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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 66 of 136

#645 of 1348 Re: From my A.G. ... [reuser] by screwed4

Jan 12, 2009 (2:29 pm)

I too have filed under the autosafety.org, as well as the attorney general, and better business bureau. Has anbody retained a lawyer yet on the safety concerns with the 2001 -2004? If so, I am interested to hear from you. A frame replacement is unacceptable. The truck will never be right again. In my local small town, there is only one other tacoma, a 2001, so far that they will be doing a frame swap on. My truck is a 2002, which I was told on November 11, 2008, that I was to be included in the BB. I have real safety concerns with this frame swap, again, like I said earlier, I am not sure the mechanics are not qualified to do this correctly. I had the oppurtunity to see a boneyard of the toyota's they had collected, most of them were almost split in half, the cab just seperated, in a V shape, scary, huh? God forbid I am in a wreck, I wonder what impact this would have? These trucks are not safe to be on the road. Has anbody contacted their insurance company? I wonder what they would say about this issue, would they want to cover an unsafe rusted frame? Anybody know about the value of these trucks after frame replacement? Has anbody got a frame replacement yet? My dealership told me that they were not in yet.

#646 of 1348 Re: From my A.G. ... [Sambone5769] by tcincy

Jan 12, 2009 (7:23 pm)

Replying to: Sambone5769 (Jan 12, 2009 10:03 am)
if the State AG will not take it as a "voluntary program" then how about just plain old "Consumer Complaint" or "Lemon Law" complaint?
 
"It is your only course for addressing this issue"????
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
 
I'd be p****d.

#647 of 1348 Re: From my A.G. ... [tcincy] by Sambone5769

Jan 13, 2009 (6:44 am)

Replying to: tcincy (Jan 12, 2009 7:23 pm)
I asked her to clarify, and she said that our Tacomas did not qualify under the "Lemon Law" as they were more than three years old.
I'm still a little fuzzy on the details, but because there is no OFFICIAL recall underway, I guess they can't mediate? I don't get it. I was doing my civil duty to inform the state that there are countless Tacoma owners driving around in potential killing machines oblivious to their dangerous predicament, and with assurances from Toyota that their trucks are fine. Has anyone received a letter or notification from Toyota that their 01-04 Tacomas might be in trouble and to have them checked out?
This is scary.

#648 of 1348 Compliants and value by daleyplanit

Jan 13, 2009 (11:59 am)

Up until a month ago I was probably one of the most active people on this list. I recently bought a house, so I had to shift my time from advocating on this issue to navigating mortages, realtors, insurance, inspections, and negotations. It's a good thing Toyota doesn't make houses, many of us would be homeless. Anyway.... Here's the message I keep touting...
 
Take the time and write the appropriate agencies about this issue.
  
Southland California Better Business Bureau
Your state attorney general's office
Your state consumer protection board
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Your state and federal assemblyman and congressman
Local news (tv and newspaper)
60 minutes and Dateline
Various internet complaint centers like the Autosafety.org
   
I have form letters, adresses, advice for documentaion, and I'm more than happy to help you. I had a 2001 Tacoma and was RIPPED off by Toyota. I'll do everything in my power to make sure that
1. Dangerous trucks are taken off the road.
2. Toyota pays a fair market value for those trucks
3. All customers affected get the same treatment. Currently, 2001 and newer truck owners are completely hung out to dry. No loaner, no full value, no dealership asistance.
  
I know a few people are talking about class action stuff, but that won't happen until an attorney feels the pressure is on enough to take this case head one. Toyota is a multi-billion dollar corporation, and without strength in numbers, I doubt much will happen. Keep making calls, kee writing letters, and keep the pressure on.
 
Toyota gave me $3,000 less than what I paid for my truck when I bought it last year. I recently heard toyota has formalized the 2001+ buyback program. If this is so - what are people getting? Rental? 150%? I got niether and I'm considering going for the rest in small claims court but not without vlaidation that Toyota has stepped up to the plate for some folks but not others.

#649 of 1348 bostonchannel5 by screwed4

Jan 15, 2009 (12:37 pm)

I read some where through these threads about someone contacting bostonchannel5, so I did last night, they replied back this morning asking me where I live and if I was willing to do an interview with them. So, maybe this is another route for people to start complaning to them as well...I understand they did an investigation on the earlier models, I will let you know further about this. The only problem I have is that I am located in Maryland, possibly they would consider an interview over the phone, come on folks!!!!!! Let's explore every option we have. considereing there are not too many left.

#650 of 1348 Re: bostonchannel5 [screwed4] by mcalautt

Jan 15, 2009 (2:53 pm)

Replying to: screwed4 (Jan 15, 2009 12:37 pm)
find out what they want to do for the interview..
is this regarding an 01 - 04 truck ?
toyota will not buy back trucks if they are 2001-2004 they are only going to replace the frame..
 
I just got my offer and it was lower than what I think was fair..
I argued with Keven ( toyota case manager) and he did not care about any point I made and said "toyota is not in the business of buying back trucks" and my buyback was a "Good will" buyback.
 
the long and short of it is,
toyota doesnt care about how this affects their customers, they are only concerned with how much this will cost them.

#651 of 1348 frame game...... by rachelf

Jan 15, 2009 (8:38 pm)

Replying to: mcalautt (Jan 15, 2009 2:53 pm)
OK, so I've got an 02 with the disease.....did the yada yada w/ Kevin, and my service mgr. called to inform me of the frame replacement (bummer) I was ready to upgrade to the 4 door Taco- my inspection expires end of Jan. they told me to turn the truck in and I will get a loaner.....they dont have the parts, and dont know when they will......
Mr. Service Mgr. metioned that during the "repair" it might be a good time to replace/fix parts that are easily accessible such as fuel/brake lines........ I want to know if any of you know what exactly is included in the frame repair.....a mechanic pal said that Toyota should be responsible for the lines, because they are gonna mess them up during surgery......See where I'm going w/ this ?
What are the parts that are included with the frame ( I'm a mechanical dummy). I want to go in there knowing exactly whats what.......I am hiring an honest mechanic to put the truck up on a lift and show me the whole deal. I dont want to pay for parts that Toyota is responsible for. Anybody got some info on this?
Also I'm scared, 'cause I'm one of the first frame jobs for this dealership- being the test monkey doesnt make me feel the love..........

#652 of 1348 Re: Compliants and value [daleyplanit] by doubleusn

Jan 15, 2009 (8:43 pm)

Replying to: daleyplanit (Jan 13, 2009 11:59 am)
Hi
 
I ended up working something out with the dealer. They gave me a fair trade in value for the truck. A number that reflects market value of what it would be worth if it did not have a hole in the rusty frame. They then let me use that trade value towards a heavily discounted 09 Tacoma. I wanted 1.5 KBB but Toyota Corp (vs dealer) are being unreasonable about this. I don't have the 3+ months I was quoted for a frame replacement and I don't trust it will be done right, we are talking major surgery. I took the trade deal. The problem goes away, I have a new 09 that was 'heavily' discounted on $$$, and the many months of waiting and Toyota Corp BS is no longer my problem. Also FWIW they did give me a rental for no cost for the 3/4 weeks that it took to work this all out. In the end 99% of this is Toyota Corp, and not the dealer (or mine anyhow) I had already bought 2 there, and the General Sales Manger made it happen. Very nice lady.
 
Glad it's all over, I will not miss dealing with Ms. Bishop from the Corp office in CA.
 
Good luck to everybody...
 
Cheers
-wsn

#653 of 1348 Re: frame game...... [rachelf] by doubleusn

Jan 15, 2009 (8:47 pm)

Replying to: rachelf (Jan 15, 2009 8:38 pm)
Hi
 
Before I worked out a deal with my dealer, Toyota Corp (Ms. Bishop) REFUSED to provide me with the list of parts in writing/email/fax.
 
FWIW:
 
Toyota's Legal Dept Address is:
 
Toyota Motor Sales USA
National Customer Relations
19001 Southwestern Ave.
Dept HQ11 Torrance, CA 90509
Attention: 2001-2004 Customer Support Program (Tacoma)
 
Good luck folks...
 
Cheers
-wsn

#654 of 1348 Re: frame game...... [rachelf] by bearcatter

Jan 16, 2009 (8:52 am)

Replying to: rachelf (Jan 15, 2009 8:38 pm)
I agree with rachelf, this frame replacement open heart surgery is going to eventually cause palpitations to our wallets. Toyota will find a way to tack on extra charges for stuff that breaks in the course of the frame replacement. If the frame is rusted, that other stuff is rusted. I expect to have to replace tie rods, exhaust system, etc, as thrashing on that rusted stuff is going to cause failure. I'd just as soon not be responsible for $600-$700 in additional costs arising from this frame replacement. I'm even going to have to replace my oil pan when the engine is out of the truck. I bet I'm personally looking at $1000 out of pocket expenses at frame replacement time. That's why in this economy, a buyback is the best solution for us owners.

Messages Page 66 of 136

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