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Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem

1348 messages,  Last post on Apr 25, 2013 at 10:23 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Tacoma, Toyota 4Runner, Car Safety, Auto Body, Car Warranties, Truck

Messages Page 63 of 135

#619 of 1348 Taco hole grande by deebone

Jan 07, 2009 (7:05 pm)

I've been watching this thread for a few weeks now. I heard about the buyback program over the summer, but since my Taco is a 2001, it forgot about it for a while. Discovered a hole in my frame about a 6 weeks ago, and opened a case with Toyota shortly thereafter. My case manager told me about 2 weeks ago that the frame replacement program was coming, and buyback's would no longer be offered, even though some 2001's were bought back as a gesture of "good will". I've made repeated attempts to escalate and requests for inclusion in that group of good will buybacks, to no avail. The case manager also told me dealers were trained up and ready to go with the frame replacement program right now, but they were just waiting for the frame kits to arrive. As of yesterday, my dealer's service manager still knew nothing about the 2001-2004 program, other than one was allegedly in the works. That communication gap does not instill a high level of confidence if I'm one of the first ones through the dealer's service bay doors under this program; seems more likely my truck will be used for some on-the-job training. I've also expressed repeatedly to Toyota my dissatisfaction with not at least having the option of buyback vs. frame replacement, but so far that has gotten me little more than an "I'll make a note of that" response. Starting in '94, I've purchased 3 pickups (even before they were known as Tacoma's) but the way the 2001 - 2004 owners are being treated leaves me less than enthused about re-upping for #4.

#620 of 1348 Re: Taco hole grande [deebone] by mcalautt

Jan 07, 2009 (7:50 pm)

Replying to: deebone (Jan 07, 2009 7:05 pm)
I think that your case manager may be lying. I refuse to believe all the dealers were trained to do frame replacements.. The fact of the matter is, there is no "training" nor does any tech need to be trained.. If you know cars and your mechanically inclined you can do it.. It is a lot of nuts and bolts. The problems (as I have stated before) is 99% of dealers pay their techs flat rate and I'm not convinced that any of these dealers are equipped to handle such a big job.. The unfortunate truth is, Toyota is looking out for themselves are far as how much this mess will cost them and replacing frames is cheaper.

#621 of 1348 Re: Toyota Frame Rust Buy-Back Program [tcincy] by screwed4

Jan 08, 2009 (11:47 am)

Replying to: tcincy (Nov 09, 2008 5:25 pm)
we have same problem, 2002 toyota, we go in for an oil change on November 11, 2008, and to fix the check engine light, well we got an oil change, the service tech informs us, about the repurchase program, we were speechless, we own a bucket of rust. The manager at dealership, said everybody is receiving a quite lucrative offer. next day, rep shows up to determine that yes indeed there is a problem. within, 45 days you will receive and offer in the mail. Nothing, nothing. finally get through at the 1 800 number, and were we told this yesterday, oh we are so sorry, but the repurchase program has ended in december, but we say we filed our case on November 12th, oh no she says, ms. bishop, I believe her name is--we are now replacing the frame. This is unacceptable.....I took advice from this forum to file a complaint through dot.Everybody needs to complain, yes, we are getting screwed. a new frame...scary I think, how can it ever be right, any warranty with this? my local dealership will not help us with any of it. Shaffer Toyota, cumberland, maryland. They tell us, it is now out of our hands, well whatta bunch of crap did they sell us?? oh, i mean a rust bucket. we are disgusted to the end! Not to mention the bill they gave us of 110.00 for oil change, and to put it up on the lift. Never fixed the check engine light. First guy, says oh, it is unsafe, you will get a rental, the other guy says, oh it is driveable. Confused, pissed off, any suggestions would be appreciated, with those dealing with the same problem.

#622 of 1348 2002 tacoma by screwed4

Jan 08, 2009 (11:56 am)

does anybody have aphone number, other than the one listed on toyota's website.
 
just curious, as to another direction to go.
 
I can not get beyond my case worker, asked for her boss, and she refused, I make the final decsion she informed us quite rudely.
 
We are the ones, she is getting paid at a desk, and is being rude, no sympathy or help from her at all.
 
any help appreciated!!!

#623 of 1348 Re: 2001 Tacos now covered [MAKO69] by mcalautt

Jan 08, 2009 (12:34 pm)

Replying to: MAKO69 (Dec 28, 2008 12:55 pm)
no sorry dude..
I have asked for it a few times and never got it .

#624 of 1348 Re: Toyota Frame Rust Buy-Back Program [screwed4] by mcalautt

Jan 08, 2009 (12:36 pm)

Replying to: screwed4 (Jan 08, 2009 11:47 am)
awesome service...
1st of all, they should have givin you the money back.. that is just poor.
 
there is a warranty and I believe it is suppose to be 15 years on the new frame,
but thats just on the frame. When your truck has other issues that will most likely be related to the frame swap (IE: rattles, noises, intermittent electrical conditions) that wont be covered.
 
as far as a number.. call the 800 number for toyota and then ask them for the # for ISG. after the paper work has been submitted for your truck, they will have a case for it.

#625 of 1348 2001 taco failed by pataco01

Jan 08, 2009 (2:57 pm)

Well I've been watching this post for a couple of weeks now and can finally chime in. took my '01 to the dealership today and like I thought it failed the frame inspection. Big hole on the inside of the passenger side frame by the rear leaf hanger. Not real happy with toyota right now but the dealership has been pretty good so far. The hooked me up with a free loaner (new Dakota quad cab 4x4) and said they would start the paperwork. They told me I would be up for a frame replacement. I said no, I want the buyback. Talked to the Toyota rep and he gave me a new case number, different than my reference number, and said a case manager would call me within 24 hours to let me know my options. So should find out tomorrow whats going on. Hopefully they'll buy it back and I can get that Nissan I've wanted. When I hear anything new I'll be sure to update everyone.

#626 of 1348 Re: tocoma recall [horselover2] by reuser

Jan 08, 2009 (4:26 pm)

Replying to: horselover2 (Jan 07, 2009 7:36 am)
I went through the Toyota thing last summer. If you haven't found it, go to AUTOSAFETY.ORG, the Center for Auto Safety in D.C. where they are collecting names for a potential class action suit. I'll join any suit that happens. I talked to the Director last summer and he was very aware of this issue. One of the problems is that because Toy is not calling this a recall (rather a buy-back) they pretend that they didn't know about this problem during all of these years when many of us were buying used vehicles. Don't know about the 2001 models on -- whether Toyota is finally owning up to the dangerous nature of the problem.
 
The AG idea is a good one too -- whatever works! Good luck. Now I have a Ranger I hate, but I'm so sick of Toyota that I doubt I'll ever buy one of their trucks again.

#627 of 1348 Re: Toyota Frame Rust Buy-Back Program [screwed4] by doubleusn

Jan 08, 2009 (5:45 pm)

Replying to: screwed4 (Jan 08, 2009 11:47 am)
Also dealing with Corporate and Ms. Bishop.
 
She has refused to provide me in writing with a warranty, a replacement part list, and an ETA.
 
I have also left calls with the NHTSA, State AG, and the FTC (fed)(877-382-4357)
 
Anybody know the contact info for the Boston Area Regional Manager for Toyota?
 
Thanks
-wsn

#628 of 1348 Re: tocoma recall [reuser] by mcalautt

Jan 09, 2009 (5:59 am)

Replying to: reuser (Jan 08, 2009 4:26 pm)
I want to AUTOSAFETY.ORG but I cant find a section where they are taking names..
do you know the specific link ?

Messages Page 63 of 135

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