Los Angeles, CA: Toyota is facing a defective automotive class action lawsuit filed by an Arkansas man, alleging its 2005-2009 Tacoma trucks are prone to experiencing excessive rust corrosion. Specifically, the lawsuit claims that the trucks were made with frames that are inadequately protected from rust corrosion, consequently, the frames corrode from rust, rendering the vehicles unstable and unsafe to drive.
The vehicles that experience excessive rust corrosion are essentially worthless, according to the complaint (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas case number: 1:14-cv-02208.)
Lead plaintiff, Ryan Burns, alleges Toyota has, for quite some time, been aware of the alleged defect in the Tacoma vehicles' frames, and despite this knowledge, has failed to disclose the existence of the defect to him and other class members at the time of sale, has not issued a recall to inspect and repair the vehicles and has not offered to reimburse owners for costs incurred to identify and repair the defect.
The lawsuit contends that earlier this year, Burns took his Tacoma in for service because the fan on the vehicle was coming into contact with the fan shroud. "hortly thereafter, plaintiff was informed that the frame on his Tacoma vehicle was rusted out and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive,"the complaint states.
Burns alleges he was advised that the frame on his 2005 Tacoma had severely rusted and that it would cost approximately $10,000 to repair. "In March 2008, after receiving numerous complaints that frames on approximately 813,000 model year 1995 to 2000 Tacoma vehicles had exhibited excessive rust corrosion, Toyota USA initiated a customer support program extending warranty coverage on the vehicles' frames for frame perforation caused by rust corrosion,"the complaint states. "The program extended warranty coverage on concerned vehicles to 15 years with no mileage limitations."
Allegedly, the terms of the program are that once confirmation of perforation of the frame due to rust corrosion has been determined, Toyota would either repair or repurchase the vehicle. Burns claims Toyota subsequently altered the customer support program to include 2001-2004 Tacoma models, with the exception that there was no buy-back option.
"In November 2012, Toyota USA recalled approximately 150,000 Tacoma vehicles to inspect and replace the spare-tire carrier on vehicles sold in 20 cold weather states,"the complaint states. "The recall was issued to prevent the spare-tire carrier from rusting through and resulting in the spare tire dropping to the ground."
The lawsuit contends Toyota violated the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and breached its express and implied warranty under Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. "Toyota USA knew, or should have known, that the frames on Toyota vehicles were not coated with adequate rust corrosion treatment,"the complaint states. Consequently, Toyota has been unjustly enriched at the cost of class members whose vehicles were damaged, according to the lawsuit.
Burns is seeking class certification, compensatory damages, an order requiring Toyota to repair or replace the frames on the Tacoma vehicles and pre- and post-judgment interest. He is represented by Phillip J. Milligan of Milligan Law Offices; Michael L. Roberts of Roberts Law Firm; and Ben Barnow and Erich P. Schork of Barnow & Associates PC.
Toyota Tacoma Truck Corrosion Legal Help
If you or a loved one has suffered similar damages or injuries, please fill in our form on the right and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Just found out about my 2001 Tacoma frame rusting out prematurely. Toyota says I had to Jan. 2016 to get it fixed, although they never notified me it was an issue that should have been monitored. When they did the undercoating recall they said it was for the spare tire well. Deceitful!!!!
Posted by Mi
on
Can we start a law suit with Toyota on the 2000-2004 Tacoma models of rusted frame? By reading all of these, it makes me mad and angry because I can not drive my lifeless 2002 Tacoma now. Rusted really bad and spray was done and completed. I just bought this car few m9nths ago and if it shown on the cards, I wouldn't even purchase it. Previous owner had completed all steps to avoid the rust and it still happen.
The spray was suppose to help and stop the rust but it didn't. Now sue the stray companies of failure to protect from getting rushed.
Posted by Robert Farmer
on
I purchased 2002 toyota tacoma in 2009 and took it to toyota to have frame checked. They keep telling me surface rust.Anyone with two eyes can see the frame is totally rusted.
Posted by David sexton
on
I purchased a 1996 Tacoma ext.cab 4x4 in 2010 150,000 miles a well maintained truck,now the frame keeps rusting through I'm done patching it up sitting unsafe to drive not everyone can afford to fix or go out and buy something else to drive.Very frustrated,you'd think Toyota would stand behind their product .What's it going to take people dying from Toyota neglecting this problem.
Posted by gary fryxell
on
a Tacoma 2004 ,they replaced frame in 2011,2 years later frame,noe 50,000 miles later the truck is a junk,big rust bucket
Posted by ernest vaughn
on
my daughter has a 2004 Tacoma which she bought new. Just looked at the frame and it is terrible. Rust everywhere. Called the local dealer. His response. I cant help up. If it breaks -call a tow truck and have it took to a junk yard. Hats off to Toyota.
Posted by Diane Rings
on
We have a 2005 Tacoma with 150,000 miles.
We took it to Kool Toyota when we got the recall. They had the vehicle for 3 days - sprayed it with rust proofing said it was good. The spray stuff peeled off - they did it again - same thing. We just had a mechanic look at it and the frame is splitting in layers do to so much rust. We cannot seem to get a response on what to do. This is a Toyota issue. We have owned 4 Toyotas and have always been happy with them until this.
Posted by Hope Mollett
on
I purchased a 2003 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 crew cab From Low Cost Cars in Circleville Ohio, in November 2016 and in January of 2017 ihit a pot hole and the leaf spring on the driver's side rusted off and the passenger side is just as bad and it's only a matter of time before it rusts off also I have complained to BBB about Low Cost Cars selling me this truck with a bad frame and I am getting no where, I have a loan for 16,000.00 and a truck that is very dangerous to drive and have no way of replacing a frame with a income why are car lots just allowed to take advantage of us like this. It's ridiculous that we have to drive unsafe vehicles due to Toyota not owning up to there mess up, and then again car lots reselling us trucks knowing that the frame is bad I never heard of this frame problem untill after I purchased my truck, or I would have never purchased a touyota. Hopefully Toyota will take care of these defects.
Posted by Gavin McNabb
on
Ive had my 2004 tacoma since 18 miles off the lot. Got the recall notice, denied a replacement and sprayed it instead. Cdc came off within a year, took it back for fixing and respray...was denied. Opened a case with toyata Corp and played the patience game. Took truck back a 3rd time, different dealership and got a rehearsed speech again. A sidenote is between the 2nd and 3rd inspection it had been 5 yrs. By this point the entire underbody is infested with rust. Also, after the 2nd inspection i took it to an independent garage and was advised it was unfit and not roadworthy. It sat parked between that time and when i moved in 2014. Luckily i had a company work truck fir transport. Also, i didnt drive it to my new residence...i had to put it in my 24ft trailer and haul it. I was denied a copy if the criteria and protocols, denied avloaner vehicle, denied a respray at the very least and havent been contacted by "michael" of toyota who was my case mgr. Im coming up on the15 yr warranty and not a single fix has been offered. At current state, the truck is sitting at a dealership in the back storage lot and has a "?" written on the shield. I am just leaving it in their custody and responsibilities for now. I see there is a class suit open but i am in the group of customers that wasn't willing to spend a dime on fixing it myself and i want them to fix everything as of what us needed at present state. I wasnt going to dig for proof of receipts or have to proove i replaced a muffler or frame or anything. I wanted to wait and have it falling apart and see exactly what was given back to me as a "passed test" . A recall is a mandatory take back on an item. Toyota and their lawyers were sly enough to jump ahead and offer a voluntary inspection program and 15 yrs warranty, with exception of buyback of course. In doing that, they can and have written their protocols and criteria on what is safe or not. Now with the class suit....how do i get what i have patiently waiting for? I didn't pay out of pocket b/c i didnt think that was right but i have been waiting for a solution so what now? My sister had the same exact recall except from an earlier model year. The hammer test was failed miserably and they bought back the tacoma for 1.5 times kbb price. Toyota knew they were in for an even bigger financial loss on this recall and decided to not buyback and they found a way around it. Brilliant actually but very sneaky and dishonest. It lets them put customers in a never ending loop, like me, for 15 years and then finally offer to settle the class action. However, they admit no wrongdoing and concede nothing in warner v tmc class. So, to me when you offer to settle a claim that is just the same as being guilty of what the initial charge was. Settlement still gives a Toyota dealer the power to fix or deny the issues,and then you have lost any future benefits b/c your class suit was settled already. The real fix is to have independent inspections done and then lets see if they change their tune. Do you know how many trucks that they sent back on the roads and the whole time knowing the cab could fly off the frame if it hit a pothole. There is no justice going to be issued in this im afraid. Its just the way it is.
Posted by Darrell E. Poole JR
on
I have a 1999 Toyota Tacoma SST dlx regular cab 2wd pickup. I purchased it in 2003, after my first 1999 Tacoma was totaled in a no fault accident, I loved the truck, so I found another truck exactly like it. the Tacoma has always been registered,titled, and insured in my name, since the day I bought it in 2003. the first time I ever heard of the frame rust recall was in dec. 2015. when I took my truck to the local Toyota dealership, they first told me you have to be the original owner of the vehicle, they also said I should have gotten a recall letter from Toyota about the frame rust, and instructions on what to do. I have lived at the same address since 1999 and have never received a recall letter. I even had my mail traced to see if a recall had been sent to me and returned, nothing was ever sent. and I argued with Toyota corporate until I was about ready to explode. they are very disrespectful, and talk to customers like they are dumb. ive since purchased another 2000 Tacoma SST, with no frame rust. and cleaned the frame and applied rust corrosion resistant protection, to be safe. I had it inspected and it checked out very good. ive also purchased a brand new oem frame for my other Tacoma, had it rust and corrosion proofed and my son and I installed it. the truck looks very good ,and its very sound and clean. the new frame cost me around $2200.00 and we installed it ourselves, and replaced all ball joints, coil springs, leaf springs, and body bushings, shocks with new. I will buy Toyotas in the future, but Toyota manufacturing really needs to step up their quality, on the vehicles they make. now going through the same crap with our 2005, and 2010 Tacoma doublecabs. we are loyal Toyota buyers having a 1999 &2000 Tacoma, a 2004 celica gts, a 2002 &2016 corolla S, a 2005 & 2010 Tacoma doublecab trds sports, and a 2016 scion tc 10.0 release series.
Posted by Kenneth Hollar
on
I received a card in the mail about November or December of 2016 regarding a class action lawsuit with info to call to be included, but misplaced the card . I need to know phone number and who to call. Can anyone provide this information? I have a 2008 Tacoma. Thanks in advance.
Posted by Paul Heath
on
I purchased my 2003 Toyota Sequoia in June of 2011. I was unaware of any potential defects in the frame at the time. I was never informed by Toyota, or my dealer, of the “Regional (snowy states) Inspections” they were doing even though I’d had my truck in for service during the period of the inspections. Luckily, just before pulling onto the interstate, after picking my daughter up at daycare, my serpentine belt snapped. The mechanic was investigating the reason behind why my belt fayed and snapped noticed the frame was completely perforated and could break at any moment rendering it unsafe to drive. So glad it happened “before” I was at top speed on the highway.
Even though Toyota is aware of the ‘defect’ they’re not accepting responsibility for either fixing/replacing the frame or compensation for being stuck with a worthless vehicle (can’t sell it or trade it). They’re also awfully nonchalant about notifying customers that their lives, their families lives and all those on or near the road around them are a risk if this issues isn’t addressed. Toyota treats this with the same amount of urgency as if the CD player was defective and skipped regularly. Also, this frame issue would go unnoticed under the standard annual vehicle inspections like we have here in Maine.
I have filed complaints with the Federal Trade Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, where there are 56 other registered complaints regarding this issue aside from mine. I’ve notified the Maine State Attorney General, Department of Motor Vehicles, two Senators and a producer at one of the local TV stations.
Posted by Mark Roberts
on
I purchased a 1 owner 2002 Tacoma TRD 4WD and noticed the frame is rusting very bad. It has the coating applied but it is useless. The overcoat is flaking off and showing the exposed rusting frame underneath. The bed mounting brackets are almost rusted off the frame too.
Posted by Bob Goossens
on
I had my 2004 Tundra double cab serviced for an oil change and my mechanic notified me that my frame is dangerously rusted. I called Toyota to check for a recall and they said that I have to live with it. I was naive to think that I bought a great truck.
My previous truck was a 1992 Ford F250 which I used to tow my camper all over the country. I finally sold it after owning it for 20 years to a neighbor. My next truck will definitely be another Ford.
Posted by james jacksonville
on
i had a 2002 Toyota Blunder with the rotted frame. An I have the email records of my argument with Toyota Corporate while we were INSIDE the time period.
I also have the pictures showing extensive frame failure... AND my spare tire securing assembly failure. But neither the local dealer nor Toyota corporate would acknowledge the HOLES in my frame.... and I STILL HAVE THE PICTURES OF THE FAILED FRAME. There also " might be an audio recording of a discussion with the service manager were I was POINTING TO AND TOUCHING THE PERFORATIONS...THAT HE "officially" denied existed!!! I cant wait for this to turn into a CRIMINAL Investigation. The recording might not be used in a law suit... but it MIGHT BE USED AS EVIDENCE IN A RACKETEERING CASE. Clearly Toy corporate MUST be " motivating" the dealerships to deny deny deny... so there is collusion... I am locked and loaded. emails.... pictures...recordings... and the tsb
Posted by Mark Duchac
on
I have a 2003 tundra she has been a great truck up until I lost all steering control after having 2 different mechanics look at my truck only to get the same answer from both my front chassis cross member as rusted completely through, after doing some home work and talking to toyota customer service the limited service program does not cover the damage as it was looked at in 2011 and they said it was already taken care of... sorry toyota if it was already taken care of why is only 1 part of my frame rusted all the way through
Posted by Lisa
on
We are battling with Toyota over a rusted frame, and are not getting anywhere with them either, just like many of you. We have made complaint after complaint. We have filed a complaint with the State Attorney Generals Office, and others. Today, my husband filed a complaint with the U.S Department of Transportation- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It's very simple to call and speak with a person and file a complaint. 1-888-327-4236. The lady my husband spoke with told him if they get enough complaints that an investigation will begin and may be cause for an actual recall, instead of the "voluntary service program" that Toyota chose to use to keep from having to make many more repairs or buy backs. Had it been an actual recall they couldn't have ended it per federal law. Please call them. It doesn't take long to make the complaint. We need to stand up to Toyota!
Posted by Ena Anthony
on
My story is the same. 2005 Tacoma purchased new. In 2014 took it in for annual inspection and was told the frame was too rusted and unsafe to pass inspection. When I asked what the dealership would do I was told that they had 119 other trucks sitting in their back lot that needed new frames. When they got to my number (120) they would call me. When I asked when that would be I was told "maybe 6 months." So I asked if they were going to give me a loaner or did they have a buy back program and I was told no to both. I asked what I was supposed to do for 6 months I was told it was not their problem. I went to another Toyota dealer 50 minutes from my home and they said Toyota would provide me with a rental, at no cost to me, for the 6 months or so it would take to get a new frame for my truck. So I was able to get a new frame and a rental vehicle. I guess it depends on which dealership you use. I filed a complaint against the first dealership with my state's Attorney General's office. They turned the complaint over to the state Auto Dealership association. When they asked the service manager at the first dealership about this he said he did tell me about the rental program. He did not and my husband was a witness to that conversation. Suffice it to say we will never buy anything from that dealership again and I tell everyone I know they should steer clear of that dealership. It may not be convenient but I tell them they need to go to the dealership that did help me, even if it is 50 minutes away from home. In the end it worked out but I spent an entire 3 day holiday weekend worry and stressing over what I was going to do about a vehicle before I was able to talk with the second dealership. I knew I couldn't sell the Tacoma because it was worthless. Up until that moment I had heard nothing about the frames rusting. After that, everyone I know who drives a Toyota had a horror story about rusted frames.
Posted by cody
on
purchased a 2006 toyota tacoma a few months ago with 88,000 miles excellent condition except frame has a hole rusted in it. toyota will not fix! i took it to the dealership and called california number and they all say recall expired in march 2016.
Posted by Ben Potter
on
I purchased a used 2003 Sequoia earlier this year (2016) and it had a small amount of surface rust on the body around the rear wheel wells. I had done some research prior to the purchase and was aware of a possible frame issue. I looked under the vehicle before purchasing and the frame appeared to be intact. The exhaust - however - was quite rusty and needed to be replaced so I did it myself only to find that in the rear where the frame was obscured by the tail pipe resonator - the frame was rusted through. I had purchased the vehicle to replace my 1996 suburban that had 100k more miles and still had a solid frame. I called Toyota about it and got a case open only to be told they had already serviced the vehicle by coating the frame with a rust inhibitor. I believe KBB and other car value estimators are very wrong when it comes to body on frame toyotas - their are a lot of these stories. The bodies look fine but the frame is junk.
Posted by Jimmy Yansick
on
I had my leaf springs snap on me on March 22nd 2016 on my way into work. Had it towed to my local Toyota Dealer, West-Herr in Orchard Park, NY. The service manager told me that the leaf springs were under recall and they could do the work, however, my frame was rotted out underneath the brackets for the leaf springs and it was deemed unfit for travel. Since March 23rd 2016 my truck has been sitting and rotting in the dealers lot. I was told originally that my frame order would have a 4-6 month lead time to it. I am writing this on November 4th 2016, over 7 months after they said they would have the frame in and job done. I have been in contact with Toyota Corporate who keeps denying me solid answers as to where my frame is for my truck. I have tried several times to reach out and get them to offer me a buy out, like they did on the 2000-2002 models a few years back. The case manager that was assigned to me, Jeffery, tells me that the buy out is not an option on this recall. The math tells me they should have done a buy out. My truck was, in my opinion, under valued in April at $9,000 with the frame job taken into consideration. It is a 2006 5-speed i4 4x4 extended cab Tacoma. I was also told that the cost to replace my frame is going to be $12,000. This whole time Toyota has been paying for a rental car/truck for me as a comp for having an unsafe vehicle. I did the math and they will be spending approximately $8,500 on my rentals when this is all said and done. So this tells me that Toyota values their vehicles being on the road longer rather than keeping customers happy and loyal. Toyota is willing to pay at least $20,500 for repairs and rental for my $9,000 truck. Does anyone else see the discrepancy here? At this point they should have scrapped my truck and given me a newer model year with a frame that won't rust.
Posted by Arran
on
I have an 02 Toyota Sequoia I purchased it January 2014. Before purchasing it I called Toyota and ask them if the frame recall had being done and if there were any problems with the frame. I even gave them the Vin number and they told me my vehicle did not apply to the recall.They told me the frame recall had been done in the vehicle was under coded and there were no problems. Now it is late October 2016 and the other day I was jacking up my truck to check a power steering leak and the frame started to crash in as I jacked it up! I called them today and talked and explain the situation, they told me the recall was done in 2013 in the frame was under coded. Does anyone here think that if the frame was good in 2013 that it should have holes in it now? Shouldn't Toyota have a better way of checking the frames? Maybe by drilling and checking the thickness of the metal and comparing it to OE specifications? I am not an engineer but I am also not stupid. They told me today there was absolutely nothing that would be done I got upset and hung up on the lady. I called back and told them I was upset with the person I was dealing with because she was not sympathetic at all and would not let me speak at times. Another representative is supposed to call me back within 24 hours. My vehicle has 111,000 miles on it and is in very good condition. If they don't do something for me or all of you we should definitely open a class action lawsuit! through my years working in the auto industry I have told so many people how great Toyotas we're and I had owned probably 15.
I hope something good will come of this because as of now I am not financially prepared to buy a new vehicle to transport my four children.
Posted by James
on
I bought my 2004 tundra in January 2015. The previous owner informed me of the undercoat program and that I should be on the lookout for a recall notice. Bye the time I received the notice it was already too late and the deadline had already passed. When I inquired about the program I was basically stonewalled! I was told I was too late and the window of opportunity was closed. It's funny they act like they are doing the customers a favor when the truth is the customers did them a favor bye allowing them to fix some of their life threatening mistakes! Earlier this year as soon as I get the "killer airbag" and "killer ball joints" recalls I take it in late January. When the ball joints get installed I'm informed it has underwent a multi point inspection. Fast forward to now just out of curiosity last week I crawl up underneath to see how things are.... To my horror I discover rotted out holes on both the driver and passenger side of the box frame. After I clean out the rot with my finger I'm left with a 2"x8" hole on my passenger side and a 2"x5" hole on my driver side. After calling several Toyota service centers I discovered they are still changing frames but can't help me because I missed the frame painting program last year. Another call to corporate which is a broken record.. How many different ways can someone politely say no. The funny thing is the case worker you speak to about the rotted frames at corporate is in Torrence, Ca... He's probably never seen one of these rotted frames or had family or friends ride on one. Later in the day I get a customer service survey to ask how they did and how I feel???toyota has jokes I guess
Posted by Ryan caine
on
Purchased a 2001 toyota sequoia frame has large holes all over didn't know till after purchasing you can take your finger and push it through spots all over and you will push right through you would think a have a 1940s vehicle or something I've seen classic cars pulled out of fields that aren't like the frame on my toyota sequoia I don't know how toyota can get away with this the body's are rusted free look great but what you don't see is unsafe people are going to get killed by these death traps they produced toyota needs to be held responsible for this junk
Posted by Vincent
on
I purchased a 2004 toyota tacoma brand new I was having the exhaust repaired and found the entire frame is rotted out I was never informed of a recall the truck is totally unsafe to drive looking for the dealer to repair this issue with no luck
Posted by Nick Hurt
on
I bought an 01 tacoma with 32k miles on it from a used car dealer in Albany NY in 2013 (clear title). It had been traded in to a Toyota dealer in Rhode Island (2013) The dealer knew it needed a new frame and sent it to auction with a clear title. In fact they knew it needed a frame in 2011. In 2009 the frame was inspected as OK. Because the vehicle never received an undercoating by the 2011 deadline for extended frame warranty ,I am now out of luck trying to get a new frame for it. Perhaps It did not get the undercoating because it needed a new frame and for all I know the dealer never told the previous owner. In 8 years the vehicle only traveled 30k miles or less. I think it might have been owned by and elder who was scammed by the dealer. Now I am the sucker. Toyota is Bad Bad Bad
Posted by Anthony Lubich
on
I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma, I've been fighting with the frame issue since 2010, it was checked and they were suppose to call me back to have the corrosion resistance placed on the frame, never got a call! continually called the dealership asking when this was going to be done, same answer no rental cars at this time. I told them I didn't need a rental car and I would just drop it off. they said they would never received a call. My wife was having her car serviced at the same dealership and ask when were they going to get her husbands truck up here to have it done, as soon as we can. Long story short they never called, I called them and they stated the recall had expired. I've calling, writing anyone I could think of to get this issue resolved. nobody has helped me, now I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma with the frame rusted out and is unsafe. Thank You Toyota
Posted by Jonathan McMenamin-Balano
on
Like many here, we purchased a vehicle expecting it ot live up to the quality that we had experienced with previous Toyota products. My story is a bit different - I searched for a used Toyota, found it, inspected it, purchased it because it came from a Toyota dealership who knew of the problems but never mentioned them, or that the vehicle with 55K miles on was never inspected for the defect - only when I discovered it did they blame the previous owner. If I did this at my job, I would be fired. Toyota - make your customers whole.
Posted by Liz
on
I have a 2005 Tacoma with150k. Got the recall letter in Dec. 2015 and in Feb. 2016 took it to my local Toyota dealer where I bought it. They checked the frame told me it failed and they were ordering the new frame. I am finally getting it back today 7/29/16. It needs a couple other things to pass inspection, but my mechanic will be taking care of that. Glad to be getting my truck back. You don't realize how much you rely on a truck when you own a home until it's not there any more. Sorry to hear so many bad experiences with Toyota.
Posted by John bruno
on
Just notice rust on my 2003 Tacoma frame what can I do ? truck only has 50,000 miles on it !
Posted by John
on
The problem has still not been addressed I bought A new 2010 tacoma just now paid off its 6 years old has a large rust hole in center of frame these trucks are junk wish I was informed about the rust problems toyota is a worthless company
Posted by Dave Roy
on
My 2005 Toyota Tacoma double cab truck was checked today for an odd noise & I was told by the garage that my frame was BROKE! I then called Toyota to seek assistance since this issue was recalled. Toyota was completely useless & told me that my truck was not covered by the recall and that they couldn't help me. I have long been a loyal Toyota owner, but this experience has changed my perception of this company. I am a hardworking husband & father who bought this truck for my family. Now, not only am I losing thousands of dollars from purchasing this defective vehicle, but I also have to purchase another vehicle with money I don't have. Step up Toyota & fix your mistakes!!
Posted by Nick rosato
on
My 04 Tundra is rusted through at the connection point for the sway bar. Might loose the sway bar entirely at some point soon. The body is perfect, the interior great. Just put new clutch on at 140,000 miles. Then found this. Help Tundra owners too!
Posted by Mike Anderson
on
2007 tacoma. I got a recall for the frame. Took it to the dealership where I bought it. They inspected it and told me they would spray it. I left it there on the day it was scheduled. A year later the complete frame is rusted. It had more protection on it before they sprayed it. Called the dealer and was told if it rusts out they would replace it. So do I drive it until it breaks? Couldn't get an answer from toyota.
Posted by Marcus Smith
on
2006 Toyota Tacoma with 150,000 miles. Looked under the truck when I purchased it and noticed surface rust. didn't look bad.158,000 noticed brakes not as solid and was bleeding the system. saw some rust and gave it a tap, it punched right through the frame. noticed an exact problem on the other side. The prior owner had the frame inspected last year and was told that the frame was clean, now a year and a few months and there is a hole. contacted Toyota and was told they inspected it last year and it was good so it is now my problem. Paid a lot of money for a truck that could be worthless. they are doing the leaf spring replacement in a couple weeks maybe a new set of eyes will help.
Posted by Rene
on
I purchased a 99 Tacoma SR5 in mid September 2015 after my other car was totalled due to a no fault accident. I have always heard nothing but good things about Toyota's reliability and decided to buy one. BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER!
I took the car to the mechanic for a tune up and was notified the frame was so rusted the rear pass shock could snap at anytime. I rushed to the local Toyota dealer and the service manager was shocked drove the car in that condition and was super courteous and willing to help. Unfortunately he said Toyota corporate would back the repairs.
I called corporate myself received a ticker number and what seamed like good news when i heard they would help me. Unfortunately when i called back the next day as advised, I was told the first rep i spoke to was a 3rd party and she was not allowed to approve any repairs. After countless phones calls I got nowhere with corporate.
The Toyota dealer advised me to tow the car home as it was extremely unsafe. Unfortunately I cannot afford the 12k fix for the replacement frame nor can I afford to buy a new pickup. Toyota needs to step up. You cannot just put a time limit on these hazards we are driving. Are they waiting for an unfortunate death due to something happening while driving?
Posted by Jason
on
I have a 99 Tacoma that had a lot of rust and several holes in the frame! I had to fix on my own! Toyota offered no help with it! After doing the recall and letting them spray this nasty black stuff all over my frame and telling me it's good to have the frame rust out a couple of years later! I have 2 trucks by toyota and due to this I will never ever buy another toyota made vehicle again!
Posted by Mauricio crisostomo
on
Toyota corporate sucks they refused to help me out with my rusted frame says its too late what a bunch of bs 2005 double cab tacoma
Posted by Chris Wilson
on
I have a 2004 Tacoma. Was excited to finally own one only to now not be able to drive it because the frame has rusted through so bad that my rear shocks have no where to bolt to. I still owe now on a truck that has zero value with a rusted out frame. Called Toyota and they refuse to fix the problem. We need to stand together. There is power in numbers. But I will never buy a Toyota again. They don't even stand behind there product.
Posted by Mike Shelton
on
I have a 2000 Tacoma with 119,000 miles. Looks new. I wasn't notified of the extended rust warranty on the frame. I contacted Toyota April 28th 2016 and was told nothing they could do. They stated the information was sent to another address in 2008. I purchased the truck in 2006. They have service records with my correct address when I contacted them. One customer service rep told me it was my responsibility to contact the postal service to find out why I didn't get it. What a joke. Had I have known before a mechanic pointed the rust hole to me, I would have taken action on this. Sounds like they take on people one at a time. There needs to be a class action taken against them as this is going to get someone injured of killed when these fall apart.
Posted by matthieu langevin
on
i have a 1995 tacoma 4x4 the frame is is full of rust and keeps getting repaired for cracks, when i called toyota canada, they said the 15 year extention on the waranty ended in 2010 before i bought the truck
Posted by George
on
Have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma that I purchased new. Yesterday while in for a repair I received a call from the mechanic to inform me that the frame is rusted out with holes. My vehicle only has 66,000 miles. He kept it on the lift for me to inspect. Called Toyota and was informed that they sent something regarding this and it is now too late. Never received any notification regarding this. Got a phone call from corporate and they will check with 3rd party that sends notifications to see when sent. Don't expect to get anywhere with them and would be shocked if I do. I now own a vehicle with not only a safety issue but with 0 value. Will never buy a Toyota again nor recommend one to any person. Have been purchasing Toyota's since 1983 but this will be my last!!!
Posted by Chad
on
97 toyota tacoma...folds at bed....frame rusted completely through. ..can put both hands through in several spots without touching anything
Posted by Jason Beesinger
on
My 05 failed inspection and a frame was supposed to have been ordered. Now I'm told it is too late and Toyota will not fix the frame. I think everyone should post a picture of their truck and frame on Facebook. Maybe if we make a big enough stink Toyota will take care of the problem if people rethink purchasing a poorly made product.
Posted by Carlos Rodriguez
on
2005 Tacoma ,they under coated inn October 14, they reinspected March 2016 before recall was over found a hole in the frame , they said nothing they can do. These is bs. We all need to stand together and face these problem, there tring to wash there hands.
Posted by ROLLTIDE
on
I think Toyota should offer the same program and let the owners get the 150% of the bluebook value and let us get a new truck. I had the frame replaced on my 2005 Tacoma, and had have so many problems I can't count them?. Toyota put the same frame in the Tacoma's they used when they replaced all the other ones. They used the same manufacture. Everybody needs to take action and keep pushing the issue. My truck now even with the replaced frame is junk, the dealer didn't even put some bolts back in place's were they had bolt's before, real safe??? I am terrified to even drive the truck. I am very disgusted with Toyota..
Posted by Danielle Ryan
on
Having same issue with frame... Contacted Plilip Milkigan to join class don't expect a response from Toyota... customer service is a road block. If you ask for supervisor Christopher Adamo he won't help and spouts company line. File reports with BBB, FTC, and NHTSA, Call Toyota Corporate Offices and ask for Jim Lentz the CEO. You will get a voice mail and maybe an analyst will call you back. Don't give up! Pass the word on social media like this and twitter! #toyotastandbehindyourbrand #toyotafixtheframes
Posted by Danielle Ryan
on
I have only found one lawsuit against Toyota for this. Is there a class action lawsuit? I am shocked that there isn't one due to the number of people being left with unsafe vehicles. Does anyone have any info about a lawsuit other than the one I already found in Arkansas?
Posted by Vytas Adomkaiis
on
I have a 1996 4cl 4wd tacoma that allegedly passed it's 15 year inspection in '09 / 10, but by late 2011 and early 2012 - I had to have plating welded in to repair preforation as I didn't think I had any additional recourse.
Subsequently I have mounted 2 more sections of 1/4" steel plate to reinforce sagging frame 'swiss cheese' sections. About to embrake on another 1/4 plate addition this spring.
Additionally I lost my spare tire carrier (hopefully not on the highway) - god forbid...
I bought the truck used in '02 and have sunk quite a bit of $$ in replacing distributor, alternator, a/c system, brake lines, frozen rear brake drum (emergency brake) complete subsystem, had the truck repainted etc. It's approaching 250K miles and has life left - can't kill the engine.
I am I a viable candidate in the aforementioned class action suit? WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW - please.
Posted by Jerry
on
This article is exactly what I am experiencing. I have just contacted the national traffic safety administration for help.
Posted by Kathleen Pittock-Smith
on
I have a worthless Toyota with rusted frame after factory undercoating was applied.
Posted by Paul
on
Is this still an open class action that we can join?
Posted by Tom
on
Same story... Had my 2000 Tacoma checked at the dealership in 2011 they told me it was fine,I only have 88000 miles on this very well maintained truck. I,like the rest of you Tacoma owners paid full price for my truck however I will be lucky to get half the life out of it.
Posted by Michael Copeland
on
I bought my 2002 Tacoma on 12/27/2011. I was in a minor accident on 1/11/2016 and had to take my truck to a collision center to be repaired. They called a week later and said the truck was finished and ready to be picked up. I picked up the truck, looked good, and drove it home. I did notice that the right rear balance weight was not replaced. It was broke in half from the accident and I pointed it out during the repair estimate. Also I noticed my steering wheel was not centered so they also forgot to do an alignment on my truck. So I took my truck back to the collision center and they said it would be all taken care of and they were sorry for the oversight. After having the truck for a day, they called me back and told me my truck was unsafe to drive because the frame was so badly rusted. They said I should call Toyota and see what they can do. Toyota told me the frame warranty expired in September of 2011 and that they were going to do nothing to help me. I bought the truck from a Toyota dealership but they never mentioned anything about the frame rust issue. I bought the truck after the said expiration date so how could I have had the frame issue addressed anyway? I also read that the warranty was extended to 15 years from the date the truck was put into service. wouldn't that make the warranty good until 2017? I now have a giant paper weight.
Posted by Ben hunter
on
Defective frame on 95 Tacoma. I bought it without knowledge of this.
Posted by GS
on
I have a 2002 Tundra which received the undercoating in 2011 (we all know it's useless). Now I have perforation toward the front of the truck and all the brake lines mounts have rusted off. Toyota CS has told me to pound sand. This is a truck in otherwise perfect condition that is close to useless because of a KNOWN ISSUE. I got the runaround about how good they were for going the extra mile and undercoating/replacing frames and road salts etc corrode frames. So essentially Toyota are admitting that we can expect 10 or so years out of their vehicles and they should then be thrown away. There has to be something else that can be done... Tundra owners as well as some Tacoma owners who's trucks were not subject to the buyback are getting screwed all day. Why is is that Tacos get a warranty after undercoat but Tundras don't? All because they made poor choices to save costs.
Posted by Darth Brooks
on
Toyota should fix this. I don't know how many times I got up at 5:00 am and drove an ugly junk truck to work in the hopes of buying a good looking practical Toyota someday. I got my first loan to buy mine and the frame broke while I still owed 5 grand on it. I'll bet they didn't advertise that the frame would rust in half when they were listing the reasons why we should buy one --which is proof they should fix it. The thing has 100,000 miles on it and it should never be a possibility for the frame to ever do that! I should kamikaze this thing right through the plant in Texas. No one will accept responsibility for this and they shouldn't be allowed to be sold if there isn't an official recall. I have no car and no way to get to work!
WE WANT OUR TRUCKS FIXED!
This is the "Rust Treatment' lawsuit!
Shame on you Toyota!
Posted by Michael Martin
on
I've been purchasing Toyotas for years. I have an 02 Tacoma that I took in for inspection 4-5 years ago and the frame looked good. Toyota gave me the option to treat the frame. Regretfully, I didn't take them up on their offer. I thought after having the truck on the road for 8 years and little rust on the frame, it was most likely overkill and it was unreasonable to charge Toyota for something that was visibly unnecessary. Little did I know the frame was most likely rusting from the inside out.
Fast forward a mere 4-5 years and my Truck is now deemed unsafe to drive. I should have taken them up on their offer. Although, I've been reading that corrosion resistance is not working either. I believe Toyota knew these frames were going to fail and tried to circumvent their liability.
Ultimately, I received a recall notice on my spare tire carrier for corrosion. I took it into the dealership to find out my frame was unsafe to drive and they wouldn't release the vehicle until I signed a statement of understanding.
I called Toyota as a suggestion from the dealer. Toyota assigned a case number and made there intentions known. They're doing nothing to help me! Go away. I now sit on a worthless truck and was offered zero.
Posted by joseph osgood
on
found out my 2003 tacoma has a severe rusted frame dealer were i bought it wont help call toyota no help there stuck with a junk truck
Posted by Julio montilla
on
I have an 2003 Tacoma crew cab 166,000 miles ? Frame is shot and unsafe to drive. Toyota will not fix frame. They said it was not spray during a spray campaigned and now I'm stuck to die in this truck.
Posted by russell gordon
on
I have a 2002 Toyota Tacoma frame is rotted beyond repair
Posted by Kelley
on
Have 2000 toyota tacoma took it to have emergency brake repaired mechanic told me I had a more serious problem. He pointed out my frame is rusted that it actually has cracks in it. Toyota said they did undercoating if they did you can't tell it and they had to have sprayed frame with rust still on it. They call this an extension warranty, we'll my question is it has a three year bumper to bumper why is it voided and only give 15 years if it's an extension I think it should be a total of 18 years. Corporate told me to just sell it or trade it. So I have a nice truck no rust anywhere else 117,000 miles so still like new to me but frame is shot.
Posted by JERRID
on
have a 2004 tacoma just took in for inspection this month 10/15 found out frame is rusted and toyota wont replace this .there is no othere rust on my truck besides the frame.toyota knows theres issues with frames and cant replace frame on my truck.this truck has been in the family since new my dad bought it new than i bought it from him.He just bought another tacoma about a month ago.i opened a case with toyota and they closed it next day saying cant do nothing about it.very upset.i have 2 kids and have been driving around in the truck until i had it inspected.this was my only vehicle cant even get my kids around now becasue i wont put them in it.what a joke
Posted by Nick Davis
on
I just purchased a 2000 Toyota Tacoma and discovered after driving it that there was a poping noise coming from the back. The truck looks great on the outside but the frame is rusted nealy in two pieces in several places and not safe to drive. I did some research on the web and discovered that this was a common problem and people were getting their frames replaced. I decided to call Toyota customer service and after about 50 minutes and two different people they started a case and told me that had I brought the truck to them prior to October 2014 they would have replaced it. I currently own a 2011 4runner and have had several Toyota vehicles in the past and can't believe that this truck has a junk frame. I really can't believe that Toyota said their final position was to do nothing because it wasn't serviced at a Toyota dealership prior to me owning it.
Add Your Comment on This Issue
Request Defective Automotive Legal Help
Please complete this form to request a review of your complaint by an attorney.
There is absolutely no cost to you to submit this form. Doing so places you under no obligations and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
