Frame Rust problems of the 2001 Toyota Tacoma - part 1

I'm writing you because I had my 2001 Tacoma inspected for the frame rust recall in 2010. At that time I was told that my truck would be sprayed with an inhibitor to prevent rust. The vehicle frame has since rusted and is unsafe to drive. The spray inhibitor obviously did not work or was applied incorrectly. The vehicle started showing these signs while drivinh.

September 28, 2019 esther voght 20121 pilgrim road houghton, mi 49931 cell 906-370-7643 email ecvoght@charter. Net 5tehn72nx1z866036 2001 Toyota Toyota motor sales, u. S. A. , inc. P. O. Box 259001 plano, TX 75025-9001 to whom it may concern: my daughter (amber voght) purchased the above Toyota Tacoma in 2014. Amber was never notified there was an issue for a rust problem and frame with corrosion. Please see picture below. After a lenghty wait on the phone, the problem was addressed by this information: the frame issues do not happen overnight. This Toyota employee stated, she was surprised that no one that ever worked on the Toyota truck said there was an issue. I find this very ironic since Toyota knew there was a problem and did not contact the owners of the vehicle. The frame is rusted completely through to the point that it is not safe to drive is my daughter supposed to replace a bad frame that you put under there? no way. The case worker that she spoke to was not helpful with no regard whatsoever to the money my daughter had lost on their worthless product much less her safety that was put at risk driving their product with the faulty frame that they used. My family/friends will never buy a Toyota product again. Bottom line: my daughter has been driving in a vehicle that could have resulted in the death of her and my loved ones. Toyota knows that the frames of their 1994-2004 vehicles (800,000 of them) are defective. Yet, Toyota has never recalled these vehicles. They should be repaired, bought back, or replaced by Toyota. How many individuals will have to be injured or die because this problem is not addressed? very sad situation. Sincerely esther voght c. C. . Read more...

Frame rails are rusted through, frame was replaced at 48k. It has 81k and the rails are according to parker Toyota unsafe to drive. Topyota says program is ended on this problem.

Frame has extensive rust/corrosion issues, rust has perforated entirely through several areas. I also own a '04 Tacoma that I just had the frame replaced on a couple months ago and was covered by Toyota under their recall notice, . This is unacceptable. Toyota is well aware that this is a major problem and could very well be a safety hazard. I have been a life long Toyota customer and up until now have had total confidence in the company. I'm quite disgusted with the whole thing and a bit disappointed that Toyota has not been more proactive in remanding the problem. I was under the truck changing the oil and was horrified to see that the corrosion problem was as bad as my '04 Tacoma. I have owned several Tacoma's, with many more miles on them and older in age and have never seen corrosion this extensive.

Took truck for inspection, wouldn't pass because frame is rusted through and right rear shock absorber is unattached because of frame. Mechanic says driving it is unsafe. Toyota had recall I was unaware of for rusted frames, when contacted them they said they could do nothing.

Frame is rusted through in many places. Unsafe to drive.

Tl-the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while he was driving at 65 mph he heard a knock underneath the vehicle. The contact parked and looked underneath and the whole frame was rusted through. An independent mechanic looked at the vehicle and recommended that the whole frame had to be replaced. The frame of his vehicle had rusted to the point where it is no longer safe to drive. The dealer was not called and the manufacturer told the contact there was nothing they could do with the recall expiring. The failure mileage was 173,000. Tf.

I noticed my 2001 Toyota Tacoma making odd noises while driving. I decided to have my mechanic take a look at it from the bottom of truck: he saw and took pictures of the observable extensive rusted/corrosion and perforated areas on the frame/chassis of the truck and said it was a good idea to take it to dealership since there has been a settlement lawsuit for defects on Toyota Tacoma's that where not treated well enough with the rust inhibitor spray. I took my Tacoma to the dealership where I purchased it originally and they said exactly what my mechanic had already told me about the rusted and perforated areas on the frame/chassis and stated that the chassis/frame has an advanced corrosion/ rust damages to the point of the frame being fractured or broken in half if the problem continues, whereas it's very dangerous to continue driving the truck. I was never notified of this manufacturer defect on the rusty frames and now am considering further into hiring an attorney regarding my 2001 Toyota Tacoma. This is a serious safety hazard for me and my loved ones and I beleive it's inconsiderate and shaming on Toyota to not have one single recall information on 2001 Toyota Tacoma�s. I hope I can get answers soon in regards to this problem and will due what's necessary to have Toyota respond to my issue. I have already called them 4months ago and they stated I had to first file this complaint on this website in order to proceed to the next steps.

I'm writing you because I had my 2001 Tacoma inspected for the frame rust recall in 2010. At that time I was told that my truck would be sprayed with an inhibitor to prevent rust. The vehicle frame has since rusted and is most likely unsafe to drive. The spray inhibitor obviously did not work or was applied incorrectly. The shock mount has rusted from the frame while driving on a city street.

Excessive frame rust perforation on 1st generation Tacomas will cause the frame to break leading to an extremely unsafe condition including handling ability, rollover, lack of impact protection, and possibly loss of life. Key areas are by the rear leaf springs and close to the front sway bar. Toyota did offer an extended warranty on the frame, but there was no mention that the frame was deteriorating from the inside out or that all the frames were manufactured without proper corrosion preventative treatment at dana corp, not just those in the listed northern states. Toyota's letter of extended warranty did not list this as a safety issue, nor did it recommend an initial or any followup frame inspection by a qualified Toyota mechanic for the non-northern states, nor did it mention the NHTSA as being involved. The letter mentions "a small number of 2001 through 2004 model year Tacomas operating in severe cold climate areas with high road salt use. . . " . All Tacoma's in any road-salt state have the issue. Many states that do use road salt have not been inspected, ever. When something is under warranty, people tend to keep using things until they break. Under a safety recall, people tend to get the problem fixed quickly. The Tacoma frames are not actually "breaking" during the warranty period but they are becoming "defective" during the period. Many people are driving older Tacomas and have no idea the truck is about to snap in half. This frame rust issue has not been acknowledged as a safety issue by either Toyota or the NHTSA. A quick google search for Tacoma frame rust will reveal hundreds/thousands of pictures of perforated and dangerous frames. Interestingly, there was a recall on the tire carrier which suffered from rust as a direct result from the frame rust. The letter clearly states that in the non-effected states, "you do not need to do anything at this time".

The frame is showing sever signs of corrosion. I have taken the vehicle to the local dealership who have investigated the vehicle 2 times last year and said that there is no issues with the frame but one can see several 4 -5 inch rust holes in the frame. I am not sure if the vehicle is safe to drive anymore.

Frame is severely rusted (just noticed), spare tire can't be removed, and the hand brake cable from center cab to rear wheels is frozen.

The frame has rusted through right in front of the right rear spring mount. This vehicle was called back by Toyota for poor corrosion protection of the frame. They sprayed the outside of the frame with and underscoring but did not treat the inside of the boxed sections of the frame. They did not protect the frame as they led me to believe. They are refusing to correct their mistake. I took the truck back to them when they informed me of the problem to have them correct it, but they did not correct it. Merely covered it up. I'v e contacted both team Toyota in langhorne PA and Toyota USA. They have both ignored my issue. This frame issue is dangerous and they're left their customers drive unsafe trucks knowing t h e problem exists. They know of the problem , they created the problem and they are putting many lives in danger every day. These vehicles need to be repaired or the owners need to be properly compensated. It's all about their profits. They've put money and doing the right thing in front of lives like mine. Please ask Toyota to correct this problem. Thanks for your time.

I took my Tacoma to be serviced and when the technician started to lift it into the air, loud creaking was heard and movement of truck bed from truck cab. Technician immediately lowered vehicle and I was told the frame was rusted and truck may not be safe to drive. Had truck inspected at an auto body shop and was told frame was a complete loss due to rust and would need to be replaced. This year Tacoma was not in the massive recall of rusted frames, but seems like with the number of complaints online, it should be. I'm just thankful that it was found before anything serious had occurred while driving.

Frame rusted through. Took it to dealer in 2010 for inspection. Dealer reported no issues. Took it to dealer in 2017. Dealer would not put it on the lift for fear that it would break in half. Toyota assuming no responsibility inspire of the fact of the class action lawsuit for same. They indicated it was past the settlement date. I did bring in in within the deadline in 2010 and they claimed no problem. 7years later the truck has been rendered useless. I should mention that the after market trailer hitch has not rusted through and is in good working order. Hmmm? I think Toyota is not being honest with their customers.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While driving approximately 35 mph, the spare tire fell from under the vehicle. The contact stated that the frame was rusted badly. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Last year, 2015, I received a recall notice from Toyota concerning an issue with the spare tire hanger. I went to the Toyota recall web page and typed in my VIN, two recalls were outstanding, the spare tire and the frame. I contacted Toyota concerning the frame recall and was told that the frame recall had been closed. I informed the Toyota rep that I never received a recall notice for a frame issue. She stated that the noticed had been sent and returned due to incorrect address. Toyota than resent the notice to the correct address based on 911 changing my address from 132 center st, to 338 center st. I than told the rep. That I do not understand how Toyota could close out a recall which is a major safety issue and asked to speak to someone else. Long story short I was told the recall had ended and there was nothing Toyota would do to correct the issue. Afterwards I crawled under my truck and looked at the frame and did not notice any rusted out areas. On Monday November 7, 2016 as I was driving to work I lost the brakes. I was able to return home as the brake failure occurred at the end of the street I live on. I crawled under the truck to see if I could locate the damaged brake line. I found an area covered with brake fluid and determined the line had failed. While I was under the truck, I noticed the frame had rusted through just in front of the passenger side rear leaf spring. This is a definite safety issue which in my opinion could be a matter of life and death. I also noticed on the news this morning that Toyota once again has made a multi billion settlement due to frame rust issues on their 2005 to 2010 Toyota. I want Toyota held responsible for not repairing and of replacing the damage they know exists on my truck!!.

My son purchased this vehicle from a private sale. There was a recall on the vehicle for the frames. Frame was inspected in 2010 and an undercoating was applied-sealing in the existing rust on the frame. This existing rust has since gotten worse to the point where it is now unsafe and starting to break. We have contacted Toyota but they refuse to do anything because the 15 year extension was up in July. We were unaware of this and now the truck my son has only driven for 7 months is now worthless and unsafe. Toyota did not properly address the safety issue of this frame back in 2010 and now refuses to fix their mistake. They feel that just because the 15 years is up that they are no longer responsible for the safety of the vehicles they put on the road. Please help me tell them that they are still responsible.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the frame was rusted through and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact stated that the manufacturer's repair initiative from approximately 2012 was completed on the vehicle, but has now failed and rusted through. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 270,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While the vehicle was being repaired, the technician noticed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired for the frame failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000. The VIN was not provided.

2001 Toyota Tacoma has severe rust all over the frame of truck. Holes so larger that you can pass a hand through. Toyota had a voluntary program but did not get literature etc. To the owners of the vehicles. They stated program was a 15 year warranty enhancement program and it was supposed to last from the original date of service on the vehicle for 15 years. They claim to have closed the program, but this was open to Tacomas all the way through 2004. 15 years after 2004 is 2019. Why they would close the program before the stated 15 years was up is beyond me. I own 3 Tacomas. The 1997 model is fine, but one 2001 model's frame looks like swiss cheese and is not drivable. The other 2001 model is very close to being not drivable. We are at a loss as to what to do and Toyota isn't backing their word or product.

I was just informed by my mechanic that my 1001 Toyota Tacoma was unsafe to drive. The frame at the point where the rear springs attach is completely rusted through and that the rear spring is likely to detach at any time. My Toyota Tacoma is ready to fold in half due to the extent of frame rust. The mechanic went on to say that the frame rusted from the inside out due to inadequate drain holes.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact inspected the cab and noticed that the subframe was extremely corroded. In 2010, the dealer determined that the subframe showed no rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the contact was informed that there would be no assistance in replacing the subframe. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair when it was advised by the mechanic the frame was severely rusted and had fractures in the center. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While driving at various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal noise in the cabin area. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the bracket that held the cabin to the frame was corroded. The manufacturer stated that there was a customer satisfaction campaign for the frame rust failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair; however, the technician notified the contact that the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

I recently purchased a used 2001 Toyota Tacoma and noticed it needed to go in for a recall for the spare tire being in need of remounting. I noticed the frame rust was bad. As in fist size holes all down the frame. I contacted the dealership about the recall and mentioned the frame rust and the recall on the frames. I was informed that they wouldnt do anything about the rust. Im now stuck with a very unsafe truck for me and my children to be in and a company that flat out made a mistake and wont own up to it. I will upload detailed photos of the damage later on.

Premature extensive frame rust / corrosion. Toyota did not notify me of the condition or need to monitor or of 2016 deadline for warranty recall repair or replacement. Now they will not even pro-rate costs to fix.

Frame is completely rusted out.

Frame is rusted through at rear leaf spring bracket happened prior to 2016 but just noticed when replacing exhaust and muffler.

Frame in rear is rusted completely out Toyota refusing to fix. Have been told by several mechanics truck is not safe to drive.

Tl-the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the vehicle felt like it was weighted in the rear. The vehicle became hard to drive . The contact stated that it felt like there was a heavy load shifting in the rear of the vehicle. The contact checked the rear of the vehicle and discovered the frame was rusted out and unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000. Ed.

Took truck to garage to have tuned up and inspected. The technician informed us that there was hole in right rear frame and the whole frame is rusting. Apparently this is an ongoing issue with many Toyota trucks built in 01. Shaking my head Toyota. We bought a Toyota for the quality of vehicles but they forgot to put the quality in this vehicle.

While I was driving the passenger side wheel completely buckled under the truck. Luckily, I was only driving 15 mph. Had this broken while I was on the interstate, I would have been injured or injured someone else. As a result, the mechanic found that both ball joints were bad so both were replaced. The frame is completely rusted out and the spare tire cannot be removed. No notice was ever given to us or the previous owner by Toyota, regarding the problems stated above.

I bought this vehicle used in 2011 and was notified of a recall for frame rust. By the time I got around to scheduling an appt, I was informed the recall had ended. Now, however, the frame is severely corroded and is starting to give way at the rear shackle. I feel this vehicle has become a serious hazard to drive due to the frame buckling. If the recall was put into effect, Toyota is aware of the problem, and now it has become a serious liability and safety issue. I would like to get this vehicle repaired to the point of making it safe, but feel that I was not given ample opportunity to have this done under the limited time left on the recall when I bought it. The fact that there is a serious issue with the frame construction is evident by the fact that the body has almost no corrosion present. There appears to be a manufacturing issue with the heavy frame steel that should not be corroding like this. There is currently also an active recall for the rear tire carrier - which is related to the same issue. Again, this is a serious safety and liablility issue that I think Toyota is obligated to address before someone is hurt or killed by this problem. Contacting Toyota does no good, as they refuse to take responsibility to fix the problem. They say this was not a recall but a warranty extension that has now run out. However, there is a severe defect present in the frame that they acknowledged and now refuse to stand behind even though it is a dangerous liability for any vehicles on the road.

The Tacoma frame rust on my truck is beyond repair. I am putting myself and my family in danger every time I drive it. I called Toyota corporate office and they basically told me they cannot not do anything for me. Toyota however gave me a case number 1208310243 that was about a year ago. The telephone numbers for that is 8003314331. Four months ago I brought the Tacoma for a tire carriage recall at our local dealer which it was about to fall off. They took some pictures of the rotted frame and sent them to Toyota corporate office. Again the long anticipated wait. I know I am not the only one who is left out. I cannot sell this vehicle because it is dangerous. Please look into this matter for the many customers that have the 2001 -2004 Toyota frame rotted and was left out. Thank you.