[OpenRoadmaster]

Hi, folks, your friends at Toyota Motor Sales, here. We thought that we should bring to your attention a customer support program we’re announcing today to extend warranty coverage on the frames of Toyota Tacoma trucks from model year 1995 through 2000.

We’ve received reports that on a small number of Tacomas, frames may develop corrosion that goes beyond the normal surface rust that’s commonly found on metal after years of exposure. This corrosion may extend to actual perforation of the frame’s metal.

In response, 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 that results in perforation of the vehicle’s frame material.

If you own one of these vehicles and you think that its frame may exhibit excessive corrosion to the point of perforation, we suggest that you take it to a Toyota dealership when you receive your notification letter so that it can be inspected. If inspection confirms frame corrosion perforation, we will either repair the vehicle or repurchase it.

Keep in mind that this is not a recall. Rather, it’s an example of our commitment to our owners.

For a more detailed explanation of the situation, and of our repurchase program, please visit Toyota’s Open Road at http://blogs.toyota.com.

- OpenRoadMaster

 

[toto]

Thanks for the information and the support of one of many excellent online communities for owners of Toyota products.

A lot of these trucks are not owned by the original owners; many of us have bought them used. How do we know if TMS knows who we are and have our VIN's registered?

 

[humanoid]

The official announcement (7 March 2008) is on Toyota's blogspace:

http://blog.lexus.com/2008/03/living-up-to-ou.html#more

Quote:
March 07, 2008

Living Up to Our Committment

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, 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

 

[kaboom133]

This is a godsend. The frame on my 98 is bad, I've been without inspection for a month now because nobody will inspect my truck with the frame rotted like it is. Does this mean I have to wait for a letter to take it in, or can I take it in now so I stop risking the fine for inspection? Where at the dealer should I take it; just to a service writer? Will they know what I'm talking about at the dealership? Thanks

 

[RipLip]

Well I am with you guys now. My perfectly fine looking and running 2000 Tacoma just failed inspection for a rotted frame. Damn, now what? I'm going to the dealer to find out whats next. I can only legally drive it for another 2 weeks. I'll let you guys know what happens. Take it easy.:sosad:

 

[RipLip]

Kaboom, I found out today my frame was bad and I went right down to the dealer here. I told the service manager my story and I have a appointment there tomorrow. They are going to inspect for themselves and if the frame indeed is junk they will contact Toyota directly. Then Toyota will have a "special" representative look at it and decide if they will repair or buy it back. I guess a repair is uncommon and the service manager here in NH said they will give 150% of Kelly Blue Book value at Excelllent condition regardless the vehicle condition. I don't know but it will still be a pain in the butt. Definitely don't wait. i would bring it right down before they get backed up and your out of a rig longer. Just a thought.

 

[themims]

I have a "98 Tacoma and I've replaced the oil pan and power steering line due to rust perforation. I noticed when I purchased it there was a unusual amount of rust on the frame and all of the parts that were attached to the frame.
I'm the 3rd owner, how will Toyota no that I'm the current owner or should I notify them?
Thanks

 

[RipLip]

Toyota is sending out notices to all people that have a 95 - 00 Tacoma registered. Toyota is getting all there information from the states to contact owners with issues. I got word yesterday from someone inside Toyota about my truck. They are buying it back from me and there paying 150% of the KBB price. I guess its a good deal but now everyone is going to be strapped to get another vehicle ASAP. Once they take my rent a rig (Highlander) I have nothing. You should call your local dealer and set up a appointment. They are doing a great job with getting these in and helping all affected by this. I have 6 friends that are going through the process now. I dropped my truck off last Thursday and everything should be resolved by the end of this week or beginning of next week. Hope this helps. Oh yeah it doesn't matter if your the first owner or tenth.

 

[themims]

Thanks for the response, I'll give it a couple weeks to see if I'm contacted.
Initially, when I first inspected the vehicle, I thought it may have been a flood vehicle. I checked w/carfax and the original state of origin but there was no record of any flood or vehicle damage. The mileage was low for a 10 yr. old vehicle,75,000 miles and my mechanic said it was very sound. But everytime I would be under the truck, I couldn't believe that it could look so bad. I had Toyota's in the past(3), a couple with well over 100,000 miles and never had one with this much frame rust.
Again, thanks for the info. let us know how it goes-good luck.

 

[agr5]

so this ONLY affects 95-2000 right. the wording is a little confusing. I do not own a tacoma but am looking to buy used. if the one I buy falls in those years will I be covered?

 

[RipLip]

Yes those are the years and I just got done signing the pay off agreement with Toyota. I would just stay away from those years completely especially because your from Ohio and are subject to rot. Toyota doesn't care if you are the 1st or 5th owner your truck is involved. If your just looking to get a truck off someone knowing that it falls under this problem and you bring it in and turn it around for 2-3 times what you bought it for then I'm wasting my time. Don't be that guy! I've been telling everyone around here about it so they don't get scammed by someone else whether I know them or not. My suggestion is to buy a 2001 or newer and be happy with a great product. If your looking at someones truck that could fall into this issue do the right thing and let them know the deal. Just my thoughts on that. Don't take it the wrong way but sometimes I go off on stuff I don't think is right. Take it easy.

 

[91_3SGTE]

we inspected about 10-15 tacomas this month 90% failed for frame rot.. toyota is really taking care of their customers by giving them a fair amount of money for these trucks.. some people are making out really good.. i wish i had pictures of the conditions these trucks come in .. some of them im afraid to even put on my lift! Upstate NY really takes a toll on these trucks

 

[toyota ted]

How long did it take toyota to contact you once service took your truck? I dropped my '97 off last tuesday, service said the frame was bad on Friday and that I would hear from toyota within 48 hrs. (I am sure they have a full plate right now)

 

[91_3SGTE]

i have no clue but all i know is our parking lot is filling up with tacomas.. we had about 5 in today ... so id say toyota is trying their best at getting the papers sorted out as soon as possible..

 

[USMCmailman]

Letter from Toyota?

Do I have to wait for a letter from Toyota to have my truck checked? My Vin number is one of the trucks with the problem.:ugh3:

 

[zippo44]

There is a registration date cut off in the middle of march for this. Past that point you would only get what you paid for the vehicle. So if you buy a vehicle and register it after this date you won't be able to get the 150%. However if your vehicle is registered before this date you will get the 150%. Prevents scamming

 

[agr5]

Yes those are the years and I just got done signing the pay off agreement with Toyota. I would just stay away from those years completely especially because your from Ohio and are subject to rot. Toyota doesn't care if you are the 1st or 5th owner your truck is involved. If your just looking to get a truck off someone knowing that it falls under this problem and you bring it in and turn it around for 2-3 times what you bought it for then I'm wasting my time. Don't be that guy! I've been telling everyone around here about it so they don't get scammed by someone else whether I know them or not. My suggestion is to buy a 2001 or newer and be happy with a great product. If your looking at someones truck that could fall into this issue do the right thing and let them know the deal. Just my thoughts on that. Don't take it the wrong way but sometimes I go off on stuff I don't think is right. Take it easy.

What if it is the dealer??

 

[agr5]

There is a registration date cut off in the middle of march for this. Past that point you would only get what you paid for the vehicle. So if you buy a vehicle and register it after this date you won't be able to get the 150%. However if your vehicle is registered before this date you will get the 150%. Prevents scamming

I just spoke directly to Toyota and they assured me there is no cut off date. Any 1995-2000 Tacoma is cover up to 15 years from original purchase no matter if you are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th owner or what date you acquired the vehicle.

 

[USMCmailman]

Letter from Toyota?

But do you have to wait for a letter from Toyota to proceed!!!!!!:ugh3:

 

[zippo44]

Yes, I believe you are covered, but if you purchase the vehicle after march 14th or right about there, you won't be eligible for the 150%, just the amount paid. This came up at TTORA and is my source.