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.
2002 Toyota Tacoma body complaints
Page 5 of 7: complaints 101 to 130 of 180, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. While the vehicle was being serviced for an unrelated repair, the mechanic noticed that the entire frame was completely rusted. The vehicle had not been repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the driver side frame detached and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The dealer stated that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while having the annual state inspection performed, the inspector notified him that the entire sub frame, rear bumper and front passenger side wheel well were excessively corroded. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 167,152.
Excessive frame rust. I brought it into a toyota dealer for an inspection for rust to the spare tire carrier. The dealer refused to perform the inspection because they said the frame was too rusty for them to safely perform the inspection.
Frame rusted and cracked.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be inspected because the subframe was corroded. The contact received a notice for an unrelated recall. The dealer inspected the vehicle per the recall and released the vehicle back to the contact. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The federal safety agency campaign number was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
The sway bar arm bracket on the passenger side of the vehicle pulled out of the frame due to corrosion. The vehicle was found to have corrosion perforations in multiple areas of the frame. Frame has excessive corrosion and I have been advised vehicle is not safe to operate. Manufacturer refuses to do anything.
Frame cracked at right rear box rail...
My fuel tank is rusted completely through to the point of leaking gas. I know toyota has recalled the frame (replaced) and the spare tire holder (not yet replaced) due to rust. Seems like the whole underside is rusting out.
I recently took my 2002 toyota tacoma into the local dealer, dch in wappingers falls ny, because of leak in the rack and pinion steering. Upon looking at the vehicle,they observed a cracked and rusted frame. We took the car down and I went to my local repair shop for a second opinion. That repair shop had said there was a frame recall for that year. I called toyota in california and they confirmed there was a recall for that year and that they sent out a notice, but it had to be brought by the end of 2012. I told them I never received the notice. There have been 2 other recalls for the vehicle which I did receive notices. They checked with their compliance office and said they did send it to me. I asked how many notices went out and they said one and they do not send them certified mail. When I stated that I never received the notice, they told there was a department that may still be able to assist me. After opening up a case with toyota, they came to the conclusion, there was nothing they can do about it because I failed to bring the car in by their deadline. I told them again that I never received the notice and that I don't feel safe driving the vehicle with a rusted and cracked frame. This seems to be problem with a good deal of toyotas. I was hoping for some kind of help, since they've admitted the problem and I never received the notice and we, at this point have only their word that they sent me a notice. Thank you. Toyota case# 1405131065. Updated 07/03/14
I called toyota in 2012 to ask about frame. Was told I didn't qualify. Have had to replace everything attached to frame in a 2 year period. Last fall the gas tank fell off. Frame so rusted it wouldn't hold it. Called toyota again, as recommended by mechanic, was told I didn't qualify. Went to dealer for recall repair on spare tire holder, they couldn't fix it. Too rusted. Told me it s not safe to drive. Told me to call toyota. I did. Told me I didn't qualify because recall expired. Expired?! I have never received a recall notice!! I have lived at the same address for 32 years. They found me this time, they should have found me for that one. Now what? I am out well over $3500 dollars I've paid out the last 3 yrs and its not safe! Need help here.
Frame rust when purchased out of state (minnesota) from dealer and inspected on 10/2/2012 (in virginia, upon transport arrival). They said they believed it was mostly surface rust. Inspected again in may of 2014 and found within 20 months and 24000 miles later, the frame had perforated, and deemed unsafe to drive. It was marketed as a vehicle in great shape, and wasn't cheap. Much money is still owed on this condemned vehicle. These vehicles have a history of this, yet there is nothing being done concerning these unsafe vehicles.
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.
Three months ago I received my notice about excessive corrosion of the spare tire carrier lift plate. I called the local toyota dealer to schedule the repair, the collision manager had no knowledge about it. I called again to schedule a fix but was told that some one will call me but ,no one did. Toyota of york ,pa17402.
Letter from congressman rahall on behalf of constituent re a recall from several years ago on his toyota tacoma sr 5 pick up truck. *smd the consumer stated he saw on the news a recall had been issued, regarding defective frames, and he missed out on the recall, due to personal issues. He would like to get the vehicle fixed, because it can no longer be driven due to a cracked frame.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the frame and chassis were corroded. The contact was also concerned that the spare tire would become detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised the contact that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 212,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would sway from side to side. The contact discovered that the entire sub frame of was rusted and corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was severely rusted and the frame area near the tires exhibited corrosion. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the frame needed to be replaced. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v542000 (tires) and stated that the local dealer and the manufacturer indicated that the recall was no longer active. The vehicle was to be inspected and repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 01/12/16*lj, updated 02/23/16*lj updated 8/22/2017
Frame is rusted and broken and truck is unsafe to drive.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the entire frame was completely rusted and as a result, the rear axle and spring hanger became detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not being driven due to a potential safety hazard. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.
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?
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the frame started to deteriorate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician applied an under coating to the frame. The contact stated that the coating eventually wore off. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Updated 04/21/14*lj the consumer stated he made an appointment for the corrosion frame recall. Before the appointment, he noticed a lot of oil droplets on the tail gate of the truck, as he drove off, he noticed a puddle of oil. An inspection revealed, the differential case was leaking and it needed to be replaced because it was extremely rusty. Also, the frame was rusted, and it needed to be replaced. Updated 04/24/14
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that rusting and corrosion was discovered on the frame. The contact indicated that the rear driver's side leaf spring shackle had sunk into the under frame due to the rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the frame had started to deteriorate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician applied an undercoating to the frame. The contact stated that the coating eventually wore off. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Sometime in 2012, my spare tire and rim were lost on the highway due to a failed spare tire carrier. The lift plate on the spare tire carrier, failed due to corrosion and released the spare tire (and rim) on the highway. No crash of incident occurred because no one was following the vehicle at the time.
Informed by dealer that frame is rusted through and truck is unsafe to drive. Also informed that there had been a service bulletin for this problem. But my truck is no longer eligible for repair under the voluntary service recall (of which I was never notified), as it had expired. I think toyota should be responsible. They recognized their defective product; however my truck is ineligible for repair because they get to limit their responsibility because their remedy is not technically a "recall". I, and I'm sure many others, are by necessity, driving unsafe vehicles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for unrelated repairs when he was advised that the sub-frame was severely corroded. As a result, the technician advised the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for service under the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v542000 (tires). The contact was advised that the vehicle could not be service under the recall because of excessive corrosion. The contact stated that he was never advised of corrosion when the vehicle was inspected in 2010 for a manufacturer's warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
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