Frame Rust problems of the 1997 Toyota T100

The contact owns a 1997 Toyota T100. The contact, a mechanic, noticed that the frame had extensive rust, corrosion, and fractured without warning. The vehicle was to be repaired by the mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 201,000.

I have read several of the descriptions on the site and am afraid I'm driving an unsafe vehicle now because of the underlying rust issues which could be at the root of shifter issues, as in a previous complaint and the dangerous frame rust issue. I am not a mechanic, but I recognize many of the rust issues described here on my T100. Nhtsa should re-examine the decision to give Toyota a break by not requiring that they buy back vehicles as done with similar models in their family with the frame rust issues. The allowance to continue T100s be driven puts passengers and other motorists at risk. I purchased this vehicle used, and the mechanicals and appearance belies the significant safety issues beneath. The NHTSA is remiss to not put pressure on Toyota to include these vehicles in their recall as a good faith and safety measure. . . As the owner of newer, allegedly safe, Toyota products, I am also concerned by their lack of response. . . Does someone have to lose their life before a suitable response is mandated? after all, this vehicle could be behind you on the drive home tonight. This ignores how this vehicle would likely just crumble in an accident. I plan to bring this vehicle in for a comprehensive check now, but in the interim, worry about its safe use. The fact that my kids are even near it when it is parked gives me pause now. Please use you influence to impress upon Toyota that what is right for the safety of their customers is right for them. Thanks for reading my thoughts and for you consideration in working towards a resolution.

The contact owns a 1997 Toyota T100. The contact stated that while washing the vehicle, he noticed that the frame was corroded and holes had rusted through the frame. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 196,000.

The frame has rusted and has become unsafe, just like the tacoma and tundra. I had the frame inspected by Toyota, they agreed "frame perch is rotted".

Mechanically this truck is very sound, but the frame and many parts are rusting excessively. When I first bought the truck I had it undercoated. This didn't last long and I've had to replace the control arms, the load sensing proportioning valve and was recently told that I am at risk of not being inspected in July due to the rust on the frame. The vehicle only has 153,000 miles on it and it should still run strong, but the frame may make it impossible to get my value out of the vehicle. I feel like I wasted my money on a Toyota product that used to have a good reputation.

Vehicle developed fuel leak discovered during inspection due to severe corrosion. Toyota failed to make repairs despite being covered by a federal emissions warranty enhancement. Severe rust of frame identified. Now shifter not working due to further corrosion. Letters to Toyota have been fruitless. Internet full of similar problems with these vehicles. Similar age tundra and tachomas recalled for the same problem. The t-100's are a serious threat to public safety and problem should be addressed by NHTSA as Toyota is not taking appropriate actions despite numerous complaints.

1997 Toyota T100 truck is in fine condition but the frame is rust rotted through. This is the same exact issue as found and recalled for same-era Toyota tacomas (and tundras later) but for some reason Toyota will not recognize the T100 in the recall. Truck runs great and is in good condition but the rust has caused holes in the frame and will not pass inspection. It will probably fall apart soon.

1997 Toyota t-100 has frame rust rot and is not drivable any more. The brakes do not work. The frame is in incredibly terrible shape. Very unsafe and is in fact not drivable any more. The body and the rest of the truck are in very good shape with no rust and the motor is in excellent condition. I have had the truck for almost two years but have only put 5,000 miles on it. The truck now has 65,000 miles on it. I purchased it from a dealer in pennsylvania. I think Toyota should honor their commitment to t-100 owners just as they have tacoma and tundra owners. I backed the truck out of my driveway recently and found that the brakes didn't work as I rolled out of control down a hill. Luckily there were no other vehicles coming and I was able to get the truck stopped by turning the ignition off. The repair shop near my house informed me that the frame was so bad that it was not fixable.