I took my toyota tacoma, 2005 in for a new headlight. The toyota dealer said that the inspection would run at month's end and would I like to take care of the inspection while I waited rather than making a second appointment. I said "yes", please do the inspection. The technician said the truck failed inspection due to a rusted frame. He called me back to view the rusted out frame, which I did to my shock and horror - there was a large whole! Looked unsafe! How is that possible - clearly defective frame. They suggested I take the truck back to the original toyota dealer which I did - although not sure why they could not deal with 'toyota" themselves. The original dealer said the frame replacement / repair was not covered under warranty. The cost would be between $10,000 - $14,000. This is completely unacceptable, the truck has less than 53k miles. Toyota is supposed to be an organization that prides itself in safety and customer satisfaction, touting its vehicle longevity status! This experience proves otherwise and puts the public at risk of injury or/and death.
2005 Toyota Tacoma body complaints
Page 7 of 10: complaints 161 to 190 of 260, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The frame on my 2005 toyota tacoma pre runner is completely rusted out due to a flaw in the manufacturing process. The recall was 3 months past the date of the end of the recall. Now my vehicle has large cracks in the frame and is no longer safe. This issue still exists in the 2005 model and must be addressed for public safety. There was a recall that covered this problem up until the end of 2004. Mine was purchased in the beginning of 2005. This is a known problem with this truck and is being ignored by toyota. They are failing to repair this and picking and choosing if they infact want to repair some trucks and not others. Toyotas options on the fact that my truck has a manufacture defect that is unsafe to drive. Please help!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that there was excessive rust on the frame. The contact called the manufacturer, who stated there was nothing they could do to assist. The failure mileage was 63,000. Updated 02/19/14*lj the consumer stated as of feb 10, 2014, he was still waiting on the district rep to inspect the vehicle. Updated 02/24/14
Summer 2012 the cross member holding the spare tire fell off while I was driving. Now (january 2014) a large (three inch) perforation has appeared in the front frame. The truck frame is rotting out fast.
On may 27, 2013 my wife [xxx] and I were towing my bass boat and I blew out the rear passenger tire and was able to safely get it off of the road to change the tire. In the process of changing the tire in my truck, the frame bent under the pressure of the jack and the truck, came off of the jack, luckily I had the tire partially on that the lug bolts caught the truck. This rusting and unsafe frame issue dates back to 1/16/13 at approximately 7:30 am I was contacted by the toyota dealership that during a repair to my catalytic converter they noticed that I had a hole in my frame and that it would not pass inspection. I feel terrible now, but I all but called the girl service manager a liar and asked that she take me a photo of the hole and send it to me at work. I want my tacoma fixed, the frame replaced as I feel it is unsafe and after having experienced the truck falling off of the jack after the frame bent while simply jacking it up, I can't imagine that I am the only one out there with this issue. In my research I am finding volumes of complaints to toyota in kind regarding frame rot and rust. I have also noticed some instability when driving, it seems to have a constant shake in the steering. I have placed numerous calls to toyota's customer service explaining in detail my safety concern and the answer I am constantly being given is that my vehicle is not currently part of the recall program. Any way you slice it, I feel this is terrible on toyota's behalf to subject loyal customers to such potential and eminent safety hazards as a week and inferior frame! God help us if we are ever involved in an auto accident... How well will these frames hold up or will we be crushed like a soda can? So much for toyota's safety rating at that point right? Please help me...please help me. Sincerely a concerned toyota owner, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
During a repair visit to toyota service center I was informed that my frame was rusting in several places. I was told that at the present time the vehicle was safe to drive but that the rust would continue and lead to an unsafe condition. Toyota is aware of rusting problems with previous model years. I see that the 2004 and earlier model years were recalled for rusting frames. Dealerships was also aware of an increase in frame rusting cases in 2005 tacoma trucks as well. Truck only has 66,000 miles and was not used for heavy hauling. Repair or reinforcement is not an option. Only remedy offered by toyota was for me to replace the frame at a cost of $13,000. I feel this is an unsafe design flaw that needs to be addressed.
Started hearing rubbing/grinding type noise coming from front end. Inspected and found lf cv axle leaking grease, so thought the noise was coming from there. Replaced lf cv axle, and the noise did not go away. Inspected further and found drivers side frame where the motor mount bracket is welded to cracked, causing the motor to flex and the fan to rub on the fan shroud. Contacted toyota, who instructed me to get it inspected at a dealership. Took to toyota dealer, who told me there was no evidence of driver abuse, no rust, not really anything that showed why the weld had broken, but that toyota did not want to do anything due to aftermarket lift and oversized tired. Lift was already installed on vehicle when purchased at a toyota dealership. Toyota corporate told me they did not want to help because vehicle is out of factory warranty. The steering shaft is directly under the part of the motor that is sagging down, and I am afraid if it were to break completely it might stop the vehicle from being able to turn. Also, is there now extra stress on any of the wiring? Is it flexing and potentially breaking any fuel lines? I have done some reasearch on this, and found a lot of peolple having the same issues with their trucks. Toyota has started putting updated frames with more support for the motor mounts on the 2007 models, knowing there were issues with the 05/06s, but are refusing to acknowledge the problem and fix the ones that have broken.
Massive amount of frame rust, worried about safety. Reviewed by toyota dealership service manager and toyota rep that happened to be at dealership. Was told that rust was not normal and pictures were taken, told that it was documented but not to expect further action.
Upon inspecting the underside of my 2005 tacoma, I discovered holes in both sides of the inner frame behind the front wheels that had rusted right through the frame. The rust continues to spread and the holes are getting larger.
2005 tacoma failed inspection due to a hole in the frame from rust. Vehicle inspected by the dealer from which it was purchased. Had purchased vehicle just less than one year earlier, second owner. No accidents and well cared for. Ironically enough, we bought this tacoma to replace the 1998 tacoma we lost due to a frame rust problem in the toyota buyback program. Dealer did fix at no cost under used car warranty. Reported issue to the toyota used car salesman who sold us the truck and he stated he was not aware of any frame rust issues on 2005 tacomas. After a cursory investigation I find this hard to believe. Apparently toyota has not thoroughly addressed frame rust issues that plagued earlier models. A complaint will be filed with toyota customer relations. Very concerned about recurring rust problem in future which would likely leave us with a worthless vehicle based on toyota's unwillingness to acknowledge on-going frame rust problems. Hopefully the local toyota dealer will step up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the front frame was corroded. The contact also mentioned that there was a hole in the metal frame where it began to separate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who stated that the front portion of the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 98,000. ..updated 12-30-13 *bf the consumer stated the rear frame was beginning to corrode. Updated 1/22/2014
Last month I looked underneath my truck and discovered significant frame rust. The most significant areas are between steel frame components that are riveted together. Rust has formed between these plates and is pushing them apart. There is up to 3/8" deformation between plates. The plates were originally in contact with each other. The plates are still in contact with each other at rivet points. The conditions of the concealed portions of the rivets are unknown. The rust is located primarily under the truck bed, but there is some under the passenger cab. An internet search indicates this is not an isolated incident. The vehicle has not been mistreated and has followed all manufacturer recommended maintenance. I am also aware of the 2001-2004 tacoma frame recall. I will be contacting toyota in the near future with the hope they will properly address this situation.
Vehicle will not pass inspection due to a hole in the frame.
I have complained to toyota now for the past few years about excessive rust on the frame of my 2005 tacoma. I had even reported it on here before due to the amount of rust. My truck was at the toyota dealership and the service manager wanted to show me 2 holes in my frame as a result of rust. One hole was about the size of a golf ball and the other about the size of a marble. I have done some more research and near all of the other complaints about rust on the second generation tacomas are in the same location. The holes are on both the passenger and driver side right next to the cat. Converts. Apparently toyota has replaced some of the second generation frames but it is on a case by case basis. Ironically that have changed the frame slightly on the 2009-2013 and have including a plastic shield of sorts in the location of my holes. It seems to me they realize there is a serious problem but will not own up to it like they have in the past with the 98-2004 models. Toyota needs to address this problem as their are many others that are in the same situation as I am in right now. The truck looks great on the outside but now is a death trap due to the frame.
There was no incident, but there is extensive rust on the frame of my truck. Pieces of rust regularly fall off while I'm parked in the driveway. I feel the amount of rust is excessive for the age of the car and is probably a danger.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the frame was perforated due to rust. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 184,000. Updated 12/20/13
Back in july of 2012 I purchased this truck from moritz chevrolet used cars in ft. Worth, texas. I was unaware of the frame rusting at the time. Rust on a frame is not usually an issue to even have to consider while buying a vehicle that new in texas. I moved to western pennsylvania in june and on my trip up I noticed the truck was vibrating/shimming. I took my truck in for service to barrel toyota in cranberry, pa to check it out. The service technician noticed it then and took some pictures of the rusted areas. I made my first call to toyota at this time. Not more than a month later I had to have a barring replaced at guys service station, knob hill, pa. While up on the lift I was actually able to see the rust damage for myself.I did call moritz chevrolet and spoke to the sales rep., [xxx], she advised me to trade the truck in. When I called toyota global I was told that, although they had recalled tacomas up to 2004, there was nothing they could do for me. All that they could do was assign me a case number. I returned to barrel toyota to see if they could offer any help or maybe a trade in for another vehicle. They refused. I was told by the service manager there that this is a common problem with toyota trucks and while he could do nothing for me, he could recommend someone to weld it. He also informed me at this time that I may not be able to get my truck inspected after a winter here in pennsylvania. Now I'm not the smartest person but even I know that the frames of vehicles are designed to collapse a certain way in the event of an accident and if you weld it, it would compromise the integrity of the design. After my fruitless return trip back to barrel toyota I sent an letter to toyota. Still no response to this day ! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
While getting my vehicle worked on a tech stated that there was a significant amount of rust on my frame. The toyota rep came to look at it and said it wasn't too bad but that I might want to sell the car in a year or two rather than deal with the rust. An 8 year old vehicle should not have a frame that rusted.
Originally noticed heavy rust stains in driveway and crawled under the truck to inspect. Heavy rust was observed over more than 3/4 of the trucks frame. Large, chunky pieces of rust were easily separating from the fame. Front crossmember showing heavy signs of deep rust. Contacted the toyota corp. And informed them of the problem and they saying there is currently no recall or program in place for the 2005+ tacomas dealing with rusty frame issues. I also have many unnatural noises coming from the engine bay that sound if parts are not connected properly or are making contact with other parts. I wanted to file a claim to hopefully promote further attention to this model tacoma. In the past years other tacomas have had similar problems and were eventually addressed. Is toyota waiting for someone to die before they acknowledge a serious problem with the vehicles.
While driving the steering became very difficult to turn to the left or the right direction. This is caused by a faulty design of the steering shaft universal joints. The frame is also rusting very badly and I am concerned about the integrity of the vehicle.
Took vehicle in for inspection, notified that the frame has excessive corrosion (rust) on the entire frame with signs of metal separation. A crack was also noted on the passenger side where the front and back parts of the c-frame are welded together. When the surface rust was ground away, the crack was 5" long and the bottom of the c-frame had two large perforations. With this condition, the vehicle will not pass the inspection. The dealer contacted regional rep and owner contacted toyota customer service - both advised no assistance and the frames were of a different production lot then the prior recall (2nd gen vs 1st gen). Also cited age and mileage being a factor. Other than the frame, the vehicle is in very good condition. 2005 tacoma with 131000 miles should still be a passable vehicle.
After having my truck inspected, I was informed by my mechanic that the frame of my truck was rusting and in the future it will not pass inspection. To me this is ridiculous since I only have 36000 miles on my vehicle.toyota recalled the tacoma trucks between 2000 and 2004. Evidently some 2005 tacoma's should also be included in this recall. I have read online of other numerous people having the same problem. We should not have to pay to have a dealership check out the problem and then pay for fixing this problem if at all possible. Toyota has just made a non buyer of me of their vehicles in the future.
The frame is rotting through on the drivers side inside frame rail. The pressed c channel frame is also rotting and separating. I take very good care of my truck. People are constantly telling me. How good it looks for the year. It is ridiculous and toyota motor company is not doing anything. The dealer has contacted corporate and they do not intend to do anything about the 2005 and up tacoma frame rusting/rot problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being inspected, it was found that the frame was perforated due to rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a slight crash. The contact was not injured and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was deemed as destroyed because the frame was completely rusted and the contact was advised that although the vehicle could be repaired, it would not pass a state inspection. The contact spoke with the manufacturer but no assistance was provided. The failure and current mileages were 54,000.
I have a hole on the inside of box frame next to the cat. Converter on driver side. This was discovered back in january of 2013, and was immediately reported to the toyota rep over the dealership. I've inquired about the situation 3 times since then and have just gotten the answer that its under investigation. This hole which I can almost stick my fist through looks to be located in the crumble zone, and is in a high stressed part of the frame. I know toyota has recalled first generation trucks for frame rot, but why haven't they recalled any of the second generation trucks for the same issues. You can search the web and find that I'm not alone when it comes to frame rot on the second generation tacoma trucks. Toyota needs to buck up and fix these issues before someone gets severely injured or killed due to the defective frames. People spend the extra money on toyota vehicles for quality durability and longevity. I work for a toyota production plant and I can't imagine that they are avoiding such a dangerous issue that needs to be resolved asap. I hope that the national highway transportation looks into this and forces a recall before lives are lost!
Went to get vehicle inspection,dealer said frame has rotted to a unsafe degree and will not inspect. I cant use my $30,000 truck for work because of a known toyota frame rusting issue.
As I was leaving work I slowly drove over a speed bump. The rear end of my truck began to bounce like a boat in choppy water. I got out and looked to see if I had a low tire. All four tires were fine so I kept looking. Upon closer inspection to the left rear wheel well, I noticed that the shock rod had broken off at the theaded end and shot straight through the bed of my truck. I immediately took the truck to glenn toyota for inspection. Initially they took great interest until after they learned that toyota manufacturing would not cover the catastrophic failure. Now the truck rides like a boat in choppy water and even the slightest bump in the road causes an exaggerated response in the suspension making it dangerous to drive. There is no previous history of damage to the vehicle nor has it been mistreated.
The toyota dealership where I purchased my new 2005 tacoma 7 yrs ago, informed me my truck will not pass state inspection due to holes rusted through the frame. The largest of the holes was located under the driver's side on the inside of the main box frame component. There are similar holes along other box style frame parts. These rust holes originated from the inside of the box frame and not from where any rust preventative could be applied by the owner. Any post production application of undercoating or underbody oil by the owner to the interior of these boxed areas is not possible since they are inaccessible. The dealership informed me that there was nothing they can do without toyota headquarters approval. I called the toyota customer relations line at 1‑800‑331‑4331 and after a long conversation with the representative I was told that my truck model was not covered by either a vehicle warranty or a remedial action by toyota. Researching this issue on the internet reveals that toyota tacoma models have had frame rusting problems consistently since the mid 90's. My options from toyota, all at my own expense, are to: 1. Find a frame shop that can patch these holes but most likely the patch will only last a year. 2. Have the frame replaced which the dealership roughly estimated it to be close to $12,000. 3. Junk the truck and get a new vehicle. I bought this truck expecting to get at least 300-400k miles. The truck looks new, the body has no rust, it has no mechanical problems and runs great. I have religiously followed the recommended service schedule.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while parked, he notice a corroded hole in the frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
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