RSSArchive for November, 2009

Toyota Frame Rust Recall Only A Partial Fix

UPDATE: As of May 2010, Toyota has extended the warranty on 2000-2003 Tundra frames. Please see Toyota Tundra Frame Replacement Program for more details.

Today, Toyota has recalled 110,000 1st generation Toyota Tundras due to frame rust concerns. Specifically, this recall requires dealers to inspect the rear cross member and rear brake line mounts on 2000-2003 Tundras for significant rust. If dealers find that the frame’s rear cross member or brake line mount has significant rust, the corroded parts will be replaced as soon as possible.

Toyota has recalled 2000-2003 Tundras over frame rust concerns. Hopefully, this is just a first step.

Toyota has recalled 2000-2003 Tundras over frame rust concerns. Hopefully, this is just a first step.

Toyota’s recall is great news for owners of 2000-2003 Tundras with frame rust, but it is only a half measure. Toyota will need to do more than replace one piece of the frame to completely satisfy 1st generation Tundra owners.

Toyota’s official announcement states that:

Popularity: 9%

2010 Tundra Check Engine Light Issue and Fix

UPDATE – TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE

Please view 2010 Tundra VVT-i TSB for the full details

The following post is no longer correct.

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If you found this post as a result of an internet search, your day might have been going a little something like this:

I have just bought a 2010 Tundra and only had it for 5 days before the check engine light came on. It didn’t quite have 300 miles…

OR…

We just bought a 2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior. Had the truck a week with approx. 400 miles on it when we took it out on the highway and the check engine light came on.

Brand-new 2010 Tundra with a check-engine light on

Do you have a brand-new 2010 Tundra with a check-engine light on? Good news - it's probably just contaminated oil.

If that describes your problem, we’ve got great news for you – it’s no big deal. The solution is nothing more than an oil change. What follows next is a description of the problem and what you need to do if your 2010 Tundra has a check engine light. see this post.

Popularity: 3%

Toyota Tundra Frame Supplier Dana Off The Hook, No Rust Fix Yet

UPDATE: As of May 2010, Toyota has extended the warranty on 2000-2003 Tundra frames. Please see Toyota Tundra Frame Replacement Program for more details.

While this is not the news that the owners of Tundras with frame rust were hoping for, Toyota seems to be moving in positive direction in regards to frame rust complaints on first-gen Tundras. Before, Toyota seemed to blame frame supplier Dana for this issue. Now, it seems that Toyota has determined Dana is not responsible for frame rust problems on the first-gen Tundra.

This is an interesting distinction that, when combined with other facts, could indicate Toyota will take action…but it’s still very early.

Tundra frame rust.

Tundra frame rust.

According to a story in the Automotive News, Toyota seems to believe that:

  1. Frame supplier Dana is not the source of the rust problem.
  2. NHTSA is likely to expand their investigation of Tundra frame rust to a full engineering analysis.

Much of this is based on statement by Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons, who is also the main point of contact at Toyota for the unintended acceleration issue.

Here are the statements made by Lyons to the Automotive News:

Popularity: 2%

Best of Craigslist – Automotive Edition

Here are 5 “best of Craigslist” posts that have at least something to do with cars. Some important points before we continue:

  1. There will not be any apologies for offensive language. If you read from this point forward and click on the links, you WILL see something offensive. Such is the beast.
  2. None of the holier-than-thouI ride a bicycle and I’m better than you” rants that are so popular on Craigslist made it on our list. Sorry. (OK, not really sorry. Screw those people.)
  3. Keep the conversation going. Feel free to post a link to a best of Craigslist post that’s automotive in nature in the comments
Best of Craigslist posts with an automotive flavor

Best of Craigslist posts with an automotive flavor

Number 1: One BAD Personalized Plate

How can one person get 50 parking tickets, each one for a different car…the answer? They have a personalized plate that’s simply “NV.”

Popularity: 1%

LA Times Stokes Unintended Acceleration Fears

Unfortunately for Toyota, rumors of rampant incidents of unintended acceleration have been irresponsibly perpetuated by news organizations more concerned about ratings than facts. The L.A. Times has been particularly aggressive in their efforts to slander Toyota and stoke public fears. Two “news stories” have printed un-substantiated opinions as fact and used incendiary imagery to stoke fear in the hearts of Toyota owners.

While the L.A. Times isn’t alone in this practice, they’ve been leading the charge. Here’s what Toyota owners need to know.

Popularity: 1%

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