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Pickups Toyota Tacoma Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem
861 messages, Last post on Jul 02, 2009 at 3:48 PM
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This complaint is in regards to a defective frame on my 2001 Toyota Tacoma pick-up that was purchased used in February of 2007 with 102,000 miles. A NYS inspection was performed upon purchase. The truck now has 130k. September 6th, 2008, while installing new struts at a local tire and brake shop, the tech noticed serious frame rot on the back passenger side of my truck. The shop manager informed me of a voluntary Toyota buy-back for 1999-2000 models, Warranty Policy Bulletin POL08-03, dated 3/7/08. I contacted Toyota and had the truck immediately inspected by Lia Toyota Service of Colonie NY. I was informed the frame was seriously rotted, and the truck no longer safe to drive. I was told the following to rectify the situation: 1. 2001 models are not "usually covered" in the recall. 2. If covered, I would not get a loaner car 3. If covered, I would not receive the 150% value as is standard for 1995-2001 models 4. The dealership could not 'go to bat for me' to assist me with dealing with Toyota for a recall request; 5. I had to call 1-800-Go-Toyota for more information This is a SLAP IN THE FACE. Why should the 2001 models be excluded from the warrantee and recall coverage afforded by the 1995-2001 models? My truck is NEWER - yet it has THE SAME FRAME ROT. The fact that the dealer refused to assist me with this process is additionally infuriating. I don't know if Toyota will pay me 100% of the value of my truck for March of 2008 or August of 2008. The blue book value of my truck has dropped SIGNIFICANTLY since the recall was issued. Toyota’s customer care center representatives keep promising me that my claim will be handled “the next business day,” though Toyota has yet to contact me via the case manager they should have already assigned me. My situation is not unique. A simple Google search, and a check of complaints on the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration home page has revealed this problem is affecting owners of post 2000 model year Tacomas What will happen to drivers when the frames of 2001 and newer Toyota Tacomas star to fail? A broken frame could result in a serious accident as the frame is the most integral component holding the vehicle together. 2001 and later year Toyota Tacoma owners were never sent notice of the manufacturer’s defect causing frame failures – therefore most of these owners are driving around with potentially dangerous vehicles. If an owner of a 2001 or newer Tacoma were to sell a truck with a rusted frame, then the frame failed, would the previous owner be liable for not informing the new owner of the defect? Defective frames are not exclusive to the 1995-2000 model year Tacomas - so why is Toyota excluding newer models? This is dangerous, perhaps even criminally negligent. Toyota should be recalling Tacoma trucks manufactured after 2000 that are experiencing massive frame rust - without doing so the company is endangering the lives of Tacoma owners. I've contaced the NHTSA and my local paper. Next on my list is the NYS attorney generals office, DMV, insurance institute, and owners selling these dangerous trucks. I've also set up a resource for people to share thoughts and experiences in real-time http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33853493734 Check it out if you've had problems, can offer advice on the buy-back, or just for general info about this frame issue. I paid $12,000 for my truck in February of 2007 and now it is worthless. Thanks, Toyota. 
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Replying to: missunderstood (Aug 28, 2008 8:28 am) http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33853493734 i started it to get on track for fighting back |
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Replying to: daleyplanit (Sep 10, 2008 10:48 am) I totally agree. The rotting frame is Toyotas problem that has turned into ours. Not giving us what they are giving other buyers is absolute crap!!! Our vehicles are (were) worth more and were in better condition then most!! Plus just offering KBB doesnt cover our registration fees, sales tax, up keep. I called Toyota in March when my mechanic first noticed the problem, but Toyotas mechaninc said, right now its not broken so we aren't fixing it!!!! So i proceed w/ 4 new tires and spring work to pass hte inspection just to turn around 5 months later to lose my truck, lose out on the $1500 in cash for the tires and spring.....then to top it off...they give me a camry renter. I mean its a great car....but when it comes to moving weekend, its a lot easier to move in a truck then a car!!! Right now I am totally disgusted w/ Toyota. We have been an advocate and consumer of Toyota vehicles for over 10 years now.....this is what we get...!!!! Pissed.!!! I like your ideas....and will follow with the same letters to Maine AG and such. I will also try to keep up on your facebook and expand it to mine as well. My blog is : http://www.carspace.com/blogs/rottedtaco/ Toyota needs to step up! |
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The story made TV headlines http://www.thebostonchannel.com/investigative/15879699/detail.html http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/15877183/detail.html And it was also noted by the New York Times http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/toyota-offers-to-buy-back-rusty-tacom- - as/ This problem is not limited to the 1995-2000 model years - many owners of 2001 and later Tacoma's are finding their frames failing, too. If you plan to buy or sell a 1995-2004 Tacma - GET IN INSPECTED IMMEDIATELY by your local Toyota delership (Free). If you have a post 2000 Tacoma, and Toyota gives you the "call 1-800-Go-Toyota brush-off, contact your state attorney general's office, the NHTSA, and the consumer protection board for your state. If your having trouble figuring out who to write, or how, email me (tacomarecall  gmail.com) i'd be happy to send you template letters to al lthe agencies i've contacted including - My State Attorney General's Office - Consumer Protection Board - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - New York State Department of Motor Vehicles - Ebay, Autotrader, and Cars.com (These trucks should not be sold without being inpsected) - The Securities and Exchange Commision - it's a tough angle, but as a stockholder I'm arguing that Toyota is taking an unreasonable risk by allowing these trucks to be on the road and not warning drivers. This risk opens leaves the company open to a class-action suit and therefor could devalue my stock. Toyota is being carelessly negligent (I'll send a copy of that letter to Toyota of course  - The State Garage and Repair Shop Association - My local Newspapers and TV stations - My insurance Company and the Insurance Institute of America. If you got tips or advice I'd love to hear from you.
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i recently heard about a few people who have successfully had their truck bought back even though they had a reconstructed/salvage title. from what i heard there was a lot of time spent on the phone and certain paperwork was needed. has anyone else heard of this or konw anything about it???
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Replying to: daleyplanit (Sep 14, 2008 10:49 am) 1-800-331-4331 (after speaking to the local dealership) about having my 2003 looked at and they said that the fee would be my responsibility becasue that year is not covered - at least I did get a case number. Any suggestions as to my next step? I also have a 1993 that is in very good shape except for the frame! Any possibility of having that looked at? Thanks!
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Replying to: stacie2 (Sep 23, 2008 6:37 am) Toyota should be doing this for free. They looked at mine for free - and this could be a courtesy safety check as far as what they want to call it. in the event the frame fails, toyota will pull your inspection, you should not be driving in this case but being that it's a 2003 they wont let you keep the car on the lot, or get a loaner while the company drags its feet. you'll have to call 1-800-go-toyota to start the process of the buyback. This is a NIGHTMARE. I've been threatened by customer care that if I don't accept their low offer for my truck that they will take the offer off the table. They told me i had to say "yes" or "no" right there on the phone and they would not put it in writing. here are the three best places to contact the federal trade commission your state attorney general your state's consumer protection board I wrote my newspaper, 60 minutes, my assembly and congress reps on the state and federal level, and posted my torubles and letters on a website to help others (facebook group- "toyota frame defects") if you need ANYTHING don't hesitiate to call me - but do yourself a favor, contact those folks above. Toyota told me it woiuld be 30 days before they made me an offer and with one letter from my state consumer protection board it was a week - now they tell me a check could be as long as 7 weeks coming if and when i accept. next step is my county DA. I don't think it's right Toyota is blackmailing me into accepting a lowball offer and these trucks should not be on the road |
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I just completed sale of my 1999 Tacoma with 141,000 mi. and am satisfied. However, I have tips for Taco owners who've not yet had an inspection done and are wary. I understand. I read mixed experiences of Taco owners who went through the program, and entered the process wary of whether it was legit and of pitfalls. # 1 - YOU DON'T NEED THE NOTICE SENT TO REGISTERED OWNERS. When I received the notice last Spring I figured it was just another "come-on" and threw it away. When I heard the program was legit, I called local Toyota Service facility. They said you don't need it and you don't have to be original owner. Just schedule a "frame rust inspection" appointment. # 2 - YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR TACO IF IT QUALIFIES. Service Mgr. called me stating my truck qualified, but he said I could not have the truck back since it was a "safety issue", After I went ballistic I called the Area Service Mgr., HE stated the first guy was wrong. He said "You can keep driving it and bring it in when you get your check.....or you just drive away and be on your merry way and not even take part in the program. It's your call. Do what you want". # 3 - COMPUTE YOUR VEHICLE VALUE ON "KELLEY BLUE BOOK" WEBSITE. Area Service Mgr. sent paperwork to ISG - a firm Toyota has retained to do background histories on vehicles and streamline payments. 2 - 1/2 wks. later ISG rep called me with an offer - a generous offer - but low. I had checked Kelley Blue Book average retail "excellent" on my year, miles and options, and knew exactly what it was worth - then multiplied that figure by 1.5, so I knew what to expect. I asked rep to read my options and found Service Mgr. had left off power steering. Rep adjusted the offer upward. Note: EVERY TACOMA IS CONSIDERED TO BE' "EXCELLENT" CONDITION regardless of actual condition. 4 - ENSURE DEALER HAS A LOANER WHEN YOU TURN IN VEHICLE. ISG has no control over the dealer loaner - That is dealer's responsibility. When ISG rep and I chose a date for turning in Taco and payment made to me, I called the dealer but there were no loaners available that date. We settled on a different date and I asked dealer to reserve loaner for me. Last....when the exchange of vehicle and payment take place, the ISG rep gives you a certificate with your old VIN/SER on it. You have 60 days to make your best deal at a Toyota dealer - then present the certificate to the dealer who fills out his information. Toyota will give back $ 2,000 on purchase of a new Tundra, $ 1,000 on purchase of a new Tacoma, or $ 500 on any other purchase. My buyback took a little over 5 weeks: Inspection took place Aug. 10. ISG Rep called me Aug. 25. I recieved written offer Sept. 3. ISG called me Sept. 13. We met Sept. 18 for dropoff/payment. I hope this helps.
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MSRP is $32,575.00 with all packages and price out the door is $28,700.00 no tax title, registration or insurance. I believe this is below cost, unless I am missing some holdback and rebate or incentive. 
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