The chassis of the vehicle is corroded, metal is exposed. Shocks bracket seems like it might break off. Concerned that vehicle will fail on the road.
2002 Toyota Tacoma suspension complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 82, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Ongoing rusty deterioration of frame. Have had sections cut out and plates welded 3x. Purchased in 2003. Same dealer claims recall sent. Not received by me. Have had other rust problems with toyotas, and had responded to same. This was to be my last vehicle as I am 77, on ss, drive less than 5,000mpy, truck has more than enough major repair free life to out live me! Have been advised by my garage not to drive-cannot go onto the lift anymore! Has been beyond repair for years-won't pass state inspection. Am forced to buy another, which I can ill afford. Here is repair record. 2/27/2015-frame rail repair $500. At 2016 inspection original dealer quoted $1,000 to repair frame, stated recall had been sent and ignored, and got very beligerent initally and during subsequent phone calls. Repair locally $800. Again $700 in 2017. By 2018 shock mounts were rusted off and shocks removed. Has not passed inspection since. Still country driving not more than 20 mi. Everything running fine-no problems. Would expect another 100,000 needing no more than a clutch and another timing belt. I was even willing to spent $13,000+ for a new frame only to discover by VIN that complete frame was no longer available. If you would check out tacomaworld website, thousands of complaints. Re: having to junk truck that has many miles yet to run. I know toyota sued frame manufacturer. Has 'wiped their hands' of the entire affair; so I don't really expect anything to come of this. Being an air force vet on ss and ptsd disability I considered appealing to toyota directly but felt it a waste of time. Appeal going into trash unopened! Add my complaint to the thousands of us loyal toyota buyers who have in essence eaten their vehicles!!
My frame in my 2002 tacoma is almost fully rusted . I contacted toyota and they are not willing to help even though they know that their trucks are rusting and that there was a previous recall set to replace the frame. Since I just got this truck form someone, I had no idea of the recall and of the rust . The car is no longer safe to drive at this point since it is about to break in half .
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, she heard an abnormally loud clunking sound as the vehicle began to veer independently to the right, without warning. The contact then pulled the vehicle over and called her husband who arrived at the scene and determined that the failure was caused by a defective ball joint. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v225000 (suspension) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 109,544.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that an independent mechanic inspected her vehicle and discovered severe corrosion throughout the entire undercarriage. The contact spoke with markquart toyota (1844 commercial blvd, chippewa falls, wi 54729) who informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact then called the manufacturer who was notified of the failure and disregarded her concern with the corrosion. The manufacturer suggested the vehicle be sold and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 32,021.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while having a routine check on the vehicle by an independent mechanic, the technician became aware that the rear subframe was severely rusted. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
Frame is rotted, shock separated from frame
The undercarriage is showing substantial rust and corrosion
Vehicle failed inspection due to frame rust. Was told that its unsafe to drive. Researched and found that this is long ongoing issue with toyota and a number of there vehicles. Toyota has knowledge of this issue and still sold these inferior frames for many years.
The frame at rear spring hangers has rusted through rear axle separated from frame due to rust
Driving on local street, 25 MPH, then heard clunking sound when hitting road bumps. Mechanic inspection revealed shock mount completely rusted out of frame and excessive rust and rotting throughout the rear frame. Toyota will not help so will have repair privately and weld new sleeves to the frame. Toyota has created a very dangerous situation for its' customers by using inferior metals in its' frames for many years.
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the ball joint fractured and came apart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later towed to mike erdman toyota (1545 e merritt island causeway, merritt island, fl 32952) where it was diagnosed that the ball joint separated and damaged the axle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v225000 (suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 334,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The frame is rotting out. Toyota had the vehicle frame coated with some kind of tar substance because the frame was suspect to heavy corrosion. The coating which was done around 2010 did not work and the vehicle now has holes in the frame due to heavy rust. This is a known issue with these vehicles. Toyota offered a non-working solution that did not fix the problem. The coating was just a gimmick and not a solution to the frame rot.
Airbag system failure broken leaf springs.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to the dealer (gerard toyota located on 543 colman st, new london, ct 06320) for service, the technician noticed corrosion on the rear passenger side frame and a crack in the rear passenger wheel. The shocks could be seen and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 193,672.
I was driving on a highway at about 55 MPH. The right lower control ball joint broke so the entire wheel broke off the vehicle. The vehicle tried to run/jump over the wheel and caused the vehicle to slammed down on the asphalt. The truck dragged on the asphalt for about 100 to 150 yds until I managed to control and stop it.
The rust on the rear end assembly is so severe that the brakes are compromised, and the back up emergency brake system has failed. The rust on the differential housing is so severe that the fluid has leaked out and the gears are at risk for catastrophic failure. The spring mounts to the axles are also rusting severely, creating a risk of lost control should either side break away. It takes great effort when braking, and the vehicle pulls severely due to rust causing the loss of integrity of the braking system. The brakes, once applied, do not release evenly, creating uneven brake wear, shuddering and shaking, resulting in poor control, excessive and uneven tire wear, I.e., tires locked and dragging, scalloping. On wet, and I fear, icey, surfaces, the truck has slid sideways due to one or more wheels not releasing.
I was informed by toyota case worker that the rusty frame recall expired and it is my problem now. I didn't receive any frame recall notice but received a spare tire lift plate recall (which doesn't expire) due to rust and severe corrosion. I was informed by dealership my truck was unsafe to even put on the lift to address current recall, of course they let me drive it home which is a 35-40 minute drive for me. I was forced to scrap my truck with a perfectly good motor because how unsafe it was and the expense to fix it on my own. I didn't realize the severity of the problem until I crawled under my truck and was beside myself! I had huge holes in the frame, the leaf springs were shot, all this was under the "undercoating" that was done at time of purchase to protect frame from rust! I paid extra for that! Even my seat mounts on the interior back seat were rusted! I suspect the quality of metal used is on the lower side... I used my truck as a truck, hauled small amounts of mulch, soul for my garden, it moved me 5x! I didn't go muddling in it, park it in a pond, or live in a flood area. I just used it... How is there an expiration date for the ongoing problem that can ultimately jeapardize a persons safety as well as others on the road?! Please hold toyota responsible...
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'.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. While backing out of the driveway at a very low rate of speed, the rear driver side spring shackle suddenly fractured and rendered the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was caused by severe rusting of the vehicle's frame. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,039. ....updated 07/11/16 *bf
Rusting frame.I brought my 2002 toyota tacoma truck to dealer for the corrosion resistant spraying to prevent further rusting of frame.spraying completed on 03/25/03.rust on frame continues.spraying did not work.toyota said they only spray truck once.rust warranty extended for 15 years expiring on 10/01/16.toyota should extend rust warranty with no expiration date as truck will have to be sprayed every two years.earlier years rust warranty covered replacing frame or vehicle buyback.toyota should cover same warranty for later year tacomas as rust problem persists in every year. Leaf springs and hardware are rusted as are muffler brackets leading to potentional safety hazard if items fail while driving.toyota admitted rust proofing not done properly by subcontractor.please hold toyota accountable for their negligence in properly protecting frames,springs.and suspension systems with corrosion resistant materials.toyota is just buying time until warranties expire.after that time the owners will have no recourse with toyota.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the frame from the rear leaf spring hanger was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 11/01/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v542000 (tires) however, the contact was informed by the service technician that there was excessive corrosion to the subframe of the vehicle. The contact stated that the corrosion traveled from the front driver side suspension to the rear driver side suspension. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe and could not be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,175.
Hello, I own a 2002 toyota tacoma and I brought it to a local toyota dealership where a service advisor came out to the parking lot, got under the vehicle and noticed that the frame has rusted through (he stuck his hand through the rust hole) near where the leaf springs attach to the frame. It is a known safety issue and toyota has repaired/replaced many tacoma's due to this safety issue. I did some research, and found out that toyota knows their frames are unsafe, and have extended the warranty to 15 years from the date of new car delivery. I tried to get mine replaced since its still well within time-frame, but they are stating that the original owner refused a frame inspection/application anticorrosion spray so now they will not honor the unsafe frame. I have vehicle service history showing other recalls (front ball-joint) were done, and other repairs to the car, so its likely that the original dealership did not offer the application anticorrosion spray, otherwise the owner would have had this free service completed (the customer serviced it regularly and kept it in great shape) and the frame would not be unsafe. Original new car delivery date was october of 2002, meaning the 15 year frame recall safety issue is covered until october of 2016 (a year from now). I spoke with toyota customer service and they are unwilling to do anything about this known safety issue. In any case, since toyota knows its a safety issue, and its well within the 15 year recall frame time-frame, why should toyota expect me to just drive around an unsafe vehicle?
I drive a 2002 toyota tacoma. Heard a clunking noise I thought was a loose pick up bed (shortly after driving on the highway at legal but high speed coming home from work). Stopped and noted my truck frame had broken in two places over the rear axel and gas tank area. The broken side of the frame was just sitting loosely on the l rear leaf springs. Luckily I stopped to check the pickup bed. I could have been involved in a serious accident or even killed or what's worse could have lost control and hurt someone else. I know toyota has had significant frame quality control issues with these model tacomas in the past. I did have a frame check in dec. 2010 on a recall notice and it was fine. Was told by the dealership no further action was needed. Now I find after talking to toyota corporate, the frame should have been undercoated at that time. (they claim to have sent 5 letters advising me of this.none of which I received, and I am the original owner at the same address for the past 16 years). Looking at the internet forms concerning tacomas, I am not the only one to have been given this cock and bull story. Why would I have not taken the truck in for protective undercoating if informed by toyota after all ready responding to a recall inspection only a few weeks earlier?. This is a potentially dangerous situation and could cause catastrophic problems. I think toyota corp is directly responsible for this situation by originally installing defective frames then not following through on recalls or service bulletins properly and actually stone walling owners calling with complaints about the defective frames with an extended 15 year warranty.
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!
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the front passenger side wheel suddenly separated from the vehicle causing the vehicle to skid onto the road surface. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger side front wheel bearing malfunctioned, which caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000.
Had a recall on my tacoma. I had bought from father, he bought new from spartan toyota in lansing mi. It was for a possible frame rust recall. I have the records of taking it in for that purpose. It was cleared by service department. Apparently, they were supposed to spray a protective coat on the frame at no cost to me, which would include a 15 year warranty on frame. They did not do this. I sold truck to my son, approximately july 2014. He took it in for muffler work and they wouldn't put on hoist because frame is weak from rust. Everyone from the dealer and toyota national has said it should have been sprayed, but because it wasn't they sorry but can't do anything. I feel that solution to the service departments mistake is not adequate. Do I have any other recourse to help my son? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
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