2004 Toyota Tacoma other reported problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am writing to report a safety related issue with a 2004 Toyota Tacoma that I purchased from an auction on 12/21/2022. The vehicle has an expired recall that I believe has not been properly addressed, potentially affecting the safety of the vehicle. I have attempted to resolve this issue through Toyota's customer service and local dealership, but I have been informed that the recall is no longer active and will not be addressed. It has a Virginia rebuilt title. It failed inspection due to rust on the frame.

NHTSA complaint #11656088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Bringing to your urgent attention a significant safety concern regarding a 2004 Toyota Tacoma owned by my brother, [XXX] , bought in 2004, which has severe frame rust affecting the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this matter directly with Toyota, we have been unable to obtain assistance, as Toyota states the Customer Support Notice for this issue has expired. Given the potential risk this poses to both the driver and other motorists, we are seeking your intervention to address this pressing matter. In September 2024, while retrieving an item from under the truck, my brother discovered extensive rust damage on the vehicle’s frame. We promptly took the truck to Antwerpen Toyota on September 4, 2024, where a technician confirmed the severe rust corrosion and deemed the truck unsafe to drive. The dealership informed us that Toyota had previously issued a Customer Support Notice addressing rust issues on this model but explained that the program had expired. They recommended we contact Toyota directly for potential support or compensation to help acquire a safe vehicle. We reported the case to Toyota (Case No. [XXX]) on September 4, 2024, and have since been in regular contact, yet have only been met with repeated delays and dismissals. Toyota representatives acknowledged that a notice had been issued for this problem, but despite knowing the serious nature of the rust and its impact on the vehicle’s safety, they have not provided us with any solution. We have requested escalation to senior management, but those requests have not been honored. Toyota’s refusal to address this safety defect, even with our willingness to discuss options, has left us with no alternative but to turn to your agency for help. We understand that the notice has expired and that my brother was not the vehicle’s original owner. However, this issue goes beyond a typical warranty claim, as it concerns the fundamental safety and road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA complaint #11624320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Took Toyota Tacoma (2004) to have loud sound coming from under truck checked by a reputable mechanic. Told that the frame was rusted beyond repair & leaf springs were about to fall out. Mechanic said vehicle was not drivable. The recall (which ended in 2019) was never received even though we bought vehicle new & have not changed address since 1998. Recall should be extended. Toyota should be forced to fix the problem and not on their timeline. The noise became evident approx. 5 months ago & got louder. The truck is sitting in our garage & could be taken to any interested party for inspection. Thank you

NHTSA complaint #11487300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My frame is rusting out where rear springs connect to the frame. Truck is non inspectable for Maine. There was a recall at some point and I never got recall paperwork.

NHTSA complaint #11422761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The entire frame has rusted from front to rear. Gas and brake lines have also rusted out along with many other parts. Can not find where to find a recall notice.

NHTSA complaint #11419725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2004 TACOMA FRAME SO ROTTED THAT UPON HITTING A LARGE HOLE WOULD FINISH OFF THE RUSTED FRAME. THIS TYPE OF RUST AND EROSION IS NOT FROM NORMAL WEAR.. THIS IS DUE TO THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE. THEY SAY THEY ARE AWARE OF IT.. BUT TIME LAPSED TO GET IT FIXED?? SO WHAT NOW I AM OUT $15K ON A 16 YEAR OLD TRUCK. SINCE WHEN DID RECALLS HAVE AN EXPERATION DATE??

NHTSA complaint #11376720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

HAD FRAME REPLACED DUE TO RECALL IN 2014 AND NOW THE FRAME IS CRACKED AGAIN. LOCAL TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE CLAIMED WARRANTY IS 15 YEARS FROM FIRST OWNERSHIP.

NHTSA complaint #11376146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I FOUND A HOLE IN THE FRAME AND WAS ADVISED AS TO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE. I LEARNED THAT A RECALL HAD EXPIRED ONLY 6 MONTHS AGO AND WAS NOT GOING TO BE REPAIRED FROM TOYOTA. $12000 WAS ESTIMATE AND I COMPLAINED THAT I WAS NEVER CONTACTED. I AM THE SECOND OWNER BUT HAD MAINTAINED VEHICLE TO KEEP FOR MANY YEARS. I AM ON SOC SECURITY AND THIS HAS BEEN A HARDSHIP ON ME. I HOPE THERE IS A WAY OF COMPENSATING ME OR HELPING ME AS THE DEALER OFFERED HALF OF BLUE BOOK FOR A TRADE IN. THANK YOU

NHTSA complaint #11288898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THIS VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE FRAME ROT LIKE OTHER TACOMAS THAT WERE RECALLED.

NHTSA complaint #11279964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA WAS "RECALLED FOR UNDERCOATINHG" WHICH WAS DONE 02/11. IN 2017, ON ADVICE FROM MY PRIVATE, PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC HE INFORMED ME TO CONTACT TOYOTA ABOUT CORROSIVE RUSTING OF FRAME. IT WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP, I PURCHASED IT FROM. IN 2018, IT WAS INSPECTED AND, PASSED, AGAIN. 2 WEEKS AGO, I FOUND A CRACK IN MY FRAME, SLIGTLY IN FRONT OF LEFT REAR, TIRE WELL, BY GAS TANK. I WILL BE TAKING IT TO A DEALERSHIP, FOR FRAME INSPECTION TOMORROW. I DON'T FEEL SAFE, DRIVING IT. I'M DISABLED AND, I AM THE TRUCKS 2ND OWNER. I PURCHASED MY 04 IN, 2006. IT IS IN GREAT CONDITION. MILEAGE, 122,500. IRONICALLY, THE TIRE HANGER PLATE HAS BEEN RECALLED AND, REPLACED AROUND 2014. IN 2017 MY PROTECTIVE PLATE, FELL AND, DROPPED THE GAS TANK. IT WAS, BROKEN IN 1/2. MY MECHANIC SECURED IT AND, UPON INSPECTION IT PASSED AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I ASKED IF IT WAS POSSIBLE TO REPLACE THE PROTECTIVE PLATE AND, I WAS TOLD "NO." I ASKED FOR AN EXPLANATION AND, WASN'T GIVEN ONE. IT WAS THE SAME DEALERSHIP THAT "UNDERCOATED," MY TRUCK. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY TRUCK PERFORMED A 2+HR INSPECTION ON THE FRAME IN 2017. THE DEALERSHIP THAT "UNDERCOATED," MY TRUCK ONLY HAD IT IN THE REPAIR AREA, FOR 15MINS AND, BROUGHT IT BACK OUT, STATING THEY "HAMMER-TESTED" IT AND, IT WAS IN GREAT SHAPE? I'M WORRIED SICK OVER MY OUTCOME, TOMORROW. I'M IN NO FINANCIAL POSTION TO REPLACE MY TRUCK. A TRUCK I WAS TOLD WOULD LAST UP TO 300,000'MILES. I DID COMPLAIN TO TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS IN 2018, WAS GIVEN A CLAIM NUMBER I CALLED THEM WHEN I FOUND THE CRACK, IN THE LEFT-SIDE, REAR OF MY FRAME, THIS, PAST FRIDAY. I HAD BEEN HEARING A "RATTLE," FROM BENEATH MY TRUCK, THE LAST FEW TIMES, I HAD DRIVEN IT. I BARELY HAD TO BEND OVER, TO SEE THE CRACK IN MY FRAME! THIS IS A HORRIFICLY, DANGEROUS CONDITION. (IT WAS PARKED AND, NOT RUNNING, WHEN I FOUND THE CRACK, IN THE FRAME.

NHTSA complaint #11219647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2004 TOYOTA TACOMA FRAME RUSTED THROUGH, HOLE YOU CAN PUT HAND THROUGH. TOYOTA NEVER ISSUED RECALL, CLAIMS CORROSION CAMPAIGN WAS OVER. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE, I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. TOYOTA SAYS I AM ON MY OWN FOR REPLACEMENT. FOUND ISSUE AT MY BROTHER'S HAD TO LEAVE TRUCK UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WILL ADD PHOTOS AFTER I GET BACK TO VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11218567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA AND TOOK IT IN FOR AN INSPECTION OF THE FRAME FOR UNDERCOATING. THE BODY SHOP NOTED SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FRAME WITH SUSPENSION PARTS THAT ARE ALSO FULL OF CORROSION. I WAS TOLD THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THIS RUST ISSUE. I WAS TOLD IF THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH BECAUSE OF THIS RUST/CORROSION. I NEED THE MANUFACTURER TO TAKE CARE OF THIS FOR SOME REASON THIS VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS NOT RECALLED BUT THE BODY SHOP STATED THIS SHOULD HAVE HAD A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS FRAME DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF RUST THAT IS NOTED UNDER THE VEHICLE ON THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION PARTS.

NHTSA complaint #11151455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

PURCHASED 04 TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 4X4 ONLYNTO LATER FIND FRAME ROT BY THE SHOCKS AND WHEELS. I DIDN'T SEE THIS INITIALLY UPON INSPECTION. I THOUGHT THERE WAS ONLY SURFACE RUST UNTIL I HAD THE TRUCK ON A LIFT FOR INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED OF PERFORATIONS. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WON'T PASS INSPECTION. DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT TOYOTA'S CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT ONLY INCLUDED 05-10 TACOMA'S. ALSO FOUND THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A WARRANTY EXTENSION BUT ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THAT EXPIRED. TOYOTA WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME SO NOW IT'S UP TO ME TO REPAIR THE FRAME, IF IT'S EVEN REPAIRABLE. HOW COULD TOYOTA PUT OUT A PRODUCT AND NOT STAND BY IT, OR AT LEAST COVER THE FRAME REPLACEMENT? TOYOTA REALLY NEEDS TO COVER ALL VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM REGARDLESS OF AGE OF VEHICLE AND THIS SHOULD NEVER EXPIRE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE COST OF A NEW FRAME IS ABOUT $5000, AND WITH LABOR, RUNS UP TO ABOUT $15K. TOYOTA NEEDS ANOTHER CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED AGAINST THEM ASAP!!!

NHTSA complaint #11081440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLE HAS 113,000 MILES ON IT BUT IS UNDRIVEABLE BECAUSE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH.

NHTSA complaint #11078860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA FRAMES IS RUSTED AND CRACKED. I WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION STICK IN MA THIS YEAR. 2005 -2009 TACOMA VEHICLE ARE HAVING THE FRAME REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP AT TOYOTA'S EXPENSE. WHY THE CUT OFF WITH ONE YEAR IN DIFFERENCE. I WOULD LIKE SOME HELP TO GET THIS FRAME REPLACED LIKE OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS/

NHTSA complaint #11032584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

9/8/2017, WHILE WORKING ON MY 2004 TACOMA I FOUND A 3 INCH AND A 1 INCH RUST HOLES IN THE FRAME NEAR THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. NEAR THE RIGHT WHEEL I FOUND A 1 INCH HOLE. ALL IT TOOK WAS A TAP WITH A HAMMER. HOW SAFE IS THAT?

NHTSA complaint #11022382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH STATIONARY

NHTSA complaint #11001456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

JUST GOT MY TRUCK BACK FROM THE MECHANIC TODAY, 6/7/2017, FOR THE ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION AND HE INDICATED THE FRAME IS NOT LOOKING GOOD AND SAFETY WILL BE A CONCERN SOON. THE TRUCK WAS UNDERCOATED ON THE RECALL, APPLIED DIRECTLY OVER THE EXISTING RUSTED FRAME BACK THEN. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALER WHO DID THE UNDERCOATING AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME TOYOTA HAS NO FURTHER OBLIGATIONS SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERCOATED. THIS WAS NOT AN AMPLE RESOLUTION TO AN ONGOING DEFECT.I WAS ALSO TOLD AT THE TIME, I HAD NO CHOICE OR SAY IN THE MATTER. I'M HAVING CONCERNS NOW FOR MY SAFETY AND TOYOTA SHOULD RESOLVE THIS RESPONSIBLY. I'M THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF THE VEHICLE, IT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED WITH ABOUT 101,000 CURRENT MILES ON THE ODOMETER.

NHTSA complaint #10993812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

REMOTE KEY UNLOCK IS INOP. I'VE ORDERED A NEW REMOTE - 2 IN FACT- NEITHER WILL PROGRAM. VENDOR IS SAYING THAT THERE MUST BE SOMETHING INOPERATIVE INTERNALLY IN THE TACOMA ELECTRONICS. THE LOCK WORKS; HOWEVER THE UNLOCK WILL NOT WORK. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, PARKED IN BOTH OCCASSIONS TESTING THE NEW REMOTE.

NHTSA complaint #10979957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE FRAME OF MY TRUCK HAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND IS NO LONGER STABLE TO HOLD THE TRUCK TOGETHER. WHEN HAVING TIRES PUT ON THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE TRUCK IS TO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. SINCE THEN I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT MANY OWNERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THE COMPANY IS UNWILLING TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT.

NHTSA complaint #10895901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FRAME ROT NOT COVERED BY TOYOTA

NHTSA complaint #10839239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I BOUGHT MY 2004 TACOMA FROM A USED CAR DEALER IN MAY OF 2014 AND WAS UNAWARE OF AN EARLIER RECALL FOR POSSIBLE EXCESSIVE FRAME CORROSION. MY CURRENT SERVICING TOYOTA DEALER SAID THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED AND COULDN'T HELP ME, BUT REFERRED ME TO TOYOTA, WHO ALSO OFFERED NO HELP. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE IF THE FRAME FAILS IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS TO MYSELF AND OTHER MOTORISTS ON THE ROAD.

NHTSA complaint #10818516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THERE IS FRAME ROT ON THE VEHICLE WEAKENING THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. THE WORST AREA OF ROT IS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE REAR LEAF SPRING ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. THIS AREA ALSO HAS THE GAS TANK AND FUEL LINES AND REAR BRAKING LINES. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. UPON DISCOVERY OF THIS HAZARD I NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLES RECALL HAD ENDED. I ALSO NOTIFIED TOYOTA CORPORATE AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. TOYOTA TACOMAS HAVE HAD FRAME ROT ISSUES WITH RECALLS THAT HAVE AFFECTED THE REAR BRAKES FUEL LINES AND TANK. I FEEL IT IS UNFAIR OF TOYOTA TO ADMIT AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND REPLACE FRAMES ON TRUCKS WITH THIS ISSUE, YET DENY ME BECAUSE I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF IT. HAVING A WINDOW OF TIME ON A RECALL THAT IS A HUGE ISSUE IS NOT FAIR. NOW I HAVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, THAT I AM AFRAID TO PUT MY CHILDREN IN, AND NO WHERE TO TURN.

NHTSA complaint #10776483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

RECALL ON FRAME AND I BROUGHT IT TO DEAL WHERE THEY SAID FRAME WAS NOT DEFECTED. ONE YEAR LATER FRAME IS CORRODED AND RUSTED OUT. CALL DEALER AND SAID IT WAS MY PROBLEM RECALL ENDED 6 MONTHS AGO. HOW CAN THEY GET AWAY WITH THIS!!!

NHTSA complaint #10726733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I PURCHASED A USED 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 4 YEARS AGO IN NY. I MOVED TO MA 2 YEARS AGO AND TOOK TRUCK TO A CAPE COD TOYOTA DEALER AND ASKED THEM TO CHANGE OIL AND TELL ME IF THERE WERE ANY ISSUES I NEEDED TO DEAL WITH. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT THEY TOLD ME ABOUT THE SPARE TIRE RUST RECALL AND MADE THE REPAIR. WHEN WE PICKED UP THE TRUCK THEY GAVE IT A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH. THEY THEN SAID "BY THE WAY, YOU HAVE A TINY HOLE IN FRAME THAT MAY NEED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF AT SOME POINT-NOT URGENT." FAST FORWARD 2 YEARS- A GARAGED TRUCK THAT ONLY HAD AN ADDITIONAL 7,000 MILES. WE TOOK IT FOR THE MA STATE INSPECTION AND IT FAILED. THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NEW MUFFLER. WE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL CAPE COD MECHANIC WHO CALLED AND SAID THE PROBLEM WAS MUCH BIGGER- THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. WE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING. THE DEALER CALLED TO SAY COME PICK IT UP EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. HOW MUCH IS A LIFE WORTH? OBVIOUSLY TOYOTA DOESN'T CARE. HELP PLEASE!!!

NHTSA complaint #10724647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FROM A DEAD STOP TO ANY SPEED, IT FELT LIKE I NO ACCERATION. I WOULD HAVE TO FEATHER THE GAS PEDAL TO GET UP TO SPEED. I'VE REPLACED FUEL FILTER, 02 SENDER ( FRONT), MAF SENDER ,FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR ,CLEANED ALL GROUNDS, HAD FUEL PUMP TESTED , HAD HEAD GASKET CHECKED ,CHANGED SPARK PLUGS AND WIRE'S, CLEANED THROTTLE BODY AND PRESSURE CLEANED FUEL SYSTEM. EVERY TIME I CHANGE A PART OR DO ANY CLEANING , THE TRUCK WILL RUN FINE, FOR AWHILE , BUT THE PROBLEM RETURNS. I NOW HAVE 150K ON TRUCK ,AND I WANT TO GET 150 K MORE. I FELL THIS IS A EXTREMELY HAZARDS SITUATION. ALL I'M LOOKING FOR IS A ANSWER TO WHAT'S WRONG!!!! TOYOTA IS AWARE OF WHAT'S WRONG ,BUT THE DEALERS ONLY TO KEEP REPLACING PARTS ($) . THE TOYOTA FORUM S ON WEB HAVE 1000S OF ANSWER S, BUT, NOTHING DEFINITE. PLEASE HELP!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10723721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLE WAS AT DEALER FOR RECALL "EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER LIFT PLATE" SERVICE TECH. NOTED "FRAME HAS A HOLE, WOULD NOT PASS NYSI". IN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE TOYOTA ADMITTED THAT THE FRAME, MANUFACTURED BY [XXX] DID NOT RECEIVE PROPER CORROSION PROTECTION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10628065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FRAME IS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST JUST IN FRONT OF REAR AXLE ON BOTH SIDES OF VEHICLE. ABOUT A 1.5" X 6" HOLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE WITH A FRACTURE OF ABOUT 12" GOING TOWARD REAR AXLE. PASSENGER SIDE HAS A FRACTURE ABOUT 18" LONG IN SAME AREA. REAR SUSPENSION MOUNTS AND SPRINGS ARE COMPROMISED. TOYOTA HAD A PROGRAM TO DEAL WITH ISSUE BUT DEADLINE HAD PASSED BY THE TIME I PURCHASED VEHICLE. DEALER TOLD ME TOYOTA HAD CHECKED OUT FRAME ISSUE AND IT PASSED. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA I WAS MISINFORMED. TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT I NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEAL WITH PROPERLY. BODY AND BED ARE RUST FREE AND IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I PAID 11,700 FOR THE TRUCK WITH 88,000 MI., HAVE OWNED IT FOR ONE YEAR AND PUT APPROX. 9,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES TOTALED.

NHTSA complaint #10586907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THIS IS A STORY ABOUT THE PURCHASE OF A BRAND NEW TOYOTA TACOMA IN 2004 THAT I PAID CASH FOR. ON OR ABOUT JANUARY OF 2012 I CALLED TOYOTA TO FIND OUT IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE JUST CHECKING. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A FRAME RUSTING WHEN WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR ANOTHER SERVICE MATTER WE WERE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE FRAME (THERE WAS NO RECORD OF OUR HAVING BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE RECALL JUST THE SERVICE THAT WAS PERFORMED). WE NEVER RECEIVED OFFICIAL NOTICE OF THE RECALL BUT NOW WE HAVE A FRAME RUSTING ISSUE WITH SOME AREAS THAT ARE ROTTING THROUGH THE FRAME! WHEN I CONTACTED TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS I WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED SEVEN DAYS PRIOR AND THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME! HOW CAN THIS BE? IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PRODUCT AND THE VEHICLE IS SHOWING THE DEFECT FROM THE RECALL HOW CAN IT EXPIRE? TOYOTA HAS RECOMMENDED WE RETAIN A LAWYER FOR THIS ISSUE. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I HAVE A TRUCK WORTH NEXT TO NOTHING THAT I DEPEND ON FOR MY LIVING AND THEY TELL ME TO GET A LAWYER? FRANKLY, I AM VERY SURPRISED AT TOYOTA A COMPANY WITH AN EXCELLENT REPUTATION, THAT I THOUGHT MAKES GOOD CARS AND TRUCKS NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE. I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM TOYOTA AND TO ME THEIR REPUTATION IS NOW TARNISHED.

NHTSA complaint #10544857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.