235 of the
504 complaints about the 2001 Toyota Tacoma are about the
body and structure — 47% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
144,277 miles.
We purchased a 2001 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner from a used car lot in Omaha NE. We have had it for 3 months and recently had a mechanic look over the vehicle for repairs. The mechanic indicated the frame is rusted through and the truck is unsafe to drive. The mechanic indicated that there was a recall on the frames possibly, so we followed up with Toyota. Toyota told me that there is no frame recall, but instead they did a "Customer Support Program" in relation to the frame, but it had expired. Toyota told us there is nothing they can do for us. My concern is that Toyota has a known issue, a safety issue, concerning their vehicles but will not rectify it. I would like Toyota to be held liable for their substandard product, no matter how long it has been. A quick Google search about Toyota and recalls is that they are not good at reporting them to you, or their service centers are not good at making sure all recalls are taken care of, and I feel that this is something that needs to be investigated - and in my case, rectified.
NHTSA complaint #11616924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPiketon, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under recall for corrosion underneath the vehicle. The contact became aware that there was corrosion underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and rust protection was sprayed on the corrosion but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 100,000. The vehicle was taken back to Toyota for service, which was outside the extended warranty and the tech was shown the gaping holes in the frame that had rusted through and at that point the contact was told the extended warranty had expired so they couldn't do anything. The frame has now rusted so bad that Toyota has deemed it unsafe as of 2 months ago when the tech looked at it so the contact reached out to Toyota corporate recall department but they refused to do anything about it as well.
NHTSA complaint #11543254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Temple Hills, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
The complete chassis frame under the vehicle, contains a lot of rust and holes due to corrosion. Some years ago, a Toyota dealership asked me to bring the vehicle in to one of their dealerships, where an undercoating was painted on the frame surface. However, the coating is worn away and the rust is visible again and this time there are even more deterioration.
NHTSA complaint #11476592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bartonvikle, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
I SEE THAT MY FRAME IS CRACKING. SO I LOOKED IT UP. AND FOUND MULTIPLE RECALLS ON THE TUCK. I NOTICED THAT I HAVE A VERY SLOPPY STEERING WHEEL. IT SAID THAT WAS A RECALL TOO. I'M DON'T NO IF PREVIOUS OWNER HAD ANYTHING RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #11397993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Collins, CO
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND ALL THE CAPOMINTES ARE ALSO. I CANT CHANGE ANYTHING PUT BECAUSE OF IT. MY LEAF SPRINGS ARE SHOT WHERE THEY ARE MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. IS WEAKING WHICH IS MOVING MY BACK AXLE OFF BALANCE. MY FRONT AILMENT IS COMPLETELY OFF. I AND DREAK ANYTHING LOSE TO FIX THE ISSUE'S. IT FEELS LIKE THEY COMPLETELY FORGOT TO SPRAY MY FRAME ON MY TRUCK
NHTSA complaint #11396210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesHuntington Station, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
I BROUGHT MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA FOR AN INSPECTION IN JANUARY 2020 AND DISCOVERED THE FRAME WAS ROTTED AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I CONTACTED EMPIRE TOYOTA SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAMPAIGN TO FIX THIS ISSUE EXPIRED SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THIS FIXED. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS CAMPAIGN NOR WAS MY HUSBAND WHO WAS THE PREVIOUS OWNER. I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT MANY OTHER TACOMA OWNERS ARE IN THE SAME PREDICAMENT. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE FIX THAT I CANNOT AFFORD. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND MAKE THIS A RECALL TO BE FIXED REGARDLESS OF TIMEFRAME.
NHTSA complaint #11389962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMoriches, NY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME FELT LOOSE UNDERNEATH. THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST AND CORROSION UNDERNEATH THE WHEEL WELL AND ON THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. RIVERHEAD TOYOTA (1655 ROUTE 58 (OLD COUNTRY ROAD), RIVERHEAD, NY 11901 (631) 727-7722) INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVEN AND THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A SPECIAL PROGRAM TO THE REPLACE THE SUBFRAME BACK IN 01/2016 WHICH EXPIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED THE NOTIFICATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A CASE NUMBER AND PROMISED A CALLBACK. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNREPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11365555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 256,000 milesBaltimore, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
I'M WRITING YOU BECAUSE I HAD MY 2001 TACOMA INSPECTED FOR THE FRAME RUST RECALL IN 2010. AT THAT TIME I WAS TOLD THAT MY TRUCK WOULD BE SPRAYED WITH AN INHIBITOR TO PREVENT RUST. THE VEHICLE FRAME HAS SINCE RUSTED AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE SPRAY INHIBITOR OBVIOUSLY DID NOT WORK OR WAS APPLIED INCORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE STARTED SHOWING THESE SIGNS WHILE DRIVINH.
NHTSA complaint #11360848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesHyde Park, MA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME RUSTED THROUGH AT THE SHOCK ABSORBERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PRIME TOYOTA - BOSTON (1605 VFW PKWY, WEST ROXBURY, MA 02132), AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000.*DT *BF *TR THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS.
NHTSA complaint #11328105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Asheville, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
TOOK TRUCK FOR INSPECTION, WOULDN'T PASS BECAUSE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER IS UNATTACHED BECAUSE OF FRAME. MECHANIC SAYS DRIVING IT IS UNSAFE. TOYOTA HAD RECALL I WAS UNAWARE OF FOR RUSTED FRAMES, WHEN CONTACTED THEM THEY SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING.
NHTSA complaint #11323627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashland, MS
STRUCTURE:BODY
FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT
NHTSA complaint #11323137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanley, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
FRAME OF THIS VEHICLE HAS RUSTED BEYOND BEING SAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS VIRGINIA STATE INSPECTION. RUST IS DUE TO FACTORY MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT TOYOTA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED. I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING OF ANY TOYOTA REMEDIES TO THIS SITUATION. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATE AND THEY REFUSE TO OFFER ANY HELP. THIS IS AN INHERIT FACTORY DEFECT AND AGE AND TIME SHOULD MAKE NO DIFFERENCE. THERE ARE MANY OF THESE VEHICLES STILL OPERATING ON THE HIGHWAYS WITH THIS DEFECT CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #11279233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksburg, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
I NOTICED MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA MAKING ODD NOISES WHILE DRIVING. I DECIDED TO HAVE MY MECHANIC TAKE A LOOK AT IT FROM THE BOTTOM OF TRUCK: HE SAW AND TOOK PICTURES OF THE OBSERVABLE EXTENSIVE RUSTED/CORROSION AND PERFORATED AREAS ON THE FRAME/CHASSIS OF THE TRUCK AND SAID IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO TAKE IT TO DEALERSHIP SINCE THERE HAS BEEN A SETTLEMENT LAWSUIT FOR DEFECTS ON TOYOTA TACOMA'S THAT WHERE NOT TREATED WELL ENOUGH WITH THE RUST INHIBITOR SPRAY. I TOOK MY TACOMA TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT ORIGINALLY AND THEY SAID EXACTLY WHAT MY MECHANIC HAD ALREADY TOLD ME ABOUT THE RUSTED AND PERFORATED AREAS ON THE FRAME/CHASSIS AND STATED THAT THE CHASSIS/FRAME HAS AN ADVANCED CORROSION/ RUST DAMAGES TO THE POINT OF THE FRAME BEING FRACTURED OR BROKEN IN HALF IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUES, WHEREAS IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE TRUCK. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT ON THE RUSTY FRAMES AND NOW AM CONSIDERING FURTHER INTO HIRING AN ATTORNEY REGARDING MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR ME AND MY LOVED ONES AND I BELEIVE IT'S INCONSIDERATE AND SHAMING ON TOYOTA TO NOT HAVE ONE SINGLE RECALL INFORMATION ON 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA'S. I HOPE I CAN GET ANSWERS SOON IN REGARDS TO THIS PROBLEM AND WILL DUE WHAT'S NECESSARY TO HAVE TOYOTA RESPOND TO MY ISSUE. I HAVE ALREADY CALLED THEM 4MONTHS AGO AND THEY STATED I HAD TO FIRST FILE THIS COMPLAINT ON THIS WEBSITE IN ORDER TO PROCEED TO THE NEXT STEPS.
NHTSA complaint #11277223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houghton, MI
STRUCTURE
2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO VEHICLE HAVING A RUST AND CORROSION PROBLEM ON THE FRAME. *AS
NHTSA complaint #11269653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 240,000 milesBaltimore, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
I'M WRITING YOU BECAUSE I HAD MY 2001 TACOMA INSPECTED FOR THE FRAME RUST RECALL IN 2010. AT THAT TIME I WAS TOLD THAT MY TRUCK WOULD BE SPRAYED WITH AN INHIBITOR TO PREVENT RUST. THE VEHICLE FRAME HAS SINCE RUSTED AND IS MOST LIKELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE SPRAY INHIBITOR OBVIOUSLY DID NOT WORK OR WAS APPLIED INCORRECTLY. THE SHOCK MOUNT HAS RUSTED FROM THE FRAME WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11268378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesHoughton, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
SEPTEMBER 28, 2019 [XXX] [XXX] RE: [XXX] 2001 TOYOTA TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC. P.O. BOX 259001 PLANO, TX 75025-9001 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: MY DAUGHTER [XXX] PURCHASED THE ABOVE TOYOTA TACOMA IN 2014. AMBER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED THERE WAS AN ISSUE FOR A RUST PROBLEM AND FRAME WITH CORROSION. PLEASE SEE PICTURE BELOW. AFTER A LENGTHY WAIT ON THE PHONE, THE PROBLEM WAS ADDRESSED BY THIS INFORMATION: THE FRAME ISSUES DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. THIS TOYOTA EMPLOYEE STATED, SHE WAS SURPRISED THAT NO ONE THAT EVER WORKED ON THE TOYOTA TRUCK SAID THERE WAS AN ISSUE. I FIND THIS VERY IRONIC SINCE TOYOTA KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND DID NOT CONTACT THE OWNERS OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRAME IS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH TO THE POINT THAT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IS MY DAUGHTER SUPPOSED TO REPLACE A BAD FRAME THAT YOU PUT UNDER THERE? NO WAY. THE CASE WORKER THAT SHE SPOKE TO WAS NOT HELPFUL WITH NO REGARD WHATSOEVER TO THE MONEY MY DAUGHTER HAD LOST ON THEIR WORTHLESS PRODUCT MUCH LESS HER SAFETY THAT WAS PUT AT RISK DRIVING THEIR PRODUCT WITH THE FAULTY FRAME THAT THEY USED. MY FAMILY/FRIENDS WILL NEVER BUY A TOYOTA PRODUCT AGAIN. BOTTOM LINE: MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN DRIVING IN A VEHICLE THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF HER AND MY LOVED ONES. TOYOTA KNOWS THAT THE FRAMES OF THEIR 1994-2004 VEHICLES (800,000 OF THEM) ARE DEFECTIVE. YET, TOYOTA HAS NEVER RECALLED THESE VEHICLES. THEY SHOULD BE REPAIRED, BOUGHT BACK, OR REPLACED BY TOYOTA. HOW MANY INDIVIDUALS WILL HAVE TO BE INJURED OR DIE BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM IS NOT ADDRESSED? VERY SAD SITUATION. SINCERELY [XXX] C.C. WWW.NHTSA.GOV NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION 1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE WASHINGTON, DC 20590 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
NHTSA complaint #11258929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spokane Valley, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY
FRAME RAILS ARE RUSTED THROUGH, FRAME WAS REPLACED AT 48K. IT HAS 81K AND THE RAILS ARE ACCORDING TO PARKER TOYOTA UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TOPYOTA SAYS PROGRAM IS ENDED ON THIS PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11256244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesTopeka, KS
STRUCTURE:BODY
FRAME HAS EXTENSIVE RUST/CORROSION ISSUES, RUST HAS PERFORATED ENTIRELY THROUGH SEVERAL AREAS. I ALSO OWN A '04 TACOMA THAT I JUST HAD THE FRAME REPLACED ON A COUPLE MONTHS AGO AND WAS COVERED BY TOYOTA UNDER THEIR RECALL NOTICE, . THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. TOYOTA IS WELL AWARE THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND COULD VERY WELL BE A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE BEEN A LIFE LONG TOYOTA CUSTOMER AND UP UNTIL NOW HAVE HAD TOTAL CONFIDENCE IN THE COMPANY. I'M QUITE DISGUSTED WITH THE WHOLE THING AND A BIT DISAPPOINTED THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN MORE PROACTIVE IN REMANDING THE PROBLEM. I WAS UNDER THE TRUCK CHANGING THE OIL AND WAS HORRIFIED TO SEE THAT THE CORROSION PROBLEM WAS AS BAD AS MY '04 TACOMA. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL TACOMA'S, WITH MANY MORE MILES ON THEM AND OLDER IN AGE AND HAVE NEVER SEEN CORROSION THIS EXTENSIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11253139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baudette, MN
STRUCTURE:BODY
CHASSIS MAIN FRAME IS CORRODED IN MANY AREAS. REFER TO PICTURES. A FRIEND TOLD ME THIS HAPPENS TO SOME TOYOTAS WHICH IS WHY I CRAWLED UNDER AND LOOKED FOR IT.
NHTSA complaint #11228771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,836 milesPlainfield, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT WAS TEST DRIVING A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE CAR LOT, THE CHASSIS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE BELONGED TO THE SM VALENTINO MOTORS LLC DEALER, LOCATED AT 603 W FRONT ST, PLAINFIELD, NJ 07060, (908) 222-0777. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,836.
NHTSA complaint #11207331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,700 milesClarksburg, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH IN MANY PLACES. UNSAFE TO DRIVE
NHTSA complaint #11195939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gordonsville, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME HAD EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION TO THE POINT THAT IT COULD FRACTURE. IN ADDITION, BATTLEFIELD TOYOTA (11013 JAMES MONROE HWY, CULPEPER, VA 22701, (540) 317-7800) WAS NOTIFIED AND A SHOCK ABSORBER WAS ORDERED BECAUSE IT WAS ALSO RUSTED. THE PART WAS REPLACED. THE FRAME RUST AND CORROSION WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO VERIFY IF THE DEALER PLACED A COATING ON THE VEHICLE YEARS AGO DUE TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE STRUCTURE, BUT FAILED TO REPLACE THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11184569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,450 milesConnelly, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE FRAME HAS ROTTED OUT CAUSING THE LEAF SPRINGS TO MOVE AND RESULTING INTO DRY SHAFT DROPPING OUT OF PLACE. THIS IN TURN, MAKES THE TRUCK UNDRIVEABLE. THIS HAPPEN WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE AROUND TOWN. IT BEGIN IN OCTOBER OF 2018. WE HAVE NOT DRIVEN IT SINCE THAT TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11164957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesMarietta, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE BECAME SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAB FRAME BRACKET CONNECTED TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS AFFECTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE HOLES IN THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11154919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesTrenton, NJ
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. HE PARKED THE VEHICLE, CHECKED UNDERNEATH, AND FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME BE REPLACED. THE FRAME WAS RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.
NHTSA complaint #11142244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesTowson, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
PREMATURE EXTENSIVE FRAME RUST / CORROSION. TOYOTA DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THE CONDITION OR NEED TO MONITOR OR OF 2016 DEADLINE FOR WARRANTY RECALL REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. NOW THEY WILL NOT EVEN PRO-RATE COSTS TO FIX.
NHTSA complaint #11121718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 255,000 milesBellevue, NE
STRUCTURE:BODY
EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST PERFORATION ON 1ST GENERATION TACOMAS WILL CAUSE THE FRAME TO BREAK LEADING TO AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITION INCLUDING HANDLING ABILITY, ROLLOVER, LACK OF IMPACT PROTECTION, AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF LIFE. KEY AREAS ARE BY THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS AND CLOSE TO THE FRONT SWAY BAR. TOYOTA DID OFFER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE FRAME, BUT THERE WAS NO MENTION THAT THE FRAME WAS DETERIORATING FROM THE INSIDE OUT OR THAT ALL THE FRAMES WERE MANUFACTURED WITHOUT PROPER CORROSION PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT AT DANA CORP, NOT JUST THOSE IN THE LISTED NORTHERN STATES.TOYOTA'S LETTER OF EXTENDED WARRANTY DID NOT LIST THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE, NOR DID IT RECOMMEND AN INITIAL OR ANY FOLLOWUP FRAME INSPECTION BY A QUALIFIED TOYOTA MECHANIC FOR THE NON-NORTHERN STATES, NOR DID IT MENTION THE NHTSA AS BEING INVOLVED. THE LETTER MENTIONS "A SMALL NUMBER OF 2001 THROUGH 2004 MODEL YEAR TACOMAS OPERATING IN SEVERE COLD CLIMATE AREAS WITH HIGH ROAD SALT USE..." . ALL TACOMA'S IN ANY ROAD-SALT STATE HAVE THE ISSUE. MANY STATES THAT DO USE ROAD SALT HAVE NOT BEEN INSPECTED, EVER. WHEN SOMETHING IS UNDER WARRANTY, PEOPLE TEND TO KEEP USING THINGS UNTIL THEY BREAK. UNDER A SAFETY RECALL, PEOPLE TEND TO GET THE PROBLEM FIXED QUICKLY. THE TACOMA FRAMES ARE NOT ACTUALLY "BREAKING" DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD BUT THEY ARE BECOMING "DEFECTIVE" DURING THE PERIOD. MANY PEOPLE ARE DRIVING OLDER TACOMAS AND HAVE NO IDEA THE TRUCK IS ABOUT TO SNAP IN HALF. THIS FRAME RUST ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED AS A SAFETY ISSUE BY EITHER TOYOTA OR THE NHTSA. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH FOR TACOMA FRAME RUST WILL REVEAL HUNDREDS/THOUSANDS OF PICTURES OF PERFORATED AND DANGEROUS FRAMES. INTERESTINGLY, THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TIRE CARRIER WHICH SUFFERED FROM RUST AS A DIRECT RESULT FROM THE FRAME RUST. THE LETTER CLEARLY STATES THAT IN THE NON-EFFECTED STATES, "YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING AT THIS TIME".
NHTSA complaint #11112840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesHood River, OR
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA HAS 150,000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED MY FRAME COMPLETELY SPLIT. I DRIVE ALMOST ENTIRELY ON PAVED ROADS. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR UNUSUAL USE IN THE AREA OF THE BREAK. I TOOK IT INTO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT.
NHTSA complaint #11105424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesMilford, NJ
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
THE FRAME RUSTED OUT WITH ONLY 150,000 MILES, INFORMED VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE JUNKED OR HAVE FRAME REPLACED.THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11098701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Blanchard, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING SERVICE TO CHANGE THE TIMING BELT, THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO BE PLACE THE VEHICLE ON A LIFT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS SO ROTTED THAT IT COULD FRACTURE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL A TOYOTA DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE THEIR GUIDELINES. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON A RESPONSE TO DETERMINE THEIR RECOMMENDED SOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED 21 TSBS FOR THE STRUCTURE, BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE PERTAINING TO THE FRAME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11097612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.