Living Up to Our Commitment

Rust, as they say, never sleeps. It certainly never sleeps in the states where road salt is in heavy use, and we’ve recently become aware of additional evidence of that fact.

We’ve received reports that on a small number of model-year 1995 to 2000 Tacomas, excessive corrosion of the frame has caused perforation of the metal. The reason for this, it appears, is that the frames of some of the 813,000 vehicles built during this time-frame may not have adequate corrosion protection.

As a result, when they’re exposed to severe environmental conditions, especially in states where salt is used for the de-icing of roads, these frames may develop corrosion that goes beyond the normal surface rust that’s commonly found on metal after years of exposure – and in this case, these trucks are from eight to 13 years old.

Because of our oft-stated commitment to standing behind our products, we’re extending the rust-perforation warranty covering these trucks for a period of 15 years from each vehicle’s original date of purchase, with no mileage limitation, for corrosion damage that results in perforation of the vehicle’s frame material. Owners of these Tacomas need not be the original owners. Even if you bought your Tacoma second- or third-hand, it’s covered by this extended warranty.

Here’s how this will work: Starting in the middle of March and continuing over a period of time, owners of 1995-2000 Tacomas will be sent letters informing them about this issue. If you find rust perforation on your vehicle's frame, have your truck inspected by a Toyota dealer.

If frame corrosion damage is confirmed by an inspection at a Toyota dealership, at Toyota's option, we will either repair the vehicle or repurchase it. No matter the vehicle’s actual condition, it will be valued as a vehicle in excellent condition. If the inspection reveals no rust perforation, the 15-year warranty will remain in force.

This is worth underscoring: This is not a recall. Rather, it’s an example of our commitment to the durability of our products and to our owners. These are older trucks and rust is a fact of life, especially where road salt is used, but that’s not what’s important. What’s important is that we take care of our owners. We just thought you should know that.

- Mike Michels, Corporate Communications

Comments

[josh etsten]

Thanks Toyota! I am one of those loyal, and unlucky, 1999 tacoma owners! I was crying this week after my frame was rotted away when getting work done...

[F.J]

It goes back before 1995 i'd say.

It's a shame too, because i had to take it off the road for this... Ran like a champ till the very last day.

(Comment edited to remove link - Roadmaster)

[rmb]

That's awesome news guys. I recently had to junk a 1997 that was in PERFECT condition due to a completely rotted frame(I'm from CT in rust-hell). There are soooo many people around here facing the same situation with toyota trucks. What worried me was that lots of these people couldn't afford to buy another vehicle and were forced to drive these time-bombs.

Most of the damage isn't even visible at first. My first notice with my 1997 was when a floor jack punched right through the frame rail on the right side. They rot from the inside out!

Good going Toyota for taking care of this issue!

[Beth Noob]

Wow.. I don't own one of your trucks. But in the future when I am out looking for a truck, I'll think of this and the fact that you stand behind your products.

[Charles]

Just wanted to say, that's awesome. I do not currently own a Toyota, but have owned 4Runners in the past, and have always recommended Toyota to others. I will continue to do so. May other companies follow your example.

[Mark A Toyota-Fan]

Right on Toyota!! Thanks for doing right by your customers and taking the high road on this issue. Many other auto makers would leave their customers out in the cold, and just tell them that rust just happens and they're out of luck. But Toyota shows (once again) that they stand behind their vehicles and stands by their customers. That's the reason I'm a Toyota owner and will continue to be one!!

[Gene Hasegawa]

I am a happy owner of a 1996 Tacoma...this is one of the reasons why I feel confident when I buy a Toyota.

[George]

That's terrific. I guess I'm heading to the Toyota dealership for my next vehicle.

[BOB]

WOW THATS HOW ALL COMPANYS SHOULD BE . TAKE CARE OF THE CUSTOMER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zack]

good show!

[Simon]

I was considering the purchase of a new Toyota Yaris. Now that I know that you will be there down the road for me and my family has sealed the deal for me. Well done, and thanks.

[ron long]

im a proud new owner of a 2007 corolla .after many huors of reading about toyata as a company and thier reliable vehicles i made the jump !i am very pleased with my decision,and when i read a story such as this makes me even more proud.stay this committed and i will stay with toyota forever.....great job!

[Derrick]

does this apply to trucks in Canada too?.....my frame is rusted out too.

[Ian]

The Toyota company is once again proving themselves. I am so incredibly happy about this. My beautiful 98 V6 4x4 with under 100,000 miles has a completely rotted frame to the point where a big enough bump would snap it in half.

[nancy]

Thanks Toyota- I have a 98 tacoma 4x4. On my last visit for service, rust holes were discovered at the cab mounts and in other parts of the frame. I was told that the vehicle would need to be replaced sooner rather than later. With 140,000 miles on it, the truck still runs great and really has not had any major issues. Hearing that it needed to be replaced was very disappointing. I was seriously considering not replacing it with another Toyota. Your decision to back up your product has put Toyota back on the top of my shopping list.

[MDS in AK]

One of our Toyota owners on a wheeling website got his letter in the mail this past week; I replied to him and posted the url to your blog here. This is terrific info for Yotaheads.

I do have a question; would this also apply to the same range of years in the 4Runner? Thanks.

[Jon Thompson]

Hi, MDS -

Thanks for your comment. In reference to the frames on our 4Runner SUVs, the following:

The Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Tacoma are built at different plants (Tacoma is built in Northern California, 4Runner is built in Japan), and have different suppliers for the frame. Therefore, this condition may be present only in the Toyota Tacoma vehicles.

We hope this answers your question.

- OpenRoadMaster

[Philip Brown]

I've been a toyota fan for about 10 years. I just bought a 2005 double cab toyota tacoma. It already has tons of rust on the frame from bumper to bumper. I wonder if that means my frame is going to rust through within 10 years. It's going to take 6 just to pay it off. What then? I see tons of tacoma owners online reporting that their new tacoma's are rusting worse than the older one's. I'm not sure what to do.

[Steve C]

I'm glad to hear this. I own a 2000 Tacoma. I'm in St. Louis MO. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you. Steve

[Dave]

Just spent $1,100.00 to get the frame welded on my 1999 Tacoma just so I could could get it inspected. Any chance of reimbursment? The mechanic said it was only a matter of time before the rest of the frame failed.

[Derek Lothridge]

This couldnt have come at a better time, I just purchased my 97 Tacoma this winter through a private sale and I have had it a couple months now and love it. I just brought it to my mechanic to get a cpl things fixed before I get a sticker and I was told that my frame will NOT pass inspection. I brought it to a welder who has fixed frames before and was told NO WAY was he gonna attempt to fix it as it is rotting on the front and the back, so just when I thought my new truck was done, Toyota is pulling through!! Thanks Toyota

[Michael Hunt]

If you've already attempted repairs to the frame due to extreme rust, Toyota still has you covered. See your dealer for details.

I've seen a lot of attempted frames repairs and not one would ever be as strong as the original frame material. If you've patched your frame in such a manner, please do yourself a favor and use this chance to recover your losses and drive something safe!

[Tom D]

Way to go Toyota! I have owned a 1980, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990 (4x4 pick-ups), a 1990 (4-runner), 1992 4x4 Tacoma, 1992 (4-runner)and a 1997 4x4 Tacoma (and 1 Camary in there somewhere)! I just bought my first Tundra (2004) in February. Your actions regarding the frame rust issue are just one more reason why I will continue to drive Toyota vehicles.

[Alex]

This is incredible news. I own a 1998 and the body is in mint condition. The motor has 100,000 miles but the frame hase multiple baseball size holes in it. The fact that toyota is doing this only backs up my feelings that they are the best automotive company out there. I just bought a 87 FJ60 to take the place of my tacoma. Thank god i kept the tacomoa.!!

[Karen Anderson]

Thanks, Toyota. Our 1998 Tacoma has been sitting at the mechanic's for two months now because he can't fix the frame and we didn't know what to do. We talked to our dealer when we first found out and they told us, "sorry", because the company that sold us the "lifetime" rust undercoat had gone out of business. Yes, we bought a rust undercoating and it still rotted through. The dealer said they were not liable and they couldn't do anything about it. I thank you for this policy, Toyota, but some of your dealers are real jerks (beyond just this incident). I know they'll have to do something now, but I don't enjoy the thought of working with them and I certainly don't want to give them any business. Unfortunately, for this problem, there's only one dealer readily available to us - we're very rural. I bought my new Prius last August (LOVE IT!) from a dealer in a different town. We have always stood by our Toyotas and are glad that we can continue to do this because of your response to this problem. We currently have three Toyotas in our driveway, including a 1991 Previa (LOVE IT!) with 200,000 miles on it.
Karen

[Derek L]

Im just wondering what do I have to do so Toyota will send me a letter? Is it if your truck is reg?

[Rodger Furey]

I wonder if Toyota's "commitment to the durability of our products and to our owners" extends to past Tacoma owners who have had to junk their vehicles because of unrepairable frame rot?

Two months ago, I sold my '98 Tacoma (for a fraction of what a road-worthy vehicle was worth) for parts because the frame had completely corroded, broke and was unrepairable.

I imagine there are a number of people who have owned these Tacomas and have had to junk them for a loss, prior to this warrenty extension/buyback.

[Rob R.]

Whewee. I just fixed my 1996 4Runner so I can sell the 1996 Tacoma. I figured with the rust on the frame I may still get $4K. Our 3rd Toyota in the driveway is a 2005 4Runner and I love them all. Now I have to decide which dealer to go to; the local ones are not how you say friendly to deal with.

I have pushed Toyotas to all of my friends and relatives. One more exemplary move on Toyotas part.

[OpenRoadMaster]

Hi, Derek -
It's our expectation that we'll be able to notify Tacoma owners of this program by using registration information from the individual states. But as we note in the post, if after the passage of time you have not received a letter and you think your truck's frame is perforated by corrosion, go ahead and make an appointment with your dealer to have your truck inspected.

Hope that helps answer your question.

- OpenRoadMaster

[David]

It's great that they're trying to make things right but I'd have been more impressed if Toyota had built my 97 Tacoma correctly in the first place.

What if I or someone else that doesn't know about the problem gets injured or killed because the frame fails?

[Rick Blowes]

This is great news, but hopefully extended to Canada where we definitely use salt in our harsh conditions.

I just noticed TONIGHT while washing my 98 Tacoma 4x4 TRD that my frame is completely split above the right rear wheel. I drove it home, showed my wife and was going to weld a plate over it tonight. She suggested I search online to see if anyone else has issues so Toyota might help. Sure glad I did (I hate it when she's right)

This is my 2nd Toyota 4x4. In 1983 I bought a new SR5 Truck with the "never-kill-it" 22R engine. With 476,000kms (300,000miles) and still working like a top, I traded it on my new 1998. My 98 doesn't have a spot of rust on it and works as well as the day it was bought with 257,000kms. I sure hope you can fix it and that Canada is included. I haven't received a letter yet. Fingers are crossed

[Scott Richardson]

My beautiful, pristine 99 Tacoma with a little over 100,000 miles was a victim as well. I "traded" my beloved on December 23rd (got less than 1/10th of the blue book value due to frame rot and breakage) for a new '08 Tacoma. Is Toyota going to extend this offer to us who do not have the truck in our posession any longer?

[John]

One of my good friends traded in his 96 Taco six months ago because the frame was shot... Is there anything being done for owners who had to give up their trucks over the past six to twelve months? I myslef, now need to bring my (bought new) 1999 Xcab in, but I'm in the middle of a cracked 2.7 cylinder head issue... Thank you Toyota for standing behind your product, and your customers...

[Rick Blowes]

This is great that Toyota will potentially repair or buy-back my truck but I will still be at a financial loss and won't be driving my Pride-and-Joy. I LOVE my truck but expect that my 98 Tacoma 4x4 TRD will fall into the Buy-Back category as my frame is completely split, following inspection, above the rear wheels. The Buy-back will not pay for a replacement other than a similar year of Tacoma. Currently, I can't afford to upgrade to a 2001 or newer Toyota. I base my financial decisions on the expected longivity of my truck. I drove my 83 Toy 4x4 for 15 years with no issues and expected the same from my 98. Please help me Toyota and offer interest-free financing on any used Toyota on your dealer lots, and at the wholesale cost. (You'll have to reward the Dealer with the difference to their projected sale cost). If you can't help like this to keep me in a Toyota, I'll have no choice but to take the Buy-Back money and purchase a used Chev, Ford or Dodge. I've been driving and bragging about Toyota for 28-years straight. Please dont' force me behind the wheel of vehicles I've been making fun of for decades.

[Tom B.]

I'm, unfortunately, in a similar situation to what John describes above.. I was just recently informed my '96 tacoma with 210,000 miles won't pass inspection given the cab has separated from the rotted frame.. I simply can't afford to buy a new or recently new (post-2001) tacoma as a replacement, given the current book value of my '96 won't even come close to covering the cost of a newer tacoma.. Without a special financing deal on a replacement new/used toyota.. I fear I'll have to buy an old chevy too.. Save us Toyota!!

[jason york]

I just heard of the toyo taco rust issue,I have not given it a complete inspection as of yet but I stuck my finger into one of the cleanout holes in the frame and there are big chunks of rust flaking off from the interior frame. My truck is a 97 so has 4 more years of warrantee left,do I have to wait for failure of my frame,which is inevitable before the 4 years is up or will they take care of it now instead of waiting.It sure would be nice to upgrade to the crew cab:)

[michael hunt]

There's a great forum and thread on this subject at:

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95993

If you have any questions as to the safety of your frame, please MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. There are parts of the frame that might have holes near the gas tank that you might not see.

As far as recovering money for a truck you've already sold or traded in, you're out of luck with this warranty. I feel your pain since I trashed my 97 that rotted out. However if your purchasing a new Toyota and explain the situation the dealer might be able to cut you a better deal than normal....

[Brian]

I would be interested in finding out if Toyota will compensate owners who had to scrap their trucks for a fraction of its worth due to this problem. In the past Toyota regional reps and service managers said it was "Not their problem" and "Sorry, there is nothing we can do for you." Now that they are doing something, who should we contact to get compensated?

[RoadRunner]

What about newer trucks? I have a 2001 Tacoma with a rotted frame. Any help there?

[Tacoma Forum]

This is great news for all the 1st gen Tacomas out there. Check out how Toyota helped out this guy with his rusted '97 Taco: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/6549-95-2k-rust-help-toyota.html#post69316

[Cameron Mooney]

Just a word of caution to any Tacoma owners who are considering this buyback program. If you depend on your truck for work like myself, you better have another truck ready to go when you bring your Tacoma in for the inspection. My truck (2000 Taco SR5 TRD with 118,000 miles) failed the frame rot inspection yesterday morning. Not only did the dealership not allow me to have the truck back, they also had no information or phone number for me to check the status of my buy back. I have not heard a word from Toyota or anyone representing Toyota in almost two days and I'm stuck with a Camry in the meantime. Hardly a useful vehicle for me to conduct my irrigation business with. As I sit at the computer wasting valuable business time the new GMCs are looking mighty nice.

Also, the dealership that did the inspection said I could anticipate roughly $13,000 for the truck when 150% of excellent KBB value for my truck is $17,000.

Don't rush in for this buyback program expecting it to go smoothly. Toyota has obviously not taken the working man into consideration when creating this gimick program. I have owned Toyotas since before it was cool to own Toyotas. My family currently owns 9 Toyota vehicles but I see a shift in loyalty in the very near future.

[Fred Bandley]

What does SR5 stand for? What is its history?

[Bill]

I'm just curious which Excellent BlueBook value is going to be used. 3 figures are available: Excellent Trade-in, Excellent Private Party, and Suggested Retail. For my '99 with 183,000+ miles the range between them is $3400, which equates to a $5100 difference in potential repurchase value. My dealer has informed me that I can expect 150% of the highest value, that being the suggested retail.

Upon inspection, I was informed that it will be part of the repurchase and the paperwork has been started. I would like to have an idea of what the buyback will contribute to the purchase of a new Tacoma. Any information relating to this would be greatly appreciated.

[Gene in Maine]

huuummmmm, interesting!! I just had my 99 tacoma in the shop for a tune up. 226,500 miles and only a couple of minor issues,no body rust, mechanically great running until it went up on the lift. Rotted frame rail right side near the spring hanger. My mechanic told me of this issue and here I am with the rest of you. Will be waiting to see what happens next for us dedicated Toyota owners

[Jared]

I have a 01 Tacoma, but it was manufactured in 2000. It has the same problem... rust holes, right side cab mount broke and the leaf springs are about to fall off. Is this going to be covered?

[Tom Tracy]

I love my Lexus as much as I despise the volume of Toyota advertising, which says volumes about those who shriek, yell and scream in decibel levels to wake up sleeping children and babies in the next room all over America. Get your deaf sound-men better hearing aids.

[Sam Webster]

My dealer told me they have been directed not to accept anymore trucks unless the person has a letter from Toyota. Since I bought this used, how will Toyota know to send me a letter? My frame is rotted all along the bottom edge and cracked 3/4 of the way through on the passenger side near the leaf springs forward shackle. Is anybody else being told they must have a letter from Toyota before bringing their truck in? My VIN definitely meets the criteria given in the official release and according to my dealer. Getting kind of nervous about my frame breaking on the potholed Rochester highways at speed....

[Rick Blowes]

This is my 3rd blog back on this sujbect. Much like Cameron (20-Mar) my 98 Tacoma sits at the dealer in Belleville, Ontario, Canada with NO Decisions on next steps for my broken Frame. Toyota seems to be doing the right things, as they've rented me a Camry for 30-Days while they decide, but I'm already missing MY TRUCK. I could'nt take the Camry out on the lake for some Lake Trout ice fishing this weekend past. Toyota, please hurry up and help me stay in the Seat of another newer Toyota Truck. I need Interest-Free financing from Toyota Canada, on my monthly terms, on any Toyota truck on a dealer lot to help me drive Toyota. I'll be the laughing stock of my buddies who's American Made metal I've been making fun of for over 20 years.

If anyone from Toyota USA actually reads/replies to these blogs, can you please get some info to Toyota Canada as I can't find a forum to represent me. I would like to know the name and email address of the Toyota Canada representative who OWNS this extended warranty program in Canada so I can talk directly to him/her. Thanks

[chris sullivan]

I Have a 1994 Toyota pickup and had to weld and repair the frame twice on this truck,why isn't this year included in on this? This was the drivers side I haven't looked at the passenger side yet. This truck is a good truck but I don't think it will pass inspection because of this. Please let me know why this year is not included?

[Gregory Lund]

This issue was just brought to my attention today by the mechanic at work (landscape). I own a 97 and have notice some rust here and there. My bumper is comply gone and now that I think about it I got a flat tire this summer and there was way more rust then I thought should be there. I wash the underneath of my truck after every winter storm because the salt in Maine is extensive. Anyways it is the end of March and I have yet to receive a letter. So if there is someone out there who makes decisions about what is going on send me a letter so I can get a new truck for summer. thanks