My frame was replaced under recall because of the rust. A couple weeks after getting my truck back I was stranded in 100 degree heat because I was unable to get my spare tire out from under bed of truck. Severely rusted bumper no longer allows access to mechanism to lower tire. Fought with dealer and regional mgr. They say it is not a safety issue. I could not disagree more. Why then do we have spare. He did admit that if it was his wife and children stranded on the highway it might be different. But, no..... now they are recalling the part that hold the spare under the truck because tire may fall off. That would be doing me a favor....

- Plainfield, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while at an independent mechanic for unrelated repair the contact was informed the frame was severally corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated there was a manufacturer recall that was issued the previous year to treat the frame and prevent corrosion. The contact did not receive notification of the recall and never had the vehicle treated. The technician stated there was no repair for the failure and informed the contact they were not liable for the frame corrosion. The mechanic advised the vehicle should not be driven because it was unsafe. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000. Updated 01/14/13

- Sterling, CT, USA

2001 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to issues with the vehicle frame. The consumer stated he only took possession of the vehicle six months ago, and was unaware of the problem with the frame and would like to get the issue resolved.

- Boston, MA, USA

I brake in my driveway at approx. 2 mph, heard a loud thump in the rear end of my 2001 Tacoma. When I checked, I found that the driver side front bracket to leaf spring holding the rear axle was actually sitting 2 or 3 inches into the frame rail. The frame had rusted through in that spot, the rust was so bad, that 6 inches of steel on bottom of frame rail was gone in any direction of the leaf spring bracket attachment point. There isn't enough steel left to even attempt a weld to repair it. On close inspection of the frame overall, there are multiple points where the frame rails have disintegrated. My rear axle is sitting off-center, and the car cannot be driven. If normal force or torque is applied, the axle will break free, and this will cause an accident. I heard that there is a recall on Tacoma frame rails, so I called the dealer. Dealer stated my VIN did not have a recall; I called Toyota, they told me that I would be contacted in 1 business day. They never called. 2 days later, I called and got transferred to their "truck team, " got shuffled around for 6 more phone calls over 3 days, when they informed me that they mailed me a notice that I had to have gotten a frame spraying to qualify for the frame recall. I never received such notice, and Toyota did not even have my address; which they stated that they got all information from dmv. My dmv info is current, always has been. Toyota has given my every type of run-around imaginable, ultimately denying my recall. On websites, there are thousands of people in my same situation...exactly the same. Further, there are many people who had the frame spray, which then peeled off within months of application. This seems like Toyota deliberately tried to exclude as many people as possible with this frame spray, which wouldn't be necessary in the first place if the frames weren't defective. My truck is dead.

- Darien, IL, USA

I just purchased this truck for my sons first vehicle. 1 day after I purchased it, I was informed of a recall issue Toyota had with these frames rusting excessively creating a safety issue while driving. I took to my Toyota dealer they confirmed and inspected my truck. They told me it was unsafe to drive. I called Toyota customer care they told me my vehicle was not covered and there was nothing they would do. I can't believe they won't cover this failure. If they are only building vehicles to last 11 years, they should be shut down. Now my son has a truck he can't drive! great first car huh? I think it's Toyota doesn't care center. Any help would be appreciated.

- Battle Creek, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when she noticed that the undercarriage frame was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the entire frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed of an expired voluntary campaign they issued that addressed the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 144,233. Updated 08/31/2011

- Middletown, CT, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. She took the vehicle into the dealer to inspect the frame, which she had observed was slightly rusted. The dealer stated that the vehicle was thoroughly rusted and would not allow her to drive the vehicle off of the lot. The entire frame was replaced under the manufacturer's warranty enhancement for frame rust perforation on model trucks in severe cold climate areas with high road salt use (NHTSA item number : 10027968: Service bulletin number : tcs-08-018). After the repairs were made to the vehicle, she noticed black smoke coming from the exhaust, the vehicle was using more gas than before and she could literally watch the fuel gauge moving closer to empty as she proceeded. The vehicle would not idle properly and was exhibiting a "bucking" gesture as if it was not getting enough fuel. While inspecting the vehicle, a personal mechanic noticed that the 02 sensor was hanging from the vehicle and caused the vehicle to exhibit the failures. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they stated the sensor was in the same place as when she first brought the vehicle. No further repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were approximately 126,000. Updated 4/30/10 the O2 sensor needed to be replaced. Updated 07/15/10.

- Taunton, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While the contact was driving 15-30 mph the vehicle suddenly accelerated causing the RPM's to redline. The contact turned the vehicle off in order to stop it from accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact had the idle air control valve replaced at 29,060 miles. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 34000. Updated 4/7/2010 the check engine light illuminated. The dealer replaced the mass air flow sensor. Also, the frame had severe rust. Updated 08/24/10

- Norfolk, MA, USA

This complaint is in regards to a defective frame on my 2001 Toyota Tacoma pick-up that was purchased used in February of 2007 with 102,000 miles. A nys inspection was performed upon purchase. The truck now has 130K. September 6th, 2008, while installing at a local tire and break shop, the tech noticed serious frame rot on the back passenger side of my truck. The shop manager informed me of a voluntary Toyota buy-back for 1999-2000 models, warranty policy bulletin pol08-03, dated 3/7/08. I contacted Toyota and had the truck immediately inspected by lia Toyota service of colonie NY. I was informed the frame was seriously rotted, and the truck no longer safe to drive. I was told the following to rectify the situation: 1. the dealership could not 'go to bat for me' to assist me with dealing with Toyota for a recall request; 2. 2001 models are not "usually covered" in the recall. And; 3. if covered, I would not get a loaner car; I would not receive the 150% value as is standard for 1995-2001 models this is a slap in the face. Why should the 2001 models be excluded from the warranty and recall coverage afforded by the 1995-2001 models" my truck is newer - yet it has the same frame rot. The fact that the dealer refused to assist me with this process is additionally infuriating. Toyota has yet to contact me via the case manager they have assigned me. I don't know if Toyota will pay me 100% of the value of my truck for March of 2008 or August of 2008. The blue book value of my truck has dropped significantly since the recall was issued. Defective frames are not exclusive to the 1995-2000 model year Tacoma - so why is Toyota excluding newer models" this is dangerous, perhaps even criminally negligent. Toyota should be recalling Tacoma trucks manufactured after 2000 that are experiencing massive frame rust - without doing so the company is endangering the lives of Tacoma owners. Updated 10/22/08 updated 02/24/10

- Albany, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer for an oil change and because the check engine light was illuminated. The technician noticed that the under body frame had rusted completely through and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. In December of 2007, a local welder repaired the hole in the frame at the cost of $80. Toyota later implemented a buy back program and stated that they would only buy back vehicles from 1995-2000. The failure mileage was 132,910 and current mileage was 139,995.

- Home, PA, USA

Toyota Tacoma 2001, frame is rusted to the point that it cannot be repaired. Truck has 185,000 miles well kept. The body is in perfect condition. Frame looks like it is rusting from the inside out. Poor design box frame. 7 years and now is useless. Toyota should be held responsible for this engineering flaw.

- Kunkletown, PA, USA