Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the subframe of the vehicle severely rusted. The contact stated that the subframe rusted through at the shock absorbers. The vehicle was taken to prime toyota - boston (1605 vfw pkwy, west roxbury, ma 02132), and was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.*dt *bf *tr the consumer provided photos.
2001 Toyota Tacoma suspension complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 81, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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 completely rusted out
I have replaced the lower ball joints five times in the last four years. Three on the drivers side and twice on the passengers side. Twice I was in someone's driveway twice I was traveling on a highway and once I was turning a corner. I received a recall notice about five years ago however I never reaponded at the time. Now when I look on this website it says there was no recall so I am unsure how to proceed.
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.
The frame is totally rotted out. I bought the truck used and after haven't it several months I was changing the oil and to my suprise when I was under it I could not believe what I was seeing. It is not safe to drive
Initial problem 12/08/2009: in december of 2009, I dropped my toyota tacoma off at my local dealer (lexington toyota, (ma) for a service appointment. Lexington toyota called me and stated that my 2001 tacoma had a serious frame rust perforation problem. They stated that the solution to this problem was to replace the entire frame at no cost to me and they assigned a case number. The total cost to me when the job was completed was $1,717.77 (see-attached invoice [xxx].) the frame repair invoice was dated 12/22/2009. Fast forward to 12/10/2018: on 12/10/2018, I brought my 2001 tacoma into the service department of lexington toyota for some brake work. Later that day they called and said that my frame had selected rot and would not pass the next state inspection. The service department stated that they had reviewed the situation with the service manager and that there was nothing that they could do for me. I explained that the frame had been replaced in december of 2009 and that the service advisor ([xxx]) had stated to me that the new frame was warrantied for fifteen years. I joking replied that it would probably last longer than I would. I guess I was wrong. I have all of my repair work and yearly state inspection work done at lexington (ma) toyota. I am disappointed that this situation was not identified earlier when it could have been dealt with before getting to its current state. I beleive this is a serious safety issue. This could cause a serious accident if the frame fails while on the highway. If this happened to me, how many tacoma?s and other toyotas are out there that had frame replacements that are now defective. It looks to me like toyota used the same substandard frames for their replacement program. I have contacted toyota and was told there was nothing they could do. I spoke with [xxx], customer service rep. On 01/09/19 [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
After a muffler shop pointed out serious holes in the frame of my 2001 toyota tacoma (with 174,000 miles), I contacted kings toyota and toyota manufacturing. They said the truck was out of warranty. I took it to hamilton body shop and they said there was a recall for the life of the truck.I contacted performance toyota with my VIN # and they said there was no recall in their data bank. I have been told the truck is unsafe to drive. I have had the truck frame inspected at kings toyota twice in the past several years and they said the frame was ok at that time. My truck is in mechanically good condition, body looks fine too. Would love to continue to drive it several more years. Would appreciate help determining if there is, in fact , a recall and how do I go about getting the information I need to get this frame repaired.
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 federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency. 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".
Frame recall: when I received notice of this recall I took it to a dealer in slc, ut and had it checked on 9/22/08. I was informed that it was fine and they didn't do anything to it. Now 8 years later, my truck has turned into a safety hazard because the frame is so rusted out, I can't even get my brake line that recently broke repaired. I have been told that this particular recall expired in 2014. I don't understand how a recall can expire. Nor do I understand that if my frame was fine in 2008, how it could have rusted away to this extent so quickly. The state of the current rust was pointed out to me in 2016. I understand that I have been driving the truck for 16 years; however, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the engine and I had hoped to drive it till the engine died. Please explain to me how this recall could expire when it did and why toyota won't accept any responsibility for replacing the frame.
I recently purchased a 2001 toyota tacoma sr5, 4wd crew cab truck that was originally manufactured and sold in plano texas, then relocated and driven in gaithersburg maryland for 16 years. Upon obtaining a frame inspection from my local toyota dealership, I was advised that this vehicle was unsafe to operate due to excessive corrosion of the frame, and specifying the frame would need to be replaced. The rust has perforated the frame rails in several areas and has compromised the structural integrity and safety of this vehicle. The frame of this vehicle lacks adequate corrosion protection which has been acknowledged by toyota north america.
Rear passenger leaf spring frame mount rusting off. Vehicle is not safe to drive.
My tacoma has been in a couple times for timing belt replacement and has been inspected for rust but nothing was ever done or said about it needing anything done. While driving down the street I noticed that when I slowed down my lifted and when I accelerated my bed lowered. I pulled off to find that my frames has rusted apart in front of rear leaf spring. Toyota corporate was called and they said nothing can be done?
Left front wheel broke off a arm.lower ball joint completely missing.vehicle has 160442 miles.no indication of steering problem.tires were rotated one month before accident I replaced the tire and asked the mechanic if he does a visual inspection.the answer was yes.
The chasis broke just in front of the rear axle.
I am unsure when this had happened but the frame on my 2001 toyota tacoma is corroded and broken into 2 pieces in 2 different areas. The place where it is broken is not corroded but just broke. Would like to know if this truck is under a safety issue that toyota should be responsible for or if it is just an expensive paper weight.
My wife recently had a wreck, she was going 45 MPH, the truck went off the road, crossing over center line, after making impact with the dirt with the front end of the truck, the truck lost it's steering, from there the truck flipped 5 times on it's side, it finally came to rest on it's side, 5 feet away from a house. She had to be cut from the truck. Her l2 exploded in her back, she's now having to learn how to walk again among other things from extreme nerve damage. She just recently left the hospital/rehabilitation from an extended stay. Still upset about not knowing what caused the wreck, we decided to look up the truck to see if there had ever been a recall dealing with what exactly happened in her wreck, this is when we found out about the lower ball-joint failing causing the actions of loss of steering, accidents, and accidents with flipping. An investigation has yet to be done on the truck, we're hoping this complaint will inspire an investigation, but also educate anyone with this year and make of truck, that this is what could happen possibly to anyone.
Ball joint separated causing driver to lose control of vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tacoma. While driving at a slow speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the fuel tank strap fractured due to excessive corrosion. The contact stated that the subframe that supported the rear suspension was also excessively corroded. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v225000 (suspension); however, the repair failed to remedy the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 133,613.
Lower ball joints have failed. While other 2001 tacoma's were in the recall, mine is not included, even though it is the same failure! The tires have are wearing unevenly and there is some stability issue. There seems to be "pulling" to one side as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tacoma. While driving 10 MPH and making a left turn, the front driver side of the vehicle collapsed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the steering wheel began to vibrate excessively. The failure occurred only when driving 50 MPH or greater. The vehicle was taken to an independent, who informed that both front lower ball joints would need to be replaced. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension) and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 194,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tacoma. While driving at 30 MPH, the suspension ball joint detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 250,000.
I took vehicle in for recall for tire plate replacement because cases have come to light where they rust and fall out along with tires. At the shop the mechanic determine the vehicle is dangerous for driving and they were unable to lift truck to replace plate because chassis is no longer good because of rust and its rusted out; no stability. They also advised toyota has a recall for chassis and its also on the website the federal safety agency recall # 12v542 and manufacture recall # cov where they will replace , correct or buy back vehicle. I called toyota and they stated its not a recall its only a campaign and they are not able to assist my vehicle even though it its a recall. I spoke to crystal from toyota at 800‑331‑4331 case # 1505272075. Please assist I now have a perfect vehicle that is no longer good at all.
My odi # 10703114 im sure as you are the federal safety adm. ,, you have already read the study , where a group of really smart engineers & analysis found that the 2001 to 2004 toyota tacoma frame failure was from the box design coupled with low grade steel & insignificant rust preventive , resulted in potential catastrophe frame failure leading to a potential hazardous situation!!~!!! But if you deem it not to inform the us consumer --- far be it for me to suggest how you should do your job ! My apologies.
While turning right out of parking lot at slow speed, passenger side wheel disengaged from lower ball joint leading to loss of steering.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota tacoma. While driving at various speeds, a squeaking sound emitted from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the front driver side ball joint was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The frame on my toyota tacoma 2001 truck is so rusted out that it is not inspect-able. The local toyota dealership will do nothing for me....I have contacted toyota customer service...waiting for a call back...toyota needs to do something to fix the problem....the federal safety agency...please help!!
Noticed that the right rear of truck bed is sagging so I looked under the truck and saw the chassis is rusted all the way through.
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