Rusty Tacoma Frames, and Toyota's Solution

[OpenRoadmaster]

Hi, folks, your friends at Toyota Motor Sales, here. We thought that we should bring to your attention a customer support program we’re announcing today to extend warranty coverage on the frames of Toyota Tacoma trucks from model year 1995 through 2000.

We’ve received reports that on a small number of Tacomas, frames may develop corrosion that goes beyond the normal surface rust that’s commonly found on metal after years of exposure. This corrosion may extend to actual perforation of the frame’s metal.

In response, we’re extending the rust-perforation warranty covering these trucks for a period of 15 years from each vehicle’s original date of purchase, with no mileage limitation, for corrosion that results in perforation of the vehicle’s frame material.

If you own one of these vehicles and you find that its frame may exhibit excessive corrosion to the point of metal perforation, we suggest that you take it to a Toyota dealership when you receive your notification letter so that it can be inspected. If inspection confirms frame corrosion damage perforation, we will either repair the vehicle or repurchase it.

Keep in mind that this is not a recall. Rather, it’s an example of our commitment to our owners.

For a more detailed explanation of the situation, and of our repurchase program, please visit Toyota’s Open Road at http://blogs.toyota.com.

- OpenRoadMaster

[tacoma man]

Anybody have more information as to what dealer will do? Toyota blog site bogus replies.

[EnolaGaia]

Originally Posted by tacoma man

Anybody have more information as to what dealer will do? Toyota blog site bogus replies.

Copies of initial Toyota documentation (to dealers; PDF format) have been posted in this CustomTacos thread on the frame rust campaign:

FYI: Toyota Extends Frame Rust Coverage to 15 Years (95-00 Models) - CustomTacos.com Forum

These include:

- the Warranty Policy Bulletin advising dealers of the campaign
- the vehicle inspection procedure to be used in evaluating frame rust
- a letter to dealers outlining the policies for inspection and buy-backs

[georgie]

So what are the guidelines the dealers will use to determine how badly a frame is rusted and whether the vehicle is eligible for a buy-back?
Is this just a subjective opinion by the dealers mechanic of will it involve somebody from the local Toyota zone office?
There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of information from Toyota on how this campaign is going to be administered.

[baldygus]

Know anyone with a 1995-2000 Tacoma with frame rot? Toyota has annouced a buyback program that is totally sick! Read on:

If you're in the New England area CONTACT this guy! It sounds like a great time to get a New Tundra.

You may be the owner of a 1995 through 2000 model year Toyota Tacoma that may be eligible for a unique buy-back program from Toyota due to corrosion perforation of the frame in some vehicles. Acton Toyota has established a TOLL-FREE 800 number and a Customer Relations
Specialist to assist Tacoma owners affected by this customer support program. In the event that your vehicle is affected, you may be eligible to
receive the following benefits from Toyota Motor Sales in the event of repurchase

*Toyota will repurchase your Tacoma at 1.5 times the Kelley Blue Book
Suggested Retail Value (excellent condition)
* Toyota is offering each customer a complimentary loaner vehicle
while you are considering alternative transportation options
* Toyota is offering a $1,000 owner loyalty rebate for customers who
purchase a replacement Tacoma or Tundra
* Toyota is offering a $500 owner loyalty rebate for customers who
purchase a replacement of any other new Toyota (Scion excluded) or Toyota Certified Used Vehicle
* Any applicable rebates, purchase incentives, and special financing
offers in effect would be in addition to the special offers listed above


Tacoma owners should call our TOLL-FREE number, 800-229-6023, and speak with Mark Bentley to schedule an inspection of their 1995 - 2000 MY Tacoma to determine if it qualifies for repurchase under this program. In the event that your vehicle has perforation of the frame due to rust corrosion, we will assist you with a Toyota repurchase. Under the terms of this customer support program, Toyota will also be offering a warranty extension for a period of 15 years with no mileage limitation from the vehicle's in-service date for this specific condition.

[OTR]

Now that is standing behind your product. The big 3 would have been out of bussiness years ago it they offered this.

[MOREPOWER]

1.5 times the blue book value if in excellent condition. I guess the frame wont count when determining the condition.

Very good, I would want a new frame if the truck was excellent. Who wants a car payment, unless you were looking already.

Kudos to Toyota.

[Trucker1967]

Originally Posted by MOREPOWER

1.5 times the blue book value if in excellent condition. I guess the frame wont count when determining the condition.

Very good, I would want a new frame if the truck was excellent. Who wants a car payment, unless you were looking already.

Kudos to Toyota.

"*Toyota will repurchase your Tacoma at 1.5 times the Kelley Blue Book
Suggested Retail Value (excellent condition)"


They are paying the Excellent cond. catagory in Kelley Blue book ... not "in excellent condition" ... this means highest possible trade in rate in that book it goes by grades like Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent ... basically if your truck looks like its been through hell they are giving you the "Excellent Rate from the Kelley Blue Book" no matter what actual condition its in ... thats a serious awesome buyback for people that own those trucks!

[MOREPOWER]

Originally Posted by Trucker1967

"*Toyota will repurchase your Tacoma at 1.5 times the Kelley Blue Book
Suggested Retail Value (excellent condition)"


They are paying the Excellent cond. catagory in Kelley Blue book ... not "in excellent condition" ... this means highest possible trade in rate in that book it goes by grades like Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent ... basically if your truck looks like its been through hell they are giving you the "Excellent Rate from the Kelley Blue Book" no matter what actual condition its in ... thats a serious awesome buyback for people that own those trucks!

Wow!..

[zlathim]

That's almost unbelievable. Major props to Toyota!

[nhparrot]

Toyota Announces Customer Support Program For 1995-2000 Tacoma Pickups


March 7, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc. will launch a Customer Support Program to extend warranty coverage on certain 1995 through 2000 model year Tacoma truck frames.

Toyota has received reports regarding a small number of Tacoma vehicles exhibiting excessive corrosion of the frame, causing perforation of the metal. The frames of some vehicles may not have adequate corrosion protection. When exposed to severe environmental conditions, including accumulation of road salts, these vehicles may develop corrosion beyond normal surface rust commonly found on metal after years of exposure.

Instances of this condition are isolated and largely confined to states which use salt for winter de-icing of roads. However, to assure customers of its commitment to satisfaction, Toyota is extending a rust perforation warranty covering 1995 to 2000 Tacoma truck frames for a period of 15 years from original sale, with no mileage limitation, for corrosion damage resulting in perforation of the frame material.

Should a customer's vehicle experience this condition, they will be requested to present it to any Toyota dealer for inspection. Upon confirmation of rust perforation, Toyota will, at its option, repair or repurchase the vehicle. If it is determined that no rust perforation is present, the extended warranty will be in effect for 15 years from original sale.

It is important to note that this is not a recall or special service campaign. The extended frame corrosion warranty provides goodwill assistance to owners who have experienced, or may encounter, frame problems as a direct result of rust perforation. Owners will be notified by first class mail beginning mid-March 2008. Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331

Toyota/Lexus/Scion Pressroom: Toyota Announces Customer Support Program For 1995-2000 Tacoma Pickups

[TacoGuy]

So does this apply ONLY to the ORIGINAL purchaser? I sold my '95 Taco a year ago. I was the original buyer. Should I notify the new owner that he may have an "opportunity" here? TacoGuy

[MOREPOWER]

Originally Posted by TacoGuy

So does this apply ONLY to the ORIGINAL purchaser? I sold my '95 Taco a year ago. I was the original buyer. Should I notify the new owner that he may have an "opportunity" here? TacoGuy

It applies to anyone that currently owns one. However if you buy one now just to get a deal, then the full buy back may not apply for purchases after the announcement.

At least thats what Ive been reading on the net, take it with a grain of salt.

[jodjr]

This is what I read:

if you heard of the frame warranty extension, and were thinking of buying up tacomas its not going to work i was on the phone with the dealership today and the servce manager told me that if you didnt own the vehicle before march 7th they will not honor it so hopefully i saved some of you a hassle and pissed off those of you who try to screw people.

[mainhunter]

My dad took his 96 taco to the dealer, they took the plates off and said it was junk. They are giving him money and he is getting a new taco. He lives in vermont and the salt there is crazy. He had a hole thru the frame in the back by the shackle.

I wish they would take a look at other models, I have a 2000 tundra and there is more rust on the frame than should be. I rinse it all the time in the winter and it is still getting bad. I called toyota today and they said....its just the tacos......

por-15 or rust bullet?