Brought vehicle in for service and frame is completely rusted through in critical areas where suspension and body mounts are supposed to be mounted. The car is not road worthy and unsafe to drive. I came to understand that there was a recall for these truck frame, however my frame was never replaced. My frame was never treated for rust. This truck has always been maintained and serviced at a Toyota dealership. Now I'm told their is nothing they can do.
2004 Toyota Tundra suspension complaints
Page 2 of 6: complaints 11 to 40 of 152, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I had the dealer take my truck in for the frame recall. I asked for them to replace the frame because I was not comfortable with how they were handling it. Per the service record they filled in perforations and “undercoated. I did not believe that filling in existing perforations was the safest way to handle this. After brining the truck to a shop to check the steering we were told that they wouldn’t even put it up on a lift. The steering issue was that the rack and pinion steering was literally falling out due to the rusted frame. We drove this vehicle home and parked it. About a week later the spare tire fell out right onto our driveway. Needless to say, I am certain there are many more Toyota trucks out there ready to fall apart on the road. We contacted Toyota corporate several times to try to rectify this mishandling of our recall. We called and sent certified letters. We asked to share the cost of a new frame and they said no. We then had the truck towed to a shop who could do the work. They ordered a frame from Toyota only to be contacted 2 months later saying that the frame was discontinued and they wouldn’t be sending it after all (we were willing to pay fir the frame and install because we had a useless and UNSAFE vehicle. We finally found a shop over an hour away who could rebuild/fabricate the frame and replace the fallen out steering etc. we had that truck towed about 60 miles away to have this work completed. This mishandling of the recall by Toyota and their lack of customer care cost me a whopping $17,000! Again, unsafe Tundras out there for sure. Please advise…this is the 2nd time I’ve filled out this form and never heard anything. Thank you in advance. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tundra. The contact stated that upon taking his vehicle to heritage toyota (1620 shelburne rd, south burlington, vt 05403) for the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v741000 (air bags) repair, the service technician informed him that severe corrosion had formed on the top of the vehicle's undercarriage. The contact was shown the corrosion damage and noticed that holes and missing parts were under the subframe. The contact stated that in 2014, a special coating was placed on the undercarriage to prevent corrosion however, the coating failed to prevent the rust condition. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Original owners of a 2004 tundra double cab 4wd, purchased new. Within 3 years, the wheels began to corrode. Report wheel corrosion to toyota, they reply nothing they can do. In 2007, with 25k miles, truck was recalled and had ball jt replaced. At 60k miles, parking brake mechanism was frozen (corroded) at the rear wheels. At approximately 90k miles, front suspension left side vertical link fractured. Replaced link on both sides, and right side had deteriorated and failure was imminent. Wheel backing plates on all 4 wheels began corroding. Rear bumper and support brackets began to corrode at 90k miles. November of 2014, vehicle is recalled for inspection of frame. Toyota determines it did not need replacing, and spray some type of coating on the frame. In october of 2019, at 140k miles, one of the two fuel tank straps fails due to corrosion, fuel tank suspended by one strap until discovered. July of 2020, discover rear axle differential cover leaking due to severe corrosion of the axle metal. Attempt to trade in vehicle at toyota in oct of 2020, and they provide a value less than book value due to corrosion, and state they are taking a risk as the vehicle may not pass inspection. Call toyota customer service to ask for assistance or discount to purchase a new truck, as we had no intention of selling the truck we have cared for for 16 yrs, with only 150k miles, and now with a bad axle must buy another truck asap in 2020. The truck was not a daily driver, was not driven for a work commute. It is an extra vehicle, our "new" dependable vehicle for family trips, vacations, college, etc.., and the condition and care is obvious in the photos. I would not expect toyota to buy back the vehicle, but some assistance could be provided to the owners forced to purchase another truck prematurely. Our truck never trailered or launched a boat. Rarely driven in snow.
Started hearing clunking noise in truck. Made appointment with ase certified mechanic and he asked us to come back to the shop. The structure of the frame that holds the rack and pinion steering and anti-sway bar mount was gone. Both of the tops of the frame of the cross member that goes under the engine was missing. The frame rail under the cab is separating. He advised that this condition was a massive safety issue and that I should contact toyota and advise them. I called a dealership in zanesville and they advised they could not help because it was not a recall and toyota gave me a case number and transferred me to someone else who told me they could not help me. He also got a second opinion from another individual who also said that this is a safety issue that should be addressed by the manufacturer. I have more photos and I now know I can not drive a truck that I spent $24,000 on june of 2019. I am glad I did not wreck my vehicle and hurt my family or anyone else because of this issue. Please help me repair my truck. When we purchased the vehicle the factory undercoating was still in tact and this was not visible underneath.
Our tundra had a frame recall and it was the dealers decision on whether or not to replace dram or just cover up with undercoating. We disagreed with the decision to undercoat as the deal was showing signs of extensive rust. Now, our frame is extremely dangerous to the point of falling away from the body. Just about all parts under the truck have now suffered as well. We have never had the truck launch a boat, gone off road, or any other dangerous activities. Basically a train station and dump run vehicle. I am terribly disappointed with toyota and their poor handling of the situation. Basically they told me that I would be responsible for the super expensive frame replacement; too bad. Engine, body, and interior are in great shape. I need help as I 1) cannot afford to pay for their mistake and 2) can't afford to replace this truck and it is vital for us. Just found out today that the frame is disintegrating quickly when we brought car to shop for a steering issue which we now find out was caused by excessive rust. Thank you
The frame of the vehicle is severely rusted with large holes present. This vehicle is unsafe to drive as it puts myself and others in grave danger. Toyota has to fix this problem or deaths are a potential.
Severe frame rot. Rust has eaten a hole through the frame. Has been deemed unsafe to drive. Has failed a frame check by atleast one toyota dealership.
My vehicle has major frame damage. There are large holes near the front crossmembers on both sides. I was told by toyota that the frame had been sprayed several years earlier. However, the frame has continued to rust severely and the coating has completely flaked off. The representative I spoke to stated that was the only resolution, and that nothing can be done. My case is not the only one. Even the dealer located near me states that this is a well known issue. Several years received new or repaired frames for the same issue. How can it be, that the same generation vehicle one year later is not eligible? My child rode countless times in that vehicle. What if something had happened?
All my front suspension components failed. I noticed that the frame had rusted through near the front wheel passenger side and has buckled and shifted as a result. My upper and lower ball joints and cv axle were damaged while my truck was in motion turning into the safeway gas station chester md. February 9 of this year when the suspension failed to support the truck. The passenger side ball joint and cv axle were damaged. Tie rods and sway bar stabilizers were all worn and broken as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tundra. While the contact was inspecting the rear suspension of the vehicle, he noticed that the subframe, suspension support, and spare tire enclosure were extremely corroded. The contact also stated that the spare tire had separated from the vehicle. The contact was unaware as to when the spare tire detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected in 2015 at mccarthy toyota of sedalia (3110 w broadway blvd, sedalia, mo 65301, (660) 826-5400) per a manufacturer communications regarding frame rust. At that time, the vehicle did not have excessive corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The dealer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Purchased vehicle from private party. Previous owner informed us of frame recall preformed on vehicle 3/2014 stating toyota sprayed frame with rust inhibitor, he complained that he wasn't satisfied with the results. Frame is now unsafe. Reinspected by toyota 8/2019, frame is unsafe but the recall has ended. Vehicle has 133,000 miles and is useless. Toyota put a bandaid on the issue and called it fixed.
Excessive rust on sub-frame of vehicle; frontal sub-frame completely rusted out on vehicle with no apparent body rust; garaged throughout its history; and with less than 100k miles; rear frame rusted
Frame rusted through and dangerous to operate
Rear end failure due to rust problem known to toyota. They replaced frame with no consideration for safety of passengers. Drive train locked up while driving down highway. Found bell housing on rear end rusted through allowing fluid to run out! Dangerous. Toyota should take responsibility for bad product! Welded bell housing, cannot repair. Please help!!!! Almost caused wreck! Cars swerved to avoid colision.
My front ( passenger ) right wheel assembly rusted away from frame.
My frame has rusted to the point it broke,I believe it falls under the 1st generation frame as the 2003 models.I went for an inspection and it failed due to frame
Frame rusted, crack and holes are larger than 7/16 inch through right front inside behind motor mount. Vehicle is stationary, parked after toyota employee verbally stated unsafe for road trip but could be used around town. 11/11/17 sparks toyota frame recall, corrosion resistant compound applied by bristol toyota on 11/2014, after bringing it in for recall of frame replacement. Contacted toyota corporate 9/20/2017 and they stated they could do nothing for me, contact the federal safety agency for safety issues.
I got a recall notice on my vehicle a few months back about airbags so I looked it up on this site and it says I have no recalls on my vehicle the airbag light has been on since I've got the truck but I thought it was a electrical issue but now after receiving the recall notice and reading the recall it really has me worried for the safety of me my wife and my children I would really like some information on the airbag recall and the suspension recall my vehicle has a lot of the same issues as the recall points out
Frame of the truck is completely rusted. The upper arm bolts are not able to be connected to the frame as the frame is completely rusted. The rest of the frame is being evaluated at this time. Called toyota and they say that the this truck is not part of the re-call, but they will not do anything until the national highway transportation tells them they have to do extend the recall into other years of the tundras. As of right now it only includes the 2007-2008 trucks.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tundra. The contact took the vehicle to creek side auto mechanic shop for inspection where the technician found severe corrosion. Toyota of grand rapids was contacted and referred the contact to toyota USA. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 08/29/17*lj
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tundra. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle dropped to the left twice. During the second drop, the contact noticed that metal to metal was rubbing on the lower ball joint. The contact coasted to the side of the road and noticed that the lower control arm was resting on the wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ball joint separated and damaged the front suspension and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v013000 (suspension). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tundra. While driving 65 MPH, the steering became difficult to operate. The contact stated that the front driver side suspension fractured, which caused the wheel to buckle under the wheel well. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lower ball joint loosened, which caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v013000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Driving at low speed on city street. Front left wheel collapsed due to broken ball joint. All wheels had been replaced a couple of days prior by tire dealer. Vehicle had a recall in 2005 for ball joints which was completed at 75k miles on march, 2007. Current mileage is 299,525 miles on that replacement. I do not think many owners keep vehicle for that number of miles. However vehicle is in good condition and potential seems to exist for bearing failure. I do not think that wheel replacement was the cause though something may have loosened during wheel installation. I did not file a police report or insurance claim. No other vehicle was involved. Original recall number: 05v225000, may 17, 2005.
Front suspension stabilizer bar rusted off of frame, resulting in large, structurally compromising hole in the welding location on the frame. When turning into my driveway I heard the stabilizer bar detach from the frame. The driveway is modestly sloped which caused my left wheel suspension to flex as it would in any ordinary driving conditions. Upon inspection of the frame, I noticed that the detachment resulted in a small hole. Upon cleaning up the effected area, however, I noticed a massive hole in the frame. Little did I realize that I had been driving on a completely unsafe vehicle this whole time. Toyota has a recall in place for these exact same components for 2000 -2003 toyota tundras. Why isn't there a recall in place for these? They are the same parts. The first two photos are before wire brushing the area. The last two are from after brushing them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tundra. The contact stated that there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. It was taken to a dealer for a front end alignment and the mechanic indicated that the sway bar fractured from the frame. In addition, the mechanic stated that there was extensive rust on the sway bar and frame. The dealer indicated that the sway bar and the frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and indicated that there was no recall to address the repair. The failure mileage was not available.
Noticed last week the frame of my truck was rotting on my driveway! Upon further inspection I discover large holes completely through my box frame. After cleaning out almost 5lbs of rotted frame I can no longer put my family and friends in this vehicle. That would make me irresponsible and negligent like the manufacturer! I purchased this vehicle in jan 2015 when it only appeared to be a surface rust issue. Recieved notice of the limited service campaign the month after it was over so toyota refused to even inspect it. Now this year I have holes you can put your hand through and toyota still refuses the frame is bad. In the limited service campaign toyota says "the condition is unrelated to and separate from normal surface rust". How could this be s voluntary limited service campaign and not a mandatory safety recall?? Sounds like a loophole created by design!
I took my 2004 toyota tundra to a local service center because I thought it needed shock absorbers. Once on the lift we found the entire rear section was completely rusted out with several major parts just hanging from the frame. Toyota claims they sent recalls in 2015 however I did not get them. I did receive a very recent recall for an air bag and front coil springs, within a week the truck was taken in for the recall. At no time was I informed of the dangerous issue of the rear suspension. I called toyota to discuss the matter and was told they would not do anything to correct the problems. I am very lucky I did not have an accident because the rear components could have failed at any time while I was driving. Toyota will not accept any responsibility and they were quite rude when we spoke. Please inform me of any recourse I may have, the cost to repair my truck is in excess of $4,000. I am retired with a limited income and depend on my truck to pickup farm supplies at my home. I live in md and rely on the truck when it snows or the roads are icy. Toyota clearly has a past of not taking responsibility, they knew or should have known the quality of the metal materials were inferior. They waited 11 years before they recalled some of their trucks. I do not wish to be rude however, I firmly believe toyota has no regard for the quality of their product or the problems associated with their poor engineering. It is my hope you can help me with this matter or direct me to someone if can help me. Thank you for your consideration. [xxx] telephone [xxx]. If you will provide your address I will sent photos. Sorry I do not know how to upload them to you. The date the truck was taken to the service center is 5/6/16, it is still there as it cannot be driven. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Frame recall- my 2004 tundra was recalled for the frame rusting out. Toyota deemed that a new frame was not needed and did the crc treatment which is absolute junk and only causes the frame to rust even worse. I want a new frame installed by toyata and any other rusty part- all should be replaced free of charge
Frame rot and rust. The gas tank fell out from under the truck while driving down the road (city street), the brackets holding the tank completely rusted in two. This happen after the frame protect spray was applied to the truck by the dealer 2 years ago. The frame is a mess, I'm worried about driving this truck because of it but I also can't trade it in because no one wants it. I'm happy to send pictures if needed.
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