In 2016, Toyota agreed to pay $3 billion to fix millions of Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia SUVs with rusted frames as part of a settlement of a class-action lawsuit. Model years from 2004 to 2008 are affected (or 2010 in a few cases).
In This Article...
What model years of Tacoma frames did Toyota recall?
One of the most dependable automobile manufacturers in the world is Toyota.
Except for several popular pickup truck frames, buyers are essentially promised years of trouble-free driving.
Until a few days ago, when Jenne Middleton heard a terrible sound, her 2004 Toyota Tacoma had been a reliable buddy.
Middlton claimed the car started swerving, so she took it to a nearby repair shop and received some unfavorable information.
They claimed that the frame was rusty, damaged, and hazardous to drive, Middleton added.
It needed a new frame, according to mechanic Mike Fehler, or the entire back end might come off.
“In essence, the area where the leaf spring attaches to the frame is crucial and load bearing. It secures the truck’s bed to it “explained he.
Safety recalls prevent injuries and save money; in this case, they prevented the need for costly repairs. However, many automakers have a time limit on them and will no longer pay for repairs after, say, 15 years.
Toyota has issued a restricted recall for Middleton’s pickup, but it was set to expire in 2019. She had almost missed the deadline for the warranty.
In 2016, the automaker committed to fixing or purchasing back millions of Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia SUVs with rusted frames that were manufactured between 2004 and 2008, and in certain cases, 2010 as well.
I owned the car in 2019, but I never got a notification, she claimed.
Here’s some advise so it doesn’t happen to you: make sure the manufacturer of your automobile has your current address so they can send you any repair advisories or recalls. To see if you have any unrepaired recalls, you should go visit recalls.gov.
Middleton expressed his desire to keep his truck. “I’m confident it can travel another 100,000 kilometers.”
A representative from Toyota informed us that although the firm would not guarantee Middleton a free repair, they would speak with her about her choices.
Which models of Toyotas have frame recalls?
There have been numerous recalls in the past involving rusting truck chassis for Toyota. Toyota eventually had to settle a class-action lawsuit by providing a constrained repair window since there were so many complaints.
Getting your car fixed for nothing in this particular Toyota frame recall is very challenging. Although NHTSA recalls never expire, Toyota’s recall merely provided its customers with an extended frame warranty. The vast majority of recalled drivers are completely unaware of it!
Rust frequently spreads to other sections of a car when it starts to rust in one place. Your car is vulnerable to a number of serious safety hazards if the frame is not replaced, including:
- Crackly shocks
- a damaged undercarriage
- irregular tire wear
- Separate exhaust
- compromised physical makeup
- removable truck bed
- tire and wheel alignment issues
- driving while vibrating
Which Cars Were Affected by the Toyota Frame Recall?
The Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, and Sequoia SUVs were included in the most recent recall. Between 2004 and 2010, these vehicles would have been manufactured.
When Was the Extended Warranty Supposed to Expire?
Only 15 years after the car’s production date is the Toyota extended frame warranty still in effect. You will be liable for paying for the vehicle’s repairs after that time period has gone. Depending on the extent of the damage, the cost of restoration could reach $10,000.
Toyota will still replace my frame, right?
Have your Subject Vehicle’s frame examined at no cost by a Toyota Dealer to determine whether the frame needs to be replaced. An authorized Toyota Dealer will replace the vehicle’s frame for free if the inspection reveals that it has to be replaced.
What Toyota Tacoma models should I steer clear of?
The Toyota Tacoma models from the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017 have a lot of faults, therefore we advise staying away from them. The body, paint, and engine issues on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 models are major difficulties.
Along with several light, body, and engine flaws, the interior accessories of the 2009 model have a tendency to be defective and frequently malfunction.
There are several issues with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma, and complaints have been made concerning almost every part. The drivetrain and engine are primarily flawed in the 2012 model, whereas unreliable transmissions are also present in the 2016 and 2017 vehicles.
These two Toyota Tacomas are among the worst you can buy because their transmissions have so many flaws that driving them might be dangerous. However, the 2007 is as unwise to purchase due to its extraordinarily high repair expenses.
The average automobile spends 1-2 weeks on the lot, but the greatest offers are typically scooped up in less than 48 hours. Get notified right away when the price of a saved car reduces or when a great new Tacoma listing appears by downloading the CoPilot app.
How can I become eligible for a replacement Toyota frame?
In other words, the holes in the frame must be greater than 10 mm in diameter (about the width of a marble). For certain cars, Toyota will swap out the frame and provide a rental car while the work is being done. The program is only available to working trucks; titles for salvage or serious damage are not accepted.
Do new Tacomas have rust concerns with the frame?
One of the most useful, capable, and dependable mid-size trucks money can buy is the Toyota Tacoma. They do, however, experience several issues, chief among which is the infamous Tacoma frame rust.
When did Toyota Tacoma transmission issues start?
There are reported transmission issues with the Toyota Tacoma, which affect vehicles with anywhere between 125,000 and 150,000 miles on the odometer. These problems, which hinder the car from shifting properly, have been documented in Tacoma models made between 1995 and 2015.
When do I need to be concerned about frame rust?
Additionally, you should start to worry about the frame rust when you notice holes all over your car’s frame. Your car’s frame integrity is affected if there are holes present. No matter how far you are going, it might not be a good idea at this moment to get in your car and drive.
Has my Tacoma ever been recalled?
The issue: Some 2022–2023 Toyota Tacomas may not have had their upper child-seat anchors properly welded, and they may not have been strong enough. A weak weld could allow the kid seat to advance during an accident or sudden stop, increasing the risk of injury.
The solution: The treatment is currently being created. Once one is discovered, Toyota will let owners know they may take their trucks for a free repair to a nearby dealership.
Owners can get in touch with Toyota customer support by dialing 800-331-4331.
22V520000 is the NHTSA campaign number. Toyota’s recall reference number is 22TB09/22TA09.
To see if your car is still subject to a recall, check: You may find out whether there are any open recalls for your car on the NHTSA website.
If a recall doesn’t show up when you enter your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN onto the NHTSA website, it doesn’t currently exist for your automobile. We advise frequent checking because recalls are frequently issued by automakers and involve a large number of older vehicles.
Utilize our Car Recall Tracker to stay up to date on recalls that may apply to your car. To join CR, open a free account right away.
I’m from New England and have driven anything from a Segway to an aircraft carrier. I’ve actually driven thousands of automobiles, many of them on international racetracks. At the CR Auto Test Center today, such knowledge and enthusiasm are being used to empower customers. And if that means sacrificing some tires in the name of the truth, then be it. Continue with me
Can a rusting frame be repaired?
Yes, a truck frame that has cracks in it can be repaired with welding. But this is not a task that should be taken lightly.
You might put yourself and your passengers in danger if you make just one mistake. But you can also be breaking the law in addition to endangering your safety.
Federal law prohibits anybody other than the vehicle’s manufacturer from drilling holes into the rail flanges of a vehicle. As a result, many “homebrew” or “DIY” welders are technically forbidden from being used on public roads. While we would advise against it, you are free to decide how much danger you are willing to take and whether or not to utilize your truck for off-roading on your land. The same car, though, is not permitted to be driven on a public street or highway.
Additionally, if a weld was improperly completed and it causes damage or injuries, the welder may be held civilly liable. As a result, many shops outright decline to weld a car’s frame because they just do not want to take that chance.
Additionally, some insurance providers won’t cover a car if the frame has been chopped or welded. You will have a lot fewer options and probably end up paying a higher insurance price if you decide to have your frame welded.
Having said that, a skilled welder with knowledge of frame construction may repair a broken frame. The procedure normally entails manufacturing and welding a plate or sleeve covering both parts of the break. Once again, only a highly qualified specialist should handle this job.
In most cases, having the frame fixed doesn’t really make much sense if your truck is worth less than this amount because frame restoration can cost up to $10,000. It is far preferable to get a new frame for your truck than to weld the current one, if there are any available for it. However, for the majority of vintage trucks, a weld will be your only choice.
Which Tacoma year is the best?
The first Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 1995 and produced for three versions, ending in 2005. While the tough truck has never exactly been recognized for being quiet or smooth, its value has held through the years.
The 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2004 Tacomas from the first generation received the highest ratings. However, 2004 received less praise overall.
There are many models available if the second generation is of interest to you. 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 all received flawless dependability verdict ratings from MotorBiscuit.
For purchasers looking for an all-purpose vehicle that can handle tough terrain, the 2012–2015 series is ideal. These Tacomas had a significant renovation and now have a stylish interior.
This second generation is more expensive than other used trucks on the market, even with higher mileage.
A 2005 Toyota Tacoma 2WD Access Cab PreRunner with 200,000 miles was posted on Autotrader for $9,000, as were a Tacoma 4WD Double Cab with 75,000 miles and a 2015 Tacoma with the TRD package and 6,000 miles.
With a 4 out of 5 rating from Consumer Reports, the 2005 Toyota Tacoma has the greatest satisfaction rating out of the group.
Even the 2016 model of Toyota’s current generation costs between $20,000 and $32,675. But if you’d prefer a more recent design, the Toyota Tacoma from 2019 is your best alternative. The 2019 model received a 4 out of 5 rating for dependability and owner satisfaction.