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Comments
I'm going to bring my '05 Taco to a dealer next week for an oil change and will have them inspect the frame so it is on record.
Then, three weeks ago, my own mechanic told me my 97' Toyota Tacoma would not even pass inspection next year, that it was unsafe, and that the frame was completely rotted! He showed me! It crumbled in his hands when he pushed his finger through it! I called the dealership AGAIN! This time they told me it was covered for another 3 months, scheduled for me to bring it in this morning, but when I did they had NO record of the appointment, NO record of me ever being in their system at all, and told me that the recall had expired, thank you very much and have a nice day. I AM FURIOUS because now I have a worthless truck that I paid full price for that I can't resale! And I can't afford to fix it OR buy a new car! I really want to get involved in a class action law suit! This was intentional! I'm at mdomanska@sch.org if anyone has a good lawyer! They owe me a vehicle!
Toyota doesn't seem to do anything about these frames before it's too late, then they offer something. If it were mine and I thought my safety was not at stake yet, I would just drive it and try not to let it bother me. I would expect sooner or later Toyota will stand good for this problem just like they did before. I wouldn't want to spend any money to possibly disqualify myself from any forthcoming settlement.
Rattle can painting the frame last Fall did not last. I'm tempted to wire brush, POR-15 it and spray the inside with Eastwood's Internal Frame Coating.
Cunner
If anyone hears about a lawsuit or recall please email .. Pelham45s@yahoo.com
Rebecca`
Apparently the recall campaign is still in effect here.
Funny that we live in a humid, salt air environment and our 2003 Taco frame didn't look that rusted but we were informed that the VIN on our Taco is part of the chassis replacement program.
I'm now driving a 2013 4 door crew cab as our loaner while the frame replacement is being done.
I was not aware that the campaign stopped in December in states side and to see these post about the troubles you guys are facing?????
We also have a 2005 (2nd Gen) Taco and the frame on that one still looks good as new???
Thought I share this
In the interest of customer satisfaction, Toyota may review individual requests even when the factory warranty has expired.
We have reviewed your circumstances, taking into consideration such factors as the vehicle's age and mileage in comparison to the manufacturer's original warranty, the nature of the repair, and any prior maintenance and repair history.
While we regret that you incurred this expense, your request for reimbursement has been declined.
Toyota values you as a customer, and we appreciate this opportunity to further review your request.
Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file #1305081604.
Joanne Hahn
Toyota Customer Experience
and another post:
This is a 2005 Tacoma (yes, oh five) extended cab TRD.
We're the second owner, purchased this from the dealership and they've done all major work / service on this vehicle. Incl new tires, alignment and regular rotation. We've had this a little over a year.
Had the truck in at the dealership for new brakes today. They called me to say that there was a major hole in the frame. see photo.
I said "is it safe to drive?" They said... "No".
They told me to call Toyota Corporate to open a case and get a case number. I got a case number and that's about all from the phone call.
They are following up with the regional toyota person.
There was one owner with a 2005 who, after posting 10-15+ posts on Tacoma world forum
finally had the frame replaced by Toyota. There is no formal program in place for MY 2005+ but I think when the affected owners are vocal enough... whether through internet forums or at their dealer, Toyota is stepping up.
Subject
Rust
Discussion Thread
Response Via Email (Megan B.) 11/07/2013 03:50 PM
Dear Stan G,
Thank you providing us with an update to your concern.
Our records indicate that the Customer Relations Manager at McGeorge Toyota performed the inspection of your Tacoma at no cost to you and advised that any repairs necessary would be the responsibility of the owner.
Please be aware the information you have provided is used in combination with warranty claims and other customer contacts to track trends with our vehicles. If in the future a Special Service Campaign (SSC)/recall or warranty enhancement is issued that would cover your specific issue, and you have already made repairs to the vehicle, Toyota would review your repairs for reimbursement at that time.
Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file #1310310403. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Megan B.
Toyota Customer Experience
The truck breezed through inspection and winter tire installation. Then the mechanic noticed a rust crust on the frame, tapped it to knock it off, and opened a hole in the frame. Sorry, he said. It won’t pass inspection. The mechanic suggested that I bring it to the dealer for them to look at.
Dealer gave me an inspection appointment right away, with a “There is no replacement program” warning. They inspected the Tacoma and agreed to open up a case at the Toyota Customer Care Center. Said they’d talk with Tacoma offices and would get back to me.
As soon as I got home I sent in a complaint to NHTSA.
"NHTSA Vehical Safety Complaint Information has been successfully submitted."
Next evening I got a call back telling me that the manufacturer had agreed to a free frame replacement, and that I should bring the truck in right away. They gave me a free loaner, a 2013 Tacoma, to use for the 4-6 weeks that it would take to get a replacement frame in and to make the replacement.
Maybe they appreciated that the bad frame was about to turn a loyal customer into a lost customer. Maybe they are getting enough complaints that they see the writing on the wall and are starting a replacement program with as little bad publicity as possible. Maybe they noticed that the NHTSA complaint had be filed. Whatever the explanation, the only bad news for me is that I'll have to give up the new Tacoma when they get the old one road-worthy again.
I'm starting the process of running my rust issue up the Toyota flagpole for the rust on my 2005 Tacoma.
1- I have opened a case with NHTSA
2- I went to my local Toyota and had them formally document the rust on the underside.
3- They took pix and forwarded them to the regional Toyota rep who responded that he can't do anything because it's out of warranty
4- They said I can keep running up the Toyota chain of command, but not sure exactly who to address it to. Any ideas?
Also, including some pix of the frame....
Rich
I also have a 2005 Tacoma with frame rust and it will not pass inspection. My Toyota dealership told me to call Toyota customer service and they would help, but they are unwilling to do anything. I bought this car new and also have a second Toyota that I bought new. I have these cars routinely serviced at Toyota as well. I have been a loyal customer for many years and now they are screwing me over. I am starting to think these posts about Toyota helping people with rust on 2005+ Tacomas are BS. Probably shill posts by someone from Toyota. I am never buying another Toyota again.
This is a typical response from a paid Toyota shill. Toyota - the company - is responsible for ensuring that every part that they use to assemble a vehicle meets their design standards. Once a part is affixed to the vehicle, no matter where it is built, Toyota is saying that it meets their quality standards. The fact that so many frames are rusting means that either Toyota specified inferior steel and rust proofing for the frame or they didn't bother to test the frames they were receiving from the outside supplier. In either event, the responsibility lies with Toyota. By putting their badge on the hood and selling it to the consumer, Toyota is saying "This vehicle meets our standards".
Best wishes to all who are trying to wrangle with Toyota to get your vehicles fixed. If it were me, I'd hire an attorney that specializes in auto manufacturer defects and I'd keep chewing Toyota's rear end until the vehicle is fixed!
I bought my 05 Taco TRD Off Road STD Trans. one year ago from Toyota dealer with 70k on it. Had to replace the intermediate shaft in Jan $522 - ouch. Airbag light came on couple of weeks ago, so had them check that issue. Spiral cable is shot, needs replacement - for $650 - ouch. Only had it for 10k miles (hmmm) While performing that, they found the frame to be rotted, and needs to be replaced - $13k and need truck for a month - HUGE OUCH! They say Toyota will cover the frame, and gave me a shiney white Tundra for the month . I hope the Taco is put back together well. Wonder what's next with this "solid" "bulletproof" "reliable" truck - hmmmm.
Hey Ruggedt or anyone else that has had their frame replaced....how is it driving after the replacement? Any other problems? What else had to be replaced?
RuggedT sold his rustoma and got a Ford. If you go on tacomaworld.com and search for 05+ frame rust, you'll find a bunch of threads about the issue. I have the same issue and opened a complaint with NTHSA and a case with toyota. I was told tough [non-permissible content removed], out of warranty, it's your problem. This is the last toyota I will ever spend my money on. Longest lasting, most dependable vehicles on the road my [non-permissible content removed].
I've been reading this thread for quite a while (just joined today to post this) and appreciate the info it has provided. I have a 2005 Taco quad cab TRD 87,000 miles with serious frame rust issues. I received a recall notice from Toyota last week. Today was my appointment, and to my amazement Toyota is replacing my frame. Apparently it is still safe to drive but they found perforations. The parts are currently on order and should come in 12-16 weeks from now. I bought this truck and 2007 and have been living with this rust issue for a long time. I'm glad Toyota has decided to do the right thing. For any of you out there with the same issue you should inquire again with TOA about your rusty frame.... Good luck.