Those with Tailgate issues what did Toyota do to fix them.

dwsscs · #1 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 09:13 AM

I have been watching the thread about tailgate failures and was wondering. What has Toyota done for you guys to fix it?

dwsscs · #2 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 09:28 PM

Bump, I guess we still have no news...

Sanosuke · #3 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 09:34 PM

They give you a new tailgate each time yours breaks. Thats what I've known to date so far.

Sanosuke!

dwsscs · #4 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 09:41 PM

Thanks Sanosuke...

BREWER711 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 10:00 PM

Really?!?! This is good news. New Bumpers when they rust, new tailgates when they crack.. Toyota has got us covered!

dwsscs · #6 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 12:51 PM

No one said it was good news...

jkd · #7 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 01:14 PM

I went up to my selling dealer in Mt. Saturday and closely looked at the 2008 tailgates and like someone posted here, they sure enough DO have a 3/4"+- weld at the areas where the crack starts. On the negative side, other than that, the tailgates looked exactly the same, same design access cover, and by pushing by hand as best I could tell, the same too-thin sheet metal.
I went over to their shop, and the asst. service mgr. said he hadn't heard of the failures, so I showed him on my truck where they start and I asked him about warranty if I got brave and hauled my ATV and developed cracks. He said it would be covered provided it wasn't bashed in every which way from obvious abuse.

Oceano Dunes · #8 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 02:18 PM

The dealer offered to replace it

, but when I asked what happens if it seperates again..will it be replaced.... I am left with a vague answer as if they will not replace it a second time. So I am waiting to see if there will be a fix available soon for the final solution!!!!
Already meet with the Factory Rep here in So cal... she was nice, but didn't have any answers or promises. Meanwhile the guy from the 1-800 dept of Toyota claim problems has called me three times since Early December with the announcement of " the rumor is that there will be a bullentin released from Toyota regarding the tailgate split." A bullentin is the internal memo that goes through corporate first, then to the dealers. So I asked..is there a Bullentin... and he says ..well no , not right now. But there is Rumor of one. I asked him to please call me when he has solid information with fact, and not RUMOR. Meanwhile I am considering getting the tailgate fixed.... but I wonder what will happen when I go to load a air compressor, tile, or my dirt bike for Sunday ride. Will it start seperating again. A guy at the dealer told me to take the tailgate off so it won't happen. It is rather easy to take off.... but a real pain in the *** with the time involved, and proper safe to place it in the garage.

So still waiting.....at this point with the 2008 out and winning awards....I don't think there is much incentive or reason for them to act quickly.

RWD442 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 05:45 PM

I am on tailgate #3 as stated in other threads. No. 3 is not a different design nor is it made differently then Nos. 1 &2. The dealer said to use it as normal and when it starts to tear apart, come in and they will order another one. The interesting note is that when I break #4, I will qualify for the lemon law. Here are some pictures: Tundra Gate

VOLTundra · #10 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 07:36 PM

I hate to say it but when I was reading the latest issue of Truck Trend they were talking about fuel mileage and the fact that a full size truck is not wind resistent and heavy. They mentioned the number of areas which Ford has redesigned parts to make them lighter. I think toyota is going to be one of the first with a thin tailgate. The days of being able to load everything on the gate are probably over.

exc200 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

I think toyota is going to be one of the first with a thin tailgate. The days of being able to load everything on the gate are probably over.

I can see that. I have a small tear on the up right side seam. where RWD442 does on his tailgate. With tailgate up standing on the side of truck you can see where the right side stick out more then the left side.

I was ramping up dirt bikes last summer around the time this all came out. now I have a Toper. Dog jump in and out I sit on it to loud stuff in and out. so we just have to see what happens with this.

I will one year just have to TIG weld here up.

exc200 · #12 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 11:30 AM

I was getting oil change yesterday at the dealer. I showed the manager my tailgate that has started splitting on the right side. he said no problem, just let me know when I want to get a new one and he will order it up.

Toyota allegedly redesigned the tailgate looking at one they had for someone else it looks like they did away with the seem glue, epoxcy. there is more sheet metal fouled over. I going to take it to my shop and do some TIG weld around stress points on the gate before they send it of for paint and install the tailgate.

I will post some pictures of the stirring relief weld joint's I am going to put on the tailgate.

d-lo · #13 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 04:53 PM

To answer the original question: I got a no-questions-asked free replacement.

Gunz · #14 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 09:48 PM

I have a Linex spray on bedliner(Dealer Installed). Would I pretty much be screwed between linex and toyota if my tailgate were to fail?

Atvman4 · #15 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 09:50 PM

I am on tailgate #2, my dealer said they have never heard of a problem with them and they also went to a conference where it was stated that there have only been 2 in the country with this problem. I have added a Trifecta tonneau cover and used my trailer more.