEY HAVE GIVEN ME THE RUN AROUND LONG ENOUGH. I HAVE CONTACTED A LAWYER AND PLAN ON FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR PENNSYLVANIA. ALSO THE DEALERSHIP NEVER GAVE ME ANYTHING IN WRITING FROM TOYOTA SAYING THEY AGREED TO PAY. HOW DO I EVEN KNOW IF AN INSPECTOR CAME OUT OR NOT. ALEXANDERS COULD BE SAYING THIS TO SHUT ME UP. ANOTHER PROBLEM I NOTICED THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE IS A SHIMMY IN THE FRONT END. I ALSO HAD 2 SETS OF NEW TIRES PUT ON IN THE SAME WEEK. CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME?*JB
Make : TOYOTA Model : TACOMA Year : 1999
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10177454 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: December 20, 2006
VIN : 4TAWM72N0XZ...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
CORRODED FRAME RAILS ON A 1999 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 WITH XTRACAB. PURCHASED USED FROM A PA USED CAR DEALER WITH 120K MILES. WHILE REPLACING THE REAR SHOCKS, I NOTED SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION OF THE FRAME RAILS AND CROSS MEMBERS ON THE FRAME OF THIS TRUCK. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, I NOTED SEVERAL AREAS WHERE THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD REPAIR PATCHES WELDED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME TO BEEF UP THE WEAKER AREAS. THIS INCLUDES THE DRIVER'S SIDE FROM THE FRONT WHEEL TO THE REAR JUST BEYOND THE REAR WHEEL. THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE REAR AREA BETWEEN THE SPRING MOUNTS. THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME RAILS ARE FILLED WITH CORROSION AND LARGE PIECES OF THE FRAME THAT HAVE FLAKED OFF. RUST PROOFING WAS APPLIED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME TO PROTECT/HIDE THE REPAIRS. THIS VEHICLE WAS OWNED IN COLUMBUS, OHIO IT'S FIRST YEAR, AND THE REMAINING TIME IN W. VA, ACCORDING TO CARFAX. NO ACCIDENT DAMAGE ON THIS VEHICLE. THE BODY IS IMMACULATE. FAILURE OF THE TRUCK'S FRAME COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I AM GOING TO ASK OTHERS VIA VARIOUS WEB PAGES TO REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES FROM 96-04 MODEL YEARS. *NM
Make : TOYOTA Model : TACOMA Year : 1999
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10179283 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: January 21, 2007
VIN : 4TAWM72N9XZ...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
1999 TACOMA FRAME RAILS RUSTED RIGHT THROUGH. *NM
Make : TOYOTA Model : TACOMA Year : 1999
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10183884 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: March 1, 2007
VIN : 4TAWN72N7XZ...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
I HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 XTRA CAB, WITH AN IMMACULATE BODY, HOWEVER THE FRAME RAILS HAVE ROTTED OUT SO BADLY THAT YOU CAN PUT YOUR FINGER THROUGH THE RAIL IN SOME PLACES. THE FRAME IS UNSAFE AND A FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. THE MOST SEVERE LOCATION OF THE ROT IN JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME. *JB
Make : TOYOTA Model : TACOMA Year : 1999
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10183886 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: February 26, 2007
VIN : 4TAWN72N7XZ...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
FRAME ROTTED OUT ON 1999 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 XTRA CAB 4X4 NEAR THE LEAF SPRING SHACKLES. UNSAFE CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. *JB
Report Date : March 5, 2007 at 12:51 PM
SEARCH TYPE : VEHICLE
YEAR : 1999
Make : TOYOTA
Model : TACOMA
Make : TOYOTA Model : TACOMA Year : 1999
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10175255 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: October 17, 2006
VIN : 4TAWN72N8XZ...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM BLAISE ALEXANDER FAMILY DEALERSHIP ON OCTOBER 19 2005. I BOUGHT IT WITH 80K MILES ON IT. I PAID ROUGHLY 13,500.00 FOR IT. MY LOCAL MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE NOTICED A SMALL RUST HOLE IN THE FRAME ON THE DRIVERS SIDE APPROXIMATELY 5 MONTHS AGO. WELL A FEW MONTHS LATER I HAD NOTICED A HUGE HOLE HAD APPEARED IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT REAR SHACKLE. SINCE IT WAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL WELD SHOP. HE AGREED TO TRY AND FIX IT. UPON REMOVING THE BOX, THE GAS TANK HE NOTICED HE HAD OPENED A MAJOR CAN OF WORMS. BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCKS FRAME WERE SHOT FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAB TO THE BACK BUMPER. HE IMMEDIATELY CALLED ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. SINCE THIS WAS MORE THAN I COULD HANDLE I THEN TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD BOUGHT IT ON OCTOBER 17 2006 AND SHOWED THEM PICTURES OF THE TRUCK THEY HAD JUST SOLD ME LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. THE GENERAL MANAGER JOHN PANKO SAID HIMSELF THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT ROAD WORTHY. WELL A LONG STORY SHORT... TOYOTA CORP WAS CALLED IN TO INSPECT THIS VEHICLE AND OFFERED TO GIVE ME $2000.00 TO FIX IT. A SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WOULD COST ABOUT $6000.00 TO FIX. WELL NEEDLES TO SAY I AM NOT PAYING ANOTHER 4K ON A VEHICLE THAT I ALREADY OWE $11,500.00 ON. I HAVE NO WARRANTY LEFT TO DATE ON THIS VEHICLE, AND EVEN IF I DID, THE FRAME WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE ALEXANDER DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT GIVE ME A LOANER CAR, OR HELP ME IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM. THEY HAVE GIVEN ME THE RUN AROUND LONG ENOUGH. I HAVE CONTACTED A LAWYER AND PLAN ON FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR PENNSYLVANIA. ALSO THE DEALERSHIP NEVER GAVE ME ANYTHING IN WRITING FROM TOYOTA SAYING THEY AGREED TO PAY. HOW DO I EVEN KNOW IF AN INSPECTOR CAME OUT OR NOT. ALEXANDERS COULD BE SAYING THIS TO SHUT ME UP. ANOTHER PROBLEM I NOTICED THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE IS A SHIMMY IN THE FRONT END. I ALSO HAD 2 SETS OF NEW TIRES PUT ON IN THE SAME WEEK. CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME?*JB
Make : TOYOTA Model : TACOMA Year : 1999
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10177454 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: December 20, 2006
VIN : 4TAWM72N0XZ...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
CORRODED FRAME RAILS ON A 1999 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 WITH XTRACAB. PURCHASED USED FROM A PA USED CAR DEALER WITH 120K MILES. WHILE REPLACING THE REAR SHOCKS, I NOTED SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION OF THE FRAME RAILS AND CROSS MEMBERS ON THE FRAME OF THIS TRUCK. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, I NOTED SEVERAL AREAS WHERE THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD REPAIR PATCHES WELDED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME TO BEEF UP THE WEAKER AREAS. THIS INCLUDES THE DRIVER'S SIDE FROM THE FRONT WHEEL TO THE REAR JUST BEYOND THE REAR WHEEL. THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE REAR AREA BETWEEN THE SPRING MOUNTS. THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME RAILS ARE FILLED WITH CORROSION AND LARGE PIECES OF THE FRAME THAT HAVE FLAKED OFF. RUST PROOFING WAS APPLIED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME TO PROTECT/HIDE THE REPAIRS. THIS VEHICLE WAS OWNED IN COLUMBUS, OHIO IT'S FIRST YEAR, AND THE REMAINING TIME IN W. VA, ACCORDING TO CARFAX. NO ACCIDENT DAMAGE ON THIS VEHICLE. THE BODY IS IMMACULATE. FAILURE OF THE TRUCK'S FRAME COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I AM GOING TO ASK OTHERS VIA VARIOUS WEB PAGES TO REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES FROM 96-04 MODEL YEARS. *NM
Make : TOYOTA Model : TACOMA Year : 1999
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10179283 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: January 21, 2007
VIN : 4TAWM72N9XZ...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
1999 TACOMA FRAME RAILS RUSTED RIGHT THROUGH. *NM
Make : TOYOTA Model : TACOMA Year : 1999
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10183884 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: March 1, 2007
VIN : 4TAWN72N7XZ...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
I HAVE A 1999 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 XTRA CAB, WITH AN IMMACULATE BODY, HOWEVER THE FRAME RAILS HAVE ROTTED OUT SO BADLY THAT YOU CAN PUT YOUR FINGER THROUGH THE RAIL IN SOME PLACES. THE FRAME IS UNSAFE AND A FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. THE MOST SEVERE LOCATION OF THE ROT IN JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME. *JB
Make : TOYOTA Model : TACOMA Year : 1999
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10183886 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: February 26, 2007
VIN : 4TAWN72N7XZ...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
FRAME ROTTED OUT ON 1999 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 XTRA CAB 4X4 NEAR THE LEAF SPRING SHACKLES. UNSAFE CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. *JB
5
Comments
Do I call a lawyer next? I bought this thing a month ago! How do I search the ODI database for this problem-when I input the ODI number nothing comes up.
cheers,
dan
I bought it new in 98' and maintain it regularly. The last time that I put it on a jack the frame partially collapsed where it was resting on the jack. After further inspection I found severe corrosion throughout the frame. The bumper brackets are barely holding up the bumper.
It has been a reliable truck and this is the second Tacoma that I have owned. Both were equally reliable. However, the problem has given me quite a scare. I don't dare haul anything heavy in the bed and the idea of towing something with it is simply out of the question. The body is still in pretty good shape with a little corrosion on the front of the hood from a stone chip. I just don't understand how the problem could have become so severe. I would expect a certain mount of rust down there, but this is more severe than I have ever seen.
My best guess is that the vehicle is almost worthless even though everything else is in satisfactory condition. Until I discovered this problem, I had expected to keep it for at least 5 more years.
Any Advice? I filed a complaint w/NHTSA
The other truck I am still actually considering buying, although everything I am reading about rusted frames is causing me doubt. Overall, the truck is in pretty nice shape, but there is what appears to be surface rust on the frame. I just figured it would be a quick fix.
Anyway, it really seems like this is a common problem for these trucks, and that no one has had any luck finding a semi-permanent solution. Am I being paranoid, or should I not take a chance on this purchase?
I also live in NY and have a 1997 Tacoma. Within one year the frame has rusted to the point that I can put a screwdriver thru it and it cant be repaired. I fear I'll have to junk the vehicle. What type of metal did they use?
Toyota or consumer affairs should look into this. The rest of the truck is fine.
If anyone know who can help please let me know.
BUMMED! rayslogcabin@yahoo.com
(ODI Number) is: 10205140
I didn't even try to get Toyota to take responsibility like they should. I love Toyota, but with my Highlander they denied the oil sludge problem I had....then two years later it comes out they had a bad engine design that caused oil sludge. Come on Toyota....own up to the problems with the vehicles....it will only build loyalty.
Toyota had begun receiving a few reports from customers that excessive corrosion was occurring on the frames of some older Tacoma pickups, specifically 1995 to 2000 models. The Japanese automaker determined that during this half decade of production, some Taco frames may not have received the kind of corrosion protection from the factory that's needed to withstand harsh climes, especially ones where salt is used to deice roadways. While there is no recall and Toyota says that the number of instances where it has found rust go beyond the surface of the frame to penetrate the metal is small, the automaker is pulling an unorthodox move and doing something about anyway.
Toyota is extending the rust perforation warranty on all 1995-2000 Tacoma pickups, some 813,000 units, to 15 years from the original date of purchase, AND you don't have to be the original owner, or the second or the third even. Anyone who owns a Tacoma from this era and finds rust perforation on the frame can have his or her truck officially inspected for rust damage, in which case Toyota will either repair or buy back the truck regardless of its condition. Owners will start receiving letters by mid-March, and those who don't can visit a dealership for a free inspection.
Thanks to all who stepped up to the plate and said enough is enough!
Tom Miller
Willoughby Hills, Ohio
I had a 1998 tacoma with only 97,000 miles on it, except for frame it was in great condition, I wanted to keep it for the legendary Tacoma lifespan! I had an almost completely through and through rusted out frame and just gave up and
traded in for 2005 Tacoma in October. I got very little money for it, do you know if
Toyota is planning on compensating in these circumstances?
Thanks, any news will be helpful. Dale Vermont
My truck was ralistically worth $4,000, Toyota is going to give me aprox $14,000 for it and an additional $1,000 if I buy a new truck and/or $500 towards a certified pre owned. If you have one of these Tacoma's I strongly suggest you take it to your local dealer and ask the service manager about this buy back. Toyota has really stepped up and doing the right thing to get people out of an unsafe truck regardless of mileage or condition.
I had posted this 1999 Tacoma Problem back some time ago as did Tom Miller. Thank you all for making complaints with the NHTSA. I unfortunatly had to give up my Tacoma in April 2007 because of the frame. It had broken and was unserviceable. The book value at the time was 14,000 and I was given half for trade due to the frame. I contacted Toyota at the time and they had said it was unfortunate, but not their concern. Hopefully everyone gets the compensation that they deserve.
Good Luck,
Brian Berdine
Endicott, NY
Here I was worried that I may have one that rusts out, now I'm bummed that I may have one that does not rust out. Oh well,
Mrbill
His uncle also had a 95 Tacoma and he went in on Saturday and also left with a new truck.
I guess they cant let you leave the lot with the truck once you get there so go planning to buy or leave with a rental car
compensation in this circumstance. I have paperwork from the dealer stating it was
unrepairable. Thanks
The rust on the frame, like others have said, looks like huge pastry flakes and I'm sure I could pop through in places with a screw driver or hammer. The rust is far worse than I'd expect to see.
I got a call this morning that said my truck is *not* part of the recall / buyback and would not be covered. Only a small number of affected trucks were made each year, so not every Tacoma for each model year would be covered.
I asked them to inspect the frame anyhow. I'm assuming I'll get a "yah, it's fine" and plan to take it to a third party for another inspection.
At this point, I'm very disappointed. I'd planned to continue driving Toyota's and was going to get another Tacoma, but that idea is quickly losing ground.
where there is more salt used on the streets. I have 2 more years left on the "rust warranty" so I will have my truck looked at again before that expires.
and tell them how it looks and see what they say.
:shades:
>^,,^<
Click on the link above or paste into your browser
Also google...tacoma frame rust. Something along that line will work. There is becoming alot of information out there now.
I will scan the letter and send it along to you.
ALSO>>>I was wondering if one could buy another one, register it then turn it in for the Program. My neighbor's bother in law has a Tac for sale and I saw the rusty frame. He wants it out of his yard and I was going to tell him about the program but seeing he would of sold the truck to anyone, i feel its fair game! Will a newly registered Tac still qualify for the 150% buyback program? DO YOU OR ANYONE KNOW??? Thanks again, TJV from Maine.
ALSO>>>I was wondering if one could buy another one, register it then turn it in for the Program. My neighbor's bother in law has a Tac for sale and I saw the rusty frame. He wants it out of his yard and I was going to tell him about the program but seeing he would of sold the truck to anyone, i feel its fair game! Will a newly registered Tac still qualify for the 150% buyback program? DO YOU OR ANYONE KNOW??? Thanks again, TJV from Maine.
Will let you know how it goes :shades:
Why would it break up? :confuse:
I TAKE MY TRUCK TO BE INSPECTED, THEY QUALIFY IT FOR THE BUY BACK, THEY TAKE POSSESSION. I GET MY LOANER.
WHAT HAPPENS? I CANNOT GIVE THEM THE TITLE, THE BANK HAS IT? IF I CALL THE BANK THEY WILL NOT RELEASE TITLE UNLESS THE LOAN IS PAID OFF? NOW WHAT? I JUST GOT LAYED OFF, I DO NOT HAVE 6K TO PAY OFF THE LOAN??? WHAT HAPPENS???