Underbody Shield problems of the 1996 Toyota Tacoma

11 problems related to underbody shield have been reported for the 1996 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 03/24/2015

The contact owns a 1996 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the front and rear of the vehicle had extensive rust and corrosion on the underbody and framing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the framing of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 96v129000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

2 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2014

The contact owns a 1996 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the chassis, framing and sub frame were completely rusted with corrosion to the point of deterioration. The vehicle was taken for an inspection and was not able to pass. The inspection showed that there had been so much corrosion that the parts could potential detach from the framing. The vehicle was to be inspected, diagnosed and repaired by an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. Updated 08/11/lj the consumer stated the vehicle did not pass the new york state inspection. No buy back was available. Toyota did not offer any assistance. Updated 08/12/2014.

3 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2013

I purchased a one owner 96 Tacoma 4wd truck last month the owner said the truck had completed a frame recall for corrosion in Nov of 2011. After purchasing the truck I had the truck maintenances at my local Toyota dealer. The dealer said the frame has a large hole in it and it has happened since the frame had been treated per the recall. Now I am stuck with a truck that is unsafe to drive due to a shoddy recall job by Toyota. I tried to rectify the issue with tmmi headquarters but they said after 15 years their frames are not guaranteed. Considering it has been less than 2 years since the truck had been treated I think they owe it to either replace the frame or purchase the truck per their agreement. In my opinion just spraying the truck with undercoating inadequately was just covering up the real problem which is the poor quality frames.

4 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2013

1996 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to severe corrosion and rust on the vehicle rear passenger side frame. Toyota informed the consumer the 15 year warranty had expired, and there was nothing they could do to help.

5 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 02/20/2012

The contact owns a 1996 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown frame corrosion recall. The dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the frame was severely corroded. The dealer also stated that the frame could not be replaced or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 103,000. Updated 05/21/12 updated 06/04/12.

6 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 01/02/2012

1996 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to frame rust corrosion the consumer stated he received a letter in the mail regarding frame rust. The consumer made an appointment to have the vehicle inspected. The consumer stated it appeared the dealer never performed any inspection in regards to the frame of his truck. The dealer informed the consumer that everything looked good and there were no major problems and the body shop would treat the frame, by treating any bad sections, then under coat and condition the frame. Two days later, the consumer received a call stating the body shop found a few major problems, and they were unable to continue and Toyota would come and talk to the consumer about a buy back as the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The consumer stated in two days, the vehicle went from being ok to unsafe to drive.

7 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2011

1996 Toyota Tacoma. Attorney writes on behalf of client in regards to a rust corrosion perforation problem the consumer never received a notice stating there was a problem with the vehicle. The consumer learned about the problem in November 2001, and had the vehicle inspected, where it was confirmed that rust was present. The vehicle was inspected and the corrosion problem was found in November 2011, well before the cutoff date. Updated 08/28/12.

8 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 09/12/2011

There is an actual hole rusted through the structural frame of the truck. In December of 2010, while inside of the 15 year warranty period, Toyota claimed there was no rust on the frame of the vehicle other than "surface rust. " in September of 2011, after the 15 year warranty had expired, Toyota claimed there was rust, corrosion, and an actual hole in the frame of the vehicle. Toyota is claiming to have issued a voluntary recall for their rusted frames, but is passing the frames until they are just outside of their 15 year warranty period and then failing them. There is no excuse for having steel rust completely through on the frame of a vehicle that has been cared for and maintained. It is a safety hazard, and it is amazing to think that these vehicles could break in half while on the highway at high speed. Toyota needs to step up and take responsibility for their subcontracters cutting corners during the manufacturing process. Their self-imposed programs are not extensive enough, federal penalties need to be enacted. Thank you.

9 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 01/14/2008

Toyota Tacoma 1996 has extreme frame rust making vehicle unsafe.

10 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 09/25/2007

Premature frame deterioration. Engine is good and still gets 24 mpg, no oil burning. Rear frame over tires failed and had to be welded with new frame pieces. Both sides. About 5 months later, could not register vehicle due to additional, unrepairable frame failures. Repair shop said he has welded about 100 Toyota Tacoma trucks. Known to have premature failures in the chasis.

11 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 06/10/2007

Severly rusted frame.


Other Structure related problems of the 1996 Toyota Tacoma


Safety Ratings of Tacoma Cars
Fuel Economy of Tacoma Vehicles
Tacoma Service Bulletins
Tacoma Safety Recalls
Tacoma Defect Investigations