Page 6 of 8 · complaints 251–300 of 396

2001 Toyota Tacoma complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2001 record →

Steering
Filed Oct 31, 201051,001 milesTX

TRUCK 'WANDERS' AND WON'T TRACK STRAIGHT WITHOUT CONTINUOUS CORRECTION WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN HITTING BUMPS OR ON 'RAIN GROOVES' OR OTHER UNEVEN SURFACES. DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN LANE DISCIPLINE AND ESPECIALLY SCARY IN CONSTRUCTION ZONES WITH NARROW LANES AND CONCRETE DIVIDERS NEARBY. HAD FRONT END ALIGNED (NO HELP), NEW TIRES PUT ON (NO HELP), NEW SHOCKS INSTALLED (NO HELP), TIRES BALANCED (NICER RIDE, BUT STILL 'WANDERED'), FRONT END ALIGNED AGAIN (MINOR IMPROVEMENT) AND FINALLY SOME NEW TIRES (AGAIN...NO HELP.) THERE IS 'PLAY' IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THERE IS A RECALL AND A TSB FROM TOYOTA FOR THIS YEAR AND MODEL TRUCK FOR 'WORN LOWER BALL JOINTS'. BUT WHEN INQUIRING WITH TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, I WAS TOLD BOTH TIMES THAT "MY" TRUCK WAS NOT AFFECTED. IT SURE FEELS AFFECTED!

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 30, 2010IL

THE 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCK I OWNED WAS RECALLED FOR RUSTING FRAME. AT THE TIME I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE THE FRAME ON MY TRUCK WAS ALMOST 90% RUSTED. ON MAY 7, 2010 I TOOK IT TO FOX LAKE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAID RECALL AND APPLICATION FOR A CORROSION PREVENTATIVE COMPOUND WAS PERFORMED BY THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. ON EARLY OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR I NOTICE THAT LARGE AMOUNT OF THE APPLIED COMPOUND ARE PEELING. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP ON OCTOBER 20 FOR INSPECTION RELATED TO THE PEELING ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED BACK OCTOBER 22 INFORMING ME THAT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING SINCE ALMOST ALL OF THE COMPOUND ARE NOW GONE. THE SERVICE PERSONNEL CLAIM THAT UPON SPEAKING TO TOYOTA, IT WAS NOTED THAT THEY ARE RESEARCHING IT. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE BACK. I HAVE THE VEHICLE WITH ME NOW BUT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE NOT KNOWING IF THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGHOUT. I INQUIRED TO THE SERVICE PERSONNEL IF THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE BUT DID NOT GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER. WITH WINTER APPROACHING THE VEHICLE WILL BE AGAIN SUBJECTED TO THE CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT. TO DATE I HAVE NOT RECEIVE A CALL BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP OR TOYOTA AS TO WHAT ACTION THEY NEED TO PERFORM. NO CLAIM NUMBER WAS ALSO PROVIDED BY THE DEALERSHIP FOR ME TO USE IN CASE I CALL TOYOTA DIRECTLY. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 16, 2010114,000 milesRI

I OWN A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLECAB THAT I PURCHASED USED IN 2008. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA STATING THAT I SHOULD MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE FRAME CHECKED OUT FOR CORROSION AND RUST. I DID AND IT FAILED INSPECTION. IT WAS PERFORATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRAME AND HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. TOYOTA OFFERED TO REPLACE THE FRAME RATHER THAN BUY THE TRUCK BACK. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE. THE REAR BUMPER IS ROTTED THROUGH, THE FRAME , AND BY DOING RESEARCH I'VE FOUND SEVERAL RECALLS THAT I WAS UNAWARE OF. THEY WANT TO BREAK DOWN THE TRUCK TO THE FRAME AND REPLACE AND REBUILD IT WITH THE SAME OLD PARTS IN A DEALERSHIP, NOT A MANUFACTURING PLANT. I WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT BUY BACK 2001 TACOMAS AND REFUSES TO NEGOTIATE TO GET THIS VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT REBUILT WHEN I BOUGHT IT AND THINK THAT IT IS VERY UNFAIR THAT I ONLY HAVE ONE OPTION. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE AND I WILL NO LONGER DRIVE IT EVEN IF THEY REPLACE THE FRAME. THE CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE AN OPTION TO HAVE THE VEHICLE BOUGHT BACK FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH AT LEAST. *TR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Aug 12, 201090,000 milesCA

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA REPLACED REAR AXLE BEARING TWICE ALREADY TRUCK HAS LESS 90000 MILES. IN BOTH INCIDENTS IT HAS RUINED THE INTERNAL PARTS OF THE AXLES CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CARRIER CASE. I BOUGHT A 3 RD TRD AXLE AT A WRECKING YARD TO FIND THE SAME PROBLEM IN THAT AXLE. I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT. THE REAR AXLE COULD OF LOCKED UP ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR DEATH RELATED TO AXLE FAILURE. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Aug 2, 2010PA

WHILE DRIVING ON RT 24 NORTH OF NASHVILLE, THE HOOD ON OUR 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA FLEW COMPLETELY OPEN. THE RESULT WAS A SMASHED FRONT WINDSHIELD, A DENTED CAB ROOF AND A SEVERELY BENT HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE PULLED OVER WITHOUT ANYONE BEING HURT OR KILLED. WE REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD AND TIED DOWN THE HOOD. *TR

Parking Brake
Filed Jul 8, 2010150,000 milesVT

EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILURE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA HAS SEIZED FOR A SECOND TIME. WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SEIZED IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO OPERATE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE DESIGN OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ALLOWS THE SYSTEM TO SEIZE DUE TO CORROSION AT THE LOCATION WHERE THE ACTUATING LEVER MEETS THE MOUNTING BLOCK. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY HAD THIS REPAIRED BY THE TOYOTA DEALER AT A COST OF $350 (2 MOUNTING BLOCKS@ $90.00 EACH AND 1 HOUR LABOR PER SIDE TO REMOVE AND REPLACE MOUNTING BLOCKS AND ACTUATING LEVER(S). THE PROTECTIVE RUBBER BOOT WHICH SHOULD PROTECT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE LEVER AND MOUNTING BLOCK IS LOCATED APPROX 1/8" FROM THE JOINT, WHICH PROVIDES NO MEANINGFUL PROTECTION FROM WATER AND SALT I.E. CORROSION. ONCE A SMALL AMOUNT OF CORROSION OCCURS THE JOINT SEIZES AND RENDERS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UNUSABLE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 29, 2010201,500 milesVT

THE FRAME MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA WAS BUILT ON IS ROTTING AND HAS A WHOLE IN IT. TOYOTA WANTS TO REPLACE THE FRAME, BUT THE COST EXCEEDS THE VALUE OF TRUCK. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS LEGAL. THE FIRST CUSTOMER SERVICE REP I SPOKE TO SAID "SHE WOULD NOT FEEL SAFE IN A TRUCK IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES". *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 28, 2010365,000 milesIL

JUST PAID TOP DOLLAR FOR A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA ONLY TO FIND ON THE INSIDE OF THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY AND IS VERY UNSAFE WITH ANY WEIGHT LOADED IN IT. HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF PREMATURE FRAME FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY MATERIALS DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET. NEW FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH NEW FASTENERS. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 4, 2010136,000 milesWV

MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA HAS A PERFORATED FRAME. I WAS ISSUED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA EXPLAINING THE OPTIONS. ONE OPTION WAS TO REPLACE MY FRAME. THE OTHER OPTION WAS FOR TOYOTA TO BUY BACK MY VEHICLE AT 1.5 % OF EXCELLENT KELLY BLUE BOOK. I WAS NOT GIVEN THE BUY BACK OPTION AND THEY ARE TRYING TO FORCE THE FRAME REPLACEMENT ON ME. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THE REMEDY THEY HAVE SELECTED FOR ME. THIS VEHICLE MAY NEVER BE THE SAME AFTER THE FRAME IS REPLACED. THIS IS NOT ANY EASY FIX . TO MANY PARTS ARE INVOLVED AND I WAS INFORMED IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 2 MONTHS TO COMPLETE THESE REPAIRS. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed May 25, 201060,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 6 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE CONTACT HAD HER FOOT DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE UNATTENDED ACCELERATION AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO HER HOME. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS AND A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 07/19/10. *LJ UPDATED 07/23/10*JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 14, 201024,000 milesNY

TOYOTA REFUSED TO FIX DANGEROUS RUST DEFECT ON 2001 TACOMA, WHICH CAUSED A REAR DIFFERENTIAL GEAR OIL LEAK. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 5, 2010112,000 milesWI

MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA HAS DEALER VERIFIED FRAME RUST PERFORATION. WHEN THE FIRST LETTER FROM TOYOTA CAME TO MY DOOR IN EARLY 2009 I WENT DIRECTLY TO MY LOCAL DEALER WHO DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND STATED TO ME THAT THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME WITH MORE INFORMATION AS IT BECAME AVAILABLE TO THEM. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT WISCONSIN WAS ASKING TOYOTA TO PROVIDE MORE DATA ON THE PROPOSE SOLUTIONS TO THIS ISSUE AND HAD NOT APPROVED TOYOTA TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT ME WHEN I COULD GET MY TRUCK INSPECTED. MANY MORE MONTHS PASSED AND FINALLY I HAD ENOUGH AND CALLED TOYOTA DIRECT. I WAS ASSIGNED A CASE MANAGER AND SHE SAID SHE WOULD HELP ME GET MY TRUCK INSPECTED. THIS FINALLY HAPPENED ON APRIL 27, 2010. NOW THEY TELL MY ONLY OPTION IS A REPLACEMENT FRAME, WHICH TO ME IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THEN LUCKY 2001 OWNERS WHO WERE ABLE TO GET QUICK INSPECTIONS WERE OFFERED THE BUY BACK OPTION. IN VARIOUS FORUMS THE ONES WITH THE REPLACEMENT FRAMES ARE SEEING ISSUES WITH LEAKING GAS TANKS, AND UP CHARGES FOR INCIDENTAL ITEMS. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 22, 2010102,000 milesNJ

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA-PASS NJ STATE INSPECTION. A FRIEND LOOKED AND SAID YOUR FRAME IS RUSTED. TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA SATURDAY 4/17/10 AND THEY SAID THE TRUCK WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THEY WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE FRAME. I SAID I NEEDED A TRUCK FOR A RENTAL THEY SAID BY MONDAY OR TUESDAY THEY SHOULD HAVE ONE. IT IS THURSDAY 4/22/10 AND CAN NOT GET IN TOUCH WITH ANYONE... I NEED A TRUCK THAT IS HOW I PUT FOOD ON MY TABLE.. CALLED CORPORATE AND THEY ARE GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND TOO... MY OTHER CONCERN IS AFTER THEY REMOVE EVERYTHING AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER OTHER THINGS ARE GOING TO BREAK. ALSO, THE RESALE VALUE OF MY TRUCK HAS DECREASED... *TR

Suspension
Filed Apr 12, 2010186,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN A LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BROKE AND THE ENTIRE WHEEL DETACHED CAUSING DAMAGES TO THE AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT). THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE OWNER EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Mar 10, 2010126,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE FRAME, WHICH SHE HAD OBSERVED WAS SLIGHTLY RUSTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS THOROUGHLY RUSTED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW HER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE LOT. THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS REPLACED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT FOR FRAME RUST PERFORATION ON MODEL TRUCKS IN SEVERE COLD CLIMATE AREAS WITH HIGH ROAD SALT USE (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER : 10027968: SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER : TCS-08-018). AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST, THE VEHICLE WAS USING MORE GAS THAN BEFORE AND SHE COULD LITERALLY WATCH THE FUEL GAUGE MOVING CLOSER TO EMPTY AS SHE PROCEEDED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IDLE PROPERLY AND WAS EXHIBITING A "BUCKING" GESTURE AS IF IT WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, A PERSONAL MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE 02 SENSOR WAS HANGING FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXHIBIT THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THE SENSOR WAS IN THE SAME PLACE AS WHEN SHE FIRST BROUGHT THE VEHICLE. NO FURTHER REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 126,000. UPDATED 4/30/10 *CN THE O2 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 07/15/10.*JB

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Mar 2, 201034,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15-30 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING THE RPM'S TO REDLINE. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF IN ORDER TO STOP IT FROM ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT HAD THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE REPLACED AT 29,060 MILES. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 34000. UPDATED 4/7/2010 *CN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. ALSO, THE FRAME HAD SEVERE RUST. UPDATED 08/24/10*JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 25, 2010178,567 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT FRAME WOULD EVENTUALLY FALL OFF. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND REPORT 2008061402 WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INSPECTOR WHO FOUND NO CORROSION OR HOLES ON THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER TOLD HIM BECAUSE A FAILURE WAS NOT LOCATED THEY WILL INSPECT THE FRAME FOR HIM ON A YEARLY BASIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,567 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 209,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 8, 201048,750 milesFL

OUR DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR TOYOTA PICK-UP WHEN SHE SMELLED A GAS ODER. SHE IMMEDIATLY PULLED OVER AND CALLED HER MOTHER. HER MOTHER INSISTED THAT SHE COME HOME IMMEDIATLY. FORTUNATELY SHE WAS NOT FAR FROM HOME. UPON HER ARRIVAL AT HOME DAD WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM. OUR NEIGHBOR CAME OVER AND ASSISTED IN HELPING PIN POINT THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS NOT JUST A DRIP BUT A HUGE PUDDLE OF GAS UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK. WE DISCOVERED A RUPTURED FUEL HOSE COMING FROM THE GAS TANK. IT APPEARS THAT THE PLASTIC TAB HOLDING THE HOSE IN PLACE CHAFFED A HOLE IN IT. I IMMEDIATLY CAME INSIDE AND DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND ALSO CALLED SOME LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS. WHAT I DISCOVERED WAS THAT TOYOTA DID HAVE A RECALL ON A HOSE ON THIS VEHICLE BUT IT WAS ANOTHER HOSE IN ANOTHER LOCATION. AT THAT POINT I ORDERED A TOYOTA REPLACEMENT GAS HOSE FROM OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP. AFTER WAITING A WEEK FOR A HOSE TO BE SHIPPED, I PICKED UP THE PART AND INSTALLED IT MYSELF EASILY. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED AND AND NO OTHER PROBLEM SINCE. I AM A TRUE TOYOTA FAN AND PRESENTLY OWN TWO. TOYOTAS HAS BEEN IN OUR FAMILY FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS. I TYPICALLY DO NOT COMPLAIN BUT, DUE TO ALL OF THE PUBLICITY OF TOYOTA'S SAFETY PROBLEMS I FEEL IT NECESSARY TO REPORT THIS. YES, IT WAS AN INCONVENIENCE, BUT MY REAL CONCERN IS THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE. GAS WAS SQUIRTING WITHIN AN INCH OF A HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AND COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN A FIRE OR AN EXPLOSION. THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Hydraulic › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Nov 25, 2009159,000 milesOK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE EMERGENCY/PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED CORROSION ON THE FRAME AND THE BRAKE LINKAGE. HE THEN ADDED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NON-REPAIRABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 159000.

Structure
Filed Nov 11, 2009121,790 milesNY

RUSTY LEAKY DIFF PROBLEM THE OIL LEAKS CONSTANTLY. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL AND NOTHING THEY WILL DO ABOUT IT AT THIS TIME. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 19, 200970,000 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. SHE NOTICED CORROSION ON THE FRAME OF HER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED HER TO CONTACT BOTH NHTSA AND THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO A SAFETY CONCERN. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT YET RETURNED HER CALL. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 70,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 9, 2009109,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE HAS CORROSION AND THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE FRAME ON THE DRIVER SIDE NEAR THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE MAIN FRAME WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 109,000.

Structure
Filed Sep 2, 2009MA

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA FRAME STRUCTURE IS FALLING APART BEFORE ITS TIME. EVEN IF THEY INSTALL A NEW FRAME IT WILL COST TO MUCH MONEY TO REPLACE PARTS TO OTHER COMPONENTS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRUCK WOULD LOOSE ITS VALUE IF THE FRAME HAS TO BE REPLACED. WHY ARE WE LETTING TOYOTA GET AWAY WITH THIS? *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 10, 200975,000 milesSD

PERFORATED FRAME. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 30, 2009134,000 milesME

THE FRAME ON MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA IS RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES. TOYOTA HAS OFFERED TO REPLACE THE FRAME FOR FREE, BUT IS OFFERING OWNERS OF 1995 - 2000 TACOMAS TO BUY THEIR TRUCKS FROM THEM FOR 1.5 X THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK VALUE, AT THE "EXCELLENT CONDITION" RATE REGARDLESS OF THE VEHICLE'S CONDITION. SO THE OWNERS OF THE OLDER TRUCKS REAP A CASH BENEFIT OF OVER 50% OF THE TRUCK'S VALUE, WHILE WE OWNERS OF 01-04 TACOMAS END UP DRIVING REBUILT VEHICLES. A TOYOTA REP TOLD ME THAT THEY'RE BUYING THE OLDER ONES BACK BECAUSE THEY CAN NO LONGER GET REPLACEMENT FRAMES FOR THEM. IF THAT'S THE CASE, IN A COUPLE OF YEARS, OWNERS OF TRUCKS LIKE MINE WILL BE GETTING THE 150% BUYBACK AND THE REST OF US WILL BE DRIVING OUR ORIGINAL (REBUILT) TRUCKS WITH THE REPLACEMENT FRAMES. MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER INSPECTED MY FRAME YESTERDAY, TOLD ME IT FAILED, AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. THE VEHICLE CAN'T BE SAFE - IT WON'T PASS THE STATE INSPECTION WITH HOLES IN THE FRAME. I DRIVE ABOUT 12,000 MILES A YEAR. THE TRUCK HAS 134,000 MILES ON IT. UNLESS THEY'RE BUILDING THE REPLACEMENT FRAMES DIFFERENTLY, IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THE NEW FRAME WILL ROT OUT BEFORE THE TRUCK WEARS OUT OTHERWISE. FOR A COMPANY WHOSE REPUTATION IS BUILT ON RELIABILITY, YOU'D THINK THEY'D WANT TO TREAT ALL THE OWNERS OF THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES THE SAME. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 17, 2009TX

I AM FILING A COMPLAINT ON A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH A RUSTY PERFORATED FRAME. WE HAVE DOCUMENTS AND PICTURES OF TWO HOLES AND FLAKING ON OUR FRAME. MANY MECHANICS HAVE TOLD US THAT OUR FRAME WAS UNSAFE, BUT WHEN BROUGHT TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS WE ARE TOLD THAT IT PASSES THEIR 2001-2004 RUST PERFORATION PROGRAM AND THEY SENT US AWAY. WE ARE LEFT WITH AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND WE KNOW THAT IT CONTAINS PERFORATION IN THE FRAME. WE HAVE REQUESTED TO SEE THE TOYOTA REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR SOUTH TEXAS, BUT WE ARE GETTING THE RUN AROUND. WE REQUESTED TO SEE THE REP A MONTH AGO AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING SINCE. WE DO HAVE A CASE MANAGER AND # BUT OUR CASE KEEPS GETTING CLOSED AND OUR CASE MANAGER DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE ANY AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT PICTURES OF THE PERFORATION OR TO CONTACT THE REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE. WE WOULD APPRECIATE A FACE TO FACE TALK WITH A TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE WHO COULD EXPLAIN WHY OUR HALF DOLLAR SIZED PERFORATION DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR FURTHER INSPECTION BY TOYOTA. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 29, 200950,933 milesMA

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA RUSTED FRAME. CALLED THE SERVICES DEPT WHERE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK AND THEY SAID THAT THERE'S NO RECALL OR ANYTHING TO EVALUATE THE PROBLEM. THAT MY YR DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RUSTED FRAME ISSUE. MY INSPECTION STATION SAID THAT IT'S SO RUSTED THAT HE SHOULDN'T PASS ME. THAT HE WOULD FOR THIS YR BUT FORGET FOR NEXT YR. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 27, 2009106,000 milesNH

RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE LETTER FOR MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA (LETTER STATED VEHICLES COVERED WERE 2001-2004). THE REASON WAS TO INSPECT FRAME FOR RUST PERFORATION. UPON INSPECTION THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE THE PERFORATION. THEIR OFFER OPTION WOULD BE TO HAVE THE FRAME REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT WOULD COME WITH A WARRANTY OF THE FRAME FOR AN ADDITIONAL 15 YEARS(...ON THE NEW ONE.....FRAME ONLY...) BUT NO OTHER WARRANTY OF THE AFFECTED COMPONENTS REMOVED, HANDLED, OR REPLACED DURING THE FRAME REPLACEMENT WOULD BE WARRANTIED. I HAVE OPENED A CASE WITH TOYOTA STATING THAT I WOULD BE BETTER SERVED WITH THE OPTIONAL BUYOUT, MENTIONED IN THE RECALL LETTER, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT THEIR OPTION. IT IS UNDER REVIEW. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 16, 2009134,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE WHEEL TO DETACH AND THE AXLE TO FAIL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE BALL JOINT FAILURE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED, THE INSURANCE COMPANY NOTIFIED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V225000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. HE BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED HIS VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 134,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Apr 15, 200968,350 milesKY

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH DIAGNOSED RUST PERFORATION TO FRAME. TOYOTA INSTITUTED A BUYBACK PROGRAM FOR 1995 THROUGH 2000 FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT WILL NOT HONOR THIS COMMITMENT TO VEHICLES POST THIS WINDOW THAT EXPERIENCE THIS SAME SAFETY ISSUE. TOYOTA WILL ONLY REPLACE FRAMES AS COUNTERMEASURE TO THIS ISSUE AND WILL NOT WARRANT THIS TEARDOWN/REASSY PROCESS THAT WILL BE PERFORMED AT DEALERSHIPS (NOT RETURN TO FACTORY FOR REWORK) WHICH WILL LEAVE THE CONSUMER OPEN TO ADDITIONAL VEHICLE (SAFETY) CONCERNS AND NO COMMITMENT FROM TOYOTA THAT THIS PROCESS WILL NOT AFFECT RESALE VALUE AS WELL. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE AND UNSAFE STANCE. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE AND ASSIGNED CASE NUMBER 0904119004 AND AWAITING FEEDBACK. *TR

Suspension
Filed Apr 8, 2009MA

2001-2004 TOYOTA TACOMA FRAME RUST PERFORATION THAT IS NOW AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THESE TRUCKS. TOYOTA WANTS TO REPAIR FRAMES INSTEAD OF BUYING BACK TRUCKS LIKE THEY DID WITH THE 1995-2000 MODELS. ITS AN UNSAFE REPAIR AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE TRUCK WITH A PERFORATED FRAME. SEEMS LIKE A "QUIET" RECALL. *TR

Tires
Filed Apr 2, 200934,600 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING ON TX US59 NB RIGHTHAND LANE AND VEHICLE SPEED APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE FAILED. I MANAGED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STOP ON THE SHOULDER. WHAT I FOUND WAS A VERY HOT TIRE WHICH HAD REMAINED INFLATED BUT HAD LOST APPROX. 75% OF THE TIRE TREAD CIRCUMFERENCE DOWN TO THE STEEL BELT. APPROX. 25% OF TREAD REMAINED WITH THE TIRE OF WHICH APPROX.10% REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE STEEL BELT. THE SITUATION DESCRIBED ALLOWED THE TIRE TO BECOME A ROTATING METAL EATING MACHINE, DOING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WHEEL WELL, TRUCK BED, SUSPENSION AND EXHAUST (3 INCH STAINLESS STEEL PIPE BENT TO 90 DEGREES). AFTER WAITING FOR THE TIRE TO COOL, I DEFLATED AND REMOVED THE TIRE. I WAS THEN ABLE TO BEND AND MOVE SOME DAMAGED SHEET METAL AWAY FROM THE WHEEL WELL TO ALLOW CLEARANCE FOR MY FULL SIZE SPARE, WHICH I INSTALLED AND DROVE APPROX. 5 MILES HOME, WITHOUT FURTHER DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. *TR

Tires
Filed Apr 2, 200934,600 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING ON TX US-59 NB RIGHTHAND LANE GOING APPROX. 65 MPH, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE FAILED. I MANAGED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STOP ON THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER. WHAT I FOUND WAS A VERY HOT TIRE WHICH HAD REMAINED INFLATED, BUT HAD LOST APPROX. 75% OF THE TREAD CIRCUMFERENCE DOWN TO THE STEEL BELT. APPROX. 25% OF THE TREAD REMAINED WITH THE TIRE, OF WHICH APPROX. 10% REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE STEEL BELT. THE SITUATION DESCRIBED ALLOWED THE TIRE TO BECOME A ROTATING METAL EATING MACHINE, CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WHEEL WELL, TRUCK BED, SUSPENSION AND EXHAUST SYSTEM (3 INCH STAINLESS STEEL PIPE BEND TO 90 DEGREES). INSURANCE ESTIMATES ARE APPROX. $2400.00. AFTER WAITING FOR THE TIRE TO COOL, I DEFLATED AND REMOVED THE TIRE. I WAS THEN ABLE TO BEND AND MOVE DAMAGED SHEET METAL AWAY FROM THE WHEEL WELL AREA TO ALLOW CLEARANCE FOR MY FULL SIZE SPARE, WHICH I INSTALLED AND DROVE APPROX. 5 MILES HOME WITHOUT CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Mar 31, 200970,000 milesWI

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA FRAME RUST PERFORATION. TOYOTA SHOULD BE FORCED INTO A RECALL ON THE TACOMA TRUCK FRAMES. MINE IS PERFORATED TO THE POINT WHERE THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE, ONLY 70,000 MILES. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Mar 28, 2009152,000 milesMA

I OWN A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP TRUCK THAT HAS EXCESSIVE FRAME ROT. RECENTLY THE FRAME BROKE WHERE THE REAR BUMPER MOUNTS TO THE FRAME. THERE IS ROT LOCATED ALL OVER THE FRAME. THIS VEHICLE FALLS INTO THE SCOPE OF TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY RUSTED FRAME PROBLEM. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 20, 200983,400 milesNH

I HAD MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA CHECKED AND THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT, THE DEALER DEEMED IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE, I CONTACTED TOYOTA THAT SAME NIGHT AND THEY SAID TO TAKE IT HOME IF YOU DON;T HAVE A RIDE. DEALER SAID ALL THEY CAN DO IS A FRAME REPLACEMENT AND I SAID THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, WHY ISN'T TOYOTA TREATING THIS THE SAME WAY AS IT DID THE 1995-2000 MODELS??.. I KNOW THAT THE TRUCK WILL NEVER BE THE SAME ONCE THE MECHANICS ARE DONE,, THIS IS LIKE GOING BACK INTO PRODUCTION , AND I KNOW THEY'RE NOT TRAINED FOR THAT.. TOYOTA DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TYPE OF WARRANTY I WOULD HAVE AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE,, THEY SAID THAT THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM WAS DECIDED ON 02/06/09 , MY TRUCK WAS EVALUATED ON 02/18/09 A MATTER OF 12 DAYS,, I NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF NOTICE ON THIS. MY MECHANIC SAY THE PROBLEM WHEN I WENT FOR MY 3000 MILE OIL CHANGE WHICH I'VE DONE SINCE I'VE OWNED THIS TRUCK ,,IT ONLY HAS 84000 MILES ON IT AND IS IN PRISTINE CONDITION.. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 17, 2009160,000 milesMI

I HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA THAT HAS FRAME RUST THROUGH, AND HAVE RECEIVED NO HELP FROM TOYOTA ABOUT A FAIR BUY BACK AS THEY DO WITH THE 95-2000 TRUCKS. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY TOYOTA SERVICE, THE SERVICE PERSON SAID IT FAILED BUT THE FACTORY DISTRICT GUY SAYS IT ISN'T BAD ENOUGH. I NOW HAVE A TRUCK WITH A RUSTED FRAME THAT I CAN'T SELL AND THEY WON'T BUY BACK. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 23, 2009180,000 milesNJ

TOYOTA TACOMA 2001 PERFORATED FRAME TOYOTA REFUSES TO PUBLICLY DECLARE THESE CARS ARE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MY FRAME IS PERFORATED AND DEEMED BY THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THEY ADMITTED THIS IS A "KNOWN" PROBLEM AND I NOW MUST ACCEPT COMPLETE LIABILITY IF I TAKE THE CAR OFF THE LOT. MY CASE MANAGER KEVIN INSISTED THAT "TOYOTA HAS PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED A WARRANTY EXTENSION ON DECEMBER 8TH, BUT IT IS PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO NOTIFY ALL THE OWNERS." YET HE COULD NOT MAKE ANY REFERENCE TO WHERE I COULD FIND THIS PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT. TOYOTA INSISTS THAT THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECALL, YET HIS EXPLANATION FOR A RECALL WAS A FAULTY COMPONENT THAT CAUSES A SAFETY ISSUES THAT WILL BE REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT THE CASE MANAGER STATED TOYOTA IS PREPARING TO DO. HOW CAN TOYOTA BE AWARE OF SUCH A SAFETY HAZARD AND NOT INFORM THE OWNERS. HAD I NOT PERFORMED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, I WOULD STILL BE COMMUTING 130 MILES A DAY AT 65 MILES AND PLACE OTHERS AT RISK. MY DEALER STATED THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE 2001 TACOMAS IN OUR SMALL TOWN THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN FOUND TO BE UNSAFE OTHER THAN NHTSA, WHAT AUTHORITY EXISTS IN THE UNITED STATES THAT HAS THE ABILITY TO PUBLICLY ANNOUNCE THIS SAFETY ISSUES AND FORCE TOYOTA TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES. *TR

Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 20, 2009129,435 milesCT

MY SON WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. IT IS A TOTAL LOSS. IT ROLLED OVER AND HIS PASSENGER WAS INJURED. HE HAS TOLD ME THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED AND THE PASSENGER SEAT BROKE. MY QUESTION IS THERE ANY WAY SOME ONE COULD CHECK THIS OUT FOR US? I DO HAVE PICTURES OF THE BROKEN SEAT. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 17, 200940,000 milesOH

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH FAILING FRAME DUE TO RUST ISSUES. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT TOYOTA IS NOW OFFERING TO REPLACE FAILING FRAMES ON 2001 AND NEWER MODELS AS OPPOSED TO THEIR BUYBACK OF 95-200 MODELS. UNACCEPTABLE DUE TO THE OBVIOUS DECREASED RETAIL VALUE CAUSED BY THIS MAJOR ISSUE, NOT TO MENTION THAT MANY CERTIFIED MECHANICS STATE THAT THE FRAME REPLACEMENT IS A TERRIBLE IDEA DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL, ALIGNMENT, AND STRUCTURAL ISSUES THAT ARE COMMON WHEN THIS IS DONE. NEVER A GOOD IDEA AND TOYOTA KNOWS IT. I AM IN LIMBO, WANTED TO TRADE IN MY TRUCK, BUT AM NOT BEING OFFERED THE SAME PLAN THAT 95-2000 OWNERS WERE. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 14, 2009130,000 milesWV

I HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA AND HAD IT INSPECTED BY TOYOTA REP. AND IT FAILED THE ROT TEST AT FIRST THEY OFFERED ME 100% BUYBACK BUT I REFUSED BECAUSE OLDER TRUCKS 95-2000 WERE GETTING 150% BUYBACK AND THAT ABSOLUTELY DID NOT SEEM FAIR WITH ME HAVING A NEWER TRUCK SO I REFUSED. AND THEY ARE ONLY OFFERING FRAME REPLACEMENT TO THE 2001-2005 WHICH SCARES ME TO DEATH JUST THINKING ABOUT IT!!! SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS FRAME ISSUE BEFORE SOME INNOCENT PERSON IS KILLED!!! *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 13, 200997,782 milesNY

ON 12/23/08 WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS IN FOR NORMAL SERVICE I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT MY FRAME WAS ROTTING AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS TOLD TO CALL TOYOTA CORP AND A CASE WAS ASSIGNED (200812230213). ON 12/24 A CASE MGR CALLED ME AND SAID THAT MY ENTIRE FRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THEY WOULD BE EXTENDING MY WARRANTY. HE STATED THAT THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND UNSAFE SO I WAS TO BE PROVIDED A LOANER FROM MY DEALER - BUT NOT A LIKE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD I WOULD GET A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROGRAM TOYOTA WAS INTRODUCING. THE PROGRAM AS TOLD IS DIFFERENT THAN THE ONE TOYOTA HAS FOR PRE-2001 TACOMAS. I WAS TOLD THAT PROGRAM WAS DIFFERENT AND NOT AVAILABLE BECAUSE PARTS (FRAME) ARE AVAILABLE. I SPOKE AGAIN WITH THE CASE MGR ON 1/6/09 AND WAS TOLD THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE, HE COULD NOT PROVIDE ME THE LETTER DETAILING THE PROGRAM, AND I HAD TO WAIT. MY VEHICLE IS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE BY TOYOTA AND THEY HAVE IT AT THE LOCAL DEALER YET THEY HAVE NOT PROVIDED ME DOCUMENTED DETAILS ON THE ISSUE OR THE PROGRAM TO REMEDY IT. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE AS PRE-2001 TACOMA'S HAVE YET TOYOTA IS NOT OFFERING THE SAME PROGRAM. THEY HAVE NOW HAD MY TRUCK FOR 3 WEEKS AND WHEN I SPOKE WITH THE DEALER TODAY THEY THEMSELVES HAVE NOT GOTTEN OFFICIAL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA, HAVE NO IDEA OF PARTS AVAILABILITY, HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD WHAT PART NUMBERS TO ORDER, AND DO NOT KNOW WHEN THEY MAY GET INFO. 3 WEEKS WITHOUT MY VEHICLE, IN A NON-LIKE REPLACEMENT, AND WITH NO DOCUMENTED IN

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 7, 2009161,000 milesPA

I HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA EXTD. CAB AND THE FRAME HAS HOLES ROTTED IN IT. OBVIOUSLY MY '01 DOESN'T QUALIFY FOR THE '95-'00 BUYBACK PROGRAM. TOYOTA SAYS THEY WILL REPLACE THE FRAME BUT I DON'T LIKE THIS OPTION. I PERSONALLY KNOW THE TRUCK WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AND THE RESALE VALUE IS GOING TO DROP SIGNIFICANTLY. I WANT TO BE OFFERED THE SAME BUYBACK OPTION AS THE OLDER TACOMAS. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 6, 2009125,000 milesME

TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL ON 95-2000 TACOMA PICKUP TRUCKS DUE TO FRAME ROT. I HAVE A 2001 TACOMA AND WAS CONCERNED THAT I MIGHT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED MY TRUCK AT 3 SEPARATE TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS TO "DOUBLE CHECK AND MAKE SURE" MY TRUCK WAS OKAY AND WAS ASSURED ALL THREE TIMES, BY THREE DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS, THAT NO SUCH ISSUE PERTAINED TO MY VEHICLE AND THAT MY TRUCK WAS FINE. LAST FRIDAY (1-2-09) I WAS UNABLE TO PASS THE STATE INSPECTION BECAUSE OF FRAME ROT. THE DEALERSHIP CONFISCATED MY TRUCK BUT DID PROVIDE A RENTAL VEHICLE AND I AM NOW WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM TOYOTA ABOUT THE RESOLUTION FOR MY TRUCK. THE 95-2000 OWNERS WERE OFFERED A VERY FAIR BUY-BACK PROGRAM. THE 2000-2004 OWNERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM ARE IN A "GRAY AREA" RIGHT NOW. THE SERVICE PEOPLE AT THE DEALERSHIP SAY THAT TOYOTA WILL BE REPLACING THE FRAMES OF THESE TRUCKS RATHER THAN "BUYING THEM BACK." ALTHOUGH THAT SOUNDS FAIR AT FIRST, WHEN NUMEROUS ASE CERTIFIED MECHANICS (MANY TOYOTA TACOMA OWNERS THEMSELVES) ARE COMING OUT SAYING THAT THE FRAME REPLACEMENT IS A HORRIBLE IDEA, I HAVE A CONCERN. THEY CITE ONGOING PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR AS IS THE CASE WITH A MAJOR FRAME SWAP, MENTIONING ELECTRICAL ISSUES, MISALIGNMENT, UNEVEN WEAR, RATTLES AND SQUEAKS, ETC. THE TRUCK WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN. I PURCHASED A TOYOTA FOR THEIR RELIABILITY, DEPENDABILITY AND HIGH RESALE VALUE. THE KBB VALUE FOR MY TRUCK HAS PLUMMETED IN JUST THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS, AND EVEN

Structure
Filed Jan 4, 200989,000 milesNY

IN 2007 I NOTICED THE FRAME ON MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB LIMITED FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WAS RUSTING BADLY. I NOTIFIED THE GAULT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I BUY ALL MY VEHICLES ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY STATED THEY WOULD MONITOR THE RUSTING ISSUE. ON 01/02/2008 I HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY ADVISED MY THE FRAME OF MY TRUCK WAS RUSTED THROUGH. THEY ARE NOW TELLING ME THAT THERE WAS A BUY BACK PROGRAM FOR THE RUSTED FRAMED VEHICLES FROM 1990'S TO THE YEAR 2000. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND HAD FOUND A NUMBER OF TRUCKS LIKE MINE YEAR 2001 AND NEWER ARE ALSO RUSHING OUT. I WAS TOLD BY GAULT TOYOTA THE TOYOTA CO. IS LOOKING AT EACH INDIVIDUAL CASE AND THEY ARE MORE LIKELY ARE GOING TO REPLACE THE FRAME AND IT PROBABLY WOULD NOT BE BOUGHT BACK LIKE THE OLDER MODELS WERE. I FEEL THIS FRAME SWAP COULD CAUSE ME MORE PROBLEMS AND MORE MONEY LOSS. I DO NOT FEEL IT IS FAIR THAT TOYOTA IS NOT GIVING THE OWNERS OF THE NEWER VEHICLES THE OPTION TO HAVE THE VEHICLES BOUGHT BACK. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 9, 200820,000 milesNY

HI I HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA IN MINT CONDITION THAT HAS FRAME ROT I TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF MY TRUCK NOW TOYOTA SAID ITS NOT SAFE AND I HAVE TO TAKE IT OFF THE ROAD . I NOW HAVE TO BUY A NEW CAR I CANT AFFORD I ONLY GOT 7 YEARS OUT OF MY TRUCK I COULD HAVE EASILY GOTTEN 15 I FEEL THIS IS WRONG AND TOYOTA SHOULD REPLACE MY TRUCK. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 24, 2008191,000 milesNJ

MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA HAS FAILED A FRAME ROT INSPECTION BY TOYOTA THAT HAS BEEN OCCURRING IN TACOMAS SINCE 1995. A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON 1995 THROUGH 2000 TACOMAS HAS BEEN ISSUED AND TOYOTA IS BUYING BACK THE PICKUP AT 1 AND 1/2 TIMES THE SUGGESTED BLUE BOOK ON THE PICKUPS. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON 2001 AT THIS TIME. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 1995 THROUGH 2000 WHY SHOULD THEY NOT BE MADE TO RECALL THE 2001 TACOMA FOR AN OBVIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE ALOT OF RESEARCH AND FOUND MANY OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS WITH A 2001 TACOMA WITH THE SAME SAFETY PROBLEM HOW CAN TOYOTA ALLOW PEOPLE TO DRIVE A PRODUCT WITH SUCH A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE FRAME CAN SNAP AND THE CAB BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. TOYOTA SHOULD BE MADE TO RECALL ALL THE TRUCKS WITH THIS PROBLEM AS IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I AM IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF DEALING WITH TOYOTA ON THIS PROBLEM AND STILL HAVE NO ANSWER. I HAVE HAD TO RENT A CAR WHILE I WAIT FOR TOYOTA TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH MY TRUCK WHICH THE DEALER SAID IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IF TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM HOW COME THEY ARE NOT MADE TO DEAL WITH THE 2001 OWNERS THE SAME AS THE 1995 THROUGH 2000 OWNERS I THINK THIS IS UNFAIR FOR A COMPANY NOT TO STAND BEHIND A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SAFETY PROBLEM AS SOMEONE WILL BE HURT IN AN ACCIDENT IF TOYOTA DOES NOT OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 20, 200844,862 milesVT

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA NOT COVERED IN 1995-2000 FRAME RUST "SOFT RECALL" OF MARCH, 2008. ON NOVEMBER 7, 2008 VEHICLE FAILED VT STATE SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO PERVASIVE PENETRATING FRAME RUST. ALTHOUGH TOYOTA KNEW OF THE DEFECTIVE FRAMES PRIOR TO THE MARCH CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION, TOYOTA CHOSE NOT TO ALERT ME (OWNER OF A 2001 MODEL) OF THIS CONDITION. ON NOVEMBER 14, 2008 AND NOVEMBER 19, 2008, TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND CORPORATE STAFF VERIFIED THE RUSTED FRAME AND NOTED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. ALTHOUGH THIS FAILURE DIDN'T RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH, I AM CONCERNED OTHER 2001 OWNERS MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING TO ALERT 2001 OWNERS OF THIS SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. WE'RE FINDING OUT ONE AT A TIME AS OUR VEHICLES FAIL SAFETY INSPECTIONS. BASED UPON MY OBSERVATIONS OF THE FRAME, I BELIEVE THE DEFECT IS NOT SIMPLY THE ABSENCE OF A CORROSION INHIBITING COATING, BUT RATHER INAPPROPRIATE METALLURGY - I.E. THE FRAME ITSELF COULD NOT POSSIBLY HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTED FROM THE CORRECT QUALITY OF STEEL FOR THIS TYPE OF SERVICE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 12, 200869,455 milesME

THE FRAME ON MY TOYOTA TACOMA HAS EXTENSIVE RUST. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED VEHICLES WITH RUSTED FRAMES FOR THE YEARS 1995 TO 2000. THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO NEWER VEHICLES AND THE DANGER IS STILL THE SAME. RUST KEEPS GETTING WORSE AND SOON IT WILL BE A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 6, 2008118,000 milesMA

I OWN A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. RECENTLY I BECAME AWARE THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY 2001 WAS NOT COVERED BY THEIR CONSUMER PROTECTION PROGRAM THAT BOUGHT BACK 1995-2000 TACOMAS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, AT 150% OF THE KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE. THEY HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY WILL MAKE ME AN OFFER PROBABLY AT 100% OF THE KBB VALUE. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN IN COLLEGE AND 529 PLANS ROCKED BY THE ECONOMY AND NO EXTRA MONEY TO SPARE. I WAS COUNTING ON THE 'BULLET PROOF' RELIABILITY CLAIMS OF TOYOTA AND TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MORE YEARS. I HAVE ENJOYED AND APPRECIATED THE VEHICLE UNTIL NOW AND CANNOT REPLACE THE TRUCK AT THE CURRENT KBB VALUE. I THINK THIS ISSUE HAS IMPACTED THE RESALE VALUE OF THESE VEHICLES. MORE IMPORTANTLY HOWEVER IS THAT IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT TOYOTA HAD NOTIFIED THE VEHICLE OWNERS OF THE 1995-2000 TACOMAS COVERED BY THEIR PROGRAM, OF THE POSSIBLE FRAME PROBLEMS. THEY HAVE NOT NOTIFIED ANY OF THE OWNERS OF THE NEWER VEHICLES THAT HAVE, OR MAY HAVE THE PROBLEM. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE FRAMES COULD BRAKE IN SOME INSTANCES WHICH COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND INJURY. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2001 Toyota Tacoma → · Every Tacoma year → · How the figures are calculated →