2004 Toyota Tundra. Consumer writes in regards to severe rotting on frame.

- Neptune, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while attempting to have the vehicle inspected, the vehicle failed due to frame corrosion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000. Updated 12/03/15

- White Haven, PA, USA

6/13/13 vehicle did not pass inspection major frame perforation Toyota performed limited frame replacement at their cost after much discussion. Not all severely rusted parts were replaced only the major assembly mounting piece items that were disassembled and couldn't be reused were replaced. No sub pieces of the major assembly were replaced. If the were rusted they were reinstalled. 8/4/14 vehicle did not pass inspection major rust failure deformation and leaking of steering rack housing that was severely rusted and not replaced when frame was replaced. Rack was replaced by owner at owners expense. 4/15/15 rear differential housing rust thru and housing failure. Housing was severely corroded when frame was replaced. Owner was informed it was not part of the frame replacement. Toyota does not have any recall bulletin issued despite the numerous complaints found on the internet. Replacement will be at owners expense. Brake backing plates and axle mounting hardware that were severely corroded when frame was replaced are not salvageable and will require replacement as well in order to replace the rear axle housing.

- York, ME, USA

Dealer just informed me that my rotted frame needs to be replaced. Dealer insisting that truck is "safe? and is safe to drive for the next 90 days until the frame parts arrive. Dealer is refusing to provide me with a safe loaner for these 90 days. Dealer is refusing to provide criteria used to determine the safety of my frame and truck. Dealer admitted via email the bed of the truck as well as the spare tire carrier was ?not removed during inspection". dealer stated (via email) that "once the >10mm hole was discovered, there was no need to continue the inspection because the frame would have to be replaced.? dealer is refusing to tell me what criteria was used to determine how safe the vehicle was to drive. Dealer refusing to provide the frame inspection report after many requests. Says ?it doesn't exist?. dealer refused to give frame safety inspection criteria used to determine a frames safety. Contacted customer service and asked for same criteria. 1st response was ?its proprietary information that I cannot give you?. after pushing the issue farther, and stating that all I wanted was a safe loaner car to drive while my truck is waiting on a frame, they told me to contact dealer for the criteria I am requesting because they have been given that information from Toyota. Contacted dealer again, after multiple emails asking the same thing, eventually his response was ?there is no criteria". I am denied the use of a safe loaner because the dealer is saying that my truck is safe to drive (based on non existent criteria as well as an incomplete frame inspection). According to the flowchart, if my frame needs to be replaced, a loaner will be provided for up to 60 days (or even longer), if parts availability is causing a delay. Nowhere does it state that I am only entitled to a loaner if at my dealers discretion deems it as "unsafe to drive".

- Chagrin Falls, OH, USA

I own a 2004 Toyota Tundra. Upon inspection from servco Toyota, I was told my frame has holes the size of quarters through it in several places. I was advised to get another vehicle because this one was no good. I also own a 1994 Toyota pickup and have no frame or other issues with it. How is it possible that they can use substandard metal on a truck that was $29,000 at purchase, only lasts 10 years and is a hazard to drive on the road. I cannot ever consider or recommend ownership of a Toyota again with such terrible quality. Very dismayed at the horrible condition of my 2004 Toyota Tundra truck frame and the lack of quality from a company that at one times name meant quality. A very sad, disappointing and costly decision to purchase a Toyota.

- Lawa, HI, USA

The undercarriage of the truck is completely corroded. Cannot remove the spare tire, the parts holding it will fall off. The truck is unsafe due to the possibility of the undercarriage and crossbars falling off. Same issue as the recall of the 2003 thunderous. Called Toyota local, regional, and us customer service who keep telling me the truck is not part of the recall therefore they cannot help me. The truck was purchased in ri, moved to nc in October 2012. Local Toyota dealership also contacted customer service with no luck.

- Sanford, NC, USA

I have a 2004 Toyota Tundra that has 52,400 miles on it. The frame is completely rusting out with holes forming in the frame. Mainly on the drivers side front area frame. Exhaust is rotted off as well as many bolts and nuts.

- Benton , ME, USA

I have recently received a frame recall notice due to excessive corrosion which I addressed at the local dealership. I was informed that the rust had not perforated the frame and that it would be treated to prevent further rusting. When I picked up the truck at the dealership the associate advised me that the recall was done and that a full safety inspection was completed which revealed no other problems. When I returned home I looked under the truck to inspect the frame and noticed that both sway bar links had corroded and broken off. I also subsequently took the vehicle to an alignment shop because I noticed the steering wheel was not straight and was told by the shop that the truck could not be aligned. I was told that the vehicle was very dangerous to drive and to bring it to the dealership immediately which I did. The dealership service department discovered that the steering shaft coupling was so corroded that they needed to replace it and do a wheel alignment. I am concerned that this may become a common safety issue with the Tundra which seems susceptible to excessive rusting and am requesting that this issue is investigated an a recall issued if necessary.

- Denville, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was severely corroded and affected the power train, rear end, wheel, axle and belt housing. The contact received a notice for NHTSA campaign number: PE09049 (fuel system, gasoline, service brakes, hydraulic, structure, tires) and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 86,000.

- Blue Hill , ME, USA

Massive generalized rust under vehicle. This is affecting the frame, suspension, all lines, exhaust, all metal fittings, wheels, brakes, spare tire. My mechanic does not know how to proceed and suggested we no longer drive this vehicle. Toyota dealer said this is not included in the rust recall which is in effect for Tundra trucks exactly like this one, but off by a couple months by manufacturing date. Our Toyota dealer did not have a suggestion or answer for how to fix this, other than to ask if we were interested in buying a new car. We bought this truck new and have taken excellent care of it. The inside and upper body looks new.

- Seattle, WA, USA

While my 2004 Tundra was in the dealers for a repair, the serviceman noticed a corrosion perforation in right front frame rail. I was informed that the vehicle would no longer past inspection unless a $10,000 frame replacement was done. This is a low mileage vehicle which was maintained according to manufacturer maintenance schedule. Damage is due to manufacturing defect.

- Rhinebeck, NY, USA

After a scheduled oil change the mechanic suggested I take my truck to a Toyota dealer to check out the undercarriage rust. When to massey Toyota, white oak, pa. They said I need to deal with it but it would cost several hundreds of dollars because Toyota doesn't have a recall on 2004. I've talked to other Tundra owner with the same problems. When is Toyota going to acknowledge this manufacturing problem as you did previous models? I currently own two Toyota's: Tundra and Camry.

- Manahawkin, NJ, USA

On 9/27/13 when my 2004 Tundra was being checked out for a recall for severe frame rust the ri Toyota dealer brought to my attention the rear differential was rotted through and leaking oil and said that this rust is not covered by recall. The whole axle has to be replaced. My question to you is, shouldn't Toyota be responsible for all the sub-standard steel" shouldn't this be under a safety recall for oil leakage" as far as I know the oil leak cannot be fixed w/O complete axle housing replacement and this is a problem that effects a huge # of Tundra.

- Cumberland, RI, USA

The 2004 and earlier Toyota Tundra has had major corrosion issues and frame recalls. My Tundra was just inspected by the local Toyota dealer and major corrosion was noted on the vehicle frame. Toyota applied a fiberglass based rustproofing to the frame. However, they would not acknowledge any other corrosion or rot on the vehicle. My vehicles motor mounts are so corroded that I am afraid that the engine will fall out of the vehicle. Also, the mounts that hold the radiator are so corroded they are almost gone. There are numerous other areas in the engine compartment and undercarriage that are completely corroded. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and Toyota will not address it.

- Allenhurst, NJ, USA

While driving the spare tire fell off of the truck due to a badly rusted spare tire wench, as I looked under the truck to see if their was any other damage I noticed a lot of rust on the frame. Most notably around the suspension.

- Chapmanville, WV, USA

Brought my truck in for an oil change. I was called at work by my garage, they told me the truck was unsafe to drive due to several holes and cracks in the frame due to severe rust. I brought the truck to the dealer I purchased it from and they agreed that the truck was not drivable. Toyota has said the 04 model is not part of the recall, and I appear to be in limbo. It has been 3 weeks and this issue is still unresolved. The only certainty is that the truck will need many new frame components for it to be road worthy again.

- Chester, VT, USA

The frame of my 2004 Toyota Tundra is rusting so bad that I wrote a letter to Toyota and sent them pictures of the truck, they had a recall for rust in frames with 2003 Tundra and I believe that I have the same problem but Toyota does not want to assume responsibility for it. Also I already replaced several parts do to rust.

- Keyport, NJ, USA

I took my truck to the Toyota dealer because of a noise in the front end. It turns out the frame at the attachment points for the stabilization bar was badly rusted. There are rust holes in the frame and the attachment point on the left side had rusted free of the frame and the other side is not to far behind. Toyota has a history of rusted frames but according to the VIN number it is not part of the current recalls. I was told sorry we can't fix it. This is not right!!!! can you help.

- West Hartford, VT, USA

Main frame support front of vehicle ; wholes have rusted through. Supports engine!

- Aurora, OH, USA

rear differential and brake housing left and right are rotting from the outside. Large parts of the differential housing are already missing! front transfer case and transmission are perfect! entire rear trans-axle is rotting from the outside. Emergency brake adjustment turnbuckle is rotting. *structural mounts for the emergency brake are rotted. Steel in the frame and most factory welds are de-laminating. *brackets holding the brake line and junctions are rotting. *capture plate and hardware holding spare tire in place are rotted. I will need a cutting torch to remove the spare tire. I have excellent photos to send. Respectfully,

- Frederick, MD, USA