Comments on: Toyota Seems To Admit First Generation Tundra’s Suffer From Frame Rust

By: Jason

Jason — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:23:09 +0000

Roger – That’s unbelievable. Toyota didn’t tell NHTSA they were going to limit the recall to vehicles less than 10 years old…have you filed a complaint with NHTSA yet? Also, Toyota just expanded the recall nationwide. Your dealer might get a different answer now from Toyota.

RC – Unbelievable. I’m admittedly a fan of Toyota, but that is BS. I wouldn’t blame you if you never bought another one after that.

By: RC

RC — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:10:34 +0000

I have a 2001 tundra. First of all i didn’t get the recall notice, just took it in on my own after i realized i wouldn’t be getting a notice. The first trip they put the spare in the back. I had the issues but I also have perforations in the frame itself. So they scheduled me along with 4 other trucks i’m told that had the same issue to come back when the inspector would be there. So I did and I was given instructions to call the “Toyota Experience Ceneter” to open a case and boy was it an experience. The first person i talked to took my info and said he need to transfer to me a new center. The second person asked for the same info over again, about another 5 minute process but i hung in there. And then basically told me i didn’t have any issues with my truck. They said everything had been take care of and wanted me to close the case. It took me at least 3 tries to get them to relent. Over and over i told them that putting the spare in the back of the bed was not taking care of the issue, and that i had further issues with the frame, just like the tacomas. He was unaware of any issues with the Tacoma. He finally did relent and gave me a case number. Most arrogant call center call i have ever had. They just wanted me to hang up and quit. So i went back to the dealership to complain. they took my info. then the next day i get a call back from the call center or someone somewhere. This time they again told me my case was done and wanted to close it. I wanted something in writing telling me that and they told me that this was the only notification i would get. then get this, they hung up on me. So back to the dealership i went to complain some more. at least they listend to me. I just got a call back from the dealership. My case is reopened and i should be hearing from them in the next 3 – 4 weeks. Me and my family own 3 toyotas, probably our last. I just feel all they want to do is cover up stuff and take your money. I’m pretty much fed up with their antics.

By: Roger

Roger — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:34:35 +0000

Recieved a return call from Toyota Customer Experience Center. They informed me that the recall was only for the rear crossmember and not for the rest of the frame. Toyota is evaluating the situation on a case by case basis but is not providing any assistance. Also, it was determined 2 weeks ago that any truck that was over 10 years old would not be eligible for assistance. I purchased my 2000 Tundra in May of 1999, therefore I would not be eligible. The sad part is that they have documentation that I notified them directly of the frame rust issue over two years ago. I have also never received the recall notice from Toyota on the rear crossmember. The only way I knew to have the frame inspection is through word of mouth and internet communictations. Looking for other options here since Toyota has basically told me to pound sand and the NHTSA is not helping me out.

Calling the local TV station today to get this out into the media. I think that this particular issue is not getting the attention due to the other problems that Toyota is having. Maybe I can help resolve that. Did a quick search on the NHTSA site after I received my OID#. It is scary to see all of the documentation. Everything from brake lines, to sway bars, to steering, to frame to the crossmember. A cursory search uncovered over 100 documented issues.

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:14:28 +0000

Frank and Roger – Keep us posted.

By: Frank

Frank — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:41:29 +0000

I was given a case number and have a scheduled appointment for this Thursday. I’ll keep you all up to date on what transpires

By: Roger

Roger — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:14:54 +0000

Chris W –
I ran into the same scenario with the brakes on my truck at about 50K. (Even though I had mentioned the issue at 25K.) I raised a bit of a fuss with the manager and they paid for the parts, but not the labor. I then raised a bit of a fuss with Corporate Toyota and they reimbursed me for the labor.

Brakes still don’t work correctly. I get a shimmy regardless of when they turn the rotors.

By: Roger

Roger — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:10:30 +0000

Just heard back from the dealership. Apparently the district guy needs a case number from the “Customer Experience Center” (CEC) before they can start working with me. I was told by the CEC that the issue is being handled on a case by case basis and they could not provide me with any more information past that. I am supposed to be contacted by a national representative within two business days.

By: Frank

Frank — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:09:19 +0000

Thanks Jason…I will update after my appointment

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:06:14 +0000

Frank – The recall is on 00-03 Tundras. No need to call or check VINs, just take it to the dealership and they’ll inspect it for free.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:02:12 +0000

Roger – OK – hopefully they’ve put all of that into some sort of report or repair ticket. If so, that’s a good sign Toyota will do something. Keep us posted.