general problems of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma - part 1

My air conditioning is not working right blowing hot air. Had it charged and no change, I believe that I have the same issue as others, my air bags light keeps going off and on when driving. I see where there was a recall on other Toyota vehicles that had the same problem as me.

We heard they issued a recall for faulty frames. When someone told us this we contacted Toyota. They said it had expired. I never received a recall of any kind. I take excellent care of my vehicles and this Tacoma only roughly 98,000 miles. The body is great shape, it runs great. My question is if the frame should break and we're going 65mph, who is responsible if someone is killed. We did not know about the recall and we certainly would have had them fix it. Is there any way you can help us resolve this issue with Toyota? thank you in advance.

I went to get my 02 Tacoma tires balanced and was called and told that where the frame was cracked. Upon inspecting it myself the crack is where the manufacturer welded the frame together. I'm the 3rd owner of this vehicle and there original owner didn't get frame warranty recall done. Which led to it running out. Now Toyota corporate has a frame case number ( 230817000764 ) and was told that there's nothing that could be done until enough complaints about this case number reaches a certain number then they'll look into it.

Chassis recall.

Frame rusted out! known issue that no one seems to care to help remedy. Toyota needs to do better. Vehicle still in amazing condition but cannot be driven because of this problem.

7/31/2019, I drove my truck to a Toyota dealer shop after I noticed the rear of my truck tilting down when loading. Per Toyota dealer inspection, its frame 3/4 way rusted through on both sides and very unsafe to drive. And Toyota's extended warranty on the frame expired on January 2, 2017. Replacing the frame would cost $24,000, or the truck is just a piece of junk. On the same day 1:20pm, I called Toyota customer experience, 800-331-4331, and was told that there was nothing they could do, as I didn't bring it in before the warranty on truck frame expired. 7/22/2011, the truck had a frame recall in response to excessive rust and performed corrosion treatment per Toyota guideline (not replacement of frame). 2/11/2013, the truck was in Toyota shop for inspection and didn't have any words regarding the frame. My truck is in great shape, interior and exterior, other than the rust frame, with only 102,000 miles. I like the truck, take good care of it, and intent to drive for a few more years. But I never thought the frame would be an issue even after having a frame recall work done. I feel Toyota should still take care of my truck frame, as it has gone bad due to the fact that (1) Toyota didn't build it with good quality parts to start with, (2) Toyota dealer didn't perform a good quality recall - just patch/painted which didn't prevent from further rusting, and (3) this bad rust must have happened before the 15-year warranty expired; I just over-trusted Toyota and over-looked the frame. . . I have talked to several frame body shops. They are all aware of the Toyota Tacoma frame problems and think the frame had been rusting a long time ago, while the truck looks/runs great. Replacement of the frame is the only yet costly option to save the truck. I believe there must be many Tacoma owners experiencing the same resulted from bad-quality-built truck frames.

Takata recall the chassis of the truck is completely rusted. Does not look safe to drive.

I purchased a used Toyota Tacoma 2002 on 12/16/11 (now with 124k miles). Toyota issued an extended warranty coverage to owners regarding a safety issue & the possibility of frame splitting with steps to take for Toyota to cover this issue in a 1x letter they sent out in Feb 2012. Toyota sent the letter to the previous owner & not to me (the rightful owner at that time. ) I recently found out about this problem from a local tire company that noticed a split in my truck's frame (this issue was never brought to my attention by the local Toyota dealer when I had another recall issue taken care of on 5/11/15). I went right to the local Toyota dealer and they said the frame must be replaced (which was part of the program that Toyota offered in the letter sent to the previous owner, not me� the correct owner at that time). Toyota will not assist me with the repair/fix because they claim they did their job and sent the notice to the owner that they had on file from their resources. I have a copy of my dmv registration showing the registration date, proving that they mailed the letter & repair details to the incorrect owner. I sent a certified letter to the Toyota legal department with the details & proof of ownership, which clearly shows I was the rightful owner at the time they mailed the letter. They signed for my letter on 12/21/18. Now it is 3 1/2 months later and I have not yet heard back from them. When I call they offered no assistance, telling me that the legal department can only communicate by mail. Toyota has a major safety issue with the frame that they never informed me about. Now my cherished truck & daily transportation is worth nothing because of Toyota's defective frame. This complaint is being issued because Toyota should be held accountable for their defective frame and lack of properly notifying me, the correct owner, with the safety issue & repair options.

I received a interim notice letter from Toyota in 2011, stating that the frame had a coating defect. I took it to my local oxmoor Toyota dealer in 2011 and they put a wax coating on the frame to stop the frame from rusting more. I received a recall letter on the spare tire assembly and I had oxmoor Toyota fix that as well. The assembly was rusting away. This week I was driving down the road (hwy 480) and the truck became very loose in handling. Took the truck home inspected it and found the frame snapped in half on the drivers side rear wheel well.

My frame is just rusted out in the back end it's never been flooded always taken care of very well and I heard about the frame recalls but my VIN comes back with no recalls I just need to see if this can be investigated I know people who did qualify and there frames were perfectly fine but mine is just falling apart.

As a new pre owner of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma that I had purchased in August 2017. The previous owner have completed all recall per Toyota customer care services and my local Toyota dealership. What they told me was during the inspection, they spray rust proof on the frame to protect from corrosion. If was lucky that I have brought my truck for services for new tires on 1/30/18. While the mechanic try to left the truck for services, they notice that the frame where rusted and would of fall apart if the left the car up. They called me into the work area and pointed out how dangerous it was. It was barely holding the entire back of the truck together. It rusted more than half way of the frame that supported the entire back of the bed truck. The mechanic recommendation to contact Toyota. And I did but got no where. They are refusing to solve the problem. Q.

Real bad rust issue on the frame frame just about into , that is only 1 photo I have more . I bought the truck used in 2013 the attached pic was taken 2-3 weeks ago truck is not safe to ride/drive.

Today I saw the truck for sale on craigslist and when I called the owner he said it has 132000 miles but when I got carfax the car have over 250000. The is currently listed on craigs list https://sfbay. Craigslist. Org/sby/cto/6184326088. Html.

Frame rusted, unsafe to drive. Called Toyota and was told recall had expired, never received any recall information. Truck was purchased second hand from Toyota dealer.

Toyota dealership refuses to fix safety recalls because of frame rust damage. I never received their short term recall notice on the frame rust and dealership refuses to replace safety recall parts !.

Frame rot from inside out. Suspension mounting to frame rotted out. Totoya refuses to deal with this and claims the safety recall is expired. How can a recall be expired. Case #1606101548 . Toyota representative very rude and demeaning.

Excessive unsafe frame rot from inside out. Toyota safety 'recall' offer to fix 'expired'.

2002 Toyota Tacoma was taken into the shop for an oil change, tire rotation and brake inspection when the shop service technician called to report the frame of the vehicle contains pinholes and is noticeably rusting, presenting a safety issue. The shop technician recommended contacting Toyota directly as he thought any recall had since expired. Post researching recall information, we did verify that the "recall" period had expired. However, this vehicle was purchased new as a corporate asset and remains in our possession. We absolutely did not receive any recall notifications for the frame issues nor a request for inspection!.

The vehicle's frame completely rusty to the point that I fear it will break at any time. I recently took it to the mechanic to replace the timing belt and other belts and a lot of the bolts broke when trying to change the belts. I believe this is a manufacturing error. More than likely, the factory used low grade materials which caused the truck to rust a lot faster over time. This is a safety concern. If due to this rust issue, the breaks fail or the frame comes apart this can be dangerous. This is why I am reporting this problem. I called Toyota and received a claim number, this claim is under review. Please contact me regarding this issue.

I purchased a Tacoma truck December 2014 with an undercoated frame, and was unaware the frames in these trucks rot out, it is now April I look under the truck and see the frame is completely rotten out to the point where there is holes every where and you can poke your fingers holes will develop, I contacted Toyota they don't want to even touch the truck, I feel very unsafe driving the truck.

Vehicle has low miles yet the frame has rust holes in it. Toyota won't do anything about it even though it has frame inspections in it's recent service history. The first inspection occurred in 2010, less than 7k miles ago. They indicated to me on the phone that due to an agreement with NHTSA that they could not do anything to help me. They would not take ownership for not inspecting the frame properly. This is a major problem with Tacoma's, tundra's, sequoia's and 4runner's of this vintage in cold climate states. Toyota acknowledged the frames were of poor manufacturing even suing the frame manufacturer, yet some get new frames, others like myself with a low mile truck are told they could do absolutely nothing even though the vehicle was traded in less than 1600 miles ago at a Toyota dealership in PA. Toyota needs to own up to this major safety issue and address it instead of skirting the issue without a proper recall. I have seen videos of Tacoma's which have literally broken in half due to this problem. Never did I think Toyota wouldn't stand behind this potentially fatal flaw in frame manufacturing and corrosion resistance. My frame has a large 1"x6. 5" hole above the right front leaf spring mount - a key attachment point for the rear suspension.

The frame at rear spring hangers has rusted through rear axle separated from frame due to rust.

I took my truck t a toyot any a dealer to fix some emission issues, they asked if I wante dhe frame inspected, they informed me about the frame rust/perforation issues that have plagued Tacoma's for years from the mid 90's to 2010 Tacoma,s. The frames rust from the inside out creating holes that cause a framed to fall apart and render the vehicle worthless!! a some point on 2001-04 Tacoma's they sent out a TSB offering a voluntary customer inspection on the frames this program ende 6/11. Then some type of frame replacement program was offered to people that did the voluntary inspection until 7/14. So if you choose not to do or never recieved a notice your vehicle will fall apart and Toyota doesn't care. My truck run and on the surface looks new drives like new however I can't drive it because it is unsafe. It has been reduced to a lawn ornament. I bought the truck from the original owner an he has lived at the same address for over 40 years he never! recieved any notice. . Toyota . Replace my frame because you know it's a safety hazard.

I purchased this vehicle from motorcars of lansing on 12/5. The only disclosure was rust on bumper. Everything else appeared ok until I had it checked for rust. When hit with a hammer the frame fell apart. I called the dealer & they said "sorry the recall expired in 2011". I contacted Toyota directly who told me the same thing. Basically I'm stuck with a vehicle I can't drive because it's not safe. What I don't understand is this vehicle had been serviced at several Toyota dealers during the recall time & no one repaired the frame. This vehicls is not driveable, it's not safe & no one will help me get it fixed. How can a Toyota dealer send a vehicle to auction knowing there was a recall on the frame that was never repaired?.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 12v542000 (tires). However, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Kr.

Driving at 35 mph went over bump leaf spring went up through frame causing vehicle to become out of control. Vehicle was inspected at valenti Toyota in westerly ri and vehicles frame is rotted.

Part of the frame suddenly broke from the frame rail under the driver's side of the vehicle, resulting in a significant portion of material loosing all structural integrity. This was due, it seems, to a manufacturing defect in the frame quality leading to excessive rot and rust. The vehicle is now structurally unsound and thus unable to be driven safely.

While driving home from picking up my daughter from school. I hit a pot hole my truck became very loose and hard to handle. I got home and inspected the truck. I found that the rear leaf spring mounts on both sides pulled/ ripped the frame! my back axel also slid back about 2"! I'm glad we didn't get hurt, but I can't believe that this is acceptable. I only wonder what would have happened if the axel would have came totally disconnected from the truck.

My trucks frame is corroded and falling apart. Toyota had a recall out for the frame. Due to previous owner not having chemical compound sprayed on the frame, I am told there is nothing I can do. I have never received anything regarding my trucks unsafe driving condition. I have been to it is not safe to drive this vehicle but Toyota is not willing to do anything about it.

Frame is rusted and broken and truck is unsafe to drive.

There was a recall on this vehicle for premature frame rusting. I took it in for the inspection and was told it was ok. When I took it in for the last service, it was pointed out to me that there are two holes rusted through the frame in front of the right rear wheel area. The frame is rusting from the inside out. The body of the truck has no rust. With the low mileage I had hoped to drive the truck for many more years. I contacted Toyota and did not even get a response. What recourse do I have?.

I contacted Toyota in November of 2013 prior to purchasing a used 2002 double cab Tacoma. I was aware of the frame issue so I called to check to see if it had been serviced. I gave the VIN to the customer service associate and he was able to pull records on the vehicle. He told me that it had not had the corrosion treatment, however, the corrosion treatment failed and was in the process of being reformulated. He said that the program had been reopened due to the fact that the treatment failed. He said after purchasing the vehicle I should take it to be inspected and if any rust was found it would be covered under the frame program. I purchased the vehicle in November of 2013 and upon inspection we found that the frame was rusted. In January of 2014 my husband called a local Toyota dealer to set up an appointment for the frame inspection and they said that they had no idea about the frame program being reopened. My husband called Toyota and they pulled up the vehicle and said since the original treatment had not been applied they would not honor the frame program. We spoke to several Toyota associates and we were told that nothing could be done. We have contacted the Toyota legal department and the virginia attorney general with no success.

Dear [xxx], I sincerely appreciate your email but I am completely satisfied with my 2002 Toyota Tacoma pick up truck at the moment with 134,000 miles as of today. The problem lies with the ?defective air bags and defective computer air bag. ? over a year ago, this was accessed from haley located off rt 288 and the air bag light was coming on at that time. I paid for a diagnostic testing and it should have been resolved then, not to reoccur a year later. In any case, if a Toyota vehicle has defective parts such as the air bag and its computer that is the responsibility of the manufacturer to replace the part and absorb the labor and costs involved to do so not at the expense of the client. The client did not cause the problem, it is a defect in the manufacturing of the vehicle. The problem I am now facing is that haley Toyota wants me to absorb this cost of parts and labor to the tune of $711. 00 for a defective air bag. I have not been in contact with an attorney specializing in auto injury, but with some research and taking with a friend of mine who is a lawyer; he highly suggests that unless Toyota replaces the parts and labor at their expense that I should proceed with hiring an attorney and explain what is going on with the air bag and what haley has said. For haley to dismiss this defective part and say that they cannot be responsible is in itself an ?egregious? remark for which they can be liable for if something were to happen while the passenger is driving the car/truck in questioned. Infact, they should never have allowed me to leave the premise this past Friday knowing all of this, because if a major accident were to happen they would be totally responsible as well as Toyota itself. Thank you. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I could hear a rattling noise. Upon inspection I saw that the fuel tank had dropped almost to the ground. The rear strap , that holds the fuel tank to the body had broken from corrosion(rust) . This rust had also destroyed the protective shield that was mounted over the fuel tank strap ,to protect it from corrosion and physical damage. A gas tank falling to the road is a safety hazard.

I purchased this truck with 100,000 miles in a private sale in 2010. I drove it for a few years and when I brought it in for inspection they failed it for a rusted out frame. They said that they wouldn't drive it and that it was very dangerous. I called Toyota and they told me that they wouldn't do anything to help me out. They said since the previous owner did not get it sprayed the warranty was null and void. So my truck that has 100,000 miles and was kbb at $8-$9k is worth nothing. I am not a person that is well off and that was a big hit for me. I live pay check to pay check and I wonder how many others were effected by an obviously cheap frame. 100,000 miles and the frame rusts, that just seems wrong.