I'm posting this to a new topic because this same question is being asked in several different topics. This was released in an e-mail a few days ago and was on our internal communication network this morning. It is obviously not a comprehensive answer, but does indicate that Toyota is aware of some issues and is actively working on solving them. Its not a "head in the sand" response as some here have speculated.
To: All Toyota Dealers
From: Toyota Customer Services
In recent weeks, Toyota has received customer reports regarding the tailgate on the 2007 model year
Tundra vehicle. Most of these concerns are regarding the rigidity of the seam on the edge of the tailgate
when using a ramp to load heavy items into the Tundra’s bed (e.g., golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, etc.).
However, there are three separate concerns that may be brought to your attention. Toyota is currently
investigating all of these concerns to assure customer satisfaction.
Tailgate Concerns Raised by 2007 model year Tundra Customers
•
Tailgate deformed after using a ramp to load heavy items into the Tundra’s bed.
•
The Owner’s Manual states to avoid driving with the tailgate in the open position.
•
Tailgate will not unlatch when pulling on the release handle. (TSB BO011-07 issued to address this
concern in September, 2007).
We have produced a statement and Q&A for the use of your dealership staff to respond to any customer
inquiries. Please continue to assist customers experiencing these conditions by diagnosing and, if
necessary conducting the appropriate repair. If the customer requires further assistance, please direct
them to the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
If you are a dealership associate and have any questions, please contact your District Service/Parts
Manager.
For News media inquiries only, they should be directed to (REDACTED BY CLIFFY), in Toyota Corporate Communications. (Please do not provide these numbers to
customers or call if you are a dealer associate.)
The following Q&A has been provided for your reference.
2007 Tundra Tailgate Statement and Q&A
Statement:
In recent weeks, Toyota has received customer reports regarding the tailgate on the 2007 model year
Tundra vehicle. Toyota is currently investigating these concerns to assure customer satisfaction.
Q1: I’m concerned about the durability of the tailgate when using a ramp to load heavy items into
the Tundra’s bed (e.g., golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, etc.). Why is this condition occurring?
A1: Recently, Toyota has received a small number of customer complaints regarding the tailgate on the
2007 model year Tundra vehicle. Customers are specifically concerned about the rigidity of the seam on
the edge of the tailgate when using a ramp to load very heavy items into the Tundra’s bed (e.g., golf
carts, all-terrain vehicles, etc.). Although these complaints account for an extremely small percentage of
Tundra vehicles on the road, Toyota is currently investigating this condition to determine the source of
these concerns. Vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles and golf carts can weigh between 600 and 1,200
pounds. The Tundra tailgate is designed to support reasonable short-duration loads, but it is not
intended as a heavy-load bearing structure. There is no industry standard or consensus regarding
tailgate load capacity. However, we are investigating these individual complaints to determine the
specifics of each usage and making repairs as appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Q2: I’ve heard that Toyota Tundra may have an issue with the tailgate coming off the pivot point
under certain driving conditions when the tailgate is in the open position.
A2: As stated in the Owner’s Manual, customers should avoid driving with the tailgate in the open
position. That said, Toyota is aware of this issue being discussed on some internet forums. We have
received only a handful of customer reports of this occurring. Toyota is currently investigating these
concerns and it is too early to comment further until the investigation is completed.
Q3: My tailgate won’t open when I pull on the release handle. What should I do?
A3: Toyota has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (BO011-07) which may address your concern.
Please bring your vehicle into your local Toyota dealership for proper diagnosis and, if necessary, repair.
Q4: What is Toyota doing to address customer concerns?
A4: Customers experiencing this condition may visit their local Toyota dealer for proper diagnosis and, if
necessary, repair. If customers require further assistance after visiting their local Toyota dealer, they
may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Q5: Will Toyota conduct a Recall to replace the Tailgate?
A5: Toyota is currently investigating these concerns and will determine what corrective measures, if any,
need to be taken.
Q6: Is there a countermeasure to correct this condition?
A6: Toyota is confident in the performance and design of the Tundra’s tailgate, but to assure customers
that Toyota stands behind its products, Toyota will continue to investigate these concerns.
__________________
I've moved dealers again. Hopefully this is the last one. I'm at Rosner Toyota in Fredericksburg VA. Call 540-898-7900 and ask for Steve Clifford... they will not know who "Cliffy" is.
"Toyota is currently investigating this condition to determine the source of
these concerns. Vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles and golf carts can weigh between 600 and 1,200
pounds. The Tundra tailgate is designed to support reasonable short-duration loads, but it is not
intended as a heavy-load bearing structure. There is no industry standard or consensus regarding
tailgate load capacity."
Industry standard or not...........there is NO question that the domestics have been handling said loads forever.
I really hope Toy does the right thing and redesigns/replaces the tailgates for those who use their trucks like they were intended.
__________________
'07 Cmax, SR5, 4X4, 5.7......'01 Ford F-250 Crew Cab, V10.....'95 T-100, 2.7L......and about 10 other vehicles that I don't want to bore you with.
This is good to know Cliff, but I am still a little unsettled by the fact that its been 2 weeks since my dealerships Service manager took pictures of the damage and said he was gonna talk to our NW rep. I am hoping that Toyota is actually doing a refab of the tailgate design and thats why I havent heard back yet vs our discussion abou having the tailagte repaired. Gonna give em another week to get in touch with me before I go down there.
__________________
07 Tundra DC TRD 4WD 5.7L Desert Mica
Well... this formal and quick response (quick for the corporate world) does restore some confidence about the situation. Does not appear they are dodging the bullet and the voices (possibly from this forum) are being heard.
__________________
07 Tundra, White
Regular cab, short bed
TRD
Thanks for the info Cliff. Now get in gear toyota, you reputation is suffering greatly, why give owners of the big 3 a juicy steak to sink their teeth into? this issue has traction, you have to deal with it now.
Well... this formal and quick response (quick for the corporate world) does restore some confidence about the situation. Does not appear they are dodging the bullet and the voices (possibly from this forum) are being heard.
"...............but it is not
intended as a heavy-load bearing structure.........."
I hope you're corrrect..........but it sure sounds like bullet dodging to me.
__________________
'07 Cmax, SR5, 4X4, 5.7......'01 Ford F-250 Crew Cab, V10.....'95 T-100, 2.7L......and about 10 other vehicles that I don't want to bore you with.
If the issue does not affect you. Then shut up and use your truck as you intend to. If something goes wrong you get it fixed. Thats why you pay for warranty and insurance.
You guys make it seem like all of the 07-08 Tundras have this issue.
I have been following the "tail gate issue" from the beginning and last night I looked at mine and just by leaning on it I can make the seam seperate. It looks like the outer skin is just folded over with automotive epoxy to hold it in place. I did not see any weld marks anywhere. This is something that needs to be addressed if I can make it seperate with minimal pressure with only a fraction of my 260lbs it is not a good sign. Mind you I do not have any atv's, motorcycles or golfcarts. The only time I opened the tail gait was to add water to my shurtrax.
__________________
'07 SR5 DC 5.7 silver sky metalic
5% tint rear windows, 2 Flowmaster 40 series w/ dual tips out the back, Carriage Works polished grill overlay w/emblem, 3-piece bumper inserts (not CW), Airaid, Ground Force rear shocks, DJM 3" arms, belltech flip kit, 22" BOSS 329 w/ 305/45/22 General grabber UHP, G2 bakflip.
I'm posting this to a new topic because this same question is being asked in several different topics. This was released in an e-mail a few days ago and was on our internal communication network this morning. It is obviously not a comprehensive answer, but does indicate that Toyota is aware of some issues and is actively working on solving them. Its not a "head in the sand" response as some here have speculated.
To: All Toyota Dealers
From: Toyota Customer Services
In recent weeks, Toyota has received customer reports regarding the tailgate on the 2007 model year
Tundra vehicle. Most of these concerns are regarding the rigidity of the seam on the edge of the tailgate
when using a ramp to load heavy items into the Tundra’s bed (e.g., golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, etc.).
However, there are three separate concerns that may be brought to your attention. Toyota is currently
investigating all of these concerns to assure customer satisfaction.
Tailgate Concerns Raised by 2007 model year Tundra Customers
•
Tailgate deformed after using a ramp to load heavy items into the Tundra’s bed.
•
The Owner’s Manual states to avoid driving with the tailgate in the open position.
•
Tailgate will not unlatch when pulling on the release handle. (TSB BO011-07 issued to address this
concern in September, 2007).
We have produced a statement and Q&A for the use of your dealership staff to respond to any customer
inquiries. Please continue to assist customers experiencing these conditions by diagnosing and, if
necessary conducting the appropriate repair. If the customer requires further assistance, please direct
them to the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
If you are a dealership associate and have any questions, please contact your District Service/Parts
Manager.
For News media inquiries only, they should be directed to (REDACTED BY CLIFFY), in Toyota Corporate Communications. (Please do not provide these numbers to
customers or call if you are a dealer associate.)
The following Q&A has been provided for your reference.
2007 Tundra Tailgate Statement and Q&A
Statement:
In recent weeks, Toyota has received customer reports regarding the tailgate on the 2007 model year
Tundra vehicle. Toyota is currently investigating these concerns to assure customer satisfaction.
Q1: I’m concerned about the durability of the tailgate when using a ramp to load heavy items into
the Tundra’s bed (e.g., golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, etc.). Why is this condition occurring?
A1: Recently, Toyota has received a small number of customer complaints regarding the tailgate on the
2007 model year Tundra vehicle. Customers are specifically concerned about the rigidity of the seam on
the edge of the tailgate when using a ramp to load very heavy items into the Tundra’s bed (e.g., golf
carts, all-terrain vehicles, etc.). Although these complaints account for an extremely small percentage of
Tundra vehicles on the road, Toyota is currently investigating this condition to determine the source of
these concerns. Vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles and golf carts can weigh between 600 and 1,200
pounds. The Tundra tailgate is designed to support reasonable short-duration loads, but it is not
intended as a heavy-load bearing structure. There is no industry standard or consensus regarding
tailgate load capacity. However, we are investigating these individual complaints to determine the
specifics of each usage and making repairs as appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Q2: I’ve heard that Toyota Tundra may have an issue with the tailgate coming off the pivot point
under certain driving conditions when the tailgate is in the open position.
A2: As stated in the Owner’s Manual, customers should avoid driving with the tailgate in the open
position. That said, Toyota is aware of this issue being discussed on some internet forums. We have
received only a handful of customer reports of this occurring. Toyota is currently investigating these
concerns and it is too early to comment further until the investigation is completed.
Q3: My tailgate won’t open when I pull on the release handle. What should I do?
A3: Toyota has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (BO011-07) which may address your concern.
Please bring your vehicle into your local Toyota dealership for proper diagnosis and, if necessary, repair.
Q4: What is Toyota doing to address customer concerns?
A4: Customers experiencing this condition may visit their local Toyota dealer for proper diagnosis and, if
necessary, repair. If customers require further assistance after visiting their local Toyota dealer, they
may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Q5: Will Toyota conduct a Recall to replace the Tailgate?
A5: Toyota is currently investigating these concerns and will determine what corrective measures, if any,
need to be taken.
Q6: Is there a countermeasure to correct this condition?
A6: Toyota is confident in the performance and design of the Tundra’s tailgate, but to assure customers
that Toyota stands behind its products, Toyota will continue to investigate these concerns.
If the issue does not affect you. Then shut up and use your truck as you intend to. If something goes wrong you get it fixed. Thats why you pay for warranty and insurance.
You guys make it seem like all of the 07-08 Tundras have this issue.
huh?! All these trucks are made the same. Just because you haven't had this issue yet, doesn't mean you won't at some point in the future as a result of a poor design. I haven't had any problems with the structural integrity of my tail gate yet, but I do plan on loading an atv in it in the near future (usage that ANY truck should be able to handle with out having to "fix" it or take it up with your insurance or warranty).
I've owned 4 trucks over 20 years & have NEVER had any problem what-so-ever with the tail gate integrity. Toyota has spent hundreds of millions touting this truck as the end all of half tons and I agree that in most ways it IS. In fact, it truly is an amazing vehicle. But, the tail gate is a major component of any truck that is used for anything other than a showpiece. Seems separating after a few or even 1 use or the whole thing falling off are absolutely unacceptable. I love my Tundra, but this issue needs a committed & productive response from Toyota. I can do without the gas strut, I just need it to be tough & trustworthy.
__________________ Black '07 Tundra Double Cab 5.7 L 4x2 SR5 TRD , Line-X, N-FAB Steps -SOLD-
I haul my ATV in a trailer that has a ramp built in. But I would still like the option of hauling what a truck is meant to haul. I was told when I bought the truck the tailgate weight was almost 100lbs and the dampners were needed. Well after I took the thing off I was lied to about this among other things. (Dealership was a complete JOKE). They (the saleman) told me alot of other thing he didn't have freakin' clue about. But that is another theard.
I would think if they engineered the TG they could post a load rating on it- maybe even a formula for ramp angles and vehicle weight. Oh well, this is some progress.
I'm sorry guys but I'm a glass half empty person. This sounds like a bullet dodge to me as well. Come on they know these gates are flimsy. They also know they should fix all of them but thats way beyond what they will do. I have a bro-in-law that has had a truck for 5 years and hasn't carried a thing in it since new. I believe there is a large % of truck owners that are in the same boat and they don't need a sturdy gate. Look at all the, "my truck is really fast posts." If an old T-100 drives past you with his ATV in the back are you proud cause you can take him off the line with your empty bed. When they use the statement "extremely small percentage" that sounds like they are suggesting this isn't a big deal. Perhaps an extemely small percentage of people only use this truck as a car or 1/4 mile machine. Hope they don't sit on the gate too much. Now I'm left to decide, do I load my ATV as I have on every other truck I've owned and risk them saying its abuse as they did with the golf cart guy or do I buy a trailer and wish I bought a SUV cause thats all this thing is if thats the case. There are many farm uses besides ATV loading which will damage this gate and I say this is not a tough truck if I can't load my round bales in the back. This won't be a great truck to me until I'm looking back on 10+ years of faithfull service. If it lets me down I'll look elsewhere next time. So far Toyota is the best in my book but I'm not a blind loyalist by any means.
Without the crying there would be no fix. Who knows you may benefit from those that cry on your behalf. You know you'll be the first one at the dealer for the reinforcement should they offer one.
Toyota's official response on tailgate issues
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