Problems with 2002 Toyota Tacoma STRUCTURE

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the rear frame was deteriorated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that they would not repair the problem. the contact stated that the dealer informed him that the vehicle was included in a manufacturer's recall and several notices had been sent however, the contact failed to have the vehicle serviced per the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 220,000.

After having my 2002 toyota tacoma off the road and garaged for the past 3 years, i was getting the truck ready to be driven on the road again. i am the original owner. i took the truck off the road because my job was eliminated in october 2010. after changing the oil last weekend in my garage i noticed an abnormal amount of rust on the frame. in fact, so much rust that the rubber body mount block on top of the rear leaf spring snapped off in my hand. the leaf springs, brake lines, and front suspension and frame are all in question regarding vehicle safety. i immediately did research online to check out what i thought was abnormal amounts of rust on the frame and to see if anyone else had experienced this too. i was shocked at what i found. a huge safety issue with toyota tacoma rusted frames. i come to find out online that toyota has a history of rusted frames, breaking frames, unsafe frames, and a recall currently for a rear spare tire mount issue due to rust. i also found out toyota was replacing frames on my model. i called my dealership to set up an appointment to have this truck inspected for pennsylvania state requirements and to have the rust checked. they told me my vehicle was not valid for the rust inspection and the frame replacement because the program expired, i was told to call toyota. i was never notified by toyota or my dealer there was an issue, not by mail, phone calls or certified mail. i had the truck parked in my garage for three years so it wasn't even on the road during this time. several phone calls later to toyota and they refuse to replace my frame under the customer care program citing i did not have the undercoating applied by december of 2012. toyota customer service said i could weld reinforcement plates to my frame myself or find a junkyard frame. really toyota?

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame had started to deteriorate. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician applied an undercoating to the frame. the contact stated that the coating eventually wore off. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken for state inspection when he was advised that the front area of the frame was severely corroded. the manufacturer was contacted and advised that the frame was not safely coated therefore, they denied assistance with any repairs. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 161,250.

Three months ago i received my notice about excessive corrosion of the spare tire carrier lift plate. i called the local toyota dealer to schedule the repair, the collision manager had no knowledge about it. i called again to schedule a fix but was told that some one will call me but ,no one did. toyota of york ,pa17402. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame of the vehicle exhibited severe rust. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was referred to the manufacturer. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the entire frame was completely rusted and as a result, the rear axle and spring hanger became detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was not being driven due to a potential safety hazard. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 162,000.

2002 toyota tacoma. consumer writes in regards to vehicle split in half due to rusted frame. *smd the consumer stated the frame rusted from the inside out.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame and the rear leaf springs contained massive amounts of rust and was unsafe to drive due to the failure. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileage was 151,000.

This vehicle was already involved in a "campaign" by toyota to replace severely rusted frames. now the spare tire lift plate is also rusted through on many of them which toyota is "implementing a remedy for". my complaint is that i have a severely rusted housing of the rear differential, next to and just below the rusted spare tire carrier lift plate,toyota refuses to pay for the rusted through housing of the rear differential. this is a negligent safety issue on their part, because those owners who are not aware of the leakage of this part may find themselves without power, or worse perhaps, a lockup of that part when they are going 65 mph on highway possibly with children in their vehicle. the rust on these vehicles is legendary among toyota owners as evidenced by their complaints on the internet. toyota did replace the frame on my 2002 tacoma, but in my opinion, it is their responsibility to replace the rusted out housing. it is not as if that is the only rust on this vehicle, and no other vehicles that i am aware of have this problem. *tr

I purchased this truck with 100,000 miles in a private sale in 2010. i drove it for a few years and when i brought it in for inspection they failed it for a rusted out frame. they said that they wouldn't drive it and that it was very dangerous. i called toyota and they told me that they wouldn't do anything to help me out. they said since the previous owner did not get it sprayed the warranty was null and void. so my truck that has 100,000 miles and was kbb at $8-$9k is worth nothing. i am not a person that is well off and that was a big hit for me. i live pay check to pay check and i wonder how many others were effected by an obviously cheap frame. 100,000 miles and the frame rusts, that just seems wrong. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that rusting and corrosion was discovered on the frame. the contact indicated that the rear driver's side leaf spring shackle had sunk into the under frame due to the rust and corrosion. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the defect but no solution was offered. the failure mileage was 150,000. *tr

Upon bringing 2002 toyota tacoma to mechanic for tire rotation and oil change, the frame broke in half due to rust and corrosion. contacted toyota who said it was not covered under 2008 extended corrosion warranty since it had not been brought in for the undercarriage compound application before 2011. we were never notified by any recall that it should be brought in. *tr

I bought a used 2002 tacoma from a good friend. he took very good care of the truck, it was mint. after i bought the truck i asked about the frame recall, but he said when he took it in that they couldn't do it and he had forgotten to take it back. no negligence, just didn't see rust and didn't take it in for the under coating. i tried to get it done but toyota would not stand behind the warranty. two years later and i have a some pretty bad frame rust. this is a safety issue and i really cannot afford another payment. there needs to be a recall for this problem.

My tacoma was recalled 2 years ago for frame rust. they told me it was ok + undercoated it to prevent future rusting. all that undercoating is falling off. that can only be due to improper application or faulty product. the dealer that applied the product (ferris toyota) says the product is faulty + they've seen it many times. they've also confirmed the same with other dealerships. toyota, otoh, says there's nothing wrong. if the frame doesn't need undercoating, then why'd they do it? are they suggesting it works when 50% has fallen off? this is the same vehicle which is now being recalled for spare tires falling off on the highway + my emergency brakes have been seized with corrosion since i've owned the truck. i've contacted toyota many times + they refuse to put their correspondence in writing, but the representative, tiffany bishop, says she types a transcript of our conversations, just won't give me copies. she also calls from a phone with a blocked number. what kind of bull is this? these vehicles are obvious hazards on the road + toyota is playing games instead of making serious efforts to make the vehicles safe. please bring this to the attention of someone at toyota other than [xxx], i am finished corresponding with her! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

The frame has rusted out and i have been trying for years to get toyota to cover this damage.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would sway from side to side. the contact discovered that the entire sub frame of was rusted and corroded. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 147,000.

10/22/2012 recently had occasion to look at the frame on my truck, it is rusted through in many spots making vehicle unsafe, 2002 toyota tacoma, apparently i missed some "courtesy" frame program. i am stuck with a 10,000.00 truck that i can't afford to fix and toyota has said that they will not offer any help.i think this needs to go beyond a "courtesy " recall, with the large amounts of these trucks on the road in unsafe conditions new york state has forced an extension of this program, traffic safety should force a recall as there are thousands out there in this shape by toyotas own admission i would like repairs or fair market value. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame near the rear passenger's side tire was rusted. the contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told that the frame could not be repaired and that the vehicle should not be driven. the vehicle was then taken to the dealer and it was determined that the vehicle could be repaired at the contact's expense. the manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 120,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken for registration inspection and was advised that the entire frame was rusted and rotted. the contact spoke with the manufacturer but no assistance was provided. the failure mileage was 111,000 updated 02/22/13. *jb

Frame rust when purchased out of state (minnesota) from dealer and inspected on 10/2/2012 (in virginia, upon transport arrival). they said they believed it was mostly surface rust. inspected again in may of 2014 and found within 20 months and 24000 miles later, the frame had perforated, and deemed unsafe to drive. it was marketed as a vehicle in great shape, and wasn't cheap. much money is still owed on this condemned vehicle. these vehicles have a history of this, yet there is nothing being done concerning these unsafe vehicles. *js

Sometime in 2012, my spare tire and rim were lost on the highway due to a failed spare tire carrier. the lift plate on the spare tire carrier, failed due to corrosion and released the spare tire (and rim) on the highway. no crash of incident occurred because no one was following the vehicle at the time. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 12v542000 (tires) and indicated that the dealer in new york was not able to do the undercoating process due to state regulations. in approximately mid august 2012, the dealer indicated that the remedy for this defect was not available at the time the contact tried to schedule the recall repair. the contact waited for years to determine when the manufacturer would finalize the remedy plan to repair the vehicle. the rust became extensive to the point that the underbody, the chassis, the leaf spring, and the rear wheel wells all had corrosion to the point that the components could fracture. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified for years of the failure and was unable to provide a permanent remedy. the approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the chassis was prematurely rusting. the vehicle was taken to a dealer which confirmed that the chassis was rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 175,000 and the current mileage was 176,000.

I called toyota in 2012 to ask about frame. was told i didn't qualify. have had to replace everything attached to frame in a 2 year period. last fall the gas tank fell off. frame so rusted it wouldn't hold it. called toyota again, as recommended by mechanic, was told i didn't qualify. went to dealer for recall repair on spare tire holder, they couldn't fix it. too rusted. told me it s not safe to drive. told me to call toyota. i did. told me i didn't qualify because recall expired. expired?! i have never received a recall notice!! i have lived at the same address for 32 years. they found me this time, they should have found me for that one. now what? i am out well over $3500 dollars i've paid out the last 3 yrs and its not safe! need help here. *js

My frame has significant rust, and has holes in the frame near the passenger side leaf spring attachment. i purchased and registered the truck towards the end of toyota's goodwill campaign, but they did not notify me. previous owner received no notice of campaign, so the frame was not sprayed internally with rust prohibitor treatment. truck has approx. 136,000 miles, and is otherwise in good condition. toyota should recall the frames for this model year like they did for other model years. the goodwill campaign was advertised inconsistently, and a serious structural issue should be a recall, not arbitrary. case #1402130463 was established with toyota a few years ago, but they have not done anything about it. they also could not confirm that prior owner was contacted regarding goodwill campaign.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. while at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the mechanic stated to the contact that the vehicle was not safe to drive because the frame was corroded. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated it was caused by scaling and not rusting there for they would not cover the repairs. the dealer refused to provide a letter stating the vehicle was safe to drive. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 161,000.

The second toyota tacoma i have owned in one year failed on 02/28/2011. both frames failed due to rust. both problems were discovered during a routine oil change. toyota bought back the first truck last summer, so i decided to buy another later model tacoma. the second tacoma problem occurred on a lift at auto choice in derry nh. the truck bent in half when the lift was raised. the mechanic has been in business for 30 years and had never seen such a thing. luckily, he was not under the truck and fortunately i was not driving the truck for my frame replacement appointment the next day. ira toyota towed the vehicle and gave me a loaner. i am told that they will replace the entire frame . in talking to my father, mechanic friends and legal friends an issue kept coming up - if the frame is that corroded, it would follow that parts attached to the frame would be corroded as well. this presents an alarmingly serious safety problem. i would add that there should be an immediate investigation into the safety of this procedure as well as a media requirement made that toyota run advertisements on tv, radio and print warning the public about this serious issue. my truck looks immaculate and has been well maintained. had i not done an oil change, the outcome would have been much different. i can think of no other component in a motor vehicle that is more important that the frame, it holds everything together and supports everything. this issue needs immediate attention. ira toyota is the current location of the vehicle 603-657-2422. *tr

Severely rusted frame and undercarriage components. including the gas tank skid plate, had to replace rear bumper already as well. also had to wire up the skid plate so it won't fly off into someone's wind shield. brought it to a dealer in march and they inspected it and said all it needed was paint, so they painted it. now just 8 months later and the skid plate is about to fall off! just waiting for my brakes to fail some day. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated the entire frame was covered with rust. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where a rust under coating was applied to the frame. two years later, the frame exhibited severe rust and corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 53,871. updated 01/18/13*lj updated 01/24/13

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated the vehicle would not pass inspection due to extreme bumper and frame rust. the dealer performed a safety inspection on the vehicle yet it did not pass. the dealer advised the vehicle would be repaired at no cost to the contact however, the repair would take months. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle had not yet been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 56,360.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer to be examined when he was informed that the frame under the vehicle was corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 74,000. updated 09/02/11*lj updated 2/9/12 *cn

Frame rust recall, not taken care of in 2010 when i took into heiser toyota in milwaukee wi. now we need it taken care of, this is a safety issue and both toyota and heiser refuse to take care of.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that he received notification of nhtsa recall campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint) for frame rust and corrosion. the vehicle failed the manufacturers inspection and advised the contact that they would replace the frame at no cost to the contact. the frame was not available at the time and the contact was advised that it would take approximately one month to obtain the frame and that he could continue to drive the vehicle until that time. the contact did not believe it was safe to continue operating a recalled vehicle. the failure and current mileages were approximately 65,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle could not be inspected because the subframe was corroded. the contact received a notice for an unrelated recall. the dealer inspected the vehicle per the recall and released the vehicle back to the contact. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. the nhtsa campaign number was unknown. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Had a recall on my tacoma. i had bought from father, he bought new from spartan toyota in lansing mi. it was for a possible frame rust recall. i have the records of taking it in for that purpose. it was cleared by service department. apparently, they were supposed to spray a protective coat on the frame at no cost to me, which would include a 15 year warranty on frame. they did not do this. i sold truck to my son, approximately july 2014. he took it in for muffler work and they wouldn't put on hoist because frame is weak from rust. everyone from the dealer and toyota national has said it should have been sprayed, but because it wasn't they sorry but can't do anything. i feel that solution to the service departments mistake is not adequate. do i have any other recourse to help my son? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Gas tank shield severely rusted. under side of gastank is protected by a shield/skid plate. it is rusted so badly that when hit with a hammer the hammer goes right through. presumably this shield is to protect the gas tank from debris and stones especially if the truck is used off road. i discovered this as i was inspecting the underside of the truck before dropping the truck off at the dealer to have the frame replaced. in addition to this, it is apparent that the drive axle and differential housing also have severe rust. if tapped with a hammer the rust comes of in sheets. the parking brakes actuating levers have rusted in place and can no longer be used. there appears to be more to this rust than simple frame rust. the rust is pervasive through out the underside of the truck. *tr

I took my tacoma for its 95000 mile service, and they discover my sub-frame was rusted out and it was unsafe to drive. my truck has gone for service every 5000 miles for 7 years and no one ever noticed the rust. my complaint is that toyota does not cover the subframe in their frame rust problem. the dealer tried for 2 days to get them to include this in their 2001-2004 rust frame repair or buy back program. they refuse. why isn't the sub frame part of the whole frame. i believe the sub frames should be looked at. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact took the vehicle in for routine inspection and was informed that the frame and members had excessive rust. the dealer replaced the o2 valve, but it did not remedy the structural failure. the manufacturer did not assist. the failure and current mileages were 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was severely rusted and the frame area near the tires exhibited corrosion. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the frame needed to be replaced. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 12v542000 (tires) and stated that the local dealer and the manufacturer indicated that the recall was no longer active. the vehicle was to be inspected and repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 85,000. updated 01/12/16*lj, updated 02/23/16*lj updated 8/22/2017*cn

I recently received a letter from toyota about a frame rusting problem they are having on tacoma trucks built between 2001-2004. the front bumper assembly on my truck was replaced soon after i purchased it because is was rusting from the underside. now the rear bumper is rusting through from the underside as well. when i called toyota about their recent recall they said only the frame was included in the problem, not the bumpers. it is obvious to me they have a rust problem everywhere under the vehicle since my front bumper rusted so quickly and now the rear bumper is also rusting through from the underside. i called the toyota dealer where i purchased the vehicle and they told me the recall was just for rusting frames. as i stated above, it certainly appears as though the rust problem involves everything under the vehicle. my truck is a 2002 tacoma and it has been garage kept since the day i bought it. living in southern maryland (21122), we have had very few instances of snow/salt in our area since i purchased the truck and i keep my vehicle clean and always use the undercarriage wash when going through the car wash. i believe toyota definitely has a rusting problem and should replace my rear bumper as they did with the rusting front bumper assembly. your assistance in this matter is appreciated. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the rear bumper had rusted and the contact was unable to tow anything with the vehicle. the contact spoke with the manufacturer about the failure. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 110,000. *tr

Excessive truck frame rust, 02 toyota tacoma truck, toyota has had problems with 95-04 tacoma's with the frames rusting, some getting bad enough to be a safety concern, with frame perforation. my truck is showing the early signs of frame rust, and will eventually get to the point where it could become a safety issue. i wanted to have nhtsa complaint on file in case the frame rust perforates the frame. *tr

2002 toyota tacoma frame rot truck frame has rotted prematurely and toyota is being very difficult in getting information in the matter. have refused provide a list of parts to be replaced etc. *tr

I am the owner of a 2002 toyota tacoma, which i have been informed by my local dealership, that there is a repurchase program available. problem is, i had my truck at the shop on nov 11, 2008, nobody has got in touch with me, i was told by toyota i would hear something in 45 days. finally got through to toyota, now, the repurchase program is not available as of december 2008. they are wanting to replace my entire frame. i have alot of safety issues with this being done, i feel this is entirely unacceptable. so, for the time being, i am driving what is considered an unsafe vehicle. oh, one person says it is safe, the other says, it is drivable. i would appreciate any help possible with this issue. i have been told that this is a major issue with toyota, they need to make it right by the consumer. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer to inspect the mainframe underneath the vehicle. the frame was rusted from one end to the other. a toyota representative advised him to have the metal plates welded on the frame, including the spring hangers. the spring hangers were unsafe because they were also rusted. the contact stated that if anything is welded on rust, it will not work. the toyota representative stated that nothing else could be done to repair the failure. the failure mileage was 96,000.

I have a 2002 toyota tacoma with a rusted frame which failed, but the dealership wrote "ok to drive" on my slip. i originally brought my vehicle in for inspection at a private auto shop on 8/12/08 and they told me to go to a toyota dealership right away to get my frame inspected. i went and the dealership turned me away, i asked why and they indicated that i did not have a case number. i called toyota and they gave me a case number and closed the case the next day because my vehicle was outside the 95-00 recall yrs. i insisted that they have my vehicle inspected by toyota and on 9/12/08 the boston regional representative failed my frame. prior to that irwin motors in laconia nh also inspected it and told me to keep bugging toyota because they will drag their feet. the dealership has indicated to me that this is a huge problem for 01through the 2004 year frames. toyota indicates that they will negotiate a buy back with me but will not send any thing in writing, they will not give any time frame for resolving or even negotiating the buy-back. i have friends who are mechanics who indicate that toyota should recall from 2001 to 2004 as well since the same frames are being produced and used for these vehicle as used for the 1995-2000 vehicles. i have a newer toyota and they have indicated to me that they will repurchase my vehicle and based it on 100% kelly blue book only. i believe that if others have received a 150% buy-back that they should extend that offer to me as i have owned eight toyotas in the past ten years. i am disappointed in toyota. the longer period of time goes by, the less my vehicle will be worth if they are buying back at blue book prices. we have drove by many dealerships in our area, there are many 01-04s which have been bought back, but when talking to my case manager, she indicated that the there were only a few outside the recall years, i have to disagree as the dealership lots indicate otherwise. can you help us owners out? thank you *tr

I bought my 2002 tacoma v6 4x4 double cab from a toyota dealership used in march of 2006. one thing i noticed is that the frame of the truck had excessive exterior rust build up. i used to be an automotive technician, and have always known that almost any toyota pickup truck has frame rust problems. it has been a well know fact for years and years. why did toyota wait so long to post a recall on this problem. shortly after buying my 2002 i looked at a older i believe 1995 toyota pick-up that i saw for sale one day. i was looking the truck over and found that the frame was rotted through on the drivers side just before the front spring shack on the rear of the truck. it had a hole in the frame about 2 1/2 inches wide, and where there was frame left you could put your finger through it with little pressure. i decided it wasn't anything i wanted to deal with. now i heard about the recall for the first generation tacoma's 95-00 on the frames rotting out just like the one i looked at. so seeing that my 2002 tacoma was showing premature frame rust, i decided to inspect it closer. i found that not only was the frame rusting and flaking on the outside, it was also rusting on the inside as well. i also found that the welds on the frame for the spring hangers looked very poorly welded and rusty too. i believe that toyota should include the 2000 and newer tacoma's in their frame rot recall as well. does any one know if they changed the quality of the metal used in the frames on the newer tacoma's or the design? how do they justify that the newer tacoma's don't have this problem? because they are too new to have rotted to that point yet? think about it, why else would they have waited so many years to post a recall on a truck that is at the least 8 years old? they obviously knew there was a problem. i know i am not the only one who owns a 2nd generation tacoma with this problem. *tr

I am the owner of a 2002 toyota tacoma truck. the vehicle has 53k miles on it and has excessive rust throughout the frame. the frame while not completely rusted through, has severe buildup around welds and joints. toyota is recalling 1995-2000 tacoma trucks for this exact problem, but 2001-2004 models are excluded. this is a serious problem and should be included in toyota's current campaign. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota tacoma. while the contact was examining his vehicle, he noticed rust holes in the bottom of the frame and on the gas tank shield. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the contact did not notice any differences beforehand. the current mileage was 37,000 and failure mileage was 35,000. updated 10/03/08 *bf updated 10/06/08.*jb