general problems of the 2004 Toyota Tacoma - part 1

Bringing to your urgent attention a significant safety concern regarding a 2004 Toyota Tacoma owned by my brother, [xxx] , bought in 2004, which has severe frame rust affecting the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this matter directly with Toyota, we have been unable to obtain assistance, as Toyota states the customer support notice for this issue has expired. Given the potential risk this poses to both the driver and other motorists, we are seeking your intervention to address this pressing matter. In September 2024, while retrieving an item from under the truck, my brother discovered extensive rust damage on the vehicle’s frame. We promptly took the truck to antwerpen Toyota on September 4, 2024, where a technician confirmed the severe rust corrosion and deemed the truck unsafe to drive. The dealership informed us that Toyota had previously issued a customer support notice addressing rust issues on this model but explained that the program had expired. They recommended we contact Toyota directly for potential support or compensation to help acquire a safe vehicle. We reported the case to Toyota (case no. [xxx]) on September 4, 2024, and have since been in regular contact, yet have only been met with repeated delays and dismissals. Toyota representatives acknowledged that a notice had been issued for this problem, but despite knowing the serious nature of the rust and its impact on the vehicle’s safety, they have not provided us with any solution. We have requested escalation to senior management, but those requests have not been honored. Toyota’s refusal to address this safety defect, even with our willingness to discuss options, has left us with no alternative but to turn to your agency for help. We understand that the notice has expired and that my brother was not the vehicle’s original owner. However, this issue goes beyond a typical warranty claim, as it concerns the fundamental safety and road. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act.

I am writing to report a safety related issue with a 2004 Toyota Tacoma that I purchased from an auction on 12/21/2022. The vehicle has an expired recall that I believe has not been properly addressed, potentially affecting the safety of the vehicle. I have attempted to resolve this issue through Toyota's customer service and local dealership, but I have been informed that the recall is no longer active and will not be addressed. It has a virginia rebuilt title. It failed inspection due to rust on the frame.

Took Toyota Tacoma (2004) to have loud sound coming from under truck checked by a reputable mechanic. Told that the frame was rusted beyond repair & leaf springs were about to fall out. Mechanic said vehicle was not drivable. The recall (which ended in 2019) was never received even though we bought vehicle new & have not changed address since 1998. Recall should be extended. Toyota should be forced to fix the problem and not on their timeline. The noise became evident approx. 5 months ago & got louder. The truck is sitting in our garage & could be taken to any interested party for inspection. Thank you.

I was driving on a highway at the posted speed and suddenly the front right wheel broke off the vehicle and caused me to roll 6 times on the highway and I was wrongly accused of being at fault.

The entire frame has rusted from front to rear. Gas and brake lines have also rusted out along with many other parts. Can not find where to find a recall notice.

2004 Tacoma frame so rotted that upon hitting a large hole would finish off the rusted frame. This type of rust and erosion is not from normal wear. . This is due to the manufacturing of the vehicle and they will not replace. They say they are aware of it. . But time lapsed to get it fixed?? so what now I am out $15k on a 16 year old truck. Since when did recalls have an experation date??.

My frame is rusting out where rear springs connect to the frame. Truck is non inspectable for maine. There was a recall at some point and I never got recall paperwork.

I found a hole in the frame and was advised as to not drive vehicle. I learned that a recall had expired only 6 months ago and was not going to be repaired from Toyota. $12000 was estimate and I complained that I was never contacted. I am the second owner but had maintained vehicle to keep for many years. I am on soc security and this has been a hardship on me. I hope there is a way of compensating me or helping me as the dealer offered half of blue book for a trade in. Thank you.

This vehicle has excessive frame rot like other Tacomas that were recalled.

2004 Toyota Tacoma frame rusted through, hole you can put hand through. Toyota never issued recall, claims corrosion campaign was over. I never received any notice, I am the original owner. Toyota says I am on my own for replacement. Found issue at my brother's had to leave truck unsafe to drive. Will add photos after I get back to vehicle.

I recently purchased this 2004 Toyota Tacoma and took it in for an inspection of the frame for undercoating. The body shop noted severe corrosion of the frame with suspension parts that are also full of corrosion. I was told this vehicle was not safe to drive due to this rust issue. I was told if this vehicle was involved in an accident there would be serious injury or death because of this rust/corrosion. I need the manufacturer to take care of this for some reason this vehicle's frame was not recalled but the body shop stated this should have had a safety recall on this frame due to the amount of rust that is noted under the vehicle on the frame and suspension parts.

Purchased 04 Tacoma double cab 4x4 onlynto later find frame rot by the shocks and wheels. I didn't see this initially upon inspection. I thought there was only surface rust until I had the truck on a lift for inspection and was advised of perforations. Needless to say it won't pass inspection. Did some research and found that Toyota's class action settlement only included 05-10 Tacoma�s. Also found that there may have been a warranty extension but according to the dealer, that expired. Toyota won't do anything for me so now it's up to me to repair the frame, if it's even repairable. How could Toyota put out a product and not stand by it, or at least cover the frame replacement? Toyota really needs to cover all vehicles with this problem regardless of age of vehicle and this should never expire. I understand that the cost of a new frame is about $5000, and with labor, runs up to about $15k. Toyota needs another class action suit filed against them ASAP!!!.

Vehicle has 113,000 miles on it but is undriveable because frame is rusted through.

9/8/2017, while working on my 2004 Tacoma I found a 3 inch and a 1 inch rust holes in the frame near the left rear wheel. Near the right wheel I found a 1 inch hole. All it took was a tap with a hammer. How safe is that?.

Just got my truck back from the mechanic today, 6/7/2017, for the annual state inspection and he indicated the frame is not looking good and safety will be a concern soon. The truck was undercoated on the recall, applied directly over the existing rusted frame back then. I called the Toyota dealer who did the undercoating and the service manager told me Toyota has no further obligations since the vehicle was undercoated. This was not an ample resolution to an ongoing defect. I was also told at the time, I had no choice or say in the matter. I'm having concerns now for my safety and Toyota should resolve this responsibly. I'm the original purchaser of the vehicle, it has been well maintained with about 101,000 current miles on the odometer.

Frame rusted through stationary.

Remote key unlock is inop. I've ordered a new remote - 2 in fact- neither will program. Vendor is saying that there must be something inoperative internally in the Tacoma electronics. The lock works; however the unlock will not work. Vehicle was stationary, parked in both occassions testing the new remote.

The frame of my truck has rusted from the inside out and is no longer stable to hold the truck together. When having tires put on the mechanic showed me the issue and stated that the truck is to dangerous to drive. Since then I have discovered that many owners are having this same problem and the company is unwilling to stand behind their product.

Frame rot not covered by Toyota.

I bought my 2004 Tacoma from a used car dealer in may of 2014 and was unaware of an earlier recall for possible excessive frame corrosion. My current servicing Toyota dealer said the recall had expired and couldn't help me, but referred me to Toyota, who also offered no help. I feel this is a safety issue, since if the frame fails it would be extremely hazardous to myself and other motorists on the road.

The frame is rotted and a certified Toyota mechanic said that the frame was severally rotted and was a safety hazard and was told to take the vehicle off the road because it was unsafe to drive. The truck is still worth $8-10,000 and we are out the money. There was a service campaign, but no safety recall. We did not receive a letter on either. If I did not look under the truck to inspect a noise, I would never have known the frame was rotted to the degree that it was. (see pictures) I would have continued to drive the vehicle and put myself and anyone else on the road in harms way. This problem needed to be brought to our attention; however, no one can tell us why we never received the notificaton of this defect. It is my opinion that this situation is very dangerous and should be a safety recall with no expiration. Please see attached letters and photos of our attempt to correct the problem with the vehicle with no results. Please look into this matter as we feel it can save lives. Thank you for your time and attention.

There is frame rot on the vehicle weakening the frame and suspension components. The worst area of rot is on the drivers side of the vehicle where the rear leaf spring attaches to the frame. This area also has the gas tank and fuel lines and rear braking lines. I was never notified of a recall. Upon discovery of this hazard I notified the dealer and was told my vehicles recall had ended. I also notified Toyota corporate and was told there is nothing they can do. Toyota Tacomas have had frame rot issues with recalls that have affected the rear brakes fuel lines and tank. I feel it is unfair of Toyota to admit an ongoing problem and replace frames on trucks with this issue, yet deny me because I was not made aware of it. Having a window of time on a recall that is a huge issue is not fair. Now I have an unsafe vehicle, that I am afraid to put my children in, and no where to turn.

Was in parking lot of store. Started engine and put in gear and vehicle shot forward and it seemed as if I had no control of it sideswiping another vehicle and headed for another vehicle that I was about to broadside when I was able to stop my vehicle. Was able to get vehicle home which was a short distance away but am now terrified to drive it. Notified insurance company. I called dealership where vehicle was purchased but unable to speak to anyone. Left message but no one has returned my call.

Upon a normal service incident I was informed that the frame on the driver side shows a corrison problem that has eaten half way thru the frame making the truck unsafe due to the corrison problem after many attempts to contact Toyota their response was sorry nothing we can do for you. They also told me that a recall was issued and expired in 2010 which I was not informed about. It is a response that does not satisfy me or maybe other owners of this type of vechile and it was there product that they produced and now do not want to be held responsible for. Est repair cost to correct the problem = 14000. 00 not acceptable.

The frame is so rotted it wont pass state inspection, this truck was recalled for this problem a few years ago, I took it to the dealer for inspection at that time and they said it was fine, now like two years later its totally rotten, I contacted Toyota head quarters and filed a case # 1411101661 and they basiclly told sorry its to late recall is over, I told them it was at the dealer for this recall and they did nothing but look at it, can you help and there are 1000s of these rotten trucks on the road today a major saftey issue thanks jim.

The Toyota Tacoma trucks had a customer service advisory for the frame rusting on the vehicle. The csa advised the current owner that the frame could rust and needed to be inspected. If the vehicle was inspected Toyota would either spray the frame or replace it if rusted. I purchased this vehicle from an authorized Toyota dealer I was assured the frame had been checked and taken care of. A week later I had to install a blown out muffler and come to find out the frame was not looked at and the fix was not completed. Being the new owner of the truck I was told that the csa had expired December 2011 and there is nothing that can be done. I was hoping Toyota would have a program in place for people that purchase a vehicle like I did that did not have the frame fixed. They do not. Therefore I now own a truck that is unsafe to drive. Toyota needs to make this a recall instead of a csa.

I was at shell station getting a oil change, when they went to lift my truck on their lift the technician noticed frame corrosion in 2 places. The technician told me if I do not fix it the spring leaf could fall off. Further more it is a safety issue. I do not the money for a new vehicle. Just because I did not get a notice does not mean they should include a certain batch of trucks it should be all Toyota's regardless. I called the dealership and they said forget about it if I did not a letter. I should not have to die just to get this fixed.

Frame is rusted through in many places. It will not pass state inspection.

Recall on frame and I brought it to deal where they said frame was not defected. One year later frame is corroded and rusted out. Call dealer and said it was my problem recall ended 6 months ago. How can they get away with this!!!.

From a dead stop to any speed, it felt like I no acceration. I would have to feather the gas pedal to get up to speed. I've replaced fuel filter, 02 sender ( front), maf sender ,fuel pressure regulator ,cleaned all grounds, had fuel pump tested , had head gasket checked ,changed spark plugs and wire's, cleaned throttle body and pressure cleaned fuel system. Every time I change a part or do any cleaning , the truck will run fine, for awhile , but the problem returns. I now have 150k on truck ,and I want to get 150 k more. I fell this is a extremely hazards situation. All I'm looking for is a answer to what's wrong!!!! Toyota is aware of what's wrong ,but the dealers only to keep replacing parts ($) . The Toyota forum s on web have 1000s of answer s, but, nothing definite. Please help!!!!.

The frame on the truck is rusted through. I have opened 2 complaint cases and Toyota will not repair or replace.

Frame is perforated due to rust just in front of rear axle on both sides of vehicle. About a 1. 5" x 6" hole on driver's side with a fracture of about 12" going toward rear axle. Passenger side has a fracture about 18" long in same area. Rear suspension mounts and springs are compromised. Toyota had a program to deal with issue but deadline had passed by the time I purchased vehicle. Dealer told me Toyota had checked out frame issue and it passed. According to Toyota I was misinformed. Toyota will not fix what is obviously a manufacturing defect that I never had the opportunity to deal with properly. Body and bed are rust free and in excellent condition. I paid 11,700 for the truck with 88,000 mi. , have owned it for one year and put approx. 9,000 miles on it. It is unsafe to drive and for all intents and purposes totaled.

Attempted to trade vehicle in. Inspection by dealer reported hole in frame. Dealer refused to take my truck. Estimated cost to replace frame at $9,000-$10,000.

I purchased my 2004 Tacoma as the second owner. The vehicle had the frame replaced. Upon my initial inspection prior to the purchase, everything underneath looked fine aside from what I considered normal rust on other parts such as the skid plates. Today while driving down the road, the gas tank fell out of the bottom, ran into and drive-shaft, and came 3 inches from scraping across the pavement. A line split on the top of my tank, leaking gas all over. I've contacted Toyota, and they set me up with a case number, informing me that someone will be in touch tomorrow to discuss further.

This is a story about the purchase of a brand new Toyota Tacoma in 2004 – that I paid cash for. On or about January of 2012 I called Toyota to find out if there were any recalls on the vehicle – just checking. I was told there was a recall for a frame rusting – when we brought the vehicle in for another service matter we were told that there was no problem with the frame (there was no record of our having been in the dealership for the recall – just the service that was performed). We never received official notice of the recall but now we have a frame rusting issue with some areas that are rotting through the frame! when I contacted Toyota headquarters I was informed that the recall had expired seven days prior and they cannot do anything for me! how can this be? if there was a recall on the product and the vehicle is showing the defect from the recall how can it “expire”? Toyota has recommended we retain a lawyer for this issue. Are you kidding me? I have a truck worth next to nothing that I depend on for my living and they tell me to get a lawyer? frankly, I am very surprised at Toyota – a company with an excellent reputation, that I thought makes good cars and trucks not stand behind their defective merchandise. I will never ever buy another vehicle from Toyota and to me their reputation is now tarnished.