general problems of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma

Left and right frame members forward of the rear leaf spring mounts are severely rusted. According to the Toyota dealership who inspected it, the frame is compromised and their is a potential for structural failure in a collision. I purchased the vehicle in October of 2020 from the original owner who maintained it in immaculate condition. The rusted areas are not very obvious while inspecting the outside of the frame, however the interior portions have severe damage. I contacted Toyota brand enhancement, on the dealerships recommendation and was told they would not assist based on the lack of a recall.

Bought a vehicle from a woman off of craigslist. Met her in an unfamiliar area. Woman stated the vehicle was in good condition and runs perfect. Woman would not allow us to test drive the vehicle. My husband insisted on checking the VIN on carfax and she quickly pulled out an outdated title. The vehicle's odometer reading stated approximately 166,000 miles. After the transaction of $5000. 00 was completed in cash. She quickly left with a heavyset hispanic male that was with her. My husband looked at carfax and the last reported mileage on carfax for the VIN number was approximately 278,000 miles for that vehicle. The woman quickly blocked out phone numbers. About an hour later she had her number unblocked. We called her from a different number and acted as though I was ready to purchase a vehicle from her and she stated she had another vehicle, and could meet me at the same location (not knowing it was me) not only was the odometer reading false, the vehicle was not driveable and completely unsafe. The transmission was broken.

Frame on right and left rear rusted threw.

I received a safety recall letter in 2011 regarding a Tacoma frame rust corrosion issue. I opened a case and had my Toyota inspected on 5/20/11 by a Toyota dealership. They said the frame had passed inspection. On 12/02/11 Toyota performed a body frame undercoating on the vehicle. Fast forward to 2017. I found a small hole in the frame that was inspected by Toyota and deemed safe. I contacted Toyota and they said since the safety recall on the frame has passed there was nothing they can do about it. The internet is full of other stories of Toyota's with rusting frames. I feel it is now unsafe to drive and/or sell to someone.

"1995 through 2000 model year Tacoma frame rust corrosion warranty extension" received a letter from Toyota attached. Requested frame inspection attached. Requested another frame inspection attached. My vehicle case was not handled consistent with the intent of Toyota's program nor was I contacted by their impartial services group (isg). As a result the safety of me and my passengers has been neglected be not allowing me the safety benefits of their warranty offerings.

The frame on this vehicle is bad. My wife has had this truck since 1998 and there has never been a recall issued for this frame issue. The frame will eventually break as reported by many other consumers and is it is on the road when this happens could cause an accident. Please issue a recall.

I took my 1998 Tacoma in for an inspection at my local dealer in November of 2011. I was told it passed and had only normal surface rust. No compensation in any form was made, not even an undercoating. My VIN number fell into the category of being suspect from the manufacturer. I made the dealer aware of this at the time. Now at 190k miles and the 15 yr deadline gone, I have a useless truck that is basically worth nothing as far as I can tell. This issue should have been dealt with in 2011 when they were given the chance. The dealer just sends you on your merry way because they know there is nothing you can do about it. The frame rusts from the inside out. Nothing will fix it. Toyota should be held responsible for the rusty frames.

Frame rusted through . Toyota says recall expired . Gow can safety issue of this magnatude expire?.

Frame rusted out causing leafspring to sink into frame.

This truck belongs to my son who is in the navy. He was on deployment and I took the truck to get it inspected and it failed due to a rusted frame. Neither myself nor my son were aware of the frame recall done by Toyota. I called Toyota and they are refusing to help us with this vehicle since the recall has expired. We have owned 3 Toyota Tacoma's and never have had an experience such as this. They told me to file a complaint with your company if I wasn't happy with the end result and I of course am very disappointed. My son serves this country and now he is out a vehicle and can't afford to replace it. Please advise. Thank you for your help. Daniel and sara smith.

Rusted frame due to corrosion perforation.

Hello, my vehicle is a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. It has approx. 152,000 miles on it. The issue I am having with the vehicle is primarily frame rust, the frame is beginning to look like "swiss cheese. " the frame of the vehicle is in terrible shape, the spare tire even fell out due to rust. I called Toyota to inquire about the frame rust and was told that there is no warranty to cover this. I searched online and it says that 1995-2000 Toyota Tacoma's were under recall for frame rust because the rust would make the vehicles unsafe to drive because the structural integrity of the vehicle would be compromised. So I searched around and found that my vehicle is currently 15 years, 4 months old and that Toyota would not cover the vehicle. I believe that rust is an ongoing issue and takes several months/years to develop, it is not something which occurs overnight. The rust looks mainly to be surface rust on the outside, but in reality the rust has developed from the inside-out and rotted the frame out, therefore it was not caught earlier. I hope this recall is extended, there are many rusted Toyota Tacomas listed for sale from the 1995-2000 model year, which also have the same issue. The issue was caused by Toyota's 3rd party supplier not properly rust proofing the frames, therefore making them highly susceptible to rust. I hope that Toyota does something to resolve the issue.

Frame has rusted out at an unusually young age and mileage for this vehicle. Holes are now visible through the vehcle's frame and state inspection rejected.

My vehicle's frame is dangerously rusting out. I heard there was a recall and when I called Toyota about two years ago the said I had just missed the cut off. Since then it had gotten progressively worse. The body mounts have separated from the frame and where the leaf spring is attached is getting ready to separate. These are also holes in the frame. If anybody has any advise would be greatly appreciated. Does not seem right that they could have a recall and I was never contacted and when I contacted them that they told me I missed it by only months?.

There is an accelerated and abnormal amount of corrosion and rust showing up on undercarriage of the vehicle. Rear leaf springs have lost rubber bumper due to rust, and suspension/frame make noises due to stress on frame which is the result of rust/corrosion. I am the original owner to this vehicle, having purchased it new and having always had it in colorado a mostly dry climate not conducive to rust/corrosion. I have it at the same dealership I bought it from multiple times per year for service, and it is still under 150k orig miles. I have never been informed by the Toyota dealership reps. About concerns with rust/corrosion issues, nor has any company staff ever acknowledged any concerns over these issues, or has the company reached out to inform me of potential problems. In no way, shape or form has Toyota ever advised me of any recall, concerns or problems. I have lived at my current residence and had the same phone numbers for the last 15 years and this has been in the stevenson Toyota dealership records this whole time. This is extremely concerning due to the mountain driving conditions here in colorado, and speed at which this rust/corrosion is expanding and making the vehicle weak and unsafe to operate. Apparently more owners of this vehicle and model year are experiencing the very same issues and have not been notified by Toyota. This appears to be a prolific issue that needs immediate attention.