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Pickups Toyota Tacoma Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem
921 messages, Last post on Nov 06, 2009 at 11:20 AM
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My body shop guy says this is a known problem....he suggested finding a welding shop to repair the frame. I just got it back and it looks like a good job....should keep the truck going for several years. 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. |
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Looks like we're in the same boat! I'm also a disappointed owner of a Toyota Tacoma PU. With exactly the same rust problems as you mentioned. Wow was I shocked when I was told my frame was so rotted that it would not pass inspection. Just as mentioned the rust is at, in front of and just to the rear of the front leaf spring shackle on both the drivers side and passengers side. I've been told by several auto body shops that this is a "common" problem with this vintage and model. Seems the "box" frame is the culprit. "No place for the moisture to escape." At this moment the frame is being patched with steel plates sistering the frame where it shows signs of rust. Hopefully this will pass the NH state inspections. I bought this truck 3 years ago at a Toyota dealer because the reputation of these trucks is golden. "NOT". From the looks of it, this problem will render a great looking truck on the fast lane to the bone yard. (that's if you have an overly cautious body shop). Responsibility and tort law are actually the problem here. No body wants the responsibility of fixing the problem. Which means your S*&^ out of luck unless you can find a welder that just welds and doesn't worry about you coming back on him because you begged him to fix it and it failed in an accident. I was lucky enough to find one, hopefully it will pass inspection, and I can take it to a dealer and trad it in for a new vehicle. And then hopefully I won't have to worry for at least another 150k miles. I would advise everyone to make a complaint on the ODI website. I'm not sure Toyota will do anything until someone steps up and wants to make a class action suit against them. If you ask me, this is far to premature for this kind of failure. Heck I've had American made cars last longer.
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Replying to: berdman21 (Mar 05, 2007 1:28 pm) 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
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Replying to: tmiller159 (Mar 08, 2008 9:29 am) 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 |
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Replying to: montucky (Mar 30, 2007 4:26 pm) 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. |
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Replying to: tmiller159 (Mar 08, 2008 9:29 am) 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 |
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| You should talk to your attorney to see if there is any recourse. You should be compensated for the damage. At the very least I would consider arbitration since they are bound to abide by that forum. | |
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I just got the extended frame warranty for my 95 Tacoma in the mail. As mentioned previously, the warranty is for 15 years unlimited mileage. It also says Toyota will fix or buy back (at their option) the truck at 1.5x KBB value. 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 |
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Replying to: drotigel (Apr 02, 2007 12:42 pm)
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Replying to: bandit10 (Mar 24, 2008 10:43 pm) 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 |
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