Problems with 2004 Toyota Tacoma STRUCTURE

2004 toyota tacoma. consumer writes in regards to dealership/corporate refusal to honor extended warranty for vehicle corrosion repairs. *ld *js

The frame has rusted and the dealership is unwilling to replace even though there continues to be recalls on more modern vehicles and another will be beginning soon for newer models. no notice was received by me about this problem. not sure if this was a technical service bulletin or a full recall, but i cannot understand how a major problem with the frame would not qualify for a full recall. the truck was sold by toyota suggesting 300,000 miles easily. i have less than half of that and the truck will soon be unsafe to drive because of a faulty frame.

I bought my toyota truck in may 2016. i had the truck serviced at a local shop. the service manager stated the truck had a lot of rust noted on the frame and other parts underneath the truck. i took the truck to my local toyota dealer to have the spare tire hangar recall taken care of. the service manager told me they could not service the truck because of the extensive rust noted. he stated "if you were my family member i would not let you drive it" because the frame and other parts were very rusty. the truck has been parked ever since unable to drive due to safety concerns that the frame will collapse. toyota corporate will not agree to fix the truck.they state the truck frame rust replacement offer has long passed.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. while the vehicle was being serviced for scheduled maintenance, the mechanic found severe rust on the frame and other components of the undercarriage. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 130,616.

The frame has rusted so bad that you can poke your fingers through it. also the frame is rusted around where rear shocks mount causing the passenger rear shock to come apart. vehicle is not safe to drive. contacted toyota about the problem and they refuse to do anything even though this vehicle was part of a recall due to rust issues.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. while the vehicle was undergoing a state inspection, the contact was informed that there were holes in the frame. the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 117,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to be painted, the technician found that the subframe of the vehicle was severely rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Frame is completely rotten 108000 miles.

Frame rust. the frame is almost completely rusted in half. the leaf springs where they connect to the frame has sunk into the frame from the rotting of the frame. the truck was going 75 mph down the highway when it happened. a loud bang and terrible jerk back.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. while inspecting underneath the vehicle, it was discovered that there was severe corrosion that caused a hole on the rear bumper. also, the brake cable was completely rusted. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be repaired. the vehicle was repaired under a recall back in 2010, but the failure persisted. the specifics of the recall were not provided. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 190,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while inspecting underneath the vehicle, it was discovered that there was severe corrosion that caused a hole on the driver's and passenger's side frame of the vehicle. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while in park, the contact noticed corrosion underneath the rail of the sub frame around the driver's side of the vehicle. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 174,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer after identifying the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 12v542000 (structure). upon inspection, the contact was informed that the remedy could not be performed due to extremely severe rusting of the subframe. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 200,000.

Bought vehicle, did a more thorough inspection and found frame rot, (rust holes in frame) which has basically rendered the truck unsafe to drive!!!! was told by toyota dealer that recall was over for replacing the frame and now i have a truck that i will not let my son drive. i also understand this is a problem with toyota, the frame rust

Frame rotting from inside out. toyota knew about problem but didn't send notices of corrosion resist spray to all affected parties. should have been a formal recall since the test is to hit with a ballpeen hammer to find the rust that can't be seen with naked eye.

Frame began to rust in rear of the truck.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. while driving 35 mph, the contact heard a noise emerging from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame was severely rusted and needed replacement. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Excessive corrosion and holes in frame. contacted toyota corporate and two local dealerships. nothing can be done according to them since the underside was not sprayed, however tech at hartford toyota informed me that the spray is ineffective. will not honor 15 year frame warranty.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame was rusted on the vehicle and had perforations all over. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the issue to a local dealer who advised that nothing could be done. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 134,000.

Frame has badly corroded. toyota has recognized the defect in these vehicles and received compensation from their frame supplier, and has extended warranty to 15 yrs unlimited miles. previous owner brought vehicle to white river junction toyota (vt), and they inspected it and made record of rotting, but did not see need to treat it or replace it per toyota's own program guidelines. now frame has completely rotted through and toyota is saying it is too late to be replaced under the program.... even though it is still well within the 15 yr warranty period. they are refusing to honor their warranty. i don't know if the vehicle is safe to drive. internet is replete with thousands of similar complaints.

Extreme rust on left side of the frame with extensive loss of metal. contacted two toyota dealerships and toyota corporation. they refuse to fix the problem. all documented here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1637547983201647/

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. while parked, the engine warning indicator illuminated. in addition, the contact discovered a hole on the rear driver side leaf spring and it was not connected to the frame. the contact stated that the frame had rusted. the vehicle was driven to a dealer for diagnostic testing. the technician stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 162,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the metal plate below the fuel tank was hanging loosely. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 144,000. updated 12/03/15*lj

The frame is rotted and a certified toyota mechanic said that the frame was severally rotted and was a safety hazard and was told to take the vehicle off the road because it was unsafe to drive. the truck is still worth $8-10,000 and we are out the money. there was a service campaign, but no safety recall. we did not receive a letter on either. if i did not look under the truck to inspect a noise, i would never have known the frame was rotted to the degree that it was. (see pictures) i would have continued to drive the vehicle and put myself and anyone else on the road in harms way. this problem needed to be brought to our attention; however, no one can tell us why we never received the notification of this defect. it is my opinion that this situation is very dangerous and should be a safety recall with no expiration. please see attached letters and photos of our attempt to correct the problem with the vehicle with no results. please look into this matter as we feel it can save lives. thank you for your time and attention. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 12v542000 (tires); however, the manufacturer and the dealer refused to remedy the recall due to excessive corrosion of the subframe. the contact stated that the vehicle received an anti-corrosion coating treatment prior to the recall notification. the contact was informed by the manufacturer that the anti-corrosion treatment was performed outside of the recall; therefore, nullifying the recall remedy to the lift plate for the spare tire. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 99,876.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for replacement tires; however; the technician discovered that the structure of the vehicle had excessive corrosion. the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 91,000. updated 11/19/15*lj *cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the subframe was severely corroded and exhibited fractures at the rear wheels. the subframe was previously treated for corrosion under a voluntary manufactured recall; however, the treatment did not provide a permanent protection against corrosion. the manufacturer advised that the corrosion recall expired. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 250,000.

Near terminal frame rot. excessive rusting of frame. no rust on body.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. after the vehicle was taken to be inspected, the technician informed the contact that the frame of the vehicle was rusted and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 12v542000 (tires) but the recall repair was unable to be performed due to excessive rusting. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 121,000.

The body frame of my toyota is rusted and i was told by the dealership that toyota contacted the owners of the vehicles (effected years) to have the frames replaced. i have not be contacted by toyota about the rust and corrosion on my truck and the rust is very bad. i was told that if the frame cracks while driving, it's a major safety issue. please help!

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was rusted. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the area for the spare tire was rusted. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 90,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. while the vehicle was undergoing maintenance, the technician discovered that the vehicle had excessive corrosion on the frame and stated that the vehicle was unsafe to operate. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the defect was part of a limited service campaign, but the vehicle was not included. the approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. after the vehicle was inspected, the technician stated that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 167,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. while driving 45 mph, the contact heard an abnormal popping noise under the vehicle. the contact discovered that the lower ball joint failed and the wheel went under the vehicle. the contact noticed the frame skidding on the highway. the vehicle was towed away, but was not diagnosed or repaired. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 228,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic, the mechanic diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 170,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact observed that the bed frame on the driver side of the vehicle was lower than the passenger side. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the bed frame was rotted, fractured, and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame prematurely rusted. the vehicle was unable to pass an inspection due to the failure. the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and provided no remedy. the approximate failure mileage was 147,000.

Had 2004 frame recall tested by dealer and they applied the undercoating in 2012. the truck will not pass inspection due to holes rotting through frame and excessive corrosion. the truck is in perfect shape otherwise as total body was repainted at the time of the undercoating. this terrible information to hear when you purchased the truck brand new and planned on passing it down. its 11 years old and a lawn ornament.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for service repairs, the mechanic diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 104,000.

A tech was performing an oil change and discovered that the frame on my truck has rusted through at the point that the rear leaf spring attaches on the drives side. i am being told the vehicle is unsafe to drive. i contacted toyota and they tell me that they will not provide a resolution to the problem. *tr

I was at the local tire shop getting two tires installed and i noticed that the right rear of my vehicle was not level with the left. i asked that they do an alignment to even the vehicle out and they notified me that the frame was severly rusted. i was told that there was a campain recall on thi same issue and my vin was in range. when i went to the dealership they notified me that there was another part of this recall, that they did not do, so my frame was not covered. i never received any notice of either recall. i sent a email to toyota and they called back with the same responce "you never did the ani-corrosion part of the recall so you do not qualify". i have heard of countless persons in my area that have just purchased the same age vehicle and had frame rust that got there vehicles repaired. if there is an issue with or without this corrosion spray why are only certain vehicles covered. this spray does not work and this seems like a way to get around repairing vehicles. not to mention i never received any recall notices and they have no record of what adress the recall was even sent to.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota tacoma. while the vehicle was being serviced for an unrelated repair, the mechanic discovered that the entire frame had rust corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the approximate failure mileage was 56,000. updated 04/07/15*lj updated 11/3/2015*js

Frame slightly bent in accident. when body shop went to pull frame to straighten out they would not do it because how badly rusted the frame was. truck had 88,000 miles on it. toyota will do nothing. this is my second tacoma this has happened too. they recalled my 97 tacoma because of the same issue, at least they treated me fairly on that. i was assured when i bought the second truck rust problem was fixed. *tr

2004 toyota tacoma. when recall came out for vehicle, it was sent to wrong address and that campaign ended in 2012 and they (toyota) won't do anything for customer. *ta the consumer stated during a safety inspection, he was the frame on his vehicle was severely rusted. at that time, he was informed a recall had been issued for the problem. toyota informed the consumer it was not a recall, but a campaign. *jb

Purchased this vehicle in june of 2014. the carfax report only listed a recent recall dealing with the spare tire hanger. the carfax report did not show any other recalls, including the frame treatment, the frame replacement or the truck buy back offered by toyota. we completely unaware of the recalls. two weeks ago, the rear right shock rotted/completely broke away from the severely rusted frame. toyota says they will do nothing because "we" didn't have it treated. however, we had no knowledge of the recall and had no way of knowing that there was a frame problem because the dealer indicated no issues, the carfax report showed nothing and we have only owned the truck for 6 months. we don't know what to do. are we stuck with this or can we hold someone accountable for help? *tr

The frame is so rotted it wont pass state inspection, this truck was recalled for this problem a few years ago, i took it to the dealer for inspection at that time and they said it was fine, now like two years later its totally rotten, i contacted toyota head quarters and filed a case # 1411101661 and they basically told sorry its to late recall is over, i told them it was at the dealer for this recall and they did nothing but look at it, can you help and there are 1000s of these rotten trucks on the road today a major safety issue thanks [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

The toyota tacoma trucks had a customer service advisory for the frame rusting on the vehicle. the csa advised the current owner that the frame could rust and needed to be inspected. if the vehicle was inspected toyota would either spray the frame or replace it if rusted. i purchased this vehicle from an authorized toyota dealer i was assured the frame had been checked and taken care of. a week later i had to install a blown out muffler and come to find out the frame was not looked at and the fix was not completed. being the new owner of the truck i was told that the csa had expired december 2011 and there is nothing that can be done. i was hoping toyota would have a program in place for people that purchase a vehicle like i did that did not have the frame fixed. they do not. therefore i now own a truck that is unsafe to drive. toyota needs to make this a recall instead of a csa. *tr

The frame is rusted through.i called toyota they said they sent a recall.i told them i didn't receive one.they said it was not there fault.it was the post office fault.i can't have any work done on the truck because of the rust.i don't have a lot of money i expected this truck to last a while.they knew they were making substandard frames.by just looking at my frame. *tr

My 2004 tacoma has ~127,500 miles and has been subject to frame corrosion and spare tire retainer corrosion recalls. my dealer recently advised that the left rear leaf spring is broken which is resulting in an unpredictable response when driving, especially in 4wd in snowy weather. this lack of steering control is a safety issue. i believe this fracture is directly linked to the corrosion issues in the tacoma frame and suspension design on the tacoma. toyota usa has reviewed the case and is unwilling to cover the cost of the leaf spring repairs. this is despite an extensive recall on 2005+up tacoma's for distressed leaf springs. *tr

I was at shell station getting a oil change, when they went to lift my truck on their lift the technician noticed frame corrosion in 2 places. the technician told me if i do not fix it the spring leaf could fall off. further more it is a safety issue. i do not the money for a new vehicle. just because i did not get a notice does not mean they should include a certain batch of trucks it should be all toyota's regardless. i called the dealership and they said forget about it if i did not a letter. i should not have to die just to get this fixed. *tr