Toyota Rear Bumper Rust/Corrosion – TSB
Tim Esterdahl | Apr 20, 2012 | Comments 15
Toyota has recently released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for 2010-2012 Tundra’s related to the rear bumper exhibiting rust or corrosion on it.
If your bumper looks like this on your 2010-2012 Toyota Tundra and is within the comprehensive warranty, you are in luck. A new bumper is waiting for you.
According to the T-SB-0052-12, some trucks “may exhibit a condition where surface rust or corrosion is present on the leading edge, step plate or wing of the rear chrome bumper. Improvements have been made to the chrome bumpers to resist rust and corrosion.”
This bulletin applies to vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below:
The fix is pretty simple. Just follow these steps.
- Confirm surface corrosion or rust is present.
- Remove and replace the rear bumper assembly by referring to the Technical Information system manual for the applicable model year.
Pretty hard eh?
Hopefully you don’t have this issue with your pickup, however, if you do, please contact your local dealer. Like other TSB’s the repair is covered within Toyota’s Comprehensive Warranty, 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date. This warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this bulletin.
Filed Under: Tundra News
This rear bumper issue hasn’t changed since the 07 model. What’s up Toyota? You need to get it together. You knew about this since 07. Do you really think you can afford to lose customers?
Had my Tundra looked at for this. The service guy first cleaned the bumper corners with a steel wool pad and glass cleaner. There was some rust, but not from a rusting bumper but from the dust sized metal particles from paved road surfaces (sand and the metal flakes put in tractor tires).
I live in the Norteast, so this is to be expected.
The service attendant highly recommended a good cleaning along with a good wax/chrome polish to keep the metal dust sized flake from sticking to both the body and bumpers.
I’m strongly considering removing rear bumper and sealing the unprotected side of the rear bumper.
Are the VIN#s shown above, the ones affected or the ones prior to what is in the article?
Prior. So, if your vehicle has the production change VIN, it isn’t affected.
-Tim
What about front bumpers.
First off LJC a steel wool pad? That would leave scratches in the bumper.
A fine steel wool pad will clean off surface rust on chrome, however it does leave microscopic scratches and if you don’t protect it, the area will rust twice as bad in half the time. The tech was right but the fix was bad because he didn’t address the original issue. This will continue to Be a problem and I am speaking from experience. The only way to fix it is to remove and then rechrome the part.
There is a amazing polish / restore / cleaner.
Southern shine is what its called.
Look it up
Hands down the best out. Better than pig snot
what if i want to have my rusty bumper painted to color match the rest of the truck instead of put on a new chrome one?
LOL – Good idea – maybe the dealer will go halvsies! 😉
[…] 2001-2012 Tundra TSB for rusting rear bumpers […]
I just took my 2012 in for the bumper inspection. It took 2 weeks for an answer, I had to call them. Mine is after the serial number given(229404). They would not replace it. It has much rust on the inside and rust spots on the outside, terrible. I had a 2008 with a lot less rust and none on the outside and they replaced it. Doesn’t make sense. I will have to elevate my complaint.
I have a 2014 Tundra with 1500 miles on it. I have the issue reported here with rust spots on the sides of the rear bumper. The spots wash off with water/cleaner, but there is an obvious defect in the center of each spot which leads to a ‘rust ring’ if it gets wet. Took it to the dealer, they said if it wipes off, they don’t cover it. I said it will come right back in a few minutes if it gets wet. They said its not covered unless the chrome is peeling. The service manager said they also have new on the lot trucks with this rust issue.
How can they justify selling a new vehicle with rust?
Ken,
That is really, really interesting. It is the first I have heard of this problem. I’m going to send this to my Toyota contacts to see what they have to say. I’ll let you know what I find out.
-Tim
Ken,
Toyota responded to say that this is the first they have heard of “rust circles.” They thanked me for bringing it to their attention and I’m sure they have made a note and are looking into it. I’m not sure any resolution will come out of it ASAP, but it is something that they weren’t aware of nor was I. If I hear something else, I’ll let you know.
-Tim