Toyota Extends Warranty On Tundra Frames
Jason Lancaster | May 06, 2010 | Comments 465
According to a letter sent out to Toyota dealers, Toyota has extended the warranty on 2000-2003 Tundra frames, which allows dealers to replace rusted frames on 2000-20003 Toyota Tundras at no charge to the consumer. This is excellent news for any Toyota Tundra owners dealing with frame rust issues as well as a strong symbol of Toyota’s commitment to quality and customer service. While this move didn’t happen as quickly as we would have liked, we strongly applaud this action.
Here are the specifics of the free frame replacement program:
- All 2000-2003 Tundras are eligible for frame replacement, regardless of their geographic location.
- The frame will only be replaced if perforation due to rust can be found, and only if that perforation is larger than 10mm in diameter. For reference, a marble is about 10mm across.
- Frames with perforation will be replaced free of charge, and a rental vehicle will be provided while the frame is being replaced.
- There is no mileage limitation, but the vehicle must be in otherwise good condition to qualify for a free frame replacement. Trucks with severe body damage, non-functional powertrains, and salvage vehicles are not eligible for this program.
- This program is available until April, 2012.
This Program Is In Addition To Last Year’s Frame Rust Recall
In response to a NHTSA investigation, Toyota announced a recall to replace rusting rear cross-members on 2000-2003 Tundra frames in November of 2009. NHTSA’s investigation found that 00′-03′ Tundra spare tires – which are mounted to the rear cross-member – were falling off due to frame rust. This investigation forced Toyota to recall all 00-03′ Tundras in 20 cold weather states to check the rear cross-member for rust.
Unfortunately, many of the recalled trucks had severely rusted frame components that were NOT covered under recall. Toyota said that recalled trucks with more extensive rust would be evaluated on a “case-by-case” basis which – according to many Tundra owners – was problematic. Months long delays and inconsistent offers (some owners were offered buy-backs, some were offered new frames, and some where told nothing would happen) created a lot of anger and confusion.
The recall notice sent out last year covered the frame sections in red. This month's new service campaign covers all the frame sections in green.
The new program is intended to answer the frame rust issue once and for all. If your 2000-2003 Tundra has a frame that has been damaged by rust (NOTE: Surface rust is NOT damage – we’re talking about perforation here), you get a new frame. The letter indicates that most frames will be replaced in less than 30 days, with frame ordering times of 1-2 weeks and the actual repair taking 4 or 5 days. Tundras with accessories may have trouble with this warranty is those accessories are frame-mounted.
If you own a 2000-2003 Tundra, we suggest you bring it to your local Toyota dealership for a free inspection ASAP.
Is Toyota Changing For The Better?
When stories of Tundra frame rust first began to appear in the news in April of 2009, Toyota’s response was cryptic. While Toyota seemed to indicate Tundras had this issue, they did not seem overly concerned about resolving the problem quickly. When we published Tundra frame rust photos in August of 2009, the issue seemed to be gaining momentum with our readers and on other Tundra websites. NHTSA began investigating Tundra frame rust complaints in October, 2009, and in just a few weeks NHTSA found evidence of a problem. Toyota, in an effort to keep this issue and quiet, announced a “voluntary” frame rust recall just before the Thanksgiving holiday last year (November 09′).
Unfortunately, as was outlined above, the “voluntary” recall didn’t do enough to solve the problem. Finally, 6 months after the frame rust recall, Toyota launched the limited service campaign we’re discussing today.
While the apparent lack of urgency in resolving this issue is disappointing, Toyota’s decision to replace these rusted frames indicates their commitment to Tundra buyers. What’s more, Toyota will begin notifying 2000-2003 Tundra owners of this program this month. The notification letter states:
Toyota has received isolated reports regarding certain 2000 through 2003 model year Tundra vehicles exhibiting excessive rust corrosion to the frame causing perforation of the metal. Toyota has investigated these reports and determined that the vehicle frames in some number of vehicles may not have adequate corrosion-resistant protection. This combined with prolonged exposure to road salts and other environmental factors may contribute to the development of excessive rust corrosion in the frames of some vehicles. This is unrelated to and seperate from normal surface rust which is commonly found on metallic surfaces after some years of usage and/or exposure to the environment.
Although the vehicle’s frame is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about your overall experience and confidence in your vehicle. To assure you that we stand behind our product, we are providing an enhancement to the warranty coverage on your vehicle’s frame for this specific condition for a limited time (repairs must be completed by April 30, 2012).
The letter seems to indicate a change in Toyota’s posture on this issue – perhaps it’s a result of pressure from NHTSA, but we’d like to think that Toyota’s new PR team has helped Toyota execs recognize the negative impact rusting frames has on sales of new Tundras. By stepping up and replacing frames, Toyota has fixed a mistake. Considering the cost of this free frame replacement – in excess of $10,000 per vehicle – Toyota has put their money where their mouth is.
While we’re sure there are Tundra owners who will not be satisfied by Toyota’s frame replacement offer, it would seem that this issue is finally resolved. New Toyota Tundra sales might see a boost as well.
Comments?
Search terms people used to find this page:
- https://tundraheadquarters com/toyota-launches-00-03-tundra-frame-replacement-program/
- https://tundraheadquarters com/toyota-launches-00-03-tundra-frame-replacement-program/#:~:text=Here are the specifics of larger than 10mm in diameter
Filed Under: Tundra News
Cue trolls.
MINE IS T THE DEALER SHIP SINCE 03/10 WAS TOLD NEW FRAME ON THE WAY.
2000 TUNDRA EXT CAB
Sounds great for the folks that have been fighting this issue. I suppose it helped the cause with all of the media attention and the govt investigation. Hope the same results take place for the pump issue.
mine is at my dealership now. driving a new tahoe as a rental. seems to be a big expence when they could just buy it back for alot less!
but I bet chevy or ford would never consider this on a 130K mile vehicle….
That’s because it would never happen with a Ford or Chevy!
I love these comments. Your absolutely right Chris, Ford and Chevy would never attempt to replace the frame of their truck. Why would you want to when there is nothing wrong with it? That’s somthing I don’t think I would brag about. Getting a new spine (frame) at 130k, that’s on with”things I don’t want to deal with” list when buying a truck.
nothing wrong with Ford frames ? Your kidding right ? Theres more rust on a Ford than on the titanic at the bottom of the ocean , rusted shackles that break , manifolds that last for 3 years , spark plugs blowing out of aluminum heads and I could go on . At least Toyota stands behind there product.
your right, my silverado has 284,000 miles and has had no major problems. jap cars and “trucks” suck
Skip,
What are you doing with your life? You own a Silverado, and you are signed up on a toyota site for people who are working together to solve an issue with their trucks?
Get a life. BTW. the bad frames were made in the USA.
Yeah, but based on foreign design though!
Made with US steel. It was a metal and coating item not design issue.
I don’t see many Chevy trucks from 2000-2003 still on the road. Toyota destroys GM on quality. GM had to conspire with LaHood to get the acceleration recalls which are based on a hoax…
OK, I was told on Tuesday by the dealership. Parts are on order. Does anyone have any info on exactly how they do this? Or any experience of issues after it is done, I think some have been done at owner’s expense? I’ve got 100 + on mine and just concerns of what is in store down the road.
Thanks!!
Can’t wait in another 6-8 years from now when our 2007-2010 tundra’s frames have holes in them? Who is to say someone would not punch a couple holes with a punch/hammer into the frame where it is rusted pretty bad and say hey, Toyota, replace my frame at your 10K expense? I could see it happening very easily if the 200-2003 tundras’ frames are rusted out pretty bad.
Jeremy – I welcome them. Toyota might have screwed up with this problem in the first place, but now that they’re going to replace frames for free, what can they say? 🙂
Greg McDaniel – My guess is that Toyota arranged for a steady supply of frames before announcing this program. Your wait is probably going to end very soon…but you might want to make sure your dealer is aware of this program. Evidently, some of the part numbers have been combined into a “kit” that your parts manager might not know about.
Rich – I hear that. I think there’s a chance Toyota will do something on the air pumps, but my guess is that they don’t do a lot. Frankly, if they just figured out how to discount the stupid air pumps and/or replace them with a lower-cost alternative, that would go a long ways. A software update that removed the hard fault would work too.
Chris – That’s true – buy-backs would be cheaper. Unfortunately, when you start handing out checks, everyone’s truck has rust. This is the cheapest way to go when you factor in fraud.
greg – So true. We know that Ford would never replace an engine either, despite design problems with ejecting spark plugs. Show me an instance where Ford, GM, or Dodge stepped up with thousands of dollars in repairs on a design mistake at ANY POINT in the history of those companies. The repair has to be at least 3 years outside of warranty, and it has to cost more than the value of the vehicle. Toyota might have made a mistake when they rust-proofed their frames, but they’re good enough to own up to it. I don’t know that we could say the same of any other company (and neither do you).
RC – It’s as complicated as it sounds. Fortunately, Toyota isn’t trying to force dealers to rush the work. They’re offering 40 hours of labor, and they’re opening up the work to body shops with experience in this sort of thing.
mk – I’m sure it will. Of course, if the steel frame brakes because of a hole punch, it was probably weakened already, right! 🙂
Oh, no….I wasn’t bemoaning them. It was more of a skeet shot type call.
“Cue Trolls”
shiSHICK CLICK
“PULL”
BAM!
“Cue next troll”
And people say I am violent. I don’t see it.
Jeremy – Got it – cue em’ up!
I’m sorry, but Toyota isn’t replacing frames out of the kindness of their heart. Their hand was forced and are now doing this to try and shed good light on themselves. Toyota knew (as we all did) there was more wrong with these frames than just the rear cross members when they announced the recall back in 11/09.
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Now I wouldn’t want a truck that has been torn down to its bones and built back up. The truck is never the same from that point on. Anyone who has this completed, make sure you get a warranty for all work, such as body panel alignment, bed to cab alignment, motor mounts, etc. These items will never be as good as before when it came from the factory.
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Jason: Why replace the entire engine with a stuck or launching plug? A simple head replacement cures the problem (roughly $1K-$2K) and is not nearly as dangerous as a rotting frame.
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Oh, so Toyota not owning up to the pedal/floormat problem initially until the NHTSA forced their hand is considered owning up? Clearly this new service campaign is a PR ploy to try and show customers good faith after letting them down. Otherwise they would have announced this service campaign back in 11/09 along with the recall. Not trying to be a troll, but I’m not buying the “Toyota is doing this because they care” philosophy. They are doing it for good PR and to keep the NHTSA off their back.
And to Dave, who posted in the closed thread on 5/5 that his truck is being worked on and would hopefully have back 5/6 or 5/7. Don’t bet on it, and don’t accept it if it is. A complete tear down and rebuild you do not want to rush one bit. Give them time, roughly 1.5 weeks minimum. They aren’t the factory assembly line. Otherwise I’m sure you’ll be back for warranty work because panels aren’t aligned properly or some other items weren’t throroughly completed or inspected prior to your pickup.
Jeremy, ready, pull! Ford is not the only vehicle that has had spark plugs blown out of the head. Toyota and others are known for it also. Why does everyone always reference that. It is caused by improper maintence when they replace the plugs, like taking them out of a hot head. Rust is nothing new to Toyota. Remeber the late 80’s and 90’s pickups. So Toyota is good enough to live up to their mistakes. Then why are they being fined and had to stand infront of Congress? Could this be a knee jerk because of recent issues. Maybe trying to save face? Oh Yhea I bet the NHTSA had nothing to do with them replacing them. So what’s the bet the second Gen will have this issue? I didn’t know something so simple as a rust inhibitor was so hard to apply. If Toyota is that great what’s going on with the $4000 air injector problem, isn’t it because of corrosion? How about the spare tires on the Sennia, cables are breaking due to rust. Chrome bumpers, lug nuts corroding on new Tundra’s. See a trend yet?
I really don’t care why they’re doing it…they’re doing it! That’s the point. You just can’t please some people that love to b*tch and moan.
Yep, I agree. Toyota owners are never happy. Spending more on the repair than the vehicle is worth, is this spose to be a good thing? So since the domestics have not done this before everyone thinks it a bad thing. No means they have never had issues like this. So is the title gonna be a S title for savages since it has a new frame?
mine is getting done as of next week, for thouse of you that still have to ask, ask for the limited service campaign A0F to be preformed.
[…] Tundra frame rust recall??? More detailed information on the Limited Service Campaign: Toyota Launches Tundra Frame Replacement Program | Tundra Headquarters This article confirms the campaign is valid on 2000-2003 Tundras, through the year 2012 – so if […]
i was at my toyota dealer a week ago and they had an old red taco in their fully ripped apart for frame repalcement. i checked it out and said, WoW! they do replace other things comlimentary. mainly suspension parts etc. but i see they get penny wise , dollar foolish on things like clips and stuff.
[…] cold-weather states, according to a letter sent to Toyota dealers (and obtained by our friends at TundraHeadquarters.com). The so-called "limited service campaign" is a retroactive enhancement to the vehicle's […]
Justin – My point with the F150 spark plug issue is that a design mistake/flaw/error led to thousands of dollars in repairs, and Ford did nothing. Most of the time, that’s what manufacturers do. This situation is the exception, not the rule.
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Also, Toyota probably wasn’t forced to extend the warranty on Tundra frames. They could have simply continued to evaluate 00-03 Tundras on a case-by-case basis just as they described in the NHTSA letter last year. This is definitely above and beyond the scope of the mandated recall. Whether or not it was a result of government pressure I don’t know. It’s possible, but I think NHTSA would be taking credit right now if they had forced Toyota to act.
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I disagree with the premise that a truck with a new frame is guaranteed to be inferior to a truck with the stock frame. I’m sure that SOME of the trucks that get new frames will not have all the parts attached the right way, but let’s not kid ourselves: the same can be said for NEW trucks. At the end of the day, fixes, repairs, and assembly are all performed by human beings. Quality depends more on the person doing the work than anything else.
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Finally, your point about Toyota’s motives is well taken. For the record, I don’t *know* for sure why this was done. However, as someone who has followed Toyota closely for a few years now, this is definitely not business as usual. Based on some of the other things I’m seeing, it’s my opinion Toyota has stopped taking consumer goodwill for granted.
greg – Spark plugs that stick can sometimes be a maintenance issue, but in the case of Ford’s late 90’s and early 00’s V8 truck engines, it was a design flaw. I know of a LOT of people first hand who paid thousands of dollars for new heads on an otherwise perfectly good vehicle. Ford issued a TSB on this problem, all but acknowledging they made a mistake. It’s a common example that I cite because it effected thousands of truck owners and it pissed off a lot of people (again, I know this first hand because I worked for years at a Ford dealership).
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As for your point about Toyota being forced to warranty frames by NHTSA, my only thought is that Ray LaHood would be bragging about how tough he was if that had actually happened.
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Your points about Toyota dragging their feet are well taken too. In fact, that’s why I’m wondering if this action isn’t an example of a change at Toyota. The “old” Toyota would have just ignored complaints, whereas the “new” Toyota is warranting 400k+ trucks. I suppose the Tacoma frame rust recall was conducted by the “old” Toyota, but the number of vehicles impacted was MUCH larger.
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You and TXTee are both right – no decision results in 100% of the people being happy. However, if a person owns a 2000-2003 Tundra with frame rust, I’m going to venture a guess and say that they’re happier now than they were a few days ago.
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TXTee – I agree. I fail to see how anyone can construe this as anything but a positive. Warranty is ALWAYS better than no warranty.
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Rick – I hear what you’re saying about making people pay for clips, etc., but they’ve got to draw a line somewhere.
Does anyone know how many reports there were? I would think this would only happen if you got salt water on it or something.
Jason, why do you need to buy new heads? Usually who ever replaces the plugs did not follow the procedures and weakened or stripped out the threads. All they need is a insert installed. So did you recommend a new head to everyone when you worked for the dealership.
No, Greg. but he probably did recommend orange juice and mineral oil to every customer who showed up acting like you are now.
Some people are never happy, others are only happy when everyone else isn’t. Both groups are on my Soylent Green list.
greg – The thread kits didn’t/don’t always work, they’re really not what I would call “cheap” to install, and they weren’t officially recommended by Ford (at least not when the problem first started happening). Besides Greg, if you ever had worked in a shop before, you would know that telling every customer to buy a new head without explaining all the options is a good way to fade a lot of heat! 🙂
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If anyone wants to read some customer comments on Ford’s cylinder head design flaw, check this out: http://www.consumeraffairs.com.....spark.html
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jeremy – I had to look up the consequences of orange juice and mineral oil – funny! 🙂
Well if you chevy people think that the chevy’s don’t have rust issue’s then you are living in Chevy land!!! I have 2 friends personally who have Chevy Trucks rusted as bad or worse than mine. One is newer and one 1 yr older! You can beter believe they will only send you a sorry note and an invitation to come buy another truck that every American has to pay for with our tax dollars thru their Bailout!!!! Hope you Continue to live Bliss and believe all their lies!
Just think of all the money that toyota is keeping in the country by doing this! there isnt a single bit of money going back to japan, with the exception of incidentals that are destroyed during the process. Minimal at best… it all goes to the local dealerships to pay their techs and service advisors and the truck drivers to ship the frames and the frame manufacturer. i would say this is a win win situation in a down economy. thanks Toyota. Still loving that Tahoe you are paying for me to drive, makes me want to buy one..
Sounds great, what a warranty program. Do we qualify for the recall up here in Canada?
John
I don’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth but I too am concerned about what this may end up costing me in the long run. I will be anxiously waiting for someone to post when they get their truck back with a new frame. Mine is a 2000 and I’m sure there will be other parts under there that could use replacing. Especially when they try and re-align it. The truck drives great, doesn’t pull, and the tires wear good, but its been my experience when replacing suspension and steering parts it sometimes brings out other problems.
Jeremy, I’m glad you found a way to deal with pill Toyota was handing out. I know it was a hard pill to swallow but now others know how to pass it. Only a Toyota owner would know the quick fix for colon problems. Over the counter remedies get expensive when you had to spend $4000 on air injectors and corners have to be cut.
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Why does everyone always dewell in the past? It happened, its been fixed. It would be like bring up Supra head gaskets, T100 head gaskets known to leak at only 60k, Tundra/Sequoia exhaust manifod cracks. Ford have fixed the heads, its equivalent to Toyota’s air injectors.
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Jason, I understand not telling the customer everything. That’s why service advisors rank up there with theives. If they tell you the sky is blue, better go check. Now it all makes sense why you have heartache with Ford, they had to protect their interests that why they let you go. Inserts don’t work? Read the tsb, also if it happen while under warrenty Ford replaced the heads. Its all in the tsb.
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Steve wash your truck. Invite your friends show them how, turn it into a party! If you live in the salt belt you should know about salt and the effects. As for Chevy there seems to be some Toyota owners relying on Chevy to take care of them while their vehicles are being repaired.
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Chris who is really paying for this? Toyota or Dyna
Toyota now has another issue on their hands. This is a few days old, but thought I’d post anyways.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/201.....ing_recall
Chris – Awesome observation! I didn’t think of it, but you’re absolutely right – the frames and the labor benefit the American people.
John – I believe so.
Fed up – I hear you, but like a lot of mechanical repairs, there’s never a problem when it’s done correctly.
Greg – I’m sorry, but I don’t remember it the way you do. I didn’t work in the drive, however – I only faded the heat from upset customers who didn’t want to pay for the repair. Maybe I imagined all those pissed off F150 owners…
I remember it the way the TSB reads to this date. Since you dont remember it that way could you explain what work you actually did then, what do you mean by faded the head from pissed off customers. Would you like to share what you actually did? Where you the detailing guy, bay sweeper, parts guy, parts runner, cashier, paint and body, salesman, or janitor?
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So are they going to decode the title to salvaged since they where unsafe to drive and the repair exceeded that value of the vehicle.
greg – I was a sales manager. When the service manager was gone or otherwise occupied, I was the next one up the chain. I must confess I don’t remember the full details of the issue and how it unfolded, but I distinctly remember dozens of very pissed off people who swore they would never buy another Ford again because of this specific problem (although I’m sure a lot of those people were just mad). I remember going through all the options with a few people as they were explained to me by the service writer and/or tech.
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Additionally, I’m almost certain that Ford didn’t acknowledge this problem for quite a while before they issued the TSB you’re referencing. Am I wrong about that?
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As for your question about salvaged title, the answer is no. However, in some states, the fact the vehicle has had a frame replacement must be disclosed at the time of sale (if sold by a dealership). On a vehicle this old, it’s probably not a big deal, but some consumers might object.
I also have a deal with my Service Manager to call me when they get my truck up in the air for the “inventory” , when they decide which “frame kit” to order for me (apparently there are different kits depending on the amount of destruction/ anticipated replacement”). At this point we are going to go over the items that are not included in the frame replacememnt and the costs involved. if at that point I find out it exceeds the deemed value of my truck i will take it and sell it or trade it. they are cool with this and totally understand where I am coming from. I highly suggest everyone do this as it will save everyone alot of headaches. Who Knows maybe certain situations will require a buyback. I know my truck is totally unsafe to drive. the sway bar mounts dissintegrated and there is a rust hole that is about 10″ long as well. there is also the cross member for the transfer case tht is about to fall off the main part of the frame becuase there is no metal left, just iron oxide dust.
good luck to you all..
Oh and Dana is not paying for this according to what I have read, probably AIG is……hahaha…hey maybe this IS part of the stimulus money…
Chris – EXCELLENT advice and great idea.
I like many of you posting on this drive a Tundra that is on the brink of being worthless. I received my letter, drove to my dealer, and in a 24 hour period I was being told my truck needed a new frame. My first reaction was Oh okay. Since then I have having fun politely arguing with my case manager, service manager, and my wife about having to buy a new truck.
As I read the posts, I am looking for other similar problems being reported. On top of the free frame replacment, I was told I needed about 4,500 dollars of other repairs. (I JUST DID MY TIMING BELT, PLUGS, THERMOSTAT, and WATER PUMP SIX MONTHS AGO, I THOUGHT I WAS SET FOR A WHILE)
I have had similar issues to those on the post. I have already replaced the brake lines two years ago, emegency brake cable frozen and repaired 3 times, and two cracked manifolds. Now I have an issue with something I never heard of (load leveler)that casued my rear brakes to fail and cause my front break to completely wear out becasue they were working overtime. Power Steering rack, CV boots leaking, and some other small items that add up. THere is no way I am paying 4,500 bucks to repair a truck not worth 4,000. Especially, when I read some of the issues everyone have presented. So Toyota is going to give me a rental for a month and put 10 grand into a truck that is going to be worthless. Toyota can quarentee to make money off me with a buy back incentive program that puts me into a new Toyota. Hell they make money in a buy back and guarentee me as a paying costomer for aleast 5 years of payments on a new truck. But I have been told by my case manager at Toyota National my arguement makes great common sense, but that is not the decision made. After I left the dealer to get some stuff from my truck I drove my nice Toyotal rental to my GMC/Sierra dealer to test drive a new truck. Keep the info comming. I am learning alot.
Know this is a Tundra Forum but have a Tacoma question. I have a 2003 dcab 4×4 I bought new. I got my letter hear in southern IN to have mine checked. I have areas that have bubbled out on the bottom of the frame where the rear shock mounts are welded to the frame and alot of other areas where places are flaking off of the frame. My factory tow package looks brand new except where it makes contact with the frame. The dealer held a ball pin 6″ from the frame and tapped it, said it passed, will call me later to spray something on it and a 15 year frame warranty now. Has it been proved that they used bad steel or is this the corrosion-resistant protection problem they used in the letter? Medley’s frame shop in Louisville told me that once it started the stuff they are going to spray on it will NOT stop it unless the frame is sanded down. This last winter is the only major salt my truck has seen and all high-way miles to work. Any info would be welcome!
Is there a lawyer out there that ownes a Tundra that might be able to help us with advise on the battle over who pays for what?? Any help is much needed!!
Greg again you throw insults at the owners of Toyota’s then you got the nerve to state you apologize if you pissed someone off. The only screwed up person here is you. Colon problem? Only you should know. You’re not only an a$$ but you’re all a$$. You’re nothing but a spoiled brat which no one at home pays attention to you so you come here mock Toyota owners and say what you can to put an owner down. Let me give you some news kid there is no perfect manufacturer. Since you are the perfect owner you should have a perfect vehicle which doesn’t exists. Now come back to reality. As I stated on other threads you’re pissed at Toyota so you take it out on Toyota not the owners. Now grow up.
Yep you got me Mickey. LMAO Midnight Rider
So where can I get a performance tuner at for a Tundra?
I don’t have that listed now, do I Greg? I’m not intrested in a tuner. Now Greg if you read most of the posts you would see where the name came from. You have something against the Allman brothers? Keep digging Greg you may find out I own a Prius too. While you’re at it look at all my pics too. Like I said total a$$.
So the Carrot my dealer hung in front of me was this. the truck I have now isnt worth a damn, and the frame needs to be replaced while it is owned by a “civilian” not a dealer. After the frame is replaced and whatever else, bumpers etc – it is worth more than it would be if I were to trade it with a good OG frame (original) without the safety issues of course. so when the truck is done they will offer me the most they can in trade. and give me a smashing deal on whatever I desire. Now My dealer may be one of the few that are willing to work this out. but I think they are really winning me over, I was about ready to buy a new Silverado. I may still buy the Chevy, but if they just bought me out, I would buy ten more toyotas, I have had 10 toy trucks over the years, this Tundra was very dissapointing to say the least. SO if I could get a new Tundra for half the price of new, I would be all over it!!
Robert, if it rusts out in 15 years they will take care of you. go for it and just know its fine for 15 years at least. seriously tho, will you keep it for 15 years?
I just bought a beautiful 2000 Tundra SR5 on April 26 (my first truck ever), with only 44,700 miles on it, locally owned, from Oxmoor Toyota in Louisville. I have (2) Camrys, but needed a truck to occasionally pull a two horse trailer, plus the general usefullness of a pickup. During the buying process, I spotted a lot of rust just by looking at the springs at the wheel wells, and brought it up to my sales person and he called the service manager to meet with me and they told me that the truck was sound, and we discussed the recall concerning the cross members. I accepted the opinion and signed the purchase agreements. The next morning I saw a puddle of oil on my garage floor, which caused me to slide under the truck to try to find the source, and I found an even bigger problem. I have never seen so much rust in my 50 years of buying cars. I immediately wrote a letter to the sales person and hand delivered it, and included pictures to show why I was so concerned. There was no response so in a couple days I wrote a letter to the GM of Oxmoor Toyota, including pictures, and asked to meet with him. He did not offer to meet with me, but passed the letter on to the service manager, who called me and invited me in to put it on the rack while he hammered the frame with a hammer to indicate that it was solid. I asked for a second opinion, perhaps by their Toyota rep, and was told this could not happen. He told me I could show it to the person I chose to undercoat the truck. I did this, and got a quote of $430 (my expense), but he said the rust was so bad that it may have to be done once per year. I did not undercoat it yet, but then called Toyota Corporate, and was assigned case number 1005051146. I explained that not only was my frame rusted very very badly, but every component under the truck was frozen with rust. Not a single component could be removed with a wrench, including the spare tire, because every attachment is rusted solid, frozen if you will. I told her that I was also concerned that any of these components could fall off at any time. She said Toyota could not help with that, and the frame had to be perforated to qualify. She then informed me of the “AOF” frame recall that has not been signed off on. I love this truck, and am not pushing for a “buy-back” because it’s beaufiful and mechanically great. I need a new frame. Any suggestions?
Chris, there is reassure that I want. When it rusts out in 15 years they will take care of it. Tell us how easy has that been? Thats somthing i will look forward to, 4 more years till frame replacement! Why are you driving a Chevy again?
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Bill if you feel the dealer is giving you the run around find another. Theres are more than one in that area. Seems like you may have been taken.
Greg, sorry for the long message, but my case is a little different. I have been thinking of doing exactly what you suggested (work with another dealer). My plan is to take it to the Toyota dealer that serviced the Tundra for 10 years, right across the river in Indiana. It’s only about 1/2 hour from my house. Thanks again.
Andy – It’s a great point, but for every person who would rather have an incentive, there’s a person who gets really irritated at the idea of having to buy a new vehicle and make payments. The *best* scenario is either/or…but that’s just too logical for Toyota to adapt. Why that is, I have no idea.
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Chris – Good to hear. It sounds like you’re making the best of a less than perfect situation.
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Charles (Bill) – The warranty is active – the rep at Toyota was mistaken. Any dealer anywhere in the US can replace the frame under warranty provided it meets the criteria above.
Chris, Yes I plan to keep my 03 taco for a long time, its paid for, been takin good care of. I also hate the idea of a frame failure driving down the road. A ball pin hammer test with 6″ strikeforce is not the same force put on a frame under normal conditions. So thats why I asked the questions above. Everything under my truck has no rust except the frame and have the pictures to prove it. So I wanted to ask if anyone had heard if this was a steel problem at the frame plant. The 15 year warranty protects the truck but does it protect me? From looking at the bubbled out places on the bottom of the frame at the rear shock mounts welds it looks like the steel was damaged by the welding process.
Robert – That bubbled out steel IS the welding process – what you’re describing sounds normal. Surface rust definitely wears down a frame, but it takes a very long time to do so (dozens or even hundreds of years, depending on the steel, the climate, etc.). As for the quality of the steel itself…Toyota warrantied the frames for a reason. While you have no need to worry, it’s not a bad idea to invest in some rust protection. Wash your frame regularly during the winter months (most car washes have an undercarriage option) and park your vehicle indoors if at all possible.
Has Toyota come out and stated how long they will warranty the Tundra’s that either have corrosion protection applied or a frame replaced? All I can find is the 15yr warranty for the Taco’s, nothing on the Tundra. Now keep in mind, this 15yrs starts from the original sale date. So if you have a 1998 Taco that was bought iun 1998 and have this service completed today, Toyota really is only covering you until 2013. That’s 3yrs from now, which in my mind, isn’t much of a warranty or backing of their work. But at least this would give you 3 more years worth of coverage.
http://wot.motortrend.com/6233.....index.html
Justin – Nothing on the Tundra other than the warranty on 00-03 frames is extended through April 2012. I don’t know for sure, but my guess is that Toyota feels that’s enough time to fix all the trucks with rust problems and/or apply rust inhibitor.
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As for 15 yrs not being enough time to warranty a frame, I look at it this way: The average American drives 12k-15k miles per year. After 15 years, that’s 180k to 225k miles, far outside the “normal” range of use. I know that some people go much further than that, and I know that some people don’t drive as frequently, but the line has got to be drawn somewhere. I actually think 15 years is the right amount of time (in fact, I think you and I discussed this very question in another post).
Does anyone know if a dealer can decide that a frame needs to be replaced due to the condition whereby everything, I mean everything, is extremely rusted with cracking (the beginning of a failure), big flakes of rust hanging on everything under the truck, with all components and fasteners, screws, bolts, straps, is “frozen” with rust? Or, are they only going to replace a frame if they find a perforation the size of a marble? Everyone who looks under my truck cannot believe the extent of the rust everywhere, but I don’t think there are any perforations the size of a marble. The 2000 Tundra is absolutely beautiful from the frame up, and only has 45,000 miles on it. Any insight would be welcome.
Charles W – Dealers are supposed to look for a 10mm hole in the frame or large flaking chunks. Since the “hole” requirement doesn’t have to be an actual round hole (it can just be a chunk missing that amounts to creating a 10mm hole), the standard is actually pretty loose. Also, as far as I know, Toyota isn’t requiring the dealers to send in any proof on this repair…so it’s likely you can get your local dealer to replace a frame even if your truck doesn’t exactly meet the requirements.
Jason looks like I changed my TONE in previous comments. Mickey started off on me, ended with me blowing him off and with Mickey and Chris telling eachother to F off. But no comment to them about there tone! But hey atleast I was able to give Bill some advice in the mist of needing to change my tone and two others cursing at each other.
Jason, this is very helpful and makes a lot more sense than simply looking
for a hole in the frame. This is the way I thought it should be. However,
I was speaking to a service advisor today (in Clarksville, IN) and he said they pretty much have to go by Toyota’s guidelines, meaning the 10mm hole. I think so many of them are afraid to make a decision, because they have to get approval from Toyota, supposedly. Thank you again.
greg – I didn’t realize you were still following this post. You didn’t respond to my questions, so I figured you had tuned out. In any case, I’ve deleted the comments. Thanks for reminding me.
Tundra owners, I’d be very cautious and document everything. Back in 2002, Toyota came out with its self-proclaimed “generous” and “unprecedented” offer to repair or replace engines that had oil sludge in them. However, almost immediately after all the news articles claiming that Toyota had done the right thing (while still blaming the vehicle owners, mind you!), Toyota privately began denying engine oil sludge CSP claims. Every loophole in the book was used, too.
In addition, Toyota did not come forward with information about the engine oil sludge condition. Facts were covered up and Toyota stalled the vehicle owners.
If no one is formally monitoring, Toyota will fall back to its old ways. We’ve seen it in the engine oil sludge debacle. Toyota claims that sludge is owner maintenance related but it refuses to SHOW US THE DATA! Seems two-faced of Toyota to demand SUA data but then deny the sludge victims access to the corporate data!
Watch Toyota like a hawk and don’t let your guard down. The Tundra campaign may be the next item added to Toyota’s “Win” list.
Charlene Blake
cblake@erols.com
Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution
Jason, I’m new to this forum. Are you a Toyota employee, a well-informed moderator, or what….. ? Thanks
Charlene – Good advice – your warning is well heeded.
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Charles W. – I’m a bit of a automotive mis-fit. I worked in auto dealerships for about 9 years (mostly in sales, mostly at a Ford store) and I’ve always had an interest in vehicles (I’ve got an engineering degree as well). I like to think of myself as well-informed, but I’m often reminded by people much smarter than me that I’m NOT that well-informed! 🙂
Charles W. – By the way, I just looked at Toyota’s tech. instructions and the letter to customers again and it’s inconsistent. The tech instructions say that “perforation larger than 10mm” must be found, while the customer letter mentions both perforation and “large amounts of rust that flake off the vehicle.” Still, I’m certain that Toyota isn’t requiring dealers to submit proof before submitting a claim, so “close” might be good enough. Is there another dealer that you can have inspect your vehicle?
Yes, there is another dealer in Clarksville, IN, 1/2 hour from my home in Louisville. They serviced the Tundra off and on for 10 years. I called them yesterday to see if I could bring my truck this Thursday May 20. He said ok, no appointment needed, and it would take about an hour. Now, consider this; the dealership I first mentioned in Louisville that sold me the truck has another facility right across the street from the big main garage, called “Toyota Express”. They do oil changes, sell tires, and some fairly heavy duty mechanic work on mostly a drive-in basis. They know me since I have my two Camry’s serviced there. I drove in a few days ago to get their opinion on a “skid plate” covering the oil drain plug that the other garage could not get removed due to rusty screws and bolts I’m sure, just like all the others under there. The mechanic looked under my truck and said “man there’s a lot of rust under there”. He informed me they do some of the rust inspections there as well, and that if I wanted to come back, “they would work with me”. I’m thinking the main Toyota sales/service department was not about to seek a new frame for me because Toyota would question whey they sold it to me in that condition, which could shed a not too pleasant light on their dealership. Whereby their facility across the street could perhaps approach it as just another drive-in Toyota customer for an inspection via the “Limited Service Campaign AOF for frame rust”. I’m really torn as to which to go to because I know in my heart that I need a new frame. Remember, it only has 45K miles, and it was garage kept, and it still has almost rusted into oblivion. Any viewpoints as to which location would be most interested in working with me: the one that serviced it for 10 years, or the Toyota Express situation, based on comments made and the political situation. I look forward to your comments.
Charles W – I’m not sure, but my guess is that the place which sold you the truck should do the right thing and get the frame warrantied. You might try that approach – talking to the sales manager at the dealership you bought from. Best of luck.
I got denied a new frame yesterday. Word is they have to justify and get Toyota’s approval and stick to the 10mm perforation guideline. They said they would love the mechanic work paid by Toyota because things are a little slow right now. I’m saying my frame and connected parts, in some places, are flaking off in 1/16″ to 1/8″ in chunks, but there are no 10mm perforations.
Do you all think it would help to try for arbitration? Do you think I could ever get a Toyota rep to examine it?
It is not road worthy, correct? I would make a sign of plywood and put in the bed saying “01 April who ever toyota sold me this truck, look at the frame”. Park it right in front and wait! They will do something!
The dealer has inspected for the rear cross member recall situation and now has done the “limited service campaign AOF” and they say it is road worthy. I know I get to go back twice in the next two years for new inspections, but that doesn’t help much. They say I can tow my 2-horse trailer and drive her right on, and then come back in 2011 and 2012 if I want to.
My 2000 Tundra, 49000 miles, has been at the dealer here in Rhode Island for 10 weeks waiting for the solution to come down. As of this morning I was told that even though the recall was put in place Toyota has yet to release the frames for repair. Three weeks ago I was told my truck would be ready as of May 21st. Guess my boat will have to sit in the driveway, hoping I don’t blow the season waiting.
Mike, Toyota will drag this out or find a reason to disqualify you. WATCH OUT and don’t let it intimidate you away!
Toyota promised to repair or replace sludged engines. Bruce C. Ertmann (who flew out to “come and see” my issues with Toyota) said that 3.3 million letters were sent out to Toyota owners but he was WRONG as many Toyota owners never got the letter and didn’t know about the problem until the CSP period was long gone!
This company has a well-oiled (pun intended!) means of squashing any hopes of relief for legitimate Toyota owner cases. It will take a large scale grassroots organization to counter the PR Toyota is putting out.
It may be essential that groups of Toyota owners join together to make Toyota do the right thing. For now, Toyota may have appeased you all with frame issues, just as it did with the sludge victims in 2002. BUT…if you wait a few years, you may well learn that Toyota didn’t actually follow through with its self-proclaimed “generous” and “unprecedented” campaign!
Based on the latest Toyota Recall Congressional Hearing, Toyota has not changed one little bit. If anything, it has become even more arrogant in its “confidence” that it can pull the wool over the public’s watching eyes!! Ironically, Toyota did not produce one shred of scientific evidence that the SUA (sudden unintended acceleration) is not caused by the electronic system. All Toyota has done is pay a company MILLIONS to do a grand PR slamming of Dr. David Gilbert of Southern Illinois University and Sean Kane of Safety Research and Strategies! Toyota is VINDICTIVE and this is as Rep. Waxman and Rep. Stupak say, “most troubling.”
The buying public should be outraged by Toyota’s “terrorist” tactics! Attempting to ruin reputations is nothing more than bullying!!
Charlene Blake
Mike, that fits what I have been hearing, in that the parts and kits are not ready anyway. Just curious, does your truck has the infamous 10mm perforation? Did it fail the inspection hands down, and was it the limited service campaign AOF or the first recall concerning cross members. I’m upset because at this stage, mine has everything except a “perforation”. Thanks.
Bill, my truck has multiple perforations. I originally took it in to inspect the spare tire carrier for rust problems. The service mananger came out and told me the entire frame was eroded, and the truck was undrivable.
Charles W – It’s possible that the rust on your vehicle doesn’t meet Toyota’s criteria. However, big chunks flaking off sounds like a typical case. I wouldn’t advise parking it with a sign in the bed outside your local dealership, but I WOULD advise getting an independent inspection. Preferably from a state authority. If you can show that an independent party says the frame isn’t safe, you’ve got something to bring to arbitration. If not, then your frame is probably OK for now. You can always check back next year or the year after.
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Mike – I don’t think “Toyota” is out to get you as Charlene warns – I think your dealership’s parts manager didn’t get the order in on time and/or Toyota has a back-log of frame orders. Toyota definitely made frames available when they announced this thing, and they have a process in place to continue to build and ship new frames as needed. I’ve spoken to dealers who have installed new frames and I know that they can be ordered (but when they’ll arrive may depend on demand).
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Charlene – I appreciate your experience with the sludge issues, and I think it’s fair to warn everyone to be on their toes. However, I’ve known a lot of Toyota employees of the years and I can’t think of one who would intentionally try and screw a consumer. Sometimes they don’t make the right choices because they don’t understand or because they don’t know all the facts..but I haven’t met one that denied a claim on the basis trying to “screw” someone. Every warranty decision was made following the same exact process – it was never personal, and no one from Japan called when a repair was expensive.
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To me, arguing that Toyota is acting with malice towards consumers is arguing that Toyota employees are personally out to get people. Consumers often take these kinds of things very personally, but trust me when I say that Toyota employees and dealership employees rarely get emotionally involved. You lose me when you act as if Toyota is ran by a bunch of terrorists.
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Also, for the record, if you ran a business and someone wanted you to fix something you made 8 years ago for free, wouldn’t you look for a way to tell them “no?” It’s not personal – it’s business. Toyota is no different than Ford, Wal-Mart, or your local McDonalds – they’re all out to make a profit, and sometimes the consumer loses.
Jason, Toyota employees only do as Toyota employees are told to do. Of course it is Toyota Motor Sales, USA that would be giving directions on what response to give to a customer.
In cases of widespread and well-known problems, the Toyota employees are just much “victims” as are the customers. What Toyota employee is going to jeopardize his/her job, particularly in this economy?
The claims are denied because it is was TMS, USA dictates. Pure and simple. Yes, a dealership’s service manager can go to bat for you, but you may have to push him/her to do so.
Jason, I disagree. Arguing that Toyota does this or that is NOT saying that the employees are responsible. Again, the employees are doing as they are told. Consumers shouldn’t have that guilt placed upon them. Toyota’s actions don’t necessarily match the employees’ intent. If Toyota puts its own employees in danger of job loss just because it doesn’t reveal the extend of a problem or because it won’t cover the repairs for all the affected vehicles, then so be it. This is not the employee’s or the consumer’s fault.
Charlene Blake
Charlene,
I dont know what fantasy/parranoid world you live in but as far as my case and the others i have personally spoken with here in VT, our dealership is certain to take care of us. In fact in My case the dealership wanted to take my truck BEFORE the recall was announced (2 weeks before) and give me a rental on their dime so that they could take it up with Toyota themselves. In fact my service manager talked me into the rental and let me choose what i wanted to rent! As a contractor I need a truck that can tow and haul stuff, so I settled into a chevy tahoe with unlimited mileage and a tow package. This rental has cost them to date at least 1200$ and my frame kit is still on backorder, and my service manager still has a job. Now if these guys were out get us and screw us all dont you think they would have put me off for another few weeks and fired my service manager immediatly? or said “we’ll call you when your frame comes in, but in the meantime your truck is unsafe”?, no they did what is right. Maybe you need to grow a little sack and buck up to the fact that this is a monumental undertaking along with all the other customer satisfaction needs, they are a company trying to make it right, people get it wrong and service managers are stupid sometimes, or the tech is just downright “green”.I am sure they have some back door deals that we the consumer wont know about, and maybe this makes you uneasy but just like cable, if you dont like the content, shut it off!! Dont pay for cable TV if you dont like the content, ie dont buy toyotas if you dont like the way they do business. But just FYI.. More of a Toyota is made in the USA than 95% of Domestic trucks, so even tho these are Japanese trucks they are employing US workers. I bet your computer was made in China as well as most everything you bought at Walmart last week.
Jason I agree with your last post. Consumers can and do take it personally. I did it too on the headliner issue. As far as Charlene’s engine sludge issue she is on the wrong thread for that but personally if an individual is proactive in their maintenance that wouldn’t happen. I can say this for two reasons. One I do all maintenance at the dealership. They have a record and so do I. Second I do have a lifetime warranty which helps extremely.
Chris, there is no paranoia (is a personal attack really warranted here?) related to my observations over nine years now. Toyota came out with the CSP for the engine oil sludge problem. It bragged in the media that this was a “generous” and “unprecedented” campaign. Then, behind the scenes, Toyota owners began to contact me saying that not only did Toyota deny their repairs, they wouldn’t even look at their receipts which proved proper maintenance! It is all well-documented by Toyota owners. My *caution* for the Toyota Tundra owners here is based on almost a decade of experience in a major Toyota problem.
If you will access the online petition regarding Toyota engine oil sludge, you will note that over 3,100 Toyota owners are not happy with Toyota’s “generous” and “unprecedented” CSP. They claim that Toyota left them holding the bag—financially, physically, and emotionally! According to these Toyota owners, Toyota has *not* done the right thing.
Now, I came to this site because of my experience with a fairly well-known and publicized Toyota issue. Based on Toyota’s current issues with keeping information from the public (reference the latest Toyota Recal congressional hearing on May 20 and the latest Lexus “lurching” problem), I think a healthy dose of skepticism is good for any Toyota owner right about now. I am far from alone in this sentiment, rest assured.
I do know that the engine oil sludge matter does affect some Toyota truck owners as I have heard from a number of them. While this thread may be about the Tundra frame rust matter, I think the other information is valuable given the high profile that Toyota currently has in the media right now. There seem to be a myriad of problems that affect a number of Toyota model owners.
I do believe the free transmission of information and I am a staunch advocate of freedom of speech, particularly on the internet. Based on my experience with Toyota, I can tell you that I don’t believe the company has the same attitude (reference deleting of comments made on some of ToyotaUSA videos on YouTube). It seems to me that a company would have nothing to worry about IF there was nothing to find upon a search. Keeping a lid of important safety information is not a good business practice. I think we would all agree to that!
Charlene Blake
Chris, on another note, it is funny that you should say “fantasy world” in your post to me. I’ll try not to take that personally as I’m sure you know that personal attacks area violation of my website rules/regulations.
At any rate, those are basically the words used by Representative Waxman directed to Mr. James Lentz at the last congressional hearing. Rep. Waxman found the idea that Toyota had done “extensive testing” on the SUA problem to be a bit of “fantasy” on Toyota’s part! There was no documented proof that such testing had actually been done. Several representatives said that Toyota’s actions were “deeply troubling” and actually generated more questions than answers. It would seem in this case that it is Toyota that might be in a “dream world,” don’t you think?
I would love to know your reaction to the hearing. Does it all forebode what actions Toyota may have in the Tundra rust matter? Does it all give Toyota owners pause in regard to how Toyota might follow through with what it says it will do?
I think you see my line of thinking on all this, don’t you?
Charlene Blake
Charlene – I think we all see your line of thinking – you’re pissed, and you’re not getting over it anytime soon. I understand your frustration towards Toyota, but you’ve said that Toyota uses “terrorist” tactics, perpetuated outright lies about unintended acceleration being traced to Toyota’s electronic throttles, and sided with congressmen who are simply trying to score points with union constituents. It’s hard to take you seriously when you say things that simply aren’t rational or factually correct.
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I’m not the expert on Toyota sludge problems that you are, but I would consider myself a knowledgeable Toyota observer and general auto industry observer. In my opinion, your problems with Toyota are no different than other people’s problems with Ford, Chrysler, or GM for real and perceived slights against the consumer. That’s not to say that I don’t care – I do – nor am I saying that Toyota shouldn’t be held responsible for mistakes (they should).
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Truth time: There’s a fine line between sharing your message and anti-Toyota zeal, and I think you’ve crossed it. To me at least, it doesn’t seem like you’re just interested in sharing info about Toyota sludge problems. It seems like you’re out for blood.
Mickey – I think it’s human to take things personally that really shouldn’t be that personal…but we all get caught up in it sometimes.
OK just one more time Charlene, No I dont see your line of thinking…
its kind of like the accelerator issue, people are suing Toyota over a car that was “speeding out of control”? are they just plain stupid? turn off the farking key!!! My god are we Americans so stupid and spoiled rotten that we blame it all on everyone else now? Wah wah wah i want a new truck!! ( I do) but alas I am getting the next best thing, a new frame….
Change your damn oil as per the reccomendations!!!
I was buying and selling cars for 18years b4 my current occupation and toyota makes some darn great cars, so does BMW Porsche and Audi (what I dealt with), they all had problems, but very few ever did much about it. remember the accelorator issue in the 80s with Audi? what about the engine head problems of the Porsche 993? etc etc. SAABs sludge in about 3000 miles, Mazda trucks have a 3.5qt capacity and they sludge so fast it would make your head spin. none of these fine companies did what Toyota is doing so go away.
My Frame kit is still backordered so I’m going on vacation in the tahoe, Kids love it (full entertainment system included).. cant wait. beach here we come..
Jason, I must clarify as my words are being twisted. First, I said that Toyota was “terrorist” in its attempt to malign two professionals, Dr. David Gilbert and Sean Kane, instead of showing the conclusive data it claimed it had on the SUA testing. The testimony of the May 20 Toyota Recall congressional hearing will bear this fact out. I made no reference at all to the SUA matter and the electronics. I certainly did not use the word “lie.” I’m unclear on the comment about the congressmen and the union constituents—sounds like some bias toward the politicians?
I think you can validate that I have made no personal attacks on anyone. Apparently, someone has a raw nerve where discussion of SUA (sudden unintended acceleration) and engine oil sludge is concerned. I think both of these subjects are valid given the current events in the news media. I would question anyone’s wish to stifle this information.
There is no “anti-Toyota zeal” but there is pro-consumer activism. I was assuming that your site was a site that promotes the same, particularly as it pertains to the Tundra rusting frame matter. Is this not a meeting point for Tundra consumers?
Charlene Blake
Charlene – Terrorists use violence to strike fear in the hearts of the public – the fact that you use that word to describe Toyota is just silly. As for Gilbert and Kane, you need to do some more research as both have been discredited. There is no factual evidence of any sudden unintended acceleration problems related to the electronic throttle – https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2010/05/10/toyota-unintended-acceleration-scandal-update/
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This site is about the Tundra – not activism. In the interests of staying on topic, I’m going to ask that you refrain from commenting here about anything other than Tundra frame rust. Thank you.
Charlene: I hear you on all accounts. Toyota has created a pattern based on past experiences. Not saying they’ll do it here with the Tundra frame, but you do have to be suspect of their actions. Got to take what they say/do with a grain of salt. As well, I’ve seen on many Toyota sites, such as the youtube videos and some of their own corporate forums, where negative comments are quickly removed or not posted by their Admins. And get used to your words being taken out of context here. If you are not pro-Toyota all the time about every aspect, you are a hater and want to tear Toyota down. When in actuality, we just want Toyota to do the right thing by the consumer.
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Jason: Like Charlene stated, I don’t believe it’s your typical Toyota employee that is the problem. As she stated, it’s more TMS USA and Toyota headquarters over in Japan. We saw this with the SUA issue, the dealers and TMS USA hand no control over the situation and had to do as told by Japan. Why would this be any different? And I don’t think Charlene is pissed, I think she is wary of Toyota’s words versus their actions. She is simply trying to warn others of Toyota’s unwillingness to live up to their claims. Does she have an axe to grind, maybe I don’t truly know. But think she has just cause to do so.
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Mickey: Proactive maintenance? So what you are saying is, those people who took care of their Tundra’s (washed, waxed, regular maintenance, etc) and did all they could to keep the truck in perfect condition, are to blame for their frames rusting? That is the logic you are using with the Toyota engine sludge. I’ve seen plenty of accounts regarding the engine sludge where every service was completed at a Toyota dealer, where hopefully service records are kept, but were denied the engine sludge warranty. How about GM where you headliner kept collapsing. No matter how much time you spent at the dealer getting it fixed, it was never fixed properly, right? So why can’t we look at this engine sludge and frame rust issue in the same light as the Silvy headliner? They are manufacturer defects, plain and simple.
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Chris: Great, you have a dealer that is footing the bill, hoping or knowing you are within spec for the recall. They know they’ll be reimbursed by Toyota, or hope to gain future business on a new vehicle if they can’t fix your Tundra under this warranty claim. And nice claim on your domestic parts content, but the Tundra still is not as domestic (parts or built) as my truck, based on the last content ratings that were released. But that is for another thread.
Why is this being compared to engine sludge? The issue with the engine sludge is that engine sludge is a tale tale sign o you didn’t do your maintenance. If it was serviced at Toyota or any where else and you had your records stating you followed the scheduled maintenance there was not a issue. The issue and most of the complaints (look it up) was owners taking there vehicles to the dealerships with sludge but no records to back it up the maintenance. People saying that they had it completed at places like Walmart but didn’t keep the receipt. Since engine sludge is cause by the breaking down of the oil along with overheating I would asked for records that oil changes where completed. No records, then I can say yes the engine sludge was caused from lack of maintenance.
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Now with that being said what is the required maintenance on the frame that has anything in common with oil sludge?
http://articles.moneycentral.m.....Miles.aspx
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The first two things they listed is key and apperently something that some need to heed.
Justin – I agree with Charlene’s bigger point that Tundra owners should stay on top of this warranty and not expect Toyota to go out of it’s way to help them. I don’t agree with the use of foolish language, and you know how I feel about the lack of proof surrounding all the allegations against Toyota’s electronic throttles.
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greg – In Charlene’s defense, I think that Toyota might have some owners who genuinely followed the scheduled maintenance program and still ended up with engine sludge. Having said that, my personal experience with the matter agrees with your assessment. All of the people I’ve talked to don’t have records, and that’s on them.
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Big picture to no one in particular – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Maintaining your new vehicle at the dealership is your best protection against problems like engine sludge, air injection pumps that fail prematurely, bumpers and lug nuts with surface rust, etc. Toyota is always making mistakes (all manufacturers do). If you get your vehicle serviced at your local dealership, they WILL go to bat for you when a problem comes up.
Jason I agree with your last paragragh. Greg I hate to say it but I agree with you. Justin I wasn’t talking about the paint. Since you mentioned it yes by washing waxing/cleaning keeping up with it on a weekly basis or more if needed will keep the paint. I have no issue’s with my frame or paint. By being proactive does help. Justin just as Jason stated by taking it to the dealer you’re getting a great deal with great coverage. Like Greg stated taking it to Walmart you take your chances. As for the dealer keeping records I don’t trust a anyone of them. I still have my records for the 03 F-150. Eventually I’ll shred them. Justin just to give you insight about myself I always been into mechanics. Before I ever bought a brand new vehicle I did every major/minor repair. Been through GM school for 6 months and worked at a GM dealership in 76-77. I just keep up with the changes but now I let the dealerships get dirty and greasy.
Mickey: I was simply using the wash/wax and regular maintenance as an example. My point was, what if a person took care of their Tundra frame, by washing off as much magnesium chloride as possible after each snow storm? What if they lived along the coast, but religiously washed the frame to ensure it wouldn’t prematurely rust out due to the high salt content in the moisture filled air? And now they come to find out the frame’s junk. Just like the engine sludge. There are accounts of vehicles with low miles, having each oil change done approximately every 3K miles at a Toyota dealership, but they still developed the engine sludge. Whether Toyota warrantied the repair or not is not the concern. The concern is that they experienced engine sludge even though they did conduct regular maintenance. Just like the guy who’s frame rusted out even though he took care of his Tundra as best as possible. They held up their end of the bargain, but these were manufacturer defects plain and simple. Just because someone believes a person never conducted regular maintenance/washed their vehicle, doesn’t mean it’s true and doesn’t mean the person didn’t do the appove items.
Jason, I did use the word “terrorist” in quotation marks. It is wrong for a corporation to attempt to ruin reputations rather than to just show the requested (by Congress) scientific data. The congressmen are still waiting for the promised Toyota data to date. I did not realize that you were against the consumers who have come forward in the SUA matter.
I appreciate you telling me that I am not allowed to talk about anything but Tundra frame rust on this site. Are there other consumer issues on your site or is it a site to primarily get Toyota’s word out?
Greg, with all due respect, you have made a generalization about the Toyota engine oil sludge matter that is not true. There are thousands of Toyota owner petition signatories who have properly (actually better than recommended) maintained their vehicles and still gotten sludge. It is unfair to condemn them by making a generalization. Actually, the Tundra model has been involved, too. Oxygen sensors and other emissions-control components often fail in the affected vehicles.
Justin, I agree with much of what you have stated. I didn’t come out and say I wasn’t P.O.ed (note I don’t ever use such language when posting). I’m not. I’m simply pro-consumer. Caution is most definitely needed in this Tundra frame repair/replacement offer. There is no oversight group watching to see if Toyota actually follows through with its offer. Words are cheap; there needs to be monitoring.
I guess you can tell that I am totally supportive of consumers. Consumers don’t have lobbyists or the powerful advertising dollars to control what information gets out to the public. It is important for the public to see the auto consumers’ perspective, don’t you think?
Charlene Blake
I thought this subject was about tundra frame rust. All this other crap being spilled please take to another area. So to that, I am concerned about this frame replacement. To me, what happens when as they replace the frame they find all these other problems or worse yet, they hide them. Is that going to be my costs or is that considered part of the deal here on the replacment of the frame. Like brake lines/hoses, park brake cable, connections, mounts, etc. For example, when I hit a deer and need about some front end work, when they started, they found a good bit of extra parts that was rusted and had to be ordered on top of the other parts. Initially Toyota (service center, not the dealership) just wanted me to go away. I just now recieved my recall notice on the spare tire crossmember frame. I actually took my truck in back in January, and the first part of the recall was performed. My spare tire was removed and put in the bed. And told to bring truck back in for a Toyota rep to look at 2 weeks later. After that visit, I was told to open a case with Toyota as I did have severe rust issues and perferation. So when I called the 800 number, the first call I talked to 2 different people, who told me my issue had been take care of and my case was closed. How could it be closed, it wasn’t even open yet. So back to the dealership. They took this info and the next day I get a call back from them, different person. Same thing, case closed, and as I was trying to explain what had occurred, click, she hung up on me. Toyota service center actually hung up on me. So I go back to the dealership. They make the call and I then got a case number. I also file a complaint with NHTSA over the complete issue, the frame, and the way I was treated by service center. Then about a month and a half ago, they wanted to see my truck again. Then about a week later they notified me my frame would be replaced. So far the dealership has went to bat for me. Now Corp Toyota has been suspect at best from not getting a recall notice to me in a responsible time (I am the only owner and have the same address since 2001) to the call center trying to get rid of me. That was a bit upsetting at the least. So now i’m just waiting to see what happens. Any suggestions or ideas on how to proceed would be appreciated. Thanks!! Sorry this was so long.
RC, is Toyota’s campaign a real recall or just a program initiated by Toyota? Toyota had a “program” for the engine oil sludge matter and it promised to send out 3.3 million letters to the affected owners. Problem? Toyota didn’t send them out to all as promised. Like you, many lived in the same place and were the original owners of the vehicles. No letter.
It sounds like you are doing the right thing by filing a vehicle owner report at the NHTSA. I would also file one with the Center for Auto Safety at http://www.autosafety.org. Send Toyota a CERTIFIED letter now if you have not done so and let it briefly know your situation. Did you know that when Toyota says problems are “rare,” if bases this on the number of *formal letters of complaint* it receives? You must formally notify Toyota to be “on record.”
Charlene – Your defense of your use of the word “terrorist” if laughable. There’s simply no call for it. As for your allegations that I’m anti-consumer, I’m not pro or anti consumer – I’m anti-hogwash and pro-facts. If you take the time to review the evidence objectively, you’ll recognize that a lot of the things you’re so upset about aren’t black and white. Toyota isn’t perfect, but they’re not much better or worse than any other manufacturer…and the problems you’re upset about plague a lot of modern vehicles.
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Back to the original topic.
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RC – Officially, Toyota isn’t paying for anything other than the frame UNLESS the attached parts can’t be removed without being destroyed or damaged. Since the labor is essentially free, a few dealers are offering new parts at a steep discount as needed. As for the rotten process it took to get to this point, you’ll get no arguments from me or anyone else regarding the piss-poor way that Toyota has handled this thing.
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Yes, that’s right, I said “piss” and “pissed” and I don’t care. “Piss” is in the bible folks, look it up! 🙂
First off grab the tissues and have a seat! Let it all out. Now focus on the future. So the vehicle is not road worthy, correct? Did they give you a rental/loaner? Did they say when they are going to do the replacement?
Charlene, apperenlty you didn’t do the research because If you would have you would have known about the oil sludge and wouldn’t be so focused on it now. Here’s what I’m willing to do for you, just tell us what you want to do. Grab a tissue and have a seat next to RC, let it out. I’m not saying it to be mean but stop complaining!
Greg, for now my truck is still road worthy and on the road. Thanks.
Charlene, yes it is a recall, SSC 90M – Certain 2000 through 2003 Tundra Vehicles Severe Corrosion of the Rear Cross-Member. That resulted in my spare tire being removed and put in the truck bed for now. And the future inspections by Toyota because they saw more rust than normal. Thanks for the info to post the complaint.
Jason, thanks for the info about replacement parts. Just looking for all the info I so when they call I’m ready to get it fixed.
Greg, I’m struggling to see the value in your comment to me or RC.
I smell the something fishy with the way Toyota is handling this Tundra frame rust situation. The same loopholes appear to be popping up that the sludge victims noted.
Bottom line is that the vehicle owners may be the one left holding the bag!
As I stated from the beginning, Toyota frame rust victims would be wise to keep close watch on what is done after the very public “announcement” by Toyota.
Charlene Blake
By all means RC you are correct about the engine sludge post by Charlene.
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Charlene you can mention about your oil sludge on the thread “All known 2007 Tundra problems. This thread is for rusted frames. You told Greg it was unfair to make a generalization for the oil sludge people, but you can by stating Toyota is terroristorganization. tsh tsh….
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Justin I’m sorry if I don’t believe the ones who claim they are doing the maintenance and they have oil sludge.
Charlene, how am I to rationalize with someone who compares toyota to terrorism? I thought everyone here knows my feeling about Toyota. Not a big fan. I don’t think they should replace the frame, it lasted during the warrenty period as they said it would. So why do they need to fix it? Oil sludge, no paper work stating maintenance, no repair. If you where worried about the way they conducted themselves with the oil sludge then why did you purchase a Toyota? Really why? That should have spoke in loud volume about your quailty and reliability. If you dislike your Tundra the one YOU made the decison to buy. Get rid of it, so can this subject end? I think there has been more than enough drama on it!
Oh the value of my comment was focus on the future.
I went to my dealer again today and spoke with the tech who does all the Tacoma frames and will be doing the tundras. He said that the regional Toyota rep had stopped in recently and asked what should be included in the kits. Do my guess and joes ( the tech) is that they are still putting this together so I am sure they will let us know more when they organize better. In the meantime my truck isn’t gathering miles and us in safe keeping.
My suggestion is go to your dealership, meet the technician(s) keep proactive, and positive. Don’t act like a spoiled child and get mad when it doesn’t go your way or looks like it won’t. These folks that work for Toyota are hard working Americans like most if us as want to do the right thing, at least here in liberal VT. I am sure they won’t tell you something that isn’t true they will just tell us what they know is for sure.
In the end no matter what happens, I will have a truck worth a he’ll of alot more than it was 2 months previous.
Okay, I have been seeing information that 2000-2003 Toyota Tundra owners maybe offer incentives or buys backs. Is that official or just talk. I had a case manager at Toyota and they told me they are just replacing frames and that is it. But now is am reading more and more about incentives or buybacks. My 2000 Tundra has been sitting for three weeks waiting for a frame. I would rather have the incentive or buyback than a new frame at this point. Does anyone know the truth.
Chris – Great advice, great point. It’s a work in progress.
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Andy – Toyota *WAS* buying back Tundras on a case-by-case basis, but that has stopped. I could never confirm rumors of a new vehicle incentive.
Jason,
The use of *was* is interesting. I was told by my case worker at Toyota National that they never did a buy back for the Tundra not was it ever a possibility. I just wish knew who really knows what. I have not reason not to believe you and not reason not to believe Toyota. Thanks
Andy – I’ve suspected that some of the buy-back offers actually came from dealers, but I’ve been told very specifically by a couple of people first-hand that Toyota offered them a buyout, and a service manager confirmed that he talked about it with his Toyota rep at one point a few months ago. I think that they did happen, but I think Toyota decided early on that it was a bad strategy.
If people were completely rationale about things, getting a check would make the most sense. The trouble is, a lot of people don’t want to buy a new truck and don’t want payments, so they get upset with a buy-back offer. Either way, consumers are upset.
My 2000 Tundra has been at the local dealer for 3 months now in which I was given a Camry. I have a case filed with Toyota. I have instructed local dealer that he can order the new frame but nothing is to be done until I receive an official letter from Toyota that specifically states what is covered an not covered. I am concerned about parts that they have to take off and can not reuse when they are replacing the frame. Meaning we are stuck with the cost. We should not have to pay for anything. We are still waiting for the official letter from Toyota. The local dealer has been told that Toyota will pay for up to a set number of labor hours and nothing beyond that – so, another cost to the consumer. The local dealer also heard of some frame replacements in the area that had issues replacing parts or ran into other problems – again, sticking the consumer with costs they should not be responsible for…
Kevin, the service advisor at my dealership told me everything dealing with the frame and any issues during the replacement discovered would be taken care of. Again, just what was said by him. I expressed the same concerns you have about parts and labor of items broke because of the frame and/or the frame work and I was told everything would be taken care of. I also said I need a truck during the replacment and he told me they would rent a truck for me. I would go back request a truck in place of the camry if you need your truck. I do. I have tried to do everything the dealership has requested and they have been great but I can’t say the same for Corp. Toyota. They are a PIA, so I’m working with the dealership as much as I can.
Kevin Ok, so you don’t want to pay anything. Why don’t you go get your truck and take it to the junk yard or stop complaining? They are giving you a chance to take a unsafe truck and put life back in it for years to come. But you apparently you want a new truck for nothing. So take the offer or scrap it but stop complaining and make a choice!
That’s funny the PIA is fixing a truck that worked as advertised and lasted as advertised putting someone in a vehicle that meets their standard. But you call them a PIA. If I was them I would hand you back you truck with directions to the junk yard. Apperently some people ARE spoiled brats that are ungrateful.
Greg, you are Toyota, just plain and simple.
Kevin – I think you’re going to wait for that letter for a long time – Toyota probably isn’t going to honor your demands (that’s just not something automakers do).
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However, I do think that your concerns about parts are covered by the TSB, which instructs dealers that parts damaged or destroyed during the frame replacement process are to be replaced as part of the warranty. Your dealership is simply covering their rear-ends – they want to be able to say “I told you so” if there are any additional costs, despite the fact that there shouldn’t be any. See RC’s comments along with the comments of others.
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Greg – Toyota IS a PIA – 🙂 – they all are. Still, I think that consumers shouldn’t expect to have a bad experience. That’s almost always a formula for disappointment.
Jason, I don’t consider Kevin’s approach is demanding at all. He is simply looking out for his consumer rights, as he should! Toyota’s history in its own “campaigns” is not good—it doesn’t follow through. Kevin is wise in his decision to hold work until he receives that letter that Toyota promised. Hey, some sludge victims are still waiting for that letter promised years ago!! Jason, with all due respect, don’t you think that the automaker, particularly Toyota, wouldn’t be in the trouble it is currently in if it had honored consumer rights in the first place?!? Toyota has promised to “really listen” to its customers! Are you suggesting that Kevin doesn’t deserve the promised treatment? If so, wouldn’t that be two-faced?
Kevin, hold out and stand firm. You deserve to be treated the way Toyota publicly promised to treat you. You have every right not to expect to pay for anything that hinges on the frame replacement. Toyota will nickel-and-dime you to the tune of thosands of dollars if you let it!
Greg, I have to whole-heartedly agree with R.C. Even Bruce C. Ertmann, former Corporate Manager at Toyota, pretended to be someone he wasn’t in order to infiltrate the Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution group in its early days (circa 2002). Anyone who thinks Toyota doesn’t monitor and indirectly participate in dialogue online is only kidding himself/herself. It is as clear as the nose on your face—all you have to do is look for it.
Jason, this isn’t a site that promotes maximum consumer action. Are you in some way affiliated with Toyota or helping to promote its side of the frame matter? Your statement earlier about some of the congressmen in the May 20 Toyota congressional hearing clearly shows your bias. Can you please clarify in the interest of total transparency? Thanks!
Charlene Blake
Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution
Charlene – Kevin said “I have instructed local dealer that he can order the new frame but nothing is to be done until I receive an official letter from Toyota that specifically states what is covered an not covered.” Then he goes on to say that he wants to make sure that Toyota doesn’t nickle-and-dime him for all the parts that he may or may not need replaced during the frame repair. In MY mind, that means that Kevin is looking for a very long and exactingly detailed letter. If that is what he’s waiting for – and based on his comment that’s my understanding – then that letter will never come. Toyota simply will not do such a thing – no automaker would.
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On the other hand, if you’re saying Kevin should wait until he gets the form letter regarding this issue from Toyota, why? The letter isn’t necessary – his dealer can provide him with documentation of the special service campaign, and the repair order he’ll sign will clearly state that the frame replacement cost will be covered under warranty.
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If Kevin is waiting for some sort of letter that says Toyota will fix whatever they find that’s broken during the frame replacement, the documentation states that Toyota will fix whatever parts are broken or damaged during the repair. He doesn’t need a letter that says the same thing.
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As for total transparency about me and TundraHQ, the closest I’ve ever come to accepting payment from Toyota is when a Toyota dealership paid me for some advertising here on the site back in 2007. Aside from that, all the revenue I generate here is from Google AdSense and affiliate relationships. I don’t own any Toyota stock, and I don’t have a super-secret Swiss bank account that Akio wires money to, LOL. If you look at the posts I’ve written over the last 3+ years, you’ll find a LOT of posts that aren’t complimentary to Toyota.
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Here’s a tip: Instead of assuming that everyone who’s not with you must be somehow allied with Toyota, consider the concept that you might just be wrong.
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As for my comments about members of congress grand-standing to try and get votes – that’s what congress people do. Their public statements are no more significant to me than celebrity gossip. If you think some politician’s comments about some scandal are pertinent or important, I pity you. They’ve got nothing to do with nothing.
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In regards to Toyota electronic throttle problems: I don’t think it’s biased to reject a theory that doesn’t have any supporting evidence. If you want to discuss this matter, please comment here – https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2010/05/10/toyota-unintended-acceleration-scandal-update/ – this thread is reserved for Tundra frame replacement comments.
well into week number 3 and all tundra frames to my dealership on a To be Determined list, which means Toyota doesn’t even know when it will arrive,
since i am a tech at the dealership, i can keep tabs on my truck, but no information is flowing,
Totally agree Jason. Charlene I’ve been on this website for almost as long as Jason. He puts things the way he see’s them whether they are pro or con for Toyota. You need to read the other threads Jason written before you can comment like that.
Charlene, you have to take what some people say with a grain of salt. They act like they know what they are talking about but can’t give reference to the facts!
Todd – Interesting – thanks for the tip.
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Mickey – Thanks for the vote of confidence.
well I read lots of stuff here,, I think its a lot of crap,, I took my 2000 Tundra to Toyota on Friday with nothing more than the recall letter on the cross member, I was told that they had to do both inspections in order to replace the cross member ( My tire fell off). They kindly told me that it failed both inspections and that they only needed pin holes in the frame to have it fail. They offered me a rental so they could replace the frame and also told me and I quote ” TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE FRAME FOR FREE BUT ANY PARTS THAT BREAK OR ARE REPLACED TO COMPLETE THE FREAME REPLACEMENT WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER AND THAT AVERAGES AROUND $3000.00.” yes 3 thousand dollars on average. How nice of them to invite me there with a recall letter that is only meant to keep their parts and service departments busy,,, Its not gonna happen,,,, its gonna be bye bye for toyota truck owners and hello GM and Ford
this is a Crock on the part of Toyota,,,, Really
Matt you prooved you’re childish. Now you are trying to make it personal. Make sure you hit every thread here to leave your comment.
ok got my truck back last week with the new frame but almost got killed leavin the dealer, THEY PUT IN NEW BRAKELINES N FORGOT TO BLEED THE BRAKES!!!! when i got it home i checked n they never recharged the ac which was workin fine, they did not fill the power steering fluid, when i called n questioned them about the spare tire hanger i was told” ooo yeah,,,,,umm thats on back order n when it comes in they will install it”. they gave me back a incomplete truck. I AM TAKING IT TO AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE AN HAVING IT GONE OVER, CHECK THE PARTS THEY SAY THEY REPLACED N SEE IF THEY R REALLY NEW!!! IM SELLING MY TRUCK IM DONE DONE DONE WITH THESE ASSHOLES AT TOYOTA!!
Greg and Mickey, interesting “gatekeeper” position you maintain here!
Don and Mad Max, I am sorry about your experience with Toyota. You are far from alone. What has been done in the case of engine oil sludge is most definitely important in this frame matter. Toyota has found ways to continue to put the responsibility for high cost repairs on the consumer, and this is just plain wrong.
I know, I know…Toyota has made the statement that it will replace the frames for free, provide loaner vehicles, etc. Sure! It made this statement in the engine oil sludge matter, too. THEN, it stop sending out letters, stopped doing sludge inspections for free, started acting “ignorant” about what the Toyota engine oil sludge policy was, and started once again making Toyota owners pay for the full repairs. If the dealership did admit knowing about the problem, it found loopholes to deny the claims.
This is obviously true because a class action lawsuit was initiated and won by the auto consumers. The only problem is that Toyota self-limits its liability by not including all models and model years applicable. I don’t know if this might be true in the case of the frames or not.
Talk about checking to see if replacements were made—YES! This should be done. Many Toyota owners have found that their engine were not replaced at all—just rebuilt. In some cases, owners found that parts that were supposed to be replaced were not. In the case of engine oil sludge, Toyota owners say that they were lied to by dealerships and that information was intentionally kept from them. Many of these owners have retained attorneys.
It is clear to many of us that Toyota’s actions (or lack thereof) are repeated no matter what the major problem is. Toyota’s history of handling major problems is very applicable in the case of the frame replacement campaign. Anyone who suggests that it is not is intentionally condoning Toyota denial!
Charlene Blake
Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution
Don – I think they’ve got the quote backwards – Toyota can’t legally warranty a part and then refuse to include any parts that are damaged AS A RESULT of their warranty repair. I think what they’re saying is that they won’t fix any parts that are already broken or damaged – they HAVE to fix parts they break while conducting the repair.
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mad max – That’s inexcusable – who did they have do the work? It sounds like that dealership needs a new shop manager and then they need to fire some techs.
I dont know who you are Jason but you must work for the Toyota PR dept. I quoted exactly what the dealer said. they wont touch it unless the comsumer agrees to pay and that cost averages around 3000.00,,, what a waste, the truck has 140k on it and they want to spend 10k and me spend 3k on it,,, this is way beyond frustrating. Dont sit here and blow smoke up everyones ass telling them how upstanding Toyota is about this,,
Don – That dealership sucks. I just read through the 13 page dealer letter AND the 73 page technical manual AGAIN and I have two things for you:
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1. No where does Toyota say that consumers will have to buy parts in either of those documents. In fact, the technical manual explicitly lists new parts that are required for the repair and PROVIDED free of charge by Toyota as part of the new frame kit.
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2. What you’re being told is ILLEGAL. There’s a thing called the Magnusson-Moss act that regulates consumer warranties. It says a lot of things, but one of them is that if you have a product that requires a warranty repair, that repair can’t have a cost. Think about this logically – if a warranty repair requires me to incur a cost, then it’s not really a warranty, is it?
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You need to a) stop listening to this dealer and b) start thinking about this logically. What they’re telling you is wrong.
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You can educate yourself here by reading what the FTC has to say about warranties. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pub.....nuson-Moss
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There’s no excuse for this dealership behavior – what they’re trying to do is pad the labor time because they don’t want to do this repair in the first place. So, after you’ve educated yourself and found that what I’m saying is correct, GO TO ANOTHER DEALER. For anyone else reading this, don’t let dealers feed you BS. They can’t EVER charge you to perform warranty work – it’s ILLEGAL. Frankly, this should be obvious…
It is completely logical and obvious to me,,, they have told me that anything that breaks during the frame replacement will be the responsibility of the owner and they say that is what TOYOTA says and there is nothing they can do about it. the average cost is appx. $3000.00. Seems to me that Toyota just wants the consumer to just go away and not bother them,,,, and that is going to happen in lots of cases,,,, they wouldnt give me the name of their Toyota Rep,,,, do you know where I can get that rep for this region,,, central Mass or the New England area
they are willing to do the work but making it very trying for the consumer to meet their BS guidelines
I’d like to thank everybody for the lively conversations connected with our Tundra issue. There is much discussion needed to help keep us informed of the ongoing issue. I’d also like to thank Jason for your input, work and especially our last hit that help me see some things from a different perspective. One of the recent posts caught my eye (June 7th) and it was worthy of some research, which I did yesterday and here is what I was told;
(1st) I called the FTC concerning the Magnuson-Moss Law and when I talked with Karen and Mona they told me that they don’t interpret the Law I should to speak to a lawyer
(2nd) I then called Kimmel & Silverman {1 800 Lemon Law} and she told me that the Lemon Law {serious joke} and the M-M law doesn’t apply to my case. If my Tundra was a 2004 or newer maybe but since its a 2000 the M-M can’t help me. She said I needed to speak to my Attorney General.
(3rd) I called my Attorney General’s office {1 800 441 2555} here in Pa and spoke to Neil. He confirmed what the lawyer told me and relayed his professional experience to by stating that, “In my experience the manufacturer will do as little as possibe” I needed to call the US Product and Saftey Commission
(4th) I called them {1 800 3274236} but in the midst of my scenerio relay they cut me off and told me that this isn’t their area of expertise I needed to call the NHTSC
(5th) So I called them (1 888 327 4236) and spoke to Ray. I gave him the same line, ” I have a 2000 Tundra recalled by Toyota for the holes in my truck frame. Am I responsible for any cost associated with the parts damaged upon removal from the old frame to be put on the new frame?” He put me on hold several times and finally came back with this statement. He said that if, during the frame switch parts are damaged the consumer MAY be held responsible for the cost of the new part. It is up to the dealer and manufacturer. The consumer COULD be held responsible for the cost of the new part but not the labor.
I spent the day working the phone to prepare myself for the phone call from the dealer. They have had my truck since April and I’m gathering as much info as I can to have an intelligent conversation with the service manager. I hope this input helps.
Dave, thats a lot of leg work, I am very curious to see where you get with the dealer, I took my truck home because I didnt want it in limbo like so many others (although it is in limbo anyway) but I have not yet received the letter about the frame I have only received the letter about the cross member.
Don, I have to agree with Jason on your dealer issue. Up to this point, the dealer whom I have been dealing with has been nothing but absoulutley professional and kind to my plight. They gave me a 2010 Tundra to use till they get to me and have keep me free from worry. While at the dealership I saw the Tacoma KITS being installed w/o cost to the consumer and that has helped me to not jump to conclusions. I am resting in the facts I have so far but that doesn’t stop me from looking around to see if what I have seen is issue wide. All dealerships are not the same and you need to go to another dealership and look around before you tell them why you are there. See how they run their facility to judge if they are professional or not. I went w/o any written info and they ‘confiscated’ my truck and put it in a line with the others, all the while treating me as if I mattered which bolstered the Toyota image for me. Don’t write off getting your truck repaired just yet. It may take some effort and fight but it will be worth it in the long run. Wether it gets the repair or not you will have the personal satisfation that you gave it a good fight.
Dave, thanks for the kind words, but the issue with the Tacoma is differrent and was spelled out to me by the dealer. With the Tacoma there is no cost to the customer at all even if the parts break while the frame is being changed,, this is different with the Tundra, Toyota has said that they guide lines are different and the cost of any parts that break during the frame fix will be the responsibility of the owner.
This is a recall,,, issued by TOYOTA,,, WHY SHOULD ANYONE HAVE TO HAVE THE PERSONAL SATISFACTION OF A GOOD FIGHT.
I hope you are enjoying the nice truck they are letting you drive,,, Ill bet you are in for a big suprise,, I am still curious to hear
here they want to give you some cheap rental from ENTERPRISE
Dave in PA – Very interesting quote from the NHTSC worker – I think the issue here is that it’s not always clear as to *why* a part was damaged. The dealer and manufacturer could argue that parts were damaged because they were old, not because they were defective. Therefore, the consumer should pay. HOWEVER, I don’t think that’s the right answer. It’s not a warranty if I have to incur a cost to receive the benefit. To me, at least, it’s cut and dry…but I’m certainly glad to hear about your experience, and I may very well be wrong (only I don’t think so).
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Don – I think the issue you’re having comes back to the dealership you’re working with. When a part breaks, the dealer has two options: 1) Call Toyota and ask them to pay for a new part. 2) Call you and do the same. Some dealers think it’s easier to call a customer than call the manufacturer, and many times it’s because these dealers either have warranty claim issues with Toyota (too many claims and dealers get audited) or they have service managers who simply aren’t willing to do the leg work to call their rep. Your local Toyota dealer is 90% of the problem here – have you spoken to another dealer?
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Don – One more thing: Why did the dealer say the Tacoma was different? I can obtain a copy of the Tacoma’s frame warranty letter and compare it to the Tundra’s frame warranty letter to see if they’re blowing smoke.
I have a 2004 Tundra at the dealer of purchase in Maui Hawaii. The frame is so rusted the dealer says it should not be driven. Too dangerous. But it doesn’t fall into the 03 recall campaign and I must fix it myself. Sorry good luck? They will not help??????? This is crazy. It was built in 12/03. Too late in that year?
PS: I take care of this 04 like a baby. I feel like it’s my new truck. It’s cherry accept for frame? 64000 miles. Please someone HELP! I’ll try that lemon law # in the morning…..The Servco Toyota dealer is a wicked nasty place.
Joe: Sorry to here of the dilemma you’re in. We will most likely hear many more issues like this for owners of 04-06 models as they get older. I can’t provide any assistance, but do sympathize with you. Our only hope is that Toyota will come to their senses and extend the program to cover all first generation Tundras. Would seem hypocritical to warranty the 00-03 models, but not the 04-06 when they were built on the same frames by the same manufacturer. Only thing I can think of is Toyota is warrantying the 00-03 models first, then will launch a 2nd campaign for the 04-06 models that are impacted. Just wishful thinking I guess. But good luck and hope you can either get Toyota to include you in this campaign or find some way under you states lemon law to get the frame replaced. Both are highly unlikely scenerios though.
Joe – That is crazy. Toyota did mention to NHTSA that they would address the rear x-member rust issue on 04-06 Tundras as well – is your dealership offering to replace the rear cross member free of charge? If not, then you’ve got something to talk about with NHTSA.
Also, solving this problem this will begin and end with the regional Toyota rep. Your local dealership service manager needs to get on the phone and get an exception made for you. In the meantime, feel free to send me photos of your truck (including rust) and I’ll write a post about a 2004 Tundra with frame rust that Toyota won’t fix. That might get something moving…
Jason: Per usual, that’s a great suggestion on a write up on a 2004+ Tundra that isn’t included in the frame replacement program but is experiencing said problems. I knew there was a reson I liked you. Good luck with the write up, can’t wait to read it.
I own a 2000 SR5. Filed my complaint with Toyota in Mid April 2010. Case manager said that the dealership would contact me for frame replacement…….ect ect ect. I have skimmed through all these comments. I have yet to find an owner that has had a frame replaced. Has anyone had the work done yet? Has anyone had offers to buy-back simular to tacoma program? Personally, I would buy a new tundra in a heart beat if they would give special incentives. Heck, I think at this point I would settle for retail price buy back…….Does anyone agree?
Thanks
The last post by Jason F is a great one. Who has had a frame replaced? My 2000 Tundra has been sitting in a field for almost two months ago. I was told one month maximum. I am on my second rental vehicle (Corrolla and now a nice Camary) My case manager told me there has been people without their trucks since last November and still waiting for frames. I agree with buy backs, incentives. I would drive another Tundra. The tough part is I just miss having my truck. Really sucks on garbage day when I have to load the Camary with all of my recycleables and garbage to haul to the dump. Man I miss my truck.
I agree, I would welcome a buy back, even if it stated that you had to buy another Toyota! I would buy another in a minute. I have been without my truck for about 2 months and am driving a loaner Tacoma! Problem is it won’t tow my new 24 ft. camper which has set at home all summer now! I contacted them (the dealer)the other day and they said 2 mo. to 1 yr. before I will see my truck! I’m not excited about it as I continue to make payments on my camper!!!!!
Was at the dealership this week. They have started frame replacements there. Told I would be called in a few weeks. Said it was taking them 2 – 3 days to do one. They had 2 in progress now, I saw the truck beds outside the rear door when I left and 2 more trucks in line ready to be done. I assume these were trucks being done that was deemed not safe to drive. Let them practice on a few before they get to mine.
I hear ya Steve!!! We also bought a brand new 31′ ultra light with 2 slides…..Had it custom made for a small 1/2 ton truck to tow it. That is why I am so upset! We cut corners on our RV for my tundra to tow it…..Now making payments all summer as it sit in the driveway!!!!! Has anyone asked their case manager about buy-back instead of replacement?
Justin – Thanks!
Jason F – I’ve spoken to a half a dozen Tundra owners with new frames. It’s slow going, but they are being replaced.
Andy – That does suck. Sounds like a picture opportunity, however.
Steve – Two months to a year?! That’s unbelievable (not that I’m doubting you of course – I’m just amazed that a dealer would say such a thing). How did they come up with that number?
So many times, I find that DEALERS are the problem.
Brought my ’00 Tundra into the dealer for a frame inspection in Jan ’10. After being the on lift for 5 minutes, the service manager informed me that the frame was totally perforated. Drove a rental car for over 5 months . . . not a bad thing up hear in NH considering the condition of the roads in the spring (Suggestion: never buy a used rental car from NH). The dealer started frame replacement 2 weeks ago and recommended over $3.5k of additional repairs. Some expenses (timing belt, water pump, tires, brakes, etc.) were routine that I put off for the past year hoping for a Taco buy-back program. Many of expenses (exh manifold, e-brake, fuel tank, new bumper, etc.) appear related to rust or frame replacement. Not wanting to sink that kind of money into this truck, I sold the vehicle to one of the techs in the shop for $1.5k . . . and happy to get it. So basically, a truck I spent over $26k was basically worthless to me after 10 years and 140k miles.
I’ve driven Toyotas for the last 20 years but this is likely my last. This is not because I think Toyota builds any better/worse vehicles than other manufacturers but I don’t want to associate with a company makes such poor business decisions. They’re willing to step up “do the right thing” by sinking ~$16k ($11k frame + $5k rental) into a vehicle that is blue booked at $5-6k tops? Say what you will about Toyota’s reasoning — corporate $$ shuffling, dealership service contracts, fraudulent claims — I don’t care. I have no desire to deal with idiot people anymore than idiot companies.
Good luck to all.
Gerry – I completely understand your perspective, and like you I too think a cash offer would have made a lot more sense for all involved. However, I must point out that more than one Tundra owner has berated me for having that opinion. Some people don’t want to have to buy a new truck.
I think we can all agree that it’s incredibly unfortunate Toyota didn’t build these trucks correctly in the first place. The way they handled this issue was piss-poor too – months go by with no official communication, then a very limited program to replace the rear cross-member, and then finally a warranty program…and the warranty program appears to be going very slowly by all accounts.
Jason, my dealer said that it would be at least 2 months and possibly up to 1 yr., but we won’t talk about that they said. They had my truck in their orriginally to check the rear cross member and I told them it was ok, but thee rest of the frame was rotted. They said they could only look at the rear cross member area and the rest didn’t matter. They didn’t care that I was driving something that wasn’t even safe to be on the road! I got no satisfaction until I went to a Regional Rep!
Our case manager told us this week that if anything breaks during the frame being replaced that WE had to pay for it!!!
Jason,,, now doesnt that make you feel all warm and fuzzy,, Toyota invites you to a recall and then tells you its gonna cost you,, did they give you an estimate or are they gonna stick it to you at the end,,,,,they told me an average of 3 thousand dollars,,, NICE,,,, REALLY NICE.
TOYOTA is sucking more and more every day,,, just ask the opinion of your neighbors or co workers,,(non TUNDRA owners),,, I HOPE YOU ARE LISTENING TOYOTA
I have posted quite a few times on here and just wondering if anyone is in the same boat. No matter what I am dumping my Tundra. It is a 2000 and has about 120,000. When I brought it in I asked them to check some other things and sure enough I was told the “another things” would be 4,500. I told my the service manager don’t put a dime into the vehicle even during the frame replacement. He agreed. However they still wanted to replace the frame. THis is all after a new manifold, (cracked twice since I have owned it) timing belt, plugs, theromostate, water pump I had done last year. I also have already replace the brake lines in 2008 which my case manager said I may be able to get reimbursement for. I faxed them all of my bills.
So I am just waiting for them to fix the frame so I can a better trade in. Does this even make sense is my question. My truck is sitting in a field for two months just to be sold. Does anyone know if it makes a difference to have that frame replace on a dealer trade in. I could be in a new Chevy, Ford, or Dodge tomorrow. However, my thought it is I wait this out Toyota will break down and start offering buy back or incentives. Hmmmm what to do??????
Personally, Toyota making the owner pay for parts that break during service doesn’t sound right, but it’s very common in the industry. Just think about it. How much is this total frame or simply the crossmember recall costing Toyota? Rather than do the right thing by the consumer, they will play by the letter of the law and recall, only replacing those components specified in the recall. I venture to guess making consumers pay for the non-covered parts that break will save Toyota millions, if not potentially billions when you include parts, labor and all the paperwork hours that will need to be covered.
Now this isn’t surprising, other manufacturers do similar type of stuff to save them a buck. Example that I’ve heard, but haven’t experienced myself on my 2006. This is something Ford is well aware of, but since it is not a safety issue, they aren’t required to file a recall, just a TSB. 04-07 F150 5.4L owners have a problem with the poorly designed 2-piece spark plugs snapping during replacement due to carbon buildup on the plug. Of course one piece removes easily, while the other piece gets stuck in the head. Even though Ford and dealers know this is an issue, if a plug breaks, they make the owner pay. It used to require the removal of the head to extract the plug and sometimes replacement of the head was needed. This would push a typical $350 plug change into a $1000-$1500 service to remove the head, not including any other service you may have completed at the same time. Now that Ford has a special tool and TSB procedures, if a plug snaps, then the owner typically has to pay the extra couple hours labor that the TSB procedures require to remove the stuck piece. Of course this depends on the dealer many times whether they charge you the additional labor hours. I’ve already discussed with my dealer that I will not pay over and above the $350 amount for the plug change and received a letter in writing from the Service Dept. Manager that whether a plug breaks or not, they will honor the $350 price. Of course 08+ F150s received a 1-piece design and do not suffer from this issue.
Picked up my truck on 7/2/10, total cost $13,292.14. I had a complete frame replacement. The dealer is replacing the entire frame on all trucks and is stating that now the value of the trucks has increased. I hope so.
As I’ve said before, the issue is as much the dealers as it is Toyota. If the frame replacement is done correctly, no parts should break. If a part does break, and if this break was a direct result of a warranty repair, Toyota *must* pay for that part. It’s not a warranty if the repair costs you money. If you raise a stink with your dealer, your state’s attorney general, Toyota customer service, your state’s dealer licensing board, etc., you will eventually get someone with some common sense to do the right thing.
The bottom line – it’s not a warranty if you have an obligatory out-of-pocket cost. If the dealer says you have to pay for parts that are broken during the course of performing this repair, I would advise you to report that dealership to your state authorities.
Jeff: I’m curious how much the value may have increased. My thoughts are as follow. Yes, the value of any vehicle, Toyota or not that has gone through a restoration type process and had significant rust removed should increase in value. But the other side also makes me think, how will companies like KBB, NADA and Carfax as examples review these vehicles.
Of course KBB/NADA will be giving a base trade-in and resale value; they won’t know which vehicles actually had the service completed. So will they up their values, or keep them low due to these unknowns. So Toyota may say the value has increased, but I’d wait to see what the market for the truck actually comes out to be.
And are these items reported to Carfax (I assume) like other recalls and accidents are? If so, how will Carfax classify these vehicles that have had the service completed? A vehicle in an accident that has had the frame replaced of course gets dinged. So will Carfax ding the Tundra, or provide a warning on trucks that have or have not had the service completed yet?
How will the market react to Tundra’s that didn’t need the frame replaced? Will they be valued higher/lower than those trucks that actually had their frames replaced? We’re in the great unknown period right now. So I wouldn’t totally take the dealers word that the value will increase. It may go up, but how much are we speaking of? $1500 or $5000? Only time will truly tell.
Best part about this is, these trucks will now be safe to drive!
Justin – I doubt that a frame replacement ever shows up on a CarFax or autocheck report. I think that they should, but technically it’s strictly a “warranty repair” so it flies under Carfax’s radar.
As far as the market reaction, I know the answer: all the rusted Tundras are being trucked out West where consumers aren’t conditioned to check for rust. These rusted Tundras are just as valuable today as they were before this frame warranty issue came to light, which is more a commentary on the typical consumer and typical car dealer than anything else.
I just recieved verbal notification that my 2000 Tundra will be on the rack for tear-down this week and I will be notified if there will be any additional cost associated with the {frame} swap. Since this has been a constant issue of conversation on this site I will let everyone know what, if any, extra cost is incurred with the repair of my truck. Hopefully the results of my situation will help someone make a knowledgable choice as to what to do with their Tundra.
FRAME HAD TO BE CUT UP TO REMOVE
We just got our 2000 Tundra back after the frame replacement. It took 3 months — most of that waiting for the new frame. We were told it cost $11500 to fix (including the $$ for the rental). The dealer did try to make us pay for a sensor that was “bad”. The sensor light was not on when we drove it in. Obviously, we told them that (and of course they check those things when you drop it off and made no note of a sensor issue). I do recommend everyone test drive their truck before accepting it though. Make sure it’s been aligned properly too.
Oh, I should make it clear… we didn’t pay anything for the repairs. Truck seems good. Frame doesn’t creak anymore.
Dave – Thank you – it would be great to hear your report.
JB – Excellent! Glad to hear that you didn’t have any out of pocket.
I have a tacoma and they refused to offer a buy back. My only option is a frame replace. Riddled with rust perf. and now I’m face with having my truck reduced and rebuilt! Not safe of comforting. Do I have any legal options to get a buy bag for a 2001?
Barb – Not that I’m aware of.
Well it’s finally over Toyota has won.In April of 09 I went to get an inspection sticker, I was denied. My frame was so rusted out it caved in on one side while on the lift.The mechanic said it was unsafe to drive.I contacted toyota right away and was told there were no recall on that issue at this time .So I called NHTSA they told me that althought there are many complaints on this issus no investigation is going on at this time. November 26th.toyota says a recall has been put in place for rusted frames and the bar that holds the spare tire.Jan 5th Ira toyota out of Tewksbury Mass. says bring the truck in for inspection.They tell me my 2000 tundra has so much rust the frame is cracked now.So they gave me a rental and was on my way.June 6th. Ira calls and says my frame is in BUT your truck has been here for so long, to fix it will be 7398.59 because hood release secondary latch binding,third brake bulb,driver bulb inop,heater controlls seized in dash,transmission cooler linesseized,wiper blades,leaf springs,rear shocks,front brake callipers seized,pins and hoses seized,throttle body binding seized due to rat infestation,lower controlarms seized and the parking brake pivots as well as the front and back cables seized.I immediately called toyota headquarters and was told by Kevin Spillane [head of the tundra frame campaign]that they will not cover anything except the frame and im also responsible if they have to fix parts to get the frame on.I’VE TRIED EVERYONE FOR HELP!
mine has been @ dealer since feb 10/has new frame under trk says it will need new control arms/fuel brk lines/shocks etc etc etc.waiting for dealer to get final reply from toyota about what they will cover.sitting outside dealer shop, they covered up because too many customers asking about it.
deleted – I can see Toyota paying for rusted control arms, but brake lines and shocks are wear items. Those aren’t going to be covered.
As stated in previous post, I picked up my 2000 Tundra on 7/2/10, and Toyota covered the cost of the control arms, brake lines and adjusted the brakes as well as resurfaced the front brake rotors.
Also according to the invoice, they replaced a number of gaskets, rings on the drive shaft, converter retainer, shackle kit?, pin cotter (2), brake fluid, brake tube kit 1 and numerous other items.
Jeff – I stand corrected.
I brought my 2000 tundra in today for the replacement of the first recall cross-member frames. I received a call from the service dept. later today to tell me when inspected and in the process of the replacement they found holes right through my frame and would need to be replaced. I was told to come in and p/u a rental and the whole cost of the work would be covered by Toyota. My Trundra is in great shape otherwise but it does have 195000 miles on it. Still runs great but I can’t believe they are putting that kind of money into my truck, dont get me wrong I think its right that they stand behind their product but maybe a choice to consumers might have been appropriate ie; maybe 10-12k off a new vehicle which I would have been happy to receive. Still love my truck and will be happy to get it repaired…Thank’s Toyota
[…] […]
Just heard of this from a friend that has a 2000 tundra with 100K miles in the shop since april waiting for a frame to be delivered. Dealer gave him a new RAV4 for loaner which he has put 6K miles on and counting. Does this make any sense? I have 2003 tundra with 130K miles going in shop next week to be inspected. Just got finished fighting with dealer because they won’t honor the free oil change at 5000 miles on wifes 2011 Sienna under the 2 year free maintenance plan because they now say new Sienna has synthetic oil and change needed every 10K miles. That’s not what the maintenane schedule says. This should be fun
JK – That’s correct – the 2011 Sienna now uses fully synthetic 0W20 and has a 10k mile interval. Owners are supposed to get a new maintenance schedule and a letter in the mail explaining the change. There are a couple of notes:
1. The Sienna came with that oil from the factory, so it’s not as if they’re switching things around mechanically.
2. I’m not a fan of the idea, but it’s a good way to reduce maintenance costs and improve fuel economy. According to Toyota, it has no impact on wear and tear.
Toyota is also going with a 10k mile interval on the new 4.6L Tundra too – https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2010/01/06/toyota-tundra-10k-mile-oil-change-synthetic-oil/
As for the logic of replacing frames instead of writing checks? You’ve got me.
Well, I’ve been in touch with NHTSA and they are not very happy with toyota at all. In fact my case manager has had several calls about this situation and is trying to get NHTSA to reopen this investigation asap. I also talked with channel 5 and spoke with Susan Wornick, she cannot believe its come to this. Channel 5 was responsible for breaking this news last year. There will also be a story in the Eagle Tribune, as I spoke to this reporter he too could not believe toyota could do this because of there reputation on customer satisfaction,Ha Ha. I’ve started a media blitz and I hope everybody dealing with situation does the same. Don’t give up !
I had my new tires rotated yesterday on my 2007 tundra.While truck was on lift i decided to look under it and I noticed alot of rust on rear axle.The only thing I knew was about the older tacomas having frame rust.When I got home I googled tundra frame rust.What I found was crazy.Today I crawled under my truck for a better look and what I found really pissed me off.Not only did I have rear axle rust but rust was everywhere.Cross member behind spare tire was in bad shape.Everything holding leaf springs looked like it was 30 yrs old.Almost every piece of frame where connected was in really bad shape.every bolt has so much rust I dont thiink you could get them out if you wanted to.Bumpers are rusting all lug nuts are rusted.I read all of these comments about trucks being from bad winter states.I live in southwestern va.Not known for its harsh winters.i feel for you guys with these 2001 and older models than my truck.Know what really sucks? My trucks only 3 yrs old.I dont even have it half paid for yet.This frame wont last until its paid for.Think anyones gonna want it?My wife has 07 camry it uses up to 2 quarts of oil per 3000 mile oil change and has been doing this sense about 35000.Toyota says this is normal.We have owned 7 toyotas and never had this problem before and lets not even talk about her sucky brakes that sound like there falling out from underneath the car every time you take off in it.Anybody ever heard of rear brakes wearing out way before front ones?Hers did.We have always stuck by toyota products because they were so much better than the other ones and had way more trade in value.I have always been to the good on my tundra tradeins.Try that with a 3 yr old chevy and you better have alot of extra cash to get back even with payoff.But all that has changed now.I love my toyota.No other truck even compares and i never seen myself in any other type of vehicle.Heres what im gonna do im gonna give toyota one chance to do the right thing. buy my truck back at suggested retail value not put a new frame on it.Rust is like cancer any thing it touches gets infected.Its not just frame on my truck its almost everything connected to it.Even muffler is shot after only 3 yrs.If they cheated on all of these parts what else did they cheat on.Its starting to show on my wifes car.There is to many words being said instead of action being taken.Heres what we need to do.Give them one chance to do the right thing and mean now not months or yrs later and if they dont;find out who at the dealership made the decision and jerk him up by the shirt collar and tell him your gonna stick your size 13 shoe so far up his -ss he will taste rubber.I dont know to many people that would want to work at that dealership any more if everybody would stick up for theirselves and do it instead of always depending on someone else to do it for us and not getting any results.If were gonna really get toyotas attention were gonna have to do it ourselves.
my ’00 has been at the dealer since the end of April. they graciously gave me my choice of rental through Enterprise – so I drove a Chevy Tahoe for a while, then I moved into a Ford F150 (piece of crap BTW), then out of the blue the service manager calls me and asks if I want to drop my F150 off at Enterprise and drive one of their new Tundras…. I accept the offer and within 3 hours i am driving a brand spanking new (6 miles on it) 2010 Tundra access cab. I have since put over 1000 miles on it, trashed the bed (no bedliner) and my kids have spilled OJ and chocolate in it.. I wonder what its worth now? My truck still sits in the lot, but I see that they just got the frames in and they are stacked up nect to the tacoma frames. I suspect I will have the new Tundra for at least another month. Its going to be hard to give it up! Maybe thats the point? Anyhow I still dont get it. a $10K frame replacement, $3800+/- for a rental, and the at least $5K value loss in the new truck I am ruining, – I would have rather had the $20K and bought a new one… Oh well…Maybe AIG is footing the bill? who knows..
Wilbur – On July 12th. I called Toyota’s Customer Assistance and spoke to Shamika. I told her everything I’ve been going through and suddenly she put me on hold. She came back and apologized, saying: Would you be interested in the Buy-Back program. I told her of course that’s what they should have done from the beginning. I thought to my self why did this take so long, this could have been settled months ago. Shamika told me that she would pass this information on to my case manager Kevin Spillane who supposedly is in charge of the Tundra frame campaign. I thanked Shamika and told her I can’t beleive I got further with her on 1 day then I did with my case manager in over a year. This call was made around 9:am. BAMB! I recieved a call that night and was told by Chuck Rocha that I needed to return my rental within 2 days and if I was not going to pay the 7300.00 to get the frame on and get the truck running again I had 1 week to get it off there lot. Not only do I have a letter from a mechanic stating all I needed was an 02-sensor for my inspection sticker before the frame started falling apart but a tow truck driver started my truck and drove it to his flat-bed where he put it on. This truck sat on Ira’s lot between Jan.5th and July 14th. waiting for the frames to even come in. Im sorry Wilbur but I’m not dealing with people like Mike Schivone or Chuck Rocha from Ira Toyota or as I like to call them the Scarecrow and the Tin-Man. I’ve been advised to hit them with everyting from Face-book,Twitter,Media and Signs out in front of there dealership. Good luck and be carefull where you put your foot. It’s not worth it!
Mike – I have to question some of what you’re saying. First of all, you listed off a lot of problems in your comment from July 19th, and most of the problems shouldn’t be covered by Toyota. Bulbs, seized heater controls, damage caused by rats, a blocked transmission cooler line…NONE of that should be covered by warranty.
If your issue is that Toyota won’t give you a new frame, that’s one thing. If your issue is that you expect Toyota to fix everything that’s wrong with your truck regardless of the cause, that’s something else.
Am I missing something? Are you seriously upset with Toyota for not warrantying your rat infestation problem?
Chris – I agree – the economics of this program don’t make sense. Still, as I have said many times before, there are some people who refuse to accept cash payment for their trucks. I think Toyota decided it was all or nothing, and the folks that refused to accept a buyout probably ruined it for everyone. Toyota probably could have done better to just offer 150% of KBB and be done with it.
Well, here is the end result of my experience with my 2000 Tundra with 210,000 miles on it. After the Scranton/Scion dealer took it to get the frame in April and giving me a 2010 Tundra to hold me over the work has been completed. I picked it up today after a crawling all over it to check their work. So far the only thing I can find wrong is it is dirtier than when I gave it to them. They were EXTREMELY professional and in tune with my needs and I can’t say anything negative. I’m happy to have my truck back. It cost me $1500.00 but that’s only because I wanted some things fixed while they had it apart. They hung my parts for free since they had to disassemble it anyway. My truck now has $11,500.00 in new parts and its just like when I bought it sooooo many years ago.
So, if you like what you drive than my advice to all is fix your Tundra and drive it for another 10 years, than if it happens again junk it a by a 2020 Tundra. At least for me this has been a journey worth taking and I’m absolutely satisfied with MY truck and Toyota!
Dave – That’s cool man. I’m glad to read about a happy person in this post.
Jason- Go crawl back under your rock, and take off your new fitted toyoya hat. Your clueless in so many ways. Read the facts. When Ira toyota tells you, If I were you I would sue toyota you have a good case. I give two shits about that stupid warranty. My truck was in great shape until the frame gave way and then sat for months waiting for a decision. When a truck is sitting in the dealership lot that long your telling me I’m responsible. Even when I halled the truck away in the back of it were 5 quarts of empty oil containers,coffee cups, soda bottles and parts that came off a different truck. So I’m dealing with a bunch of buttheads.
well frame installed and back, got new control arms, and brake lines, also new bolts and brackets. no new rear leaf springs.
Mike — they are replacing control arms if the cam bolts will not come out due to rust.
got to watch all the work done every day and made sure all was done correctly..
other then the new bushings squeaking over bumps i’m happy
Hey Mike,, Lets hear more aboout the buy back program that toyota customer assistance offered you,,, it is what they should be doing anyway,, this whole program is so set up for them to make money and to tell the Feds they are trying to make things right,,, but my god,,, the logic involved…. Im really really really curious about the buy back,,,is the any more info out there
Mike – You’re saying that all the problems you listed off happened on the dealer’s lot during the 5 months it spent?
Forgive me if I’ve assumed incorrectly, but I think anyone could understand why I would question someone who is upset about Toyota not warrantying a rat infestation.
Also, I’d love to hear about the buy out you’ve been offered.
Todd – Good to hear and good tip on the bolts – thanks.
Don – Me too. As far as I know this is off the table, but it wouldn’t surprise me if some very vocal people were being offered checks.
Jason- That’s why I’m so mad, how can things have changed so fast after being offered the but-back.And that’s why NHTSA is so mad. I don’t know what to tell you,my wife and I were excited that it seemed Toyota was finally doing the right thing. And it goes even beyond that,I lost my job over this. I use to drive 36 miles just to get to work, I made good money and now zero. The girl I spoke with kept telling me, we at Toyota are very sorry it’s come to this and I’m only doing my job by offering you a buy-back. Where did I go wrong? Ira said: That she made a mistake she should not have offered you this program because there’s no program in place. My truck was book valued at 7000.00 dollars when this happened, because I was told by Toyota to get my truck off there lot I did. 93,000 miles,no dent’s,great running truck, nothing wrong except 02 sensor and the frame. Jason, I apologize for coming off so mad. But I’ve had enough, 15 months of fighting this has taken it’s toll. I just sold my truck for 500.00 dollars to the tow truck company. F’N incredible. I did all that I could do. The goverment failed me Toyota failed me and now I feel like I’ve failed my family.
Mike – That sucks.
MY 2006 TUNDRA D-CAB has lots of frame rust, the dealer told me “thats normal”….. I’d like a refund on this truck, I wont buy another one until they start useing good steel.
Tom: That’s horrible. Not sure where you reside since weather seems to impact this issue greatly, but I’m living in CO and have no rust to speak of on my 2006 F150.
Tom – Did the dealer say it was surface rust? Surface rust is perfectly normal, and I’ve seen some pics of 2nd-gen Tundra frames with a healthy dose of surface rust…but no structural problems.
You might try taking your 06′ to a body shop for a second opinion. If they say it’s normal, then you’ll know the Toyota dealer isn’t lying. Otherwise, you’ve got something to take to Toyota.
I took my tundra to University Motors in Morgantown WV. They ordered the frame which took about 3 weeks. Then scheduled a rental car and drop off time. I was told it would take about 2 weeks to complete, but it actually took a little over a month. I opted to have the timing belt and shocks and emergency brake cable replaced and a fuel filter. So in total my bill was just a little over 1,000 dollars. Again I choose this. When I got my truck back It was honestly like have a new truck, no squeaks or rattle and tight as can be around turns. I originally hoped for a buy back too, but I must say this was the best deal for me all ways around. My truck has 116K so I should be good for another 100K easy.
Mike – Awesome – great to hear you’re happy.
picked mine up yesterday,been in a rental since march,truck handle good.suspension feels tight/had new shocks maint.done while it was there still under 1000.000 total
Deleted – Cool – another satisfied customer! If only Toyota could have taken responsibility sooner…
“TOM says:
August 10, 2010 at 7:51 am
MY 2006 TUNDRA D-CAB has lots of frame rust, the dealer told me “thats normal”….. I’d like a refund on this truck, I wont buy another one until they start useing good steel.
”
normal for metal to rust, according to toyota. But its usually typical when something is made from light gauge steel. Or steel that doesn’t have much additives(other elements) when they made it in the foundry.
Take a screw driver and scrape the rust, if you don’t get a hard surface, take it back to them.
i would wire brush the rust off, buy some rustoleum (home depot/menards) and paint the frame with the stuff. That way it will last longer than 5 years.
rustoleum sells a primer that will coat over rust, and buy some black rustoleum and go over it.
I picked up my 2000 tundra last week after 3 months of driving a rental truck. The only charge that they would not cover was the exhaust system that was in need of replacing anyway. They insalled a new stainless steel cat-back exhaust for 369.00. I brought the truck back the day after I got it back because the whole truck would shake at a coast or when stopping. They turned the front rotors, adjusted the rear brakes and balanced the tires. It is much better know but there is still a vibration on the highway the dealer says is due to flat spots on the tires from sitting so long??? I am going to drive it a little while and see if it gets any better.
Mine is at the dealership now, it takes approx. two weeks for them to replace the frame. I was first told a few days but now its turned into two weeks. I’m just happy its getting done
charlie – the flat spots on the tires would explain it, and that definitely seems possible. I’m very glad to hear they didn’t charge you for any extraneous parts (aside from the new exhaust at least).
TO all – This is more proof that dealers aren’t charging “thousands” to do this repair as some others have said. If your dealer trots this line of BS out, find another place to get your frame repaired.
jen – It’s a big job, and a lot of shops are (understandably) a little intimidated. I think it’s a good thing that they take their time on a repair like this.
Parts availability is also an issue.
[…] has to state about the sludge. She puts it in a post where the thread is about the rusty frames. Toyota Launches Tundra Frame Replacement Program | Tundra Headquarters __________________ MIDNIGHT RIDER THE NEW HEARTBEAT OF AMERICA AFTER GAS PEDAL […]
I went to a dealership for a frame inspection and they confirmed a frame replacement, they told me it would be about 8 weeks for the frame to come in, which it did. I got a rental truck and its been about 3 weeks. the dealership told me they would do an inspection to see if I would need any new parts that they either couldn’t get off and had to cut off and/or needed replacement. This seems like it could get expensive. The truck has 54000 miles no body rust and has been garaged since new(out of the elements). My question is how hard does any dealership try to salvage parts when replacing the frame? Seems to easy to use new!
Just got my truck back. I dropped it off 2-18-10 and got it back 8-23-10. The frame was replaced along with lines and wires and some extra small parts. Toyota supplied me with a 2010 Sienna for the whole time. While it was there being worked on, I had them replace the steering rack, mount new tires and change a tie rod. The total for me was less than $800 for the extras that I added. Toyota is a great company that stood by me and their product. I will always remember this and appreciate all that they did.
Thanks Scranton Toyota.
Steve – Mainly, dealers use the old parts because Toyota won’t pay for new ones…unless the only way to complete the warranty repair is to damage perfectly good parts, in which case Toyota will warranty replacement.
John – Glad to hear it – your positive experience makes for quite a few happy people posting here.
Today I saw my 2001 Tundra Limited up in the Toyota shop with the bed off. There were piles of rust chips, I mean piles, all under the truck. They told me they would just replace the spare tire section. I took lots of pictures. I am so bummed. The frame looked awful. It even looked tweaked and bent. Is this why I’m having alignment problems. I would love to post pictures of it at the Toyota dealer looking so bad with pieces falling off the frame. Can I post pictures here?
Finally got my truck back today – after 3 months. The old frame had holes the size of my head in the top of it in places that I couldnt see before – its amazing it didnt fall apart..
total cost to my dealer (paid by Toyota and Dana and whoever else) was $13890 Total cost to me Zero! I had the option of replacing lots of parts while it was dismantled but I decided against it. the truck went on the lift on Monday was done by wednesday then to the recon shop for a detailing – N/C then they called me and gave me a few days to return the 2010 Tundra I was driving. Man what a letdown to drive my old POS truck! that new Tundra is really nice compared to my 140K mile 2000 TRD access cab – my truck is like driving a VW bus compared to the new trucks.. I WILL buy another Toyota, this was a positive experience, however I was fighting for them to do something for 2 years.
good luck to the rest of you.
and thank you to Courtesy Toyota in Montpelier VT!
Perry: Create yourself an account at http://www.photobucket.com, post the pics there and post the picture link/url into the comments here.
Perry – Yes – email them to me: admin@tundraheadquarters.com and I’ll write a post about them for you.
Chris – Great to hear.
I brought my 2000 Tundra SR5 in for the inspection, which it failed. Truck is sitting at the dealer still while I have a ’10 Santa Fe, which I love by the way. I stopped at the dealer today to talk to the service dept. about what the game plan is. I asked about a possible buy back, obviously I was shot down. But figured it was worth a try. They said about 8 weeks to finish. My truck has 110K on it, I have been trying to sell it as I have twins on the way and need more room. Just wish Toyota would do the same buy back as the Tacomas a few years ago? But that works for me, doesn’t mean it does for the rest of you. Will the recall work increase my trade in value at all?
I brought my 2000 Tundra to the dealer on 3/31/10 and was sent home with a rental vehicle. I received my Tundra back today 8/26/10. The frame was replaced along with any parts needed to complete the work. I signed one paper and left the dealership. I was charged nothing for the work. I have to say that Toyota stands behind their product. I was treated extremely well throughout the process and was kept informed at all times. I would like to give a big Thank You to the Grappone Dealer in Bow, NH. They have changed many frames (A lot of old frames in the pile) and seem to have quite a few to finish. Good Luck to everyone looking to complete the process, I hope you have a good experience also.
Steve – It won’t increase value, but it will preserve market value.
Jerry – Awesome. This is fantastic news that stories like yours keep coming in.
I have posted previously and would also like to thank Balise Toyota in West Springfield MA for their help and support during the frame replacement on my 2000 Tundra.
Thursday I went to the Balise, because my gas cap cover on my Tundra rotted off. I asked the Service Manager who helped me on frame issue, if Toyota would pick up the tab for replacement (#28.04 cover – $35.00 labor = $63.04). He got back to me and Toyota said no. Toyota spent over $13,000 to fix my truck but would not go for $63.04. I still think Toyota is great for taking responsibility for the frame issue.
Anybody else have this problem with the gas cap cover.
Jeff – Weird – never heard of that one before. Anyone else?
An update on my 2000 Tundra after a little over a week of driving it with the new frame. I had a small gas leak at the fuel filter and my “A/T oil temperature” light came on. I returned to the dealer where a new gas filter and new A/T oil temperature unit was installed at NO Charge to me. I hate to brag, knowing all the trouble that some owners are having, but Grappone Toyota has really stepped up to the plate and taken care of my Tundra. The Service Manager has been great to work with. I have no other problems with the frame installation to date.
Jerry – I don’t think of it as bragging at all – I think it’s a great thing that you’re showing other Tundra owners what they can expect from their dealership if/when they have this recall work done. I’m glad it’s gone so well for you.
Jason, didn’t you say that while your frame is being replaced you could get additional work done for partial labor and get parts for cost? I just had my frame replaced and they replaced the fuel lines and charged me full labor and full price on the parts. I was charged $924. labor and $495. for parts.
These are the parts the installed- fuel filter assy, parking cable assy, fuel return tube, fuel tank tube, fuel main tube, 4 muffler clamps, 19 nuts, cussion sub assy, body mount bolts 30 bolts w/ washers,2 flange bolts, AND 10 clips. They removed my old plow frame from old frame but did not remount it per my request. They replaced front axles, and front struts and rearshocks all of which I supplied the parts. My total bill ended up at $1477.69 All the parts they supplied were marked up a minimum of 40% more than I could buy them online for! they charded me approximatly 12 hours labor to install the parts I have listed. The mechanic orriginally told me they would be able to do the frame replacement in 2 days! I think that charging me 924 in labor for replacing those few items is a bit high. Am I wrong? What do you think Jason?
My truck has been at my local Toyota dealer for almost a month, and hasn’t moved from the lot yet!! I use my truck for work purposes, the dealer gave me an SUV because they did not have a truck available. I have checked every week and still do not have a truck. It is starting to cause issues with my job. What are my options. The dealer said their rental truck stock is out due to the recall?
I took my 2000 Tundra into the dealer today. They said that there was no perforation of the frame but they will do the rust prevention. They said that once they notify Toyota about the inspection done today that I will receive a letter allowing them to do the rust prevention treatment. Does this sound correct? They wouldn’t schedule the treatment until I get the letter from Toyota. They did replace the gas tank straps.
Steve(MA), my truck has been at the dealership now for 2 months and they got me a truck from Enterprise. I use my truck too and they had no problem in getting it for me.
Steve – Absolutely. You *should* be able to get free labor on some work, or at least reduced labor costs, because the techs are already doing the work.
I think it’s fair to charge you some labor here and there, but I agree that 9 hours is a little steep. Besides, with the 40% mark-up on parts, they ought to be happy to knock that bill down for you.
If things get negative, you can threaten to report them to your state’s dealer licensing board as well as Toyota. It’s unethical to charge you for labor that Toyota has already compensated them for…
Steve (MA) – The issue is probably a parts hold. As you can see from the other comments above, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, I think you’ll have to stick it out. However, you might try asking to swap out your loaner again.
Charlie – This sounds right to me based on what I read in the dealer letter, but it seems like you should have received that letter by now…unless this is a new program. Did they say how long the letter would take?
Jason- I just got off the phone again (second time this week) with the rental mananger at the dealership. He still doesn’t have a truck for me to use after he “promised” on tuesday that he would have one by thursday. Hate to complain, but I think it is ridiculous. I’m being as patient as possible and understand that it is a busy time with the recalls.
Steve (MA) – I don’t blame you for wanting a truck – the rule is to try and get you the same vehicle whenever possible. I would keep the pressure up, and you might suggest renting your own vehicle at their expense as well. They’ll say no, but it might get the ball rolling a little faster.
R & D (PA)
We have a 2000 SR5 Ext Cab with 167K miles. We received our recall notice for only the rear cross member earlier this summer. We didn’t get around to calling the dealer.
Truck was due for inspection in Sept, we dropped the truck off at our mechanic, who called us within the hour. He had put the truck up on the lift, and as he did, a chunk of the frame fell off, leaving a hole over 3 inches. We picked up the truck, looked up the recalls for our truck on Toyota’s website and found it was eligible for both recalls. Dropped it off at the dealers a couple days later.
On Friday, 9/17, the dealer called after having the truck half a day and said they would replace the entire frame at their cost. It was deemed not safe to drive, and they would provide alternate transportation. A 2011 Camry – yippee. We tried to argue that both my wife and I drive pickups and are used to that – she drives the Tundra and I drive a Chevy Silverado crew cab and that we had plans involving both pickups. They told us the Camry is their standard loaner vehicle and the only other vehicle they could offer was a mini-van, which we both refuse to ever drive a mini-van.
Current status-my wife reluctantly agreed to drive the Camry. Frame is ordered and expected in 6-8 weeks. Frame replacement will take 3-5 days after that. We asked about having other work done, they said there would be no labor cost for replacing shocks. We could even buy our own shocks elsewhere if we chose and bring them in. Thanks to your website, we were prepared for all of this.
The only complaints we have are:
1) If the dealerships can’t offer a comparable vehicle, they should at least be able to offer a Tacoma or an SUV.
2) And it would have been nice for the service associate to go over the loaner vehicle or at least provided an operator’s manual. It has satellite radio, which would be really cool, if we knew how to work it.
We’ll keep you posted.
R&D – Glad to hear that the site was helpful, sorry to hear that you’re driving a Camry. The TSB provides the dealer with compensation for a comparable vehicle, so I would encourage you to revisit that issue with them.
As for the Satellite radio, I don’t know how to use it either.
Just got my 2000 Tundra SR5 Xtra Cab back from dealer inspection. Paint and many layers of rust flaking off from frame, but technically no holes, so it was reported as “Good”. Clearly there’s more to the story. The rusty steel is not going to get better.
(If it develops a hole in a month or two, do I bring it back for another inspection?). I asked what I could do to improve the situation. They said pay $830 for a “coating” to protect the rusty steel. My thought–if it takes only $830 to stop the problem from getting worse, why wouldn’t Toyota offer that to owners with rusty frames that haven’t yet reached the dangerous or failing stage?
My DH’s 2001 Tundra has a badly rusting through frame but also, the power steering has totally failed. The rack and pinion steering box that connects to the frame (be patient, I am trying to get this correct) has totally rusted through, leaving a hole and of course, no steering ability. The pressure lines have also rusted and have to be replaced before they leak.
Is this normal? Granted, it’s a 2001 but to have parts just rust through, along with their frame problems, makes me wonder.
I would appreciate any advice or counsel. If it’s normal, that’s cool, I just want to know what we are supposed to consider normal w&t and what is “off the chart”.
Before the Tundra we had a Ford E350 and had it for many more years than the tundra and didn’t have any rust-through like this (but other problems to be sure).
Hey john from Canada, Have had to do anything regarding frame on Tundra, where abouts in the great white north are you, i’m in Bracebridge ont. Going to get my mechanic to take a look this week and give him all this info I’ve just found, I heard about some of the tacoma buy back but this is the first Ive seen this about the Tundra’s, I’ve got a 2000 it is in quite good shape but the frame is rusted up pretty good, If anyone out there has already gone through this in Canada or more specifically ontario I would love some feedback and info on the best moves to make.
Thanks
After +one month, I finally have a Tundra rental. Swapped my Sante Fe for it on Weds. of last week. It’s an extended? cab SR5, with the 5.7L. What a truck!!! Wish I could afford to trade my 2000 for it when it is finished. Gotta say I will be pinching my pennies to save for one down the road.
Roger M – I’ve asked myself the same question – why doesn’t Toyota pro-actively rust proof some frames if they suspect the steel of being vulnerable? The answer probably has to do with cost and publicity, but who knows. There’s been nothing rationale about the way Toyota has handled this issue.
Technically, the frame replacement program requires you to have holes, but I suggest you get a state inspection and/or 3rd party to look at your frame. If you can get a trusted authority to rate your vehicle as “unsafe,” you’ve got something to show Toyota.
SuziQ78 – Rust is like a bad rash – it can spread from the frame to healthy steel and ruin it very quickly if left unchecked. It’s not normal, but it’s not unusual either. The question is, are you getting the frame replaced under the warranty?
Steve (MA) – Excellent! Glad to hear you got the right kind of rental.
It’s been 2 1/2 months since my truck went in for a frame replacement. First brake lines were on back order and now the steering rack. Anyone else waiting for a steering rack? Also, did the dealer want you to pay for it? Mine was fine when I went in but developed a leak after removal. I fought to 2 weeks for a replacement at Toyota’s cost. Standard operating procedure seems to be to rip you off unless you complain.
Okay, it is time I chime back in after a long process of a frame replacement. I was initially working hard for a buy back or some type of incentive. I was on a first name basis with my Toyota Corporate representative. I would have taken it, however in the end I can say I am very happy with Toyota and my dealer. Beside the intial shock of the frame, I was told I had about 4,000 dollars of other stuff needed. I told them replace the frame but I am not paying a dime more. I will trade it in before I spent any money. I see in another persons post one of the issues was a steering rack. I was told the same thing, either 300 or 1300 dollars depending on what was wrong. In the end it was neither. Only a drain issue that was fixed easily. I also replaced my breaklines two years ago due to corrosion. I kept my bills, submitted the to Toyota and they are reimbursing me 500 dollars because it is somethig covered in the warranty and recall. In the end my out of pocket cost was about 400 bucks. Needed a little break work not covered. All in all, I can say I am very pleased and initially I was pretty pissed. I am a little confused how 4,000 can turn into 400 but I am not complaining.
Anyone run into a sway bar issue while frame being replaced? Dealer says mine was broken prior, wasn’t to my knowledge?
Jason, or anyone who may know, do you know if a box-Truck bed off a 2001-2004 Tundra will fit on a 2000 Tundra??
[…] from A-Z has had a safety recall one time or another. Here's Toyota's answer to the problem: Toyota Launches Tundra Frame Replacement Program | Tundra Headquarters Also the second generation Prius' have a recall on their ABS system controls: FAQs on the 2010 […]
I own a 2001 Toyota Tundra Limited.
Jeff:I had the gas cap cover rust off, I have not replaced it.
I have had my truck inspected twice, by 2 different Massachusetts dealers, and both times my truck did not qualify for the frame of rear cross member replacement. I was offered new gas tank straps. Large amounts of rust flakes (not dust but thick chips) are falling off. I just discovered a qualifying hole in the rear cross member today. Does anyone recommend a good dealer in MA/NH/ME/RI that will replace my frame or even better buy the truck back?
Ron. I have a similar situation. 2003 Tundra that passed dealer frame inspection and have large thick pieces of rust drpping from frame. It’s just a matter of time before a qualifying hole appear. Maybe just one more salty New England winter will do it.
The Tundra is a great truck. Replaced my frame at 190,000 miles and runs like when I bought it. I applaud their work on this
My 2002 Tundra has significant rust at the mid crossmember to main frame rail joints. It hasn’t perforated yet and the dealer says it’s fine but in 3 years it surely will be rotted through and the truck junk with zero resale/trade-in value.
I want to have a body shop remove the bed, scrape down all the rust abd treat it with POR-15 or equivalent so I can get another 5 or so years without it becoming unroadworthy. Problem is Toyota will void the extended (until April 2012) frame warrantee if I touch it.
Toyota said they are suppose to have a rust preventive or similar treatment for those of us who have rusty frames but not bad enough to replace. Where is it? Do I have to wait until 2012? By then the frame will be much worse. I’m tempted to just get it treated but body shop wants $1200.
Forgot to mention that my 2002 Limited has 129,000 miles and is in mint condition except for the frame rust.
I was told by my dealer after the inspection, which had no perforations, that Toyota will send me a letter allowing them to do the rust prevention treatment. It was one month later and no letter. I called Toyota Corporate and they said that this was correct. They said that they have to get each state’s EPA department to verify that the chemicals used are ok to use. They did not say when that letter would appear.
Does anyone know if any state has approves the chemicals or for that matter what the treatment is?
NealG and Charlie – I’ve been hearing that this treatment is coming for nearly 8 months…not too excited by the fact that Toyota can’t get this handled sooner.
I suspect they’ll make it available to any 1st gen Tundra owner, but what the treatment is I’m not sure.
It’s anecdotal to be sure, but we’ve seen Toyota respond to bed bounce, frame rust, air injection pumps, and some other problems here, so I’m guessing they’re more on the ball now than ever. Hopefully that means this is coming soon.
Keep us posted, and thanks for commenting.
The Toyota rep called me back today and told me that the pending rust treatment is for the cross-member only. She couldn’t get more specific but said it was not for the frame but for the cross-member which I assume means the spare-tire support cross-member.
I was not left with a good feeling at all relative to their concern for us Tundra owners who don’t qualify for a frame replacement because the rust hasn’t perforated through yet but yet is obviously bad enough to likely render the truck junk in another 3 or 4 years.
Given that, I am going to proceed with having a local body shop remove the bed and gas tank (to allow complete access to the frame), have all the rust scraped and wire-brushed off then treat it with POR-15. Hopefully they can spray and brush it into all the nooks and crannies to convert and seal it up. I certainly can’t make it any worse and my hope is that it will pay for itself in a few years.
Neal, I would highly recommend against that! if you mess with the frame in any way Toyota will not warranty your frame. If you want a new frame, then go under the truck scrape as much rust off as you can then mix up some pottasium chlorate or other ice melt product in some warm water and spray the frame with it. that is the only treatment that will land you a nice frame..
I bought a new 2010 Toyota Tundra. Not sure if the new frames have better rust proofing. I went ahead and painted the entire new frame with rust bullet. Hopefully it will protect from ohio winters.
Ron, I would bring your Tundra to Balise Toyota, 1399 Riverdale Street, West Springfield, MA. I was there the other day and they piles of old frames in the yard. Good luck.
Well, I just called Krause Toyota in Allentown PA, the oldest toyota dealership and perhaps the worst service department as well. There is a HOLE rusted through the skid plate about 4″ long x 1/2″ wide, there are other spots of rust on the skidplate as well as the entire frame. They first told me “there is no rust corrosion coverage on that truck, its out of the 3/36 warranty”… well they lied. The warranty book states 60 months unlimited miles corrosion warranty as far as rust thru on body panels… then they argued that the skidplate is not a body panel, well it bolts onto the truck and its sheetmetal so I’m going to call toyota directly and report this dealership, their service manager lady is very rude as well. You would think when you spend $35000 for a vehicle they would treat you a little better, but all I ever get from Krause Toyota is aggravation. Its time they be reported to the manufacturer. I am so fed up that I just wish they would buy the truck back, I’ll never own another Toyota vehicle. Why does our 2003 Yukon Denali XL have more power then this tundra and gets better fuel mileage and its frame has zero rust??? Answer – Toyota uses scrap steel, GMC doesn’t and they know how to overdrive an engine with the transmission. I should of bought a Silverado like I wanted to in the first place. My last one lasted 25years.
And another thing thats really troubleing, this tundra eats tires like a toddler eats snickers bars. no kidding, the factory BFGs were GONE and I mean GONE at 25000 miles. 2nd set were Yokohamas they made it to 49000 miles… 25K on a set of tires WTF ???? never again.
Tom – First of all, I didn’t approve your comments because I was busy. They were held for moderation automatically (not sure why).
To your point about the skid plate on the 06′, that seems like it should be covered under warranty. As for tires, I agree that the factory tires on the Tundra are pretty poor (unless you buy the TRD package with upgraded tires)…but the same can be said for most trucks. Even some of Ford’s SuperDuty pickups come with ‘highway’ tires that won’t make it up a steep dirt road.
As for being fed up with the Tundra, I’m sorry to hear that. The good news is, you’ll have no trouble trading it in on another vehicle. Tundra resale values are strong.
I have a 2001 Toyota Tundra with a little over 60,000 miles on it. It was recalled for rust and I was told that the frame is still solid and that they would contact me to undercoat it. I never heard from them and called them the other day. They said they were not going to undercoat it.
I told them that no one wanted to inspect it because of the severe rust. They told me they would inspect it. I had gotten it inspected because I promised them (according to Toyota) that it was going to be undercoated soon. I explained my problem to Toyota and they said they would inspect it. That is forcing me to only use Toyota. I do not want to do that because when I asked Toyota to inspect it they told me it would cost me $6,000. I don’t have that kind of money so I got some one else to fix the sensors and the front exhaust system for $700. Why would I go to Toyota?
I asked them what will happen next year when I need to get it inspected? They said I would have to bring it to them. I asked them what the warrantee on rust was and he said he didn’t know. I asked him what would happen if my truck rusted through next summer? They said they would replace the frame. I asked him if they would do it without a warrantee and he said he didn’t know.
I bought this truck because I had faith that it would last a long time if I didn’t use it much and kept it up. I have lost my faith in Toyota and although we have bought many Toyotas, this one will be the last.
Any word on the rust proofing that Toyota is suppose to provide for those of us that don’t have to have the frame replaced? What are they trying to do wait until April 2012 when they won’t have to warrant the frame any longer? I can tell you one thing, this will be the last vehicle I will ever buy from Toyota.
GO AHEAD AND BUY A CHEVY LIKE MY BUDDY DID AND WHEN YOUR FRAME ROTS OUT(AND IT WLLL) LIKE HIS DID, THEY SUGGESTED THAT IT WAS TIME FOR HIM TO BUY A NEW TRUCK! THAT IS THE KIND OF SERVICE THE BIG THREE OFFER. HAVE AT IT!!!!!!!!!!
SOMEONE HAS TO KEEP THE ECCONOMY GOING
Steve: Never said I would buy a Chevy but the way Toyota is going with all their recalls the Big 3 sure does look a lot better. No more Toyota for me.
Like I said ask any of the big 3 Ford-Chevy or Dodge what they would do for you if you frame rots off a 10 year old truck and see what they tell you!
Steve: I can agree, that most likely the Big 3 wouldn’t offer a warrenty nor repair the frame if this were to happen to one of their products. But from my experience with Ford, they’ve never had issues such as this with any of their Rangers or F-Series trucks built in the last 30yrs (1980-2010). Sure you may have the random exception to the rule, but the majority of their trucks have not had a frame rust issue. Now sheet metal rust, all manufacturers have this issue.
Basically I’m saying that I know Toyota is in the barrel right now with recall issues, but have been making most of their customers happy by working very hard to cure the issues and take care of their customers. Their has been numerous recalls on the big three lately also, but the media has diverted most of the attention to Toyota. If anyone was to look back they would see that any of the big 3 have had their share of recalls with many deaths attributed to some of them! I dare say many more than Toyota has ever had.
My truck has the TRD package, and the BFG tires were gone at 23K miles,,,, the yokes made it until 48000… now theres michelins on it. Our GMC yukon gets 60K to a set of tires, and its 3yrs older, heavier and has zero rust. The dealer said the skid plate is not covered and toyota confirmed it… I have it all documented with them for when it comes time to call the lawyer.
And as for resale being “strong” well, your wrong on that too. I was offered $15500 on a trade. the blue book trade value is $21200. good luck when you think your truck has decent resale. nothing has decent resale value when the dollar is becoming worthless and no one has a job.
willow runningwater — here is the long and short of the toyota situation. The dealers dont know WHAT the warranty covers, all they are told is to SELL SELL SELL as many of these junk units they can before the public finds out they are useing CRAP STEEL in them… and when you do try to call Toyota after pressing option 2 then 5 then 8 then 0 for an operator and being on hold for 48 minutes, someone might be able to help. But anyone who quotes someone $6000 for $250 worth of undercoating is insane. what a joke.
Tom – Resale value is typically evaluated as a percentage of MSRP over time. I say it is strong because the 06′ Tundra holds more value (as a percentage of MSRP) than ANY other half-ton you could have bought. This is supported by the Tundra’s numerous resale value awards.
**EDIT – see comment below**
I understand your frustration and I think it stinks that the dealer won’t warranty the skid plate (that seems like it should be covered). I encourage you to pursue the dealership for this repair.
Tom – My apologies. Just did some checking and KBB is actually pretty accurate now…didn’t used to be that way. Average wholesale value for an 07′ Tundra SR5 Double Cab w/50k miles and the 5.7 is $20,200 according to Manheim auction data (which is highly accurate).
If you were offered $15,500, then your truck is probably in need of some work OR the dealer you’re working with is trying to steal your truck.
i dont have an 07, i have an 06. skidplates are not covered at all and that came from toyota. the truck is really in nice shape other than the underside rust, I’d sell it outright for $17500. no one will buy it because everyone now knows what toyota’s trucks are made of.
wish I would of went with my gut feeling and bought that used 2500 Dodge Cummins, but instead I bought this headache.
tom – Sorry to hear that your Tundra didn’t work out for you. $17,500 sounds like average auction value, but it must be adjusted for miles, condition, etc.
[…] problem. Frame rust has also been an issue with Tundras built earlier this decade. Toyota issued a quiet special service program to address those issues, too, on top of a recall. Why is this a topic of discussion here? […]
I’ll be paying for new: shocks (expected), transmission mount, and exhaust pipe/muffler. NOW they tell me my gas tank is leaking!
My 2000 Tundra (8 cyl, ext cab) has been at the dealers for almost 3 weeks now. Last week I resisted, but finally decided to go ahead w/ the 1st 3 items; this week, it’s the gas tank! WTF! I’m wondering if they damaged the gas tank during the job.
I would’ve been happier with the $10,000 toward a new truck, and I probably would’ve bought a Tundra again. Waiting to hear back from the dealer on the tank….
PO’d in RI – I understand your frustration. Taking a 10-year old truck apart can often lead to additional repairs, but the dealer is supposed to fix anything they break under warranty. Of course, it’s hard to say if they caused the problem or not.
I also understand your desire for a check instead of a repair. There are some other posts on the site about this issue, and in the comments you’ll see many Tundra owners who were upset at the possibility of a buy-back and demanded a repair. I definitely would want a check if I were in your shoes, but I don’t think that all Tundra owners feel the same. Toyota decided it was all or nothing, and I’m not sure why.
I have a 2000 tundra TRD w/95k miles, just took it back for the inspection of the frame. During the inspection they told me I need $1700 worth of work (total BS), new battery, new belts, new u-joint, new rear seals and the list went on. they won’t give me a printed copy of what is needed. They also found a hole and are sending a picture to corporate for approval to replace the frame. I’m going to have my independent mechanic (former Toy mechanic) inspect it and write up the condition of items. Plus I’m gonna take pictures of every body panel joint etc. I think my local toy service dept are complete crooks and I’m going to be prepared to report them to the BBB (Better Bus Bureau) when I catch them trying to milk me)
This sucks because I’ve been a loyal Toy customer for many years and owned 3 toys and my 2000 Tundra is in great shape and runs great too. Likley looking at a 250/350 class as my next truck anyway. I certainly don’t want to spend alot on a 10 year old truck I’ll just sell in 4 months.
I brought my 2001 Tundra in for service last night. I knew there was a recall for the gas tank/tire mount stuff, but knew nothing about a total frame replacement. When we came to pick up the truck they told us that the frame was so bad they didn’t want us to drive it off the lot. They are replacing the entire frame and gave us a brand new Tundra to drive while the repairs are ongoing. They are telling me it will be 2-3 months in all to make the repairs.
Although I’m happy to see Toyota taking responsibility for the problem, and actually fixing it… I’m still a little uneasy about having my truck dismantled in this way. Once you start playing around with stuff, the next thing you know… more problems. I just can’t help but think this is going to cost me in the long run.
They also said that if they find anything they think needs repair that’s not part of the recall while they’re working on the truck, they will let me know… and if I want the repairs done… there won’t be any labor charges, only parts. I’m hoping all goes as planned.
My truck is a 2001 limited, two tone paint without a scratch on it, and only 78,000 miles. God I hope that’s what I get back 🙂
Has anyone heard from Toyota about the frame rustproofing they promised to do? I bet what Toyota is going to do is just keep us hanging until April 2012 after which they won’t cover our rusting frames. Never again will I buy another Toyota product.
I have concluded that Toyota trucks are total junk, my 2000 had the frame replaced and it is more of a piece of crap than it was before. yeah it has a nice shiny new frame under it but it is still junk – I will never buy another toyota..
I would have to agree with Chris. I also had the frame replaced earlier this year and the truck that I got back had numerous problems from vibrations to alignment and braking issues. I just recently traded it in for a Chevy.
Charlie & Chris: Don’t think it’s just Toyota or the Tundra. Any vehicle that goes through such extensive work will never be the same. Had a 2002 F150, which after an accident (idiot S10 Blazer driver), the frame was replaced with a brand new one. While the truck looked nice afterwards, there were just too many little issues with replacing the frame that never set well with me. This is what lead me to buy my current truck.
[…] Scotty – The Tundra recall can be found here: Toyota Launches Tundra Frame Replacement Program | Tundra Headquarters It's more than a 'rust spot' issue. That being said, it's my dad's truck so I don't have personal […]
I went to my dealer many months ago with my rust bucket.
The dealer told me that they would just replace the cross member that holds the spare tire. Now I hear others are getting the frame replaced in NH. Can anyone tell me which dealers replaced the frame for them, I would like to go there?
After my dealer told me this I left in great disgust swearing never to own another Toyota. It is not worth my time to have my truck out of service to replace this small frame part while the rest of the truck falls apart.
I was working on a scheme to have all Tundra owners drive around on the great Tundra rust bucket tour. We would meet on some big sales weekend and drive our rusty Tundras to different dealers and camp there for a while.
Signs horn tooting et al.
Now I am hearing that Toyota is replacing frames.
For 35 years I have never even thought about buying anything but a Toyota. Bottom line is, if I get a new frame I will forgive all and never buy anything but a Toyota again. If I don’t I will never buy another Toyota.
Figuring that I might go through 3 or 4 new trucks before I kick the bucket (maybe more if I expand my business) it makes long term business sense for them to fix my truck.
Also let them not forget that I tell everyone who will listen how much I hate this truck. How many people listened to me and bought a Ford or Chevy, I don’t know. I do know that one person I talked to was actually looking to buy a new truck this year.
Thank you for a place to rant.
Xavier.
BIG concern is what will my truck be like after the frame replacement. I was at the dealership 2/15 and they checked my frame and wouldn’t let me even leave the lot in my truck. Mine is the 2001 Tundra Limited TRD 4×4, loaded with just about every option, 106,000 miles, and they were willing to allow me $7500 trade-in for another Tundra. My truck had driven perfectly, but have major concern after they dismantle it completely, what problems will I have afterward with the 4X4, transfer case, even transmission or motor. Would have expected Toyota to offer a reasonable amount to skip the cost of replacing the frame, especially if I were trading it to another Tundra. I’m sure that if I ever get my truck back, I will be at the dealership weekly with another problem now.
great website.had my frame already replaced last week.2000 limited access cab 4×4.truck has been great until they replaced the frame.now,I have a hard thud sound in the front suspension and they can’t seem to get the steering wheel back to center? truck has 272,000 miles on it! would have been much cheaper to give me $10,000.oo and give them the truck.the dealer told me that they think the new frame doesn’t have the holes for the suspension correctly placed on the frame causing the thud sound in the front end. when I hit even the smallest bump in the road, it sounds and feels like the front end is falling out!!I have always bragged on toyota and their excellent vehicles. I own the tundra with 272,000 miles,a 2003 toyota 4runner with 147,000 miles a 1997 lexus es 300 with 169,000 miles and a corrola s with 106,000 miles. I do hope they fix my truck so I can continue to buy toyotas. the dealer said he would let me know in a day or two if they would have to replace the frame again because the holes in the frame are not correct.I do appreciate the time and money they have put into my truck but do the job correctly! I detail vehicles on the side and if I did a great job on a vehicle and made it look like new and did not touch the drivers side front wheel what would you notice first? not the vehicle looking new but, the one wheel that I did not clean!! what I am trying to say is do the whole job right and don’t half do it!! thanks for letting me vent!!
Ive driven Toyotas since 1993 and have had Camry, Tacoma,and now Tundra and was always happy but Ive had more problems with the brake calibers sticking and the rods that connect to the tie rod ends rusting into than normal.Ive had my brake calibers replaced twice so if you count the original Im on 3rd set in 82,000 miles . And when they stick they burn up your brake pads and the rotors needed replacing one of the 2 times so needless to say I was put out but I dont know if thats another problem or just my bad luck. I went 2 weeks ago and they told me at the dealership that my truck passed this year but he felt like it would not next year and I said I pull a camper a lot in the summer ,are you sure its OK and Im not in danger of wrecking due to this frame problem you are recalling about. The service manager told me it was fine and I would be in no danger. Im going to ride it out and see what they do . I like Toyotas but I cant afford to have another one like this one.
My 2000 Tundra is in the shop right now, they just began to break down the trunk to replace the frame and I received the first, of what suspect will be many, calls that the control arms bolts are “frozen” and Toyota will not replace anything but the frame. So they expect to just unbolt and 11 year old truck and not have “collateral damage” …. not my problem Toyota should pony up, any advice would be appreciated …
To: MD PIckett, they (toyota or the dealer) has to pay for anything broken or frozen related to removing the frame and anything that is broken in the process. My 2000 was completed in August and they did a great job with the frame and it did not cost me anything. I live in MA, and my truck was subject to years of salt/sand in the winters, I find it hard to believe nuts/bolts were not frozen on my truck!!!!
FYI, I would question anything you “have” to pay for!!!
I got mine back last week, and to my surprise, no complaints what so ever. Have tried out the 4×4 and everything seems to work great. There were several things they had to replace according to the invoice, but at no charge to me. And believe me, I know lots of the bolts and nuts were broken taking it apart. Toyota paid for everything, even a new belt, and new anti-freeze, so I think I’d be questioning any charges they were trying to put on you.
My frmae was just replaced. Theydid replace the lower control arms as part of the recall. I have several issues for the toyota dealer to address. Basically the mechanic slapped everything back together. They claim they will take care of things. We’ll see. i would throughly inspect the truck before you take it back.
I just dropped my 2000 ext cab v8 with 180,000 miles on it to have the new frame swap, they said they replace everything that breaks , I asked them several times about the rusty bolts, and they said all included…..stay tuned for the results from over here in detroit
kjs: Should have gotten it in writing. There are those out there that have been told one thing by the dealer, only to be told something else later. Either way, good luck and hope they keep their word.
Just bought a 2000 Tundra SR5 with 105,000 miles. I saw some frame rust before completing the purchase (small used car dealer). The car dealer took it to the Toyota dealership for a frame inspection and said the frame was satisfactory at this time. Drove it home last night and will take it in for the crossmember recall tomorrow at my local Toyota dealer in Frankfort KY. Just read this entire thread. The inspecting dealer had said that would be no frame replacement if this truck had been bad, just a buyback.
I love the truck but will have to decide before next April whether to keep it. I’ll ask my dealer about rust treatments. That seems like a good idea but it won’t stop the rust in-between riveted on brackets that I’m seeing unless they are removed and cleaned first. The truck is so nice that it is worth preserving if possible.
Background: I’ve worked at the toyota plant in KY for 15 years. Our sales are tanking, (see march results), we may run out of parts because of the tragedy in Japan, and we made these crap-frame Tundras. What a shame to lose such a great reputation so rapidly. This company is in serious trouble.
I’ll be haunting this tread for a while it appears.
Herb, I was told by Gary Force Toyota in Bowling Green that there was no buy back on the tundra, only on the tacoma. They have to replace the frame if there is any sign of rust, and thank goodness they did. I had noticed a lot of rust and was going to trade mine in before the replacement, but now, just as good as new, hopefully will last another 100,000 miles.
Herb – You’re one of the first people to say that they’ve been offered a buyback in quite a while. Wondering if maybe Toyota has flip-flopped on that yet again, as they promised others that they would not buy anything.
Ralph – That’s what I’ve heard too, but I’ll revisit this and double check.
Has anyone had issues with the check engine light continue to come on after the frame was replaced? Since the frame was replaced on our 03 Tundra, we had to bring it back four times becuase the check engine light continues to come back on after the issue is identified and corrected.
Jen – It could be related to the work, but there’s not a specific reason that the frame replacement would cause this problem. It’s possible that it’s just bad luck, but I’d guess the work had something to do with it.
[…] !!!!!!!!! the 4.7 pulls well You should do your homework before posting something like this. Toyota Launches Tundra Frame Replacement Program | Tundra Headquarters __________________ […]
I’ve been monitoring the rust on my 2000 Tundra’s frame for several years…it was more an annoyance and I had no idea I would have a problem until one day last month the right rear leaf spring bracket let go and punctured the bed. Thinking this was my problem, I had the truck repaired at a local mechanic who could not stop saying how he’d never seen anything like this before and could not believe the pile of rust that came off the truck; repair bill $580 ($200 parts plus the labor it took to dislodge the leaf spring from bed).
Started to get a shimmy in the steering; the shop said that I needed new ball joints but could not re-align because the front end was too rusted work on. Then snooped around the internet to find the recall and this site (Thanks for tending to this Jason!). Truck goes in for it’s inspection in the morning and should have no problems qualifying for a replacement as I was able to put my finger through one part of the frame.
A problem I see is that I moved from Pittsburgh to Huntsville AL three years ago and they may not be as familiar with this problem as in the NE states. @200k-miles the truck runs strong and I hoped to run it for another 50k but I would consider a cash settlement if offered.
Stay tuned and I’ll forward pics of that leaf spring to you Jason.
KJS,
have you gotten your Tundra back? We were charged $1937.32 for extras such as shocks, stablizer links, exhaust pipe that the service person said had to be done.
I would like to know if this is in line with everyone else
Lee-HSV – Glad to hear our site was helpful. Feel free to email pics to admin@tundraheadquarters.com if you haven’t done so already.
GW – If you had some additional maintenance done during the frame replacement, your costs will be higher. If you were required to buy these parts as a condition of your frame replacement, I would register a complaint with the dealership. Warranty repairs should never incur a cost on your part.
Anyone have experience with a Sequioa being included in the frame recall?
My mint 2001 was inspected by a Toyota Dealer and has rust in exactly the same areas as the Tundra’s.
Toyota has declined to repair and I dont’t know how to proceed.
Karen – I would register a complaint with NHTSA and your state’s vehicle inspection authority…that’s what led Toyota to recall the Tundra in the first place.
I just dropped off my 2001 tundra v8 with 327,000 miles on it.
I am driving a brand new Tacoma for the next month or more.I am waiting to hear the phone ring from Toyota with a cash offer. So far, it is a go on the frame replacement. Any input?
Toyota has always been very very good to me. This is my 5th truck. all I have drove over 200k.
Ken
My 2000 Tundra is having it’s frame replaced currently. I purchased my Tundra 8 years ago this weekend. It now has 147,000 miles. About a year ago I got the notice to have my frame inspected, I brought it in and I was told the frame was fine but to bring it in every so often to have it re-inspected. Two weeks ago as my sons were coming home from college the driver side leaf spring popped thru the truck bed. I got the call yesterday that the frame came in. I asked if the bed was covered because the frame problem caused the truck bed problem. The dealership said it’s the first time this has happened that they know of and would find out. I also told them to do a tune up, the timing belt/water pump and some other things that needed to be done. I will keep you posted on the progress. Toyota doesn’t make or paint it’s frames. It’ done by an outside vender who also supplies the other car manufacturers. Toyota doesn’t make thousands of their parts. By the way I am also a Toyota employee.
Going through the process of frame replacement. 2000 Tundra,165K. Dealer suggested replacement of associated components to expedite the process. “We may not be able to get this back together properly, so if you purchase the new part we won’t charge any labor.” Total for parts ~ 10K. Hello!!! What part of the equation don’t you get! I’ll give you $ for the exhaust (needed). Other than that…You broke it you buy it. Now driving a 2011 Tacoma crew cab while Tundra going under the knife. Too small.
@Bob, Same thing (leaf spring penetrating the bed) happened to my 2000 Tundra (See post above). I had my truck into the dealer last fall for an electrical problem and was NOT told of the recall then so I consider the bed repair their liability. I sent an appeal for reimbursement of leaf spring repair plus bed repair to the SE Toyota rep and he said he passed it on to “TMS for proper review”.
Toyota initially turned down my case but when I sent the SE rep my own pictures (showing an obvious 1-inch perforation) plus those of the broken/repaired leaf spring, they overturned their initial ruling on the spot. Now, I await parts; it’s been a week.
I requested a truck for a loaner when the repairs begin and was told they (the dealer) had none in their rental inventory. Again, a note to the SE rep and he said they’d work something out.
Been like pulling teeth…stay tuned…
Just got the word today they are going to replace the frame on my ’00 with 92,000 miles. This truck (my 3rd new Toyota) is the worst vehicle I’ve ever owned. I would much rather they did a buy back like they did with the Tacomas, but I haven’t heard of them doing it for any Tundras. Has anybody actually heard of a Tundra buy back?
James Allen – I can’t believe they told you $10,000 worth of additional parts with a straight face! How hard did you have to protest? That is my greatest fear – they try to charge me thousands in extra crap. Well that and the truck being even more of a piece of junk after they try to put it back together like Humpty Dumpty.
Here’s some pics I took in my driveway
http://s431.photobucket.com/al.....ra%20Rust/
FYI- there is a leaf spring problem too. There is only 1 manufacturer of leaf springs in the country (US)and they screwed up Toyota ones.
I am having abt $2500.00 worth of work done. They are repairing the bed, I was kinda hoping for a new one. They told me once I get it back that if I feel somethings not right to bring it in.
Work of advise, keep calling TMS to get satisfaction Toyota wants to keep their customers. One of my friends just got his Tacoma bought back. He paid $7000 3 years ago, Toyota is giving him @11,000.
Picked up my 2000 Tundra today with new frame; dealer had it for 9-days. Total cost of job: $12K. My share which included new shocks, ball-joints, and other wear components was $1K. Truck was detailed, looks immaculate, and drives tight. The mechanic took me out to see the frame; it was an absolute mess (I’ll send pics to you Jason). He said the rear structure was so corrupted that it would have “folded like a cheap lawn chair” in a rear end collision.
Can’t say that I understand the business sense of Toyota I would have gladly taken $10K voucher to buy a new Tundra knowing that my truck was lucky to get me $5K on trade. Regardless, I’m pleased and Bill-Penny in Huntsville AL rose to the occasion.
Still have not heard from TMS regarding reimbursement for the leaf-spring bracket failure and bed repair. I’ll follow-up with them and post the final resolution.
Lee-HSV – Love to see pics. admin@tundraheadquarters.com
Very glad to hear that you’re happy too.
I took my truck in today for the replacement. They said like 4 days – I’ll believe it when I see it. Got a Corolla rental car (I told them a small car would be fine) from Enterprise, not from the dealer.
TMS denied the leaf spring repair/damage claim citing:
“the Frame Replacement Campaign does not cover anything outside of the frame and parts covered in the frame kit provided in the replacement. The program is not a warranty extension to cover anything that has rusted and been damaged but only a warranty extension on the frame if it becomes perforated due to rust.”
I bet if I got an attorney, I could fight this…I think I’ll count my blessings that I have what I have…and be smarter on the next go-around.
Mike – That seems like an ambitious time frame.
Lee-HSV – Bummer. Running your photos ASAP.
They called yesterday with $970 in stuff that wasn’t covered under the frame replacement. All things I knew needed to be done though. Muffler, rear shocks, right parking brake actuator, timing belt.
So far they are saying Wednesday (tomorrow).
Mike – Wow – That’s a quick turn-around. They must have done this before. Sounds like you found a good dealer!
Well saying and actually happening are 2 different things 😉 I told them to take their time. I don’t need to haul anything for the time being so I’m enjoying the gas mileage of the Corolla.
I didn’t ask specifically, but it almost sounds as if they brought in a technician from somewhere else who kind of specializes in doing these frames. Has anyone else heard about this?
Oh, they did say they had done “a few” frame replacements already.
Just discovered a hole in my frame size of fifty cent piece, we’ll see what the dealer says. Another problem is the rear differential is so badly rusted that it started leaking due to rust through. Anyone else having this problem? Does Toyota do anything? Any solutions, other than rear end replacement ?
I bought my ’02 Tundra TRD new. I have carefully maintained it with OEM parts and Mobil 1 oil changes. It has been kept in the garage every night and still looks fantastic. The frame is another story. Shortly after buying it I observed frame rust that at the time I thought was very unusual and excessive for it’s age. I took it to the dealer having received the rust recall and they said that it did not qualify because there were not perforations yet. Today, the rack and pinion rusted through and began leaking. The frame is very rusty and is now beginning to corrode other attached parts. My careful maintenance is working against me now and I face a real dilemma. I have less than a year left to get the frame replaced. Because I’m careful with the truck, it might not qualify by then and I believe this will devalue my truck because of not getting the frame replaced. It’s a shame too because the engine compartment and interior look like brand new. I have owned 7 Toyotas and struggled with the rust issues on 2 different Tacos which rusted around the rear tire wells *1986) and rusted doors and rear bumper (1991). I’m really beginning to question the value of Toyota. A frame replacement would have kept me as a loyal customer.
toyota as had more recalls than any other manufacturer in the past 6 years. their only reason for the frame recall was they lost another gov. class action suit similar to the one on toyota tacomas from 1996 – 2003 rotting frames. toyotas have always been over rated. period. my friend had a 2000 avalon to which his wife drove well maintaned at 65000 the v6 motor blew. Another class action loss on camrys and avolon engines. he vowed to never by another after toyota closed the the door on him. By american and save american jobs. toyota pays their japanese workers better than they pay american workers. another foriegn company manipulating our workers for thier profits.
neil – I’m not sure where you get your facts (my guess is that you heard them all from some guy), but Toyota didn’t lose any “govt. class action suit” that forced them to recall the Tundra.
As to the rest of your points, I have only one question: Why do you support so-called “domestic” truck manufacturers when all of them use fewer U.S. parts than Toyota? https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2011/06/29/tundra-most-american-truck-2011/
well if toyota wants to make it to no.1 they will do whats right. my 2000 tundra is a recall the dealer ship told me i was going to be out up to 1000 for parts that had to be replaced on the frame replacement. i say toyota is 1 of the best running trucks i have owned but if they want to screw me like this than i say F.U. toyota i will buy a broke back mule and ride it.
CJ: That does not surprise me one bit that Toyota would try to get money from you. I took my 2000 Tundra in for inspection and they said there was no penetration at this time but there sure is a pile of rust under the truck at times and the frame looks awful. What Toyota is waiting for is April 2012 when they won’t cover these trucks any longer. I fully expect that my trucks next owner will be the junk yard. That is why I will NEVER buy another Toyota product again and I tell everyone that is even considering buy a new vehicle the same thing.
I’ve always stood behind Toyota and this frame replacement only strenthens my belief that they stand by a vary good and reliable product. However they arenot dealing with all the rust issues on 2001 Tundras. The rear differential housing on mine rusted through and needs to be replaced. Unable to afford new i located a used one, for $1400.00, which put a huge strain on me financially. I figured that with the frame replaced now was the time to replace the rear differential. Toyota in my opinion went only part way towards addressing the total rust issue on 2001 Tundras. They should address the full issue which would include the rear differential housing.
@Charlie: The dealer missed a perforation on my frame…I found it and opened it up with my finger! You may want to poke around for weak areas with a screwdriver…How does your rear crossmember look? (you’ll have to lower the spare tire).
I had this recall done to my 2000 Tundra, the worst thing I ever did. The shop that did the work (Fox Toyota, Auburn, NY) needless to say, I am not doing business with them ever again. After $4,500.00 out of my pocket, to do all the recommended replacement (ie Radiator,timing belt, struts, axle seals, etc) I am left with a truck that feels like it is 20 years old and I am scared to drive. After I had the frame recall work done I was in an accident because the shop put my the old ball joints on the new control arms, My negligence, I should have made sure they put new ball joints but I figure, they were replacing the lower control arms, they would replace the $100 ball joints. Toyota Corporate was not concerned about the ball joint failure and sent me a letter the I should have had my ball joint inspected ever 5,000 miles, it was about 5,200 after I had picked it up from the recall and told me that I would have to deal with the shop to resolve the issue, the shop was unwilling to work with me. I’ve caught the shop in many lies, ie that they never removed the old ball joints from the old control arms and put them on the new. And after the accident, I asked about the other ball joint and they said it was fine, I looked at it at a friends shop, it was ready to come a part. There is a lot more to the story. But all my point is that, I am up to about $10,000 out of my pocket and it’s been in the shop more in the last few months than it has in the entire time I have owned it. I would have rather just retired my truck and got something else.
Just traded my 2003 Tundra for a 2003 Chevy for fear of ending up in the exact situation you just described. Sorry to hear of your pain.
I have a 2001 Tundra Limited. I just brought it in for the frame replacement recall. I am the second owner, vehicle has almost 150k miles. Although the frame replacement sounds like I great deal up front. After the euphoria wore off my big concern is, will my vehicle refit, ever be as good as it was from the factory. Such as, motor mounts, electrical connections, not to mention body mounting.
I guess the argument can be made, “what do you expect for a ten year old vehicle,” but at the same time it’s not as if I asked for this issue either.
Obviously Toyota is standing by their vehicles which is great. My concern is that will the vehicle be the same or better once I have it back. I bought a Toyota initially due to their reputation for having a good quality, long lasting product. Now that quality reputation rests on the dealership service department.
I would be interested in hearing comments from anyone who has had the recall repairs done, and their satisfaction level and or if the vehicle had issues after the repairs.
thanks,
A.T. Have the same truck, bought it new, had frame replaced a few months ago and no complaints at all. Everything exactly like it was before I took it in, just a new frame. Took a couple of weeks, but in my opinion was well worth the wait.
Awesome. That’s good news.
Mine is going on day 3 so just staying patient and hoping all goes well. I’m under the assumption that if they have problems with fit and function of old parts as they try to reassemble that they just replace them at no cost to me.
I’ve seen some horror stories about additional costs incurred and how the vehicle owners were made responsible for the bill.
Since this is Toyota’s issue I have to think that incidentals will just be tacked on and they won’t come back on me for the cost. That could be extensive and I’m not in a position to shell out a large sum of money to get my truck back.
Good luck with that(not being responsible for additional costs). A friend of mine had his frame replaced, rear differential was found to be rotted and had to eat the $1800.00 to replace it. Fighting and escalations within Toyota did nothing. I just traded my 2003 Tundra, with it’s frame well on it’s way to extinction but not quite there yet. I saw no sense in taking a chance that the frame would fail before the April 2012 expiration in the warranty, let alone all the other potential issues I saw headed my way. Already cost me extra $$ for brake repairs due to excessive rust,front end work due to excessive rust(tortion bar links rotted away) exhaust issues due to excessive rust(O2 sensor mounts rotted away) and 2 cracked(rotted) exhaust manifolds. Thought I would drive this truck at least 300K miles. So much for that. Done with Toyota trucks, bought American.
AT: Good luck with not incurring any additional expenses. If I were you, I’d at least attempt to get that in writing. So if they (Dealer or Toyota) come back with additional charges, you have documentation to attempt a fight stating you were informed no incidental charges would be your burden. May require the dealer to foot the bill for those charges, since Toyota is unwilling to pay for such items. Just a thought, as many owners have been charged many thousands of dollars, which it sounds like you’ve researched.
They will charge you.
While they were doing the recall work on my truck, something broke on my radiator, I had the bill for the replacement.
If I could go back, I would let them do the recall and then take it to a local shop to fixed all the things the dealership recommended.
And if they replace your lower control arms make sure they replace the ball joints! Also, my trailer brake control box wasn’t working properly, so they took it out. I was never offered they would fix it or if I wanted to replace it.
Thanks guys. Sounds like my fate will be determined by luck! My truck fortunately is in fairly good shape. First owner garaged it 90% of the time. Exterior, body is in very good shape. Other than some sway bar issues, and rotors, it’s been trouble free. Obviously with vehicles, there are often times issues that go undetected and or we are oblivious to.
All I can do is wait now.
What a disaster!!! Ok, the frame is to be replaced free????? Well, we are as of today, up to $4,427.90 for other parts that will need to be replaced because they are replacing the frame and it will effect them… We could pick it up tomorrow BUT we now have to get a personal loan to pick up our 2000 Tundra which has 345,000 plus miles on it… We were only offered $2,000. towards a trade-in.. However, with that in mind we are not in a position to purchase a new vehicle at this time, we still have a 2007 Rav4 with 2 more years of payment left etc…. We are NOT HAPPY AT ALL!!! Watch out Toyota Tundra owners, check around before you leave your vehicle at the dealership…. We did and now we are very sorry!!!!!
Joe, sorry to hear about the extra charges in connection with your ‘free’ frame replacement. My 2000 Tundra was inspected last September and they said they would not replace it since it had no rust through penetration. The frame is getting worst all the time. I am not surprised by what Toyota is trying to do to you. That is why I will NEVER buy another Toyota. Their vehicles have rusted for years. I cannot understand why people think they have the best cars made. Nothing but junk. I am sure my next owner of my Tundra will be the junk yard. I would buy from one of the Big 3 manufacturer’s trucks before I would ever buy another Toyota.
Charlie, Thanks for the reply… It is so disheartening to be in a fix since we paid good money for what we believed, according to all the reviews, was a great truck at the time. We have always purchased new vehicles hoping to get a better longer lasting vehicles. Had a Chevy that went 450,000 miles before we put in a new engine. Then drove that for several another 300,000 before selling it outright for a downpayment on the Tundra… maybe we should have ignored the reviews and gone with another Chevy truck…
I recently traded my 2003 Tundra, with frame well on it’s way to failure, for an 2003 Chevy and could not be happier. Should have bought the Chevy in the first place 8 years ago.
What else does Toyota cover as far as frame replacement??. I have a 2000 tundra with 245,000 miles, the frame is toast. Now the dealer wants to charge me $3500 for brakes,break lines,muffler ext. Does anyone know if anything else is covered ?? Thanks
Question: I have a 2003 Tundra that has a plow on it? Anyone know if it still covered under the frame recall?
I just had the frame replaced on my ’01 with 246,000 miles on it. The whole job was done in 8 hours by Boch Toyota in N. Attleborough, MA. They replaced everything. The entire frame kit plus all of the exhaust bolts, gaskets, etc. It’s like a new truck. No rattles, squeaks, tracks perfectly straight, etc. There were two complete pages of parts used for the job and the total was $0.00. They didn’t try to sell me any additional work. I do all of my own service so I know it didn’t need anything beyond the frame. If you’re afraid to have the job done, go to a dealer that does them every day. They put two experienced techs on it and do the whole job in one shift.
I got my new frame on my 01 tundra. The job took 1 month.
The dealership ( Green Tree Toyota Danbury CT.) did a total stand up job. I got a 2011 Tundra rental at no cost while the work was being done. I have had the truck back for 4 months now, and no problems, NONE. while it was there, I got a new radiator, shocks, but I paid for those. I was just charged for the parts only. The truck rides smooth and tight.
my mileage was at 337,000 you read that right. 337,000
End of story.
Ken
Anyone know anything about Toyota including Sequoia in the recall? Looks like the EXACT same frame and chassis platform as a Tundra. My garage-kept 2001 is mint other than the frame rails are rotted in the same areas as the Tundra’s. Not sute how Toyota can get aways with not including Sequoia unless it’s purely a numbers game with the NHTSA.
Our 2000 Tundra with 230K miles has been at a Toyota dealer for frame replacement and they are telling us we have to pay for:
2 – link assy $98.90 each = $197.80
2 – lower ball joint assy. $107.29 each = 214.14
2 – lower control arm assy. $256.27 each = $512.54
I have contacted Toyota, but they were of no help. I have a case number, but now considering getting 3 on your side. Has anyone else been told the same thing?
@Mudguy, It’s very possible that you need new lower ball joints. I don’t know what link assy you are talking about.
The lower control arms are part of the frame kit from Toyota. They get replaced on every Tundra that gets a new frame.
The printout from the dealer states Link Assy FR STA. part 48820 AD010
Those are probably the end links for the sway bar. It’s pretty likely that they are worn out or rusted also.
Just received an email from Toyota that on the 21st I will get a phone from the rep handling my claim. I printed out the 73 page instructions for frame replacement for the dealer, but do not see where it states that the lower control arm assy is part of the kit. Where can I verify that information?
Mudguy – My suggestion is to tell the dealer to put the original parts back on. If they can’t, it’s because they destroyed them during tear down…which means they need to get those parts replaced under warranty. It’s not a warranty repair if you are required to incur a cost.
As a matter of law, no warranty repair should EVER result in you taking money out of your own pocket to complete said repair. If they try and force you to pay for a warranty repair, you need to send them a certified letter and mention in that letter that you will be filing a complaint with your state’s attorney general and/or consumer affairs bureau because what they’re doing is illegal.
HOWEVER, If they’re willing to put the original parts back on without further discussion, then you might want to consider paying for some new parts. As Matt F says, you may need ball joints. There’s a difference between a dealer saying you *have* to buy something and saying “you know, if it was me, I’d put some new ball joints on this truck.”
One last thing – there are dozens of people who have had this repair performed without being asked to pay one red cent. Don’t give up the fight, and good luck.
There is also a matter of safety and liability on the part of the dealer. My truck had 246,000 miles on it when it went in. I was a little worried that there would be some cost on my part to replace worn or rusted parts that wouldn’t survive the transfer to the new frame. As luck would have it, everything survived. Even the original exhaust system. If you have critical parts, like ball joints, that are worn out from years of use you can’t expect a dealer to work with those parts or to pay for them. If they used the worn parts, and they failed shortly after, they would be liable.
Also, Toyota has the option to NOT repair a truck that they think wasn’t kept in good shape for this exact reason.
I have a 2003 Tundra that will be getting a frame next month at Lynch Toyota in CT.I was told approx 2k in extras. Why do some dealers do this job with no extras charges? By extras I mean for parts that they break or can’t reuse do to the frame replacement only. I would have no issue with paying for a normal worn parts or timming belt etc.. I would LOVE it if people would mention where they got the great service by name. They deserve the extra bussiness in the future for service and sales. Thanks guys
“Jason (Admin) says:
November 18, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Mudguy – My suggestion is to tell the dealer to put the original parts back on. If they can’t, it’s because they destroyed them during tear down…which means they need to get those parts replaced under warranty. It’s not a warranty repair if you are required to incur a cost.”
This is not entirely correct. If parts are worn beyond their service life (exhaust that’s very rusted, worn ball joints, etc.) They will, most likely, break whey they are removed. This isn’t the dealer’s, or Toyota’s, problem. The parts should have been replaced already. If additional parts are found to be unsafe throughout the course of the tear-down that isn’t part of the warranty coverage. The dealer can’t incur the liability of reinstalling parts that are doomed to fail catastrophically. They can simply refuse to do the job in the first place. Generally they do a pretty thorough once over on the truck before they tear into it. The dealers have done a bunch of these and they know the failure prone items to check before they even order the frame kit. My truck didn’t have any additional parts because it didn’t need any.
I thought I would check back in as I had mine done back in summer 2010.
Like many people here I had the dealership tell me I needed a new steering rack at a cost of around 1K. There was nothing about a defective steering rack in their original inspection document so I refused to pay for it. The dealer made a counter offer to replace it at cost of around 500$ and I stuck to my guns maintaining that it didn’t leak before so it’s their issue. I had to go through Toyota directly to get approval as the dealership adds no value here. It seemed the M.O on these repairs are:
1. try to screw the customer for the full price of the part they broke removing it. Stealership is making $ on both ends here so win win for them.
2. Offer to do it at cost when customer refuses.
3. Customer must go and work with Toyota directly. Note you have to be patient here as you talk to a rep who takes your info and assigns it to a rep who actually has some authority who will call you within 1 or 2 business days. You will never be given this persons direct number – you have to work through the switchboard which always take a message and turnaround is always a few days for an answer. I found the Toyota rep to be quite reasonable (unlike the idiots at the dealership). Don’t get angry at this person, they can help you. I told them the rack was not leaking and was not noted in the original inspection and that I just wanted the truck back in the condition it arrived. I even said I’d be satisfied with a salvage part if it didn’t leak.
In the end they gave me a new rack for nothing but not without much pain and time. On the date they said it would arrive the dealership called and said it didn’t arrive and there was no date for a new one given they were so far back-ordered. My guess is that it was put on a truck in which the customer was paying for the rack. Again back on the phone with the Toyota rep (another 2 days) who managed to sh*t me a rack from somewhere despite the fact I was told none existed.
One other thing. Inspect your truck carefully when you get it back. I found a stabilizer link missing (as in not there), the power steering hoses were not bolted to the frame, the front differential seal was damaged and leaking and a bolt was used on the engine mount that clearly didn’t belong. My guess is that they just slapped it together as quickly as possible since I was such a PITA. I fixed these things myself but did file an AG complaint as a parting shot.
I still have the truck and do like it despite the pain of the recall. With the new frame I’m thinking I can put 250K on it. Only 137K so far on a 2000. I would think twice about buying another Toyota product after this experience through.
Gus
Matt F – After working in Ford and Toyota dealerships for nearly 10 years, I can tell you that either the dealer or the manufacturer is required to cover parts they break during warranty repairs.
If a dealer finds a part that is failed prior to removal – or if they can’t remove the part without breaking it – they’re obligated to inform the customer and either a) get permission to risk breaking the part, with the understanding that the customer will be required to pay or b) refuse to do the warranty repair.
In my experience with major repairs like this one, dealers can go to the manufacturer for incidental coverage. However, some Toyota dealers (for reasons that I won’t go into here) are reluctant to contact their regional office for incidental warranty coverage. As a result, these dealers instead try and get the customer to cover the part.
However, this is against the law for two reasons: 1. It’s not a warranty repair if the customer must incur a cost.
2. It’s not a *legal* repair if the customer isn’t informed about potential costs prior to having work completed.
The only way the dealer can expect the customer to pay for the repair is to inform them of these potential costs prior to work being performed. That’s why dealers always call to authorize repairs prior to beginning work (or at least why they should).
It’s too bad Toyota does not want to take responsibility for the parts they break in the process of replacing the frame. Sounds like Toyota wants to rape their loyal customers in the process of attempting to fix their own problem on a defaulted product. Nice way to keep your customers loyal Toyota. I can guarantee you that if Toyota continues to screw over their customers this way, by the end of this RECALL Toyota will have NOT A SINGLE CUSTOMER LEFT!! Nice way to do business Toyota, keep up that stellar work!
[…] and in back and its got the supposedly-reputable Toyota name on it, so I dig further and find this: Toyota Launches Tundra Frame Replacement Program | Tundra Headquarters And some photos of the problem: Amazing Tundra Frame Rust Photos | Tundra Headquarters And, as […]
i too, have had to bring my 2000 tundra with 136k on it to the dealer for the recall,the frame was so rusted that my mechanic didnt want to do any work on it or near it and actually found a split in the left front of the frame(truck has never been in an accident). i waited for them to evaluate it and they told me to come back in a month when they can get an inspector there to look at it, so thats when i asked to speak to the mechanic and told him about the split in the frame( it was overlooked and wasnt seen, so they took another look and found it) i also mentioned that my differential looks like a sponge, its so rusted and leaks like crazy, and that i put a band aid on it with liquid steel that held pretty good and kept it from leaking for a year. now, they have had my truck for 2 days now and just got a call that they are gonna replace the frame, i said that you gonna open up a can of worms and that im not paying any extra. i havent gotten a call back yet( why put a rusted out, leaking differential back on that should not have been rusted out in 10 yrs in the first place)the truck is in great shape and runs great, im guessin that the bluebook value is around 6k, so why spend more to fix it than its worth, it makes no sense to me, thats why these big corps are going under,no business sense. we will see what happens if and when they call me back, i dont want them to start anything until i have talked to them and when i do im bringing a small tape recorder with me… for now im driving a sienna rental they gave me…..ugggh. great vehicle but im no soccer mom, i guess ill have to slide a deer in there when i get one to christen it…………………..
My 2000 Tundra is set to go into the Dealership this week for frame replacement. thank you everyone for your insights and comments. I feel much more informed about the process. The dealership I am going to has never done this on a Tundra before( they did a frame re-re on a Taco last year) My truck has less than 100,000 miles on it. I will let you know what the result is.
I have a 2000 Tundra with about 95k miles going in for the rust proofing (most likely) in a few weeks as the earlier inspection in 2009 did not reveal perforation.
I appreciate the tips on watching for the over-spray, but my concern is what they may cover up, so I’m planning to take detailed photos of the undercarriage and perhaps have an independent inspection before the dealer gets it. I don’t know whether the dealer is trustworthy, but I’ve never had a problem with them in the past. In either case, I see a CYA is required. Any other suggestions before getting the “spray”.
Covering rust with rustproofing doesn’t resolve anything.
Dropped 2000 Tundra Limited Access Cab off on December 28, 2011. Was contacted next day and told the truck was unsafe and that they would replace the frame. I was concerned about “other” parts. Toyota offered me a pick up from Enterprise car rental but I took a Toyota Sienna mini-van which rode like a luxury vehicle. The truck was ready Friday February 10, 2012. When I turned the rental in Toyota covered $1,470.00 for the rental. Although I told the dealer I was good for any other parts they never contacted me. They replaced the entire front end, rear shackles, the list went on for about two pages including the brake lines. They also rust proofed underbody parts including all the fenders. All in all a great job and it didn’t cost me a penny. I’ve owned many Toyotas over the years and I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase another Toyota. If you had to lay out a few bucks quit whining and be grateful. The frame replacement alone is worth over $10,000. Thanks Toyota.
The dealer has my frame on order. Am I supposed to be driving my tundra? The dealer didn’t tell me I couldn’t.????///?????
Johnny. I was told I didn get a rental till my truck went in to get the work done
When they took the cab off the frame there was a section the size of my iPhone missing on the top. So I say dont drive it long. The swap is mostly done on my truck. I will get it back at the end of the week as I’m heading out of town.
Rust bucket frame didn’t qualify for replacement. with bed off, dealer (from whom I purchased the Tundra in 2003)applied “corrosion resistant compound”. Caution label affixed to paperwork states “the temperature of frame will affect the drying time. Please do not touch the external surfaces of the frame as the surfaces may remain tacky to the touch for a period of time.”
Three days later it is not even close to tacky, it is soaking wet..Spoke with service manager, he said everything was done according to Toyota guidelines.
Has anybody had this problem yet?
Johnny, when they inspected my frame and found that it needed to be replaced, they wouldn’t even let me drive it across the lot to the rental car they were providing. I would question their decision to let you drive it on the road, I think in a wreck, Toyota would have to be held responsible.
Thank you Stu and Ralph, I called the dealer and questioned their decision on letting me drive off, and they immediately said they wouldn’t have problem with me getting a rental. They even got my info over the phone and left a car out for me after hours. It’s amazing the hoops the dealer jumps through when they know they just f’d up. Good luck to you all.
I just found this I dont see the recall on transport canadas website. However from reading Stu’s post it looks like they are honouring it in Canada.
Can anyone confirm this for me?
So I have had my truck back for a week now and everything is good. The final bill was over$12000 and $600 for the rental truck. Toyota threw in a bunch of suspension parts on the front too.
Andy I had the work done by Scarborough Lexus Toyota. I dealt with the service manager Gord and Jay was the other rep.
Thanks Stu,
I have an appointment at a dealer close to my house. Hopefully, they are as helpful as yours.
Thanks for the help
My 2003 stepside’s frame was inspected (for the third time since the program started) on 1/19/2012, and finally met the replacement criteria. Still waiting for the frame to come in though. The word from Toyota is that the backorder is long and getting longer.
When I last called, the service adviser I spoke with mentioned that the replacement program has been extended through the end of 2012. Has anyone heard anything to confirm this?
Got my notice today, they are extending the frame replacement til the end of the year 2012. My truck is in shop now. It’s been 3 weeks already and will be 3 more.
I had the coating applied to my truck and was extremly upset that they didnot replace the frame even though i had rust on it due to road salt and the dealer refused to replace.the frame so i will.NEVER buy another toyota if this is how they treat there customers they said my frame did not meat the standards that would of caised it to fail so much for toyota products
I just received my 2000 Tundra (99,721 miles )back from Gateway Toyota in Toms River NJ after a full frame replacement (I had a hole about 3.5 inches in diameter over the driver side rear wheel) They had the truck for about 7 weeks due to a back order on the frame. I was provided with as 2012 Tundra as a loaner. My only out of pocket costs related to the frame replacement was about $200.00 for some replacement bushings. Can’t complain about the $200.00. I’ve had the truck back for a few days and everything is nice and tight. New frame, control arms, brakes lines, etc. Only thing that could have been better would have been a buy back offer from the factory, but they would not budge on that one.
Had the rust-proofing only done my 2000 Tundra with 100,000 miles two weeks ago. Smells real bad, but looks like a pretty decent job. I’m told they cleaned off the old surface rust before applying the rust proofing. It covered bumper-to-bumper. The truck has always been garage kept, so the frame was not in bad shape and I always pressure wash the under-carriage regularly.
Time will tell. I had a Corolla loaner for 2 days during the job. Job was done by Bennett Toyota in Allentown. No out of pocket expenses, but they did suggest replacing the serpentine belt since it was cracking (which I did myself the other night – pretty easy 30 min job).
I have a 2000 Tundra and knew nothing about this recall for the frame until I took the truck to be fixed for a check engine light a month ago. The mechanic then told me that he wouldn’t put any large amounts of money into the truck because he could put his finger right through the frame. I got on this website to see what was going on with the recalls and the frames. It says it has to be repaired by April 30, 2012. I am just now able to take my truck to be inspected and so will I not get a frame because it may take a couple of days for them to look at, order frame and then replace…It says it must be fixed by April 30, 2012…so do you think they will replace the frame as I now only have about 1 month and 1 week to get this resolved????
Darci – If they start the repair prior to the closing date, you’re good. Doesn’t matter when they finish.
Just had my 2002 AC SR5 at the dealer today and he said the chemicals for the rust inhibitor were just approved in Wisconsin. Sounds like they are either spraying or replacing a dozen frames a week at my dealer (Don Jacobs in Greenfield, WI – good service dept.) Previous inspection 6 months ago showed no perforations. Also found a broken right sway bar like some others. Mine is going in a week from Tuesday. Nice they pay for 2 days rental car. Truck was actually in to replace power steering lines that corroded away to nothing along with the muffler. First issues in 155K miles. I too seem to have big chunks of frame rust on the sides under the doors. Hope I get a new frame.
Ok so now they found a hole the size of a golfball today and I get a new frame. At least 8 weeks, probably more to get it and I can’t drive it. They think they can get everything covered. They gave me a brand new little matrix to use till the truck is done since they have nothing else. Maybe i should put a trailer hitch on it. Just spent 1100 last week for exhaust and power steering line since I passed the last inspection. They did say I wouldn’t be charged labor for the sway bar since it would have to be done anyway. My dealer is treating me very fairly and I think that’s the key to this whole process. Helps they have my 10 years of service records. Ill post what happens.
I got my 2003 AC stepside back from Byers Toyota, Delaware, OH last Friday after a complete frame replacement. The dealer had the truck about a week and a half, and so far everything looks great, and the truck drives like new. They missed a couple minor things on reassembly that I caught (bolting down a trans cooler line, re-installing the front skidplate), but overall the work was spectacular, considering the scale of the job. I invested about $2400 in maintenance items (timing belt/water pump, swaybar links, one catalytic converter, one caliper) to take advantage of the reduced or zero labor cost for those items.
So far no rattles, and it tracks straight and true. With only 76,000 miles, I expect to get several more years out of it.
For anyone following this thread, just received on March 30, 2012 a notice that the 2000-2003 Tundra frame rust corrosion perforation deadline has been extended to December 31, 2012 (instead of April 30, 2012). It’s mentioned in these forums under Tundra frame rust recall.
http://www.tundrasolutions.com.....ecall-118/
Ok everyone, I have had my 2000 tundra back for almost 2 weeks and everything is great so far. I did not get charged any extra for anything except for the items I wanted to add myself. It cost Toyota almost $15,000 and a car rental for almost 2 months. I have over 215,000 miles and it runs like new. I hope with the new frame, I will be able to drive it for another 100K. Overall, I think Cain Toyota in Kent, Ohio did a great job. Thanks everyone, and good luck to all.
Have a 2000 tundra sr5 fwd ext cab 116000 miles new frame on order leery about what’s gonna happen after reading some of the blogs already replaced exhaust fuel lines brakes rotors keep you posted been happy with this truck for 12 years
I thought i read recently that toyota was offering a kelly blue book buy back for a one year newer truck. true?
Took my 2000 Tundra in to get the rust protection to the frame per the recall. The dealer calls and said that the gas tank is rusted and about to leak, the front struts are rusted and the front disc calipers are locked up. They didn’t even attempt to provide a quote to repair these items, just telling me that the truck isn’t safe to drive. The truck is only valued at $4400 don’t know whether it is worth repair this truck. One thing for sure is if I do have to replace it it won’t be with another Toyota.
I just picked up my 2000 Tundra from the dealership. I checked the frame and was expecting to see what would be some type of compound like undercoating or similar material on the entire frame. The frame looks like it did when I brough it in but I do see some areas that appear to have an oil type of film where there was rust on certain weld areas. The service ticket said that the visual inspection of the fram passes Toyota’s criteria. They removed rust and clean frame, no rust perforations found exceeding mininum specification and they applied CRC to vehicle’s frame. So what do you think they did, just spray some type of chemical to certain rusted areas? My frame does actually look better than some of the photos of rusted Tundra frames shown on the internet.
Charlie – That was part of the TSB – if the frame didn’t meet the requirement for replacement, the dealer was instructed to spray the frame with a rust inhibitor. Not a great solution, but probably adequate.
Still, my opinion is that Toyota should offer a buyout and/or new vehicle discount program. They made a mistake, why not own it and use it to sell more vehicles?
My 2000 Tundra has been at the dealer for 3 weeks and they tell me it will be at least 10 weeks until frame is available. Why in the heel do they tear out my spare tire crossmember, then find holes in the frame only to tell me I can’t have the truck until frame is replaced, which by the way is back-ordered for 6-10 weeks? Why not be certain that frames are available before ripping stuff apart? The truck actually belongs to my son, but he is not old enough to drive the rental car (go figure), so he is using my ’03 Tacoma, which I just bought used end of 2011. It has the CRC application on the frame, but very disappointed in Toyota for this problem. Not like they have no experience building a quality vehicle. Just like always, cut corners to cut costs.
When we were told we needed a frame replacement on our 01 Tacoma we could not get a rental until frame came in (1 month later) We were told we could drive it but it wasn’t safe. It is our son’s vehicle and he could not drive rental. Dealer was somewhat fair, however the “free” frame cost us $650+ for parts that broke off when frame taken off. Toyota told us they would not pay for anything but the frame. If the frame did not need replacement (their fault) the parts would not have broke. Toyota basically said tough luck. They are making money off this in some form or another. The Ford rental vehicle was much better than the Toyota vehicle. Won’t buy another toyota
I would call Toyota and raise hackles. 1-800-331-4331 and do not let them play you. I spent a lot of time with the crew leader who will be performing the re-frame and told him in no uncertain terms that I will not pay for any incidentals. He told me the frame will include new lower control arms, all new gas/brake lines, rear brake proportion valve, spare tire carrier, gas tank support. Then he tells me that I will need to replace the front links at a cost of $250 cause they wiil most likely fall apart when trying to remove. I said I am not paying for anything and immediately called Toyota real hard to pretend to care all the while playing phone tag and tap dancing. Still do not have a frame yet so I do not know how much difficulty I will have with them as yet. Still very poor quality and wish that it was heavily reported in news outlets to get a fire lit. Not as much bad publicity as I would like to ensure they are putting out max. effort.
Scott – Absolutely correct. No one should pay for parts that are damaged during removal…those parts are inherently covered under warranty. There isn’t a court or arbitrator in the world that would side with Toyota on that one.
I dropped off my ’01 Tundra SR5 4WD, 290638 miles, two weeks ago. At first, they said “It passes inspection”…then, when I pointed out the sectionS of the frame that, although there were no ‘holes’, appeared to actually be ‘layering’ (like wet cardboard), they said, “OK, we’ll replace the frame. It will take 3 months, just to get the frame in, but we’ll give a vehicle, While we have yours”. I thought, ‘GREAT’… By the time I’d gotten back to my house, I had an e-mail with $3700 worth of ‘other repairs’ they said need to be completed. I have been in contact with Toyota Corp in California, and have asked… if they would be willing to ‘by-back’ the truck (with a ‘Toyota Voucher’) and I would roll whatever they gave me BACK into a new Toyota. The rep in Cali “REVIEWED” my case, and called me back the next day and said “No, will only replace the frame”. Can anyone give me some advice or some type of explanation as to why they will put $12,000 into a truck with a KBB value of ~ $5500, when I am offering to save them the $$ AND guarantee another Toyota sale and HOPEFULLY another “satisfied customer”. What’s my next step ???
If you only needed $3700 in repairs at 290,000 miles you should consider yourself lucky.
Desi – As to your question about the logic of spending $12k to fix a $5k truck, you got me. It’s a mystery, especially considering many people would gladly accept a credit towards a new Toyota.
Now as far as needing $3700 in parts, tell your dealer to stop trying to hustle you. Toyota is required to replace any parts that are broken during the frame replacement process. You don’t have to pay one red cent to have this work performed. Warranty repairs are always free. Hence the term “warranty.”
Now it could be that your dealer is trying to recommend replacing some parts. I’d advise against that, but obviously it’s your choice.
I own a 2000 Tundra with frame rust, and upon inspection by the dealership it did qualify for the frame replacement. Then I too received a call from the service manager that additional parts will be in excess of $8000, needless to say I said NO Thanks. You would think that after all the bad publicity with brake pedals they will be more responsive to their customers…I also own a 4runner that I love and will keep for now but we will never be buying any Toyota or even another brand vehicle from a Toyota dealership again!!
Just google my username and tundra and see how little rust is on the surrounding parts on flickr photostream
Mastee24 – Your dealership is trying to hustle you. Toyota will pay for any parts that are damaged during the replacement process. You should not have any out-of-pocket expenses. If your dealer is refusing to perform the warranty work at no charge, I would recommend you send them a certified letter threatening to report them to both Toyota Customer Service and also California’s dealership regulatory authority.
To all – I’m simply amazed by the number of dealers trying to charge people to perform warranty work…it’s unfathomable. No one ever has to pay for warranty repairs. That’s what “warranty” means! 🙂
When i picked the truck, the dealership gave me the parts list that they consider out of pocket expense, and also an email from a SE Toyota Rep clearly stating that if customer does not want to pay for the parts then do not do the repairs, I am thinking about stopping by another dealership tomorrow to see what they say….
maste24 – My recommendation is the same – send a certified letter to the dealership demanding that this warranty work be completed free of charge. If they fail to demonstrate why they won’t fix your truck and/or refuse to complete the repair, be sure to report this incident to California’s dealer regulatory authority (which seems to be the DMV – http://www.dmv.ca.gov/fo/fotocinv.htm).
Good luck.
Toyota replaced over $5,000 in parts on mine for free. I couldn’t be happier. I found where the trailer wiring had to be redone. Other than that I’ve put on 6,000 miles and everything is fine. Five months and going strong.
My 2000 Tundra is in the process of having the frame replaced.
I received a call yesterday from the service manager telling me that additional work is needed on the vehicle, BUT, because they already have the frame off, they will not charge me labor!
Here is the list:
Rear differential
Pivot for the emergency brake cable
Water Pump
Timing Belt
Spark Plugs
Rear Shocks
Y pipe Exhaust leak
Front brake pads/calipers/rotors
Power Steering housing box- corroded
Rack & Pinion
Lines
Back Taillight housing (been broken for 5 years/ never asked me to fix THAT before)
Are they kidding???
My feeling is, if the part has to be removed to replace the frame, and the part is too corroded to replace as well, then it is Toyota’s bill. Their feeling is that they do not agree. I asked them how many of these trucks are coming in with the same corrosion problem on the power steering housing box and I was told “1 out of 3 but that is not a true indication that it is due to the same rust issue”
Sorry, but I disagree and those numbers tell me that I have room to argue this one.
Anyone have any insight as to this issue?
The rest- well that’s just regular maintenance, and, coincidentally, after asking if these repairs were absolutely necessary at this point, they told me “well, not yet, but they will be coming due soon so why not take advantage of this offer to replace it all at a reduced labor cost?
I did not know they needed to take the frame of to replace my brake pads!
Oh and I didn’t know that the labor would also be so cheap now that the frame is off to replace the taillight housing! Boy that must be SOME labor cost on any OTHER day!
Tracey – You said “if the part has to be removed to replace the frame, and the part is too corroded to replace as well, then it is Toyota’s bill.”
You are 100% correct. You dealer is trying to double-dip – charge both you and Toyota for the same parts.
I would report them to Toyota and your state’s licensing body immediately…at least unless they back off their estimate.
BTW, there’s no reason that spark plugs, water pump, or rear diff, brake pads, etc. must be replaced as part of a frame replacement. This is clearly a case of the dealer being greedy.
Just got my 02 Tundra back from the dealer after a frame replacement. I had new shocks put on and a new rack. Have 160K miles on it. Looks and run beatiful. Dealer even washed and waxed it. The total bill was around $13K by toyota ( at warranty reimbursement rates, not retail), $1300 from me for parts (no labor charged and they gave me 10% off), and $2K for 10 weeks of rental car (3500 miles). I’m very satisfied. The bottom line is if you take care of your truck, do regular maintance and fix things as they rust off, leak or break, this will be a good deal for you if you have a good dealer. If your truck is beat, the dealer is going to suggest the things that need to be fixed and the 4-8K expense.
Kris,
That’s great!
-Tim
I had the frame done on my 2000 back in November. About a month prior, my steering rack rusted through where the large bushing wraps around it. It’s really common here in the Northeast. In fact, you can’t even find a used rack in a salvage yard. I had to have mine shipped up from Georgia. I don’t see how Toyota can be expected to cover every single item on our trucks that breaks during the frame job. Especially things like exhausts that are junk before the dealer even sees the truck, calipers that are frozen, broken leaf springs, etc. Toyota has the option to not do the frame work if the vehicle is not is decent shape to begin with. A lot of these trucks have very high mileage (mine had 242,000 and I’m not the original owner) the fact that Toyota still covers anything is a miracle.
Matt – Absolutely correct – if the vehicle is in really bad shape, the dealer doesn’t have to perform the work. However, these dealers are accepting the vehicles and THEN asking for money…it’s a trick. If they didn’t want to repair it, they could have figured that out during their initial inspection.
Instead, the dealership takes the truck away, tells the consumer they’re going to fix it, and then calls back with a wild estimate. Even if the consumer says yes to only half of the estimate, the dealership made a very tidy profit on a warranty repair they were obliged to perform for free.
The dealer is making money with, or without the extra charges. They’re getting paid 60 hours of labor from Toyota for a job that takes two techs 8 hours to do! One of my best friends is a service manager and they laugh about how much money they make from the frame jobs. The Tacoma jobs pay 80 hours!
My Tundra was at Toyota less than 2 months ago when they did the initial inspection and “coating” to see if it indeed needed a frame replacement. It would have been great to tell me at THAT time, it was suggested that when I took the truck in for the frame, other issues were pending with my truck and I may want to consider having the work done. Also, they read off the list and told me that I had never replaced some of these things and that they were original, I told them that just could not be the case, and that everything should be on my repair record through Toyota. FUnny, they seemed to then “locate” all the things they said I had not repaired. Same thing happened when I spoke to yet a second service advisor – until I argued that it was impossible that I had not taken my truck in for the 3 years period they insisted. I was upset at the idea of having to go to storage and pull out my record of repairs, especially during my workday, but I would if they really needed me to prove that their story was innaccurate. All of a sudden, “a new window appeared on the Toyota screen” confirming that what I said was true.
This is shoddy customer service, as well as perhaps trying to talk down to me.
Fact is, I do not believe that they even had the frame off when they made the call to me about the additional things I would need.
Yes, I do have an old truck, and yes, I do live in the Northeast, However, I have been very good about maintaining the vehicle, including what it specified in the Toyota handbook maintenance schedule. We did switch from dealer to local mechanic in the past 18 months after the dealer neglected to tighten the lugs on the front wheels (both) after a brake job and my husband almost died on the highway.
Except for the crack in the back taillight housing. That still manages to pass inspection.
I am picking up my truck this morning. WIsh me luck-
Tracey,
Sorry to hear about your customer service issues. Good luck today!
-Tim
To everyone in the same “Boat” as me (although it may be “FRAMELESS”)… Thanks for all of the advice. I called Toyota of NAshua yesterday to check on status of the delivery of the replacement frame. I was told, “No word as of yet…You’re probably looking at another 2 months”… Oh well… In the mean time, should I take some type of precautions to make sure that they’re aware that I don’t want them to do ANY additional work, other than frame replacement ?? Although, I have already told them, “Just replace the frame, I’ll do your “Suggested Repairs” through MY mechanic…and anthing you break during the recall, you own”… I was just wondering if I should send a registered letter or something like that… I have really looked at it, but when I’d “authorized” the frame replacement, did I “Authorize additional work” that might pop-up…??
Thanks again to all for your advice…
Desi – You didn’t authorize any additional work when you signed – you agreed that the dealer could call you to inform you about additional work, and that your verbal instructions would be binding.
Standard work order language. No worries. 😉
Good luck.
My local mechanic to me the frame on my 2001 Sequoia was no longer safe. I took it to the local dealer for inspection. I was told the regional Toyota rep would also be there on the day I scheduled to be there. In short they told me they will replace my frame at no cost. I said thank you very much. Maybe due to so many others complaints my experience was painless. They kept the vehicle since they also said it was no longer safe. The have also provided me with a rental. So far I don’t have an Eta for the parts but the service rep said it could take a couple months to get all the parts. I’ll repost when I actually get some action and hopefully have a positive outcome . So far all I can say is thank you for Toyota fixing my 11 yo car. If it all works out its going to save me thousands. My vehicle currently has 181k miles! I’ll might be able to get another 100k out of it.
Jeff,
That’s awesome!
-Tim
My frame is finally in after 8 weeks and work scheduled to commence 6/19. I previously posted all of the items dealer claims will be replaced at Toyota expense, but certainly expect more problems as they remove “bad” parts from a very rusted chassis. Will update here as work progresses. Hopefully will not have any of the nightmare situations I have been reading about here. Considering this major project I do not expect to pick up the truck and find zero problems as I begin driving again. BTW, anybody have warranty info on this effort? Thanks.
So, here’s the rest of the story –
I picked up the truck – sans repairs other than the frame replacement. Regarding the alleged frozen caliper- seems pretty even when braking. The rest of the issues, will be dealt with on a case by case basis. I will say that when I brought the truck in, there were no warning lights on. Upon its return, the “check engine “light was illuminated. I didn’t even drive away, just drove it back into the service area and said – sorry- I am not leaving until it is diagnosed. They put it on the computer and said it was an oxygen sensor- which they agreed was not broken when I brought it in and ordered the part, which I will have them replace, while I wait, early next week.
I did speak with corporate – and I was not particularly pleased with the way the situation was dealt with across the board, from parts, to service and he would only repeatedly tell me that they would not be replacing anything other than the frame kit. I explained that we should take the “free stuff” issue out of the mx and talk about customer service issues- and he said that all of that is handled in the dealership that Toyota has nothing to do with that- they are independently owned.
Sad.
Tracey,
Sounds like a mixed bag. That stinks about the poor customer service though.
-Tim
Thanks Jason,
I’ll update everyone as soon as I get more info…
DESI
Toyota “forgot” to bleed the brakelines after replacing them (part of the frame deal), Thought that was mighty special since they also told me that the brakes were shot and the calipers were frozen. did they think that when they felt all spongy and didn’t brake well that I would reconsider?? Or did they just hope for the worst?? I shudder!
Brought my Tundra to my mechanic -not dealer – just honest guy Gary – had him do a once over and tell me what I needed to replace. He was pretty mad – he said that the only thing my truck needed were shocks & struts, which we already knew. The steering box? Just fine. All the other parts? Did not need replacing.
Crazy. And a learning experience I did not need.
Cheers-
Tracey
Tracey – Sadly this is typical of dealerships. Their thinking is that they might as well replace some parts when they’re already going to be taking them off, but that’s not usually how this is presented. Instead of saying “Hey, since we’re going to be pulling the steering box off anyways, what do you think about replacing it?” they say “you need a new steering box.” One is a suggestion, the other is a lie. I encourage you to report this dealer to your state’s consumer affairs board and/or dealer licensing board so they can investigate and correct this problem.
Generally speaking, dealers are a great place to get your car fixed. However, just like any repair facility, you need to watch them carefully.
As previously reported frame in 6/19 for my 00 Tundra. I visited several times during the frame replacement and took many pics. The body shop at the dealer has been the major clog causing this to last 10 days now. The truck has finally returned to shop from the body install and the finishing touches to be accomplished Friday the 29th. Everything appeared to go well as far as I could tell each visit during the process. Had them install Bilstein front shocks, but was not prepared for them to tell me it would cost $360.00. Gone are the days of quick shock replacement in the back yard now that it is more of a strut setup. How ’bout 120/hr labor? Should have continued as a mechanic in younger days. Front links were replaced at my cost they tell me, but will argue with Toyota about that. Only one of the 4 “rebounders” on the front suspension could be salvaged. They ordered 3 to replace and I told them it makes more sense to get all 4. Have to wait and see if they try to hit me for those. Nothing else additional was pushed on me. Just have to wait and see how it turns out when driven.
Lomg update. Picked up my 2000 Tundra after 10 days and everything appeared fine, despite 103 degree day here in MD. I drove the truck for an hour at all speeds, highway, crappy roads, turns, hills and noticed a few things. A slight tendency to pull to left (not due to crown of road), brake pedal had a lot of travel to stop (all new steel brake lines, could need another good bleed or rear adjustment). I was willing to wait a bit on that, but this morning as I was leaving to take truck to my son who is an ocean lifeguard the power steering pump sounded terrible and could be felt in the steering wheel as well. It stayed that way for several miles at which point I went back home to wait until the dealer opened at 7AM. Could just be air pocket causing cavitation. I also noticed strong smell of anti-freeze and saw steam rising from under hood near the cowl/heater core area-probably minor, clamp, etc. I left it with them, got the rental back. I told them they should keep it and run it again Monday morning when it is “cold” as opposed to letting it sit for awhile in the 100 degree heat to confirm power steering issue is resolved. Overall my first impression was that they (Jones Toyota, BelAir, MD)did a really good job for an undertaking of that magnitude having done this sort of thing a few times myself way back in the muscle car days. The crew leader and 2 mechanics that I spoke with were good to deal with and accommodating. I took many pictures in the process when I could get there. At this point it just has to be right before I turn it back over to my son 150 miles from home. I left my case file open with Toyota Corporate even thoguh they wanted to close it weeks ago. I will need to convince them that I should not have to pay for the following: Suspension stops that were not bad, just designed poorly preventing removal and Steering yoke that was badly rusted and dealer would not attempt to re-use, I concurred (it was so bad that I recommend Tundra owners look at theirs). Total “bill” close to 13k including rental @ $2400 for 9 weeks. Amazed that ‘yota would fix as opposed to buy-out, but my son loves the truck and knew he could not find one as well maintained and cared for. Dealer told me 1 yr./unlimited miles warranty, which is a mixed bag. Imagine buying brand new vehicle and only getting 1 yr. frame, lower control arms, etc. So far consider myself lucky considering some of the other stories here.
My 2000 Tundra frame was replaced along with several other parts as part of the replacement package. I am reasonably happy with results, however, some issues are still troubling. My son (his truck actually) had them install 2 Bilstein front shocks with a modest 1.5″ lift, but the camber is way off now chewing up outside edge of tires. Dealer said they will only set to factory specs so now need to take to a shop that will adjust as needed. Body shop manhandled the body and left some dents. I also had to have parts replaced that were it not for the failed frame would not need replacing. The 4 suspension stops or bumpers or whatever they want to call them could not be removed from the old frame so I had to have them replaced. The front links had to be cut off eliminating re-use, had to have them replaced. The steering yoke was so badly rusted as to be laughable to re-use so that was replaced. Total cost to me was $475.00. I called the Toyota Experience folks who I have been in contact with since the beginning when I opened a case file. I sent them a detailed list of the repairs I paid for and explained why I should not incur charges. Few days later I get a call back from case manager and she said after all her “research” Toyota will not pay for the parts because it was not on the list of parts covered on the recall. I asked her if everybody was at least in agreement that the parts would not need to be replaced if it wasn’t for the crappy frame. She said no. Really? I asked her if she called the dealer where the frame was replaced to confirm. She said no. I asked her (tongue in cheek) if she herself even knew what the parts were and she said no. Some research. I told her that I could do her job with half my brain tied behind my back. I asked for the name of someone higher up to talk to and she said there was nobody else. I told her I was in awe speaking to the top person at Toyota! I thanked her for nothing and now must try other options. Not real impressed with Toyota right now even though I have have/had 4 of them. I know there will be Toyota apologists here, but I should not incur ANY of these charges. Not my fault they cut corners. From what I read this wasn’t so much a “voluntary” recall, but finally a response to so many pissed people getting to the NHTSA and getting some relief. Toyota: Go back to building quality vehicles that we pay premium for and expect quality in return. I could buy a Ford (did I really say that), or a Chevy, but always had confidence in Toyota.
I just find rusty spot on my sequoia. Is it recall program still going on? And Sequoia is under rusty recall program? Please let me know ASAP !!!
new campain just released i was told called cod not cash on deliverty toyoto owners site lists it mines going in tuesday wisk me luck
Replaced my 03 Tundra with an 04 Chevy and couldn’t be happier.
Now Toyota has rust issue with the Rav4, RX350 and others. Toyota is now know as ol’ Rusty. Never again, no more Toyotas for me. I would rather buy American.
My 2000 Tundra failed the frame rust check, and Gentile Toyota in Racine, Wisconsin ordered a new frame for it. They said it could take 3 to 4 months to get the frame, but it took about three weeks.
I was concerned after reading everyone’s horror stories about being charged thousands of dollars for replacement parts during this process, but could not be happier with the results. Gentile gave me a pickup truck (new Ford F-150) to drive during the repair. The truck rides perfectly, and everything works just as well as it did before. (I think they even balanced the tires, because I had a slight shimmy at 55 mph that is gone now). The bill contains an entire page of parts that were replaced, including the shocks, and the total billed to me was zero.
I’m sure that there are lots of dealerships that are trying to double dip on these repairs, but Gentile treated me very well.
We have had our 2001 Sequoia back from a frame replacement with Toyota for about 6 weeks. All I really have to say is thank you Toyota. Now I have a vehicle that is worth having again. I had a very good experience with our local dealer so that made all the difference. I am sorry to hear so many bad ones. Good luck to all…
[…] Toyota extends Tundra rust recall to include 2000-03 models, totalling 110,000 trucks Toyota Launches Tundra Frame Replacement Program | Tundra Headquarters Blog Any questions about truck mods I have done need to be asked in the forums. Don't send me a […]
Anyone have 2005 Tundra frame rusting? Mine’s pretty bad. Unlikely Toyota will extend the fame replacement warranty beyond ’03.
My 2000 tundra is at the dealership now with a new frame on the way. Yesterday, when changing my oil, I noticed my sway bar had separated from my frame due to rust. I brought it into the dealer today and they told me it was not safe to drive and that they were going to order me a new frame from toyota. They also paid for a rental car from enterprise. Not bad considering my truck is 13yrs old and has 189,689 miles on it!
I am even more of a toyota fan now!
Bob,
That’s great!
-Tim
I’m considering buying a 2001 Tundra that has had it’s frame replaced. I’ve only sat in it so far, not talked to the dealer yet, but wondered if there were any caveats I should be aware of or potential problems I should check for?
There are several trucks in the area with new frames for sale.
From reading here it appears that all in all the finished repair is good as new. Anyone have a different opinion?
The truck I’m interested in looks like new w/ 97K miles on it.
Mark,
Not that we are aware of. Frankly, the replaced frame is at times better than factory since a mechanic has gone through and personally inspected all the parts.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
-Tim
I had my 2000 Tundra frame replaced earlier this year. A 2-4 week job took over 12 weeks and I’ve had numerous problems with the truck since I got it back and continue to have a horrible knocking noise underneath that they can’t seem to correct. Note: I’ve had to pay for almost all the repairs since then becuase their is no way to determines if the problems are related to the frame replacement, convenient if you ask me. I asked about a buy back and was denied. Complaints to Toyota corporate went nowhere and landed me back at the dealership. My suggestion, sell it and buy something else before accepting the frame replacement.
RF- I know how you feel. Scroll up a bit to See my post Anonymous, August 7, 2012. I am trying to get some action direct from Toyota Japan, but seems nobody believes Toyota is responsible for replaced items that would not otherwise need replacement. The Toyota Experience from Toyota America just blows me off. Good luck to you.
Woof, it just doesn’t get much more relevant than that!
got my new frame on my 2002 limited trd it is excellent. only problems are. 11. they crashed my rear mud flaps and put the bed on wrong also never replaced my fender liners in the rear. brought truck back realigned bed and put new mud flaps but did not put the wheel well liners back. now i got to go back again.for them it is wasting my time i need my truck. at lest they gave me a loaner both times a highlander and a tiny rav 4. someone is not paying attention
Have you ever stopped to think how long the new frame will last, you better give it some thought, including the ones that don’t get new frames but the “rust prevention coating”, How long will that last? Yea right!
It’s been 18 months since the frame was replaced. The dealer also replaced several pages of parts. The only thing messed up was my trailer wiring. I replaced it all. Since then the truck has performed flawlessly. It’s a 2000 Ltd. model. The truck just hit 150,000 miles. It rides
Like new. Toyota was stupid for doing this. I added up the parts, the labor and the car rental. It was around $16,000. I would have taken $8,000 for it. Now I wouldn’t. The work was flawless. Maybe I was lucky.
Bob,
First, great news on the truck! Second, Toyota did right by you and that is what they care about. They made their investment back. Look at it this way, think about all the friends/family you told this too. You might have swayed their perception of the Toyota brand. Imagine the opposite, how much would you have bashed them and turned away customers? In branding terms, that is a major win and more important than any commercial they could have developed.
-Tim
Thanks for all the good advice.
But Please! Anyone with good experience with a dealer, please add the Dealer’s name. There are obviously good ones and bad ones like those double dipping.
I just had the frame inspected today on my 2003 Sequoia, need a new one. The service guy said the last person only paid $300..I asked what the high dollar amount was on the others..$6,700. He claims that they have done 50 – 100 but who knows.
I’ve been around the block a few times and I don’t trust the guy. Who has a good Toyota Dealer in NJ to recommend?
I’m considering going to one of the ones out of state that have been recommended.
So please mention where the good dealers are.
Thanks again
[…] Originally Posted by rangermutt I received my notification in the mail last week and was surprised to see that they had expanded the number of states. Ever since reading about the issue I have been proactive in sanding the rust off the frame and sealing with Eastwood's rust encapsulator. Of course I cannot get to the rust inside the frame or on the top but there does not appear to be any holes in the frame and the spare tire carrier does not appear to have any issues. That said, should I take the truck to the dealer for inspection? Are there any advantages when I go to sell it? Good question, I was hoping mine was fine, low miles on it etc. I used to work on other equipment and I know that a major tear down can have complications. That said, there are dealers that have done a ton of them and seem good at it. The frame kit is free and you get a free rental car. I think any parts damaged in the removal are covered. I opened a case with Toyota yesterday, waiting on my call back from them for details. There are dealers trying to add extra profit on this thing and there are some doing it honestly. I'd have it inspected, if you need a frame and you want to keep the truck, not much choice I guess. I decided not to use the first dealer I visited, I have a few near me and I have a friend of a friend who is a junior tech at a closer dealer and I got to talk to him yesterday. His shop has one guy who has done a bunch of them. I will visit that dealer after the Toyota rep calls me. Here is a long thread with some good info, people getting it done free or close to it and others getting the shaft, if you wade through it: Toyota Launches Tundra Frame Replacement Program | Tundra Headquarters Blog […]
So, can I still get the frame repair done on my 2001 Tubdra or is it too late?
May as well call and ask..
just pickup 2004 tundra.had fram replaced at ira toyota in danvers ma. great job done. just paid for timing blet and tuneup 11/2/13
John,
Sweet! That is awesome that you got a new frame that was done right!!
-Tim
good news, mine is in the shop now, fingers crossed driving a new Corolla on them (Lakewood Toyota, Lakewood NJ)
Sweet!
-Tim
I see I never updated my last post. Lakewood Toyota (NJ) did a great job, no charge to me great folks there. Ask for Bill the service manager, great guy.
Dropped my 2001 Tundra off today to have the frame inspected as I was advised to by my regular mechanic. I was told that as I had completed all the campaigns, ie, a frame undercoating in 2011, I was no longer eligible for the frame replacement. Toyota had my dealer put on a bandaid to get them off the hook is my contention. Has anyone else gone through this, and, was it ever resolved.
Chris,
Hmm… I haven’t heard of that happening, but I could see it. I guess at some point Toyota is going to have to pull the plug on the campaign, I just can’t see it going on forever. But, I don’t really know.
-Tim
Remember, This is a money maker for the dealer, they get 40 hrs of labor $ from Toyota and a well practiced mechanic can do it in much less. I shopped a few dealers and went with the one who gave me the best vibe.
Too bad about the previous poster, doesn’t seem fair. I’d say file a claim with Toyota, but when I spoke to them they seemed unsympathetic in general.
I have an 07 Tundra SR5 extended cab with 23,600 Mi. I live in Florida and have noticed in the last 2 years excessive rust on the shock mounts, sub frames, bumpers. The bumpers were rusted through on the bottom and were replaced under warranty. I have sprayed bad areas with Rust-oleum rust reformer which slows the rust down but does not stop it. Is the rust problem on my 07 Tundra going to be the same problem as with the 1st gen Tundra? Do others have the same problems on their gen 2 Tundra as I am having? Thank you
For every person that was given a new frame, 25 were not. And those of us who were not, are totally screwed. For every replaced frame and the good will and word of mouth that goes with that, imagine those of us who have been screwed. Now imagine who tells more people about their experiences — people who were treated right, or people who feel they were screwed and wronged? Without question, people who feel disenfranchised and wronged tell more people. Horror stories travel further than feel good stories. It’s just the nature of our society. I have an 03 Tundra SR5 extended cab with only 39,000 miles on it and it will not pass inspection this year. The frame is so corroded that the welds have actually rusted off. I have no idea what to do or where to turn. I tried the dealer. They referred me to Toyota Corp. I tried them. They called me back today to tell me I’m basically shit out of luck. I will NEVER EVER buy a Toyota again and will bad-mouth them until the day I die. It is my mission in life now.
K,
That stinks. Wish I could say more, but that stinks.
-Tim
Thanks Tim. Yeah, it’s a real bummer. My truck actually barely passed inspection. I had to spend a few hundred for a new parking brake and sway bar though. The brake was so rusted it wouldn’t move and the sway bar was completely corroded. Replacing those were the two cheapest options, for now. The mechanic said next year will be a whole new series of replacements — assuming the frame will hold up that long.
That stinks, why did they say no? I thought if it had a hole in it (mine was the size of my pinky) they would do it. Maybe try another dealer? I wouldn’t even bother with corporate, called them once and was unimpressed with their attitude. Good luck.
Pete,
They said no because when I took it in for the frame recall, it didn’t have any holes in it. It was extremely rusted, but no holes. The dealership said you had to have a hole to qualify for a new frame and it didn’t/wouldn’t even matter if it was rusted beyond saving. It simply had to have a hole. Mine didn’t, but was so rusted that parts of the frame were warping. And that didn’t matter.
You are right, corporate was a waste of time. They basically read from a script when talking to me and kept repeating “I’m sorry sir, but at this time we have no specific recalls available for your problem.”
Thanks for the good wishes. Maybe something will change, but the dealer said not to expect it. He thinks the recalls are done with in regards to the rusting frame issue.
I agree with Pete. Check out some other dealers. That doesn’t seem right. I was lucky with a 2000 Tundra with 105,000 miles and I had mild rust, but the dealer did a nice job cleaning it up and re-undercoating it. Still looks great after a year or two and I’m in the NE where salt in the winter is bad news on frames. So I’m one of the satisfied customers that will stick with Toyota. We also have two Rav4’s, so we’ve been satisfied, but I don’t blame you one bit. I’d be pissed too.
[…] Surely you've heard about this, but just in case not: Toyota Launches Tundra Frame Replacement Program | Tundra Headquarters Blog […]
I am on the other end. I am wishing they would not of put new frame under mine. I got it back and brake fluid leaded out. no brakes by time I got home. I fixed the loose fitting. they had me bring it back to just check it. I had no 4wd. found the plug under by driver side of engine not plugged in. Even though they say it was lined up it ate tires. Kids found a mouse nest in back seat after getting it back. now the tranny died do to the fitting in the radiator had striped threads and the fitting poped out pumping all the fluid out. Now the pump will not pump so pulling the tranny now. With 350k on it I just wish they would of left it alone. I had no troubles with it before that. they did give me loaners for the 2 months they had it to put the frame under it though.
Sorry to hear that. I was worried..no issues other then a little clunk sometimes on a bump. I think the reinstalled a worn bushing maybe.
I have wondered if any fluids are replaced with the frame.. Just heard about an airbag recall..will go back to the dealer and ask about both.
Toyota recently sent me a recall notice for my 2005 Tundra (89,000 miles)for frame rust. I am in CT where they use that magnesium chloride road deicer.
Just took it in and while there was some surface rust they did not find any serious damage. I talked to the Service Manager and they spray liquid wax solution inside the frame tube and then wire brush off surface rust they can reach and coat all the parts of the frame shown in the frame diagram with a black sticky rustproof coating. Coating takes at least a week or so to cure.
I had some creaking going on both front and rear wheels so I also had to pay for one front wheel bearing and some suspension bushings. Rear axle and differential cover is badly rusted but they said Toyota would not do anything for that unless I paid for it.
Anyway the suspension all sounds a lot quieter now so I will see how that holds up.
I have a 2001 tundra with 103k miles on it. Its always been garaged and kept clean. Ive taken into toyota for the recalls, they have fix the rear cross-member and scraped/undercoated my frame. This year however there is a hole in my frame. I took it in for inspection and was told that I was not eligible for any action at all… the reason being is that toyota had fulfilled their obligation already. I called corporate and they pretty much told me “to bad so sad”.
The best part is that I’m a tool vendor and I’m in toyota dealerships all the time and see them doing frames every week, including older models such as mine.
So the lesson? If you own a toyota leave it outside and dont take care of it, I did and now that the frame is rotten toyota wont do anything for me.
Ill never buy another toyota, and will likely trade mine out as soon as I can now.
I have a 2001 Toyota Tundra Limited and my frame is rusty. I called into Toyota and reported the problem. They told me that the frame warranty had expired at the end of 2012. I had the recall items like gas tank straps replaced in 2011. Now the frame is getting much much worse. I have a 2001 tacoma and a 1988 toyota pickup. The frame on my 1988 toyota pickup is in much better shape then my new toyotas. The 1988 has a very rusty body with a great frame and the new ones have no rust on the bodies and ugly rusted up frames. Toyota is really screwing up with these rusty frames. I hate to say it but I don’t know that i will trust Toyota after this whole ordeal. My new toyotas will not stand the test of time with those crappy frames.
I had mine done in late November..
Nov 2013 that is
I have a 2006 tundra, after getting my breaks done repeatedly I have come to find out that my frame is completely rusted. I bought the truck brand new, I currently have 72,000 miles on it. After reading more about tundras and finding out they have rust issues I’m at a loss on what to do? Any help would be wonderful
Better check your brake lines. No fun with. Bad brakes. Make sure you still have your spare tire.
I took my 2000 tundra in, they spayed the frame, now all that black stuff is gone and my brake line rusted through. Whats next to rust?
I have a 2002 Tundra (CT truck all it’s life) w/ 78k miles, of which I am the 2nd owner. The first owner had brought the truck in for the recall and they sprayed it. I was under it a while back and found a spot where the front of the left leaf spring mounts that is starting to self destruct, and feel this will eventually be a safety issue. I went to a local dealer who advised to keep bringing it in. As for Toyota, tried calling them and they told me to go pound sand.
I figure I’m stuffed as far as the limited campaign goes, but if I eventually get a hole in one of the recall areas, will they replace the frame? I had thought recalls never expire, but hear different things.
Thx!