So mad at Toyota I am having trouble typing!!!

[07toytrd]

Sorry to hear some are having so much trouble getting response on the tailgate issue. After reading some of the posts here on TS about the tailgate problems I checked my 2007 CM TRD, and sure enough my tailgate was beginning to crack. It is a very small crack at the upper right corner where the lip meets the main part of the tailgate.

I was due for an oil change, so I thought I would mention it and see what response I would get. Long story short....Service man showed the Service Manager who said they would call Toyota Engineering and get back to me.

They called me back one day later to report there WAS a replacement tailgate for this issue, and they had ordered it for me!! I expect in the next day or so to take it to them, and they said they will cover rental while they paint match the tailgate to my truck.

I am supposed to get all the TSB information about this when I drop the truck off. As soon as I get it I will share it with you in the hopes that everyone here can get the same great service!

[virgh]

Looks like there's an F150 in your future. When GM gave me a raw deal on a problem plagued 1986 Buick LeSabre, I swore off GM for good. I switched to Ford products and never looked back. Been very satisfied. However, when I wanted to replace my 1998 F150, I decided to give the 2007 Tundra with it's 5.7L and six speed transmission a try. Glad I did, it has been a terriffic truck. But...I have to admit, the F150's interior is much better looking (in my opinion), than my 2007 Tundra's black and grey plastic interior. If I had to make a truck replacement decision today for a new 2009 model, I'd probably go for the Ford since they now have a six speed. The interior of the Lariot is just beautiful.

virg

[ArtM]

Originally Posted by virgh

If I had to make a truck replacement decision today for a new 2009 model, I'd probably go for the Ford since they now have a six speed.

I wouldn't. You couldn't pay me enough to drive the pathetic power of the Ford - after I've experienced the Tundra 5.7. I don't care how pretty the interior is - it's a truck for Christ's sake.

[Tankerhank]

Originally Posted by ArtM

I wouldn't. You couldn't pay me enough to drive the pathetic power of the Ford - after I've experienced the Tundra 5.7. I don't care how pretty the interior is - it's a truck for Christ's sake.

And I am hearing the 5.4 is still puking spark plugs out. Now there is a thrill opening the hook and seeing a spark plug dangling by a wire and the threads gone from that cylinder.

[slowyota]

Originally Posted by KP Texan

Okay, so I'm not really turned off by this issue since I still think a Tundra would be my best choice for a full sized pickup, although I would prefer to have the new style tailgate. Do we just have a rough date estimate to go by (04/08) or is there a VIN number cutoff to look for? I look at many preowned vehicles online which are too far for me to simply drive and take a look at and I don't have enough confidence in the dealer to tell me that a Tundra has the newer tailgate.

I just checked my tailgate, build date 06/08, and I have the new style tailgate. Just pry up the end of the black plastic on the top of the tailgate and you'll see the "screw" head. Pretty sure that means it has the redesigned gate. Anyone confirm?

[rpmgsxr]

Originally Posted by 07toytrd

Sorry to hear some are having so much trouble getting response on the tailgate issue. After reading some of the posts here on TS about the tailgate problems I checked my 2007 CM TRD, and sure enough my tailgate was beginning to crack. It is a very small crack at the upper right corner where the lip meets the main part of the tailgate.

I was due for an oil change, so I thought I would mention it and see what response I would get. Long story short....Service man showed the Service Manager who said they would call Toyota Engineering and get back to me.

They called me back one day later to report there WAS a replacement tailgate for this issue, and they had ordered it for me!! I expect in the next day or so to take it to them, and they said they will cover rental while they paint match the tailgate to my truck.

I am supposed to get all the TSB information about this when I drop the truck off. As soon as I get it I will share it with you in the hopes that everyone here can get the same great service!

PLEASE DO!!!! And could you, maybe after you get yours taken care of, list your dealers name or PM it to me so I can contact them as well????

[rpmgsxr]

Originally Posted by slowyota

I just checked my tailgate, build date 06/08, and I have the new style tailgate. Just pry up the end of the black plastic on the top of the tailgate and you'll see the "screw" head. Pretty sure that means it has the redesigned gate. Anyone confirm?

Yes there are pics in this thread that were originally posted by ROCKPIG and reposted by TUNDRADRENALIN on the second page. These are great photos of the OBVIOUS improvement that was made in the redesign. I want one of the new ones, and so should everyone else that bought the early design.

[rpmgsxr]

Here are the pics of my defective tailgate.

[rpmgsxr]

Please... post your pics of your tailgate.

[rpmgsxr]

Any news from anyone?? More Pics??

[Badfish]

I just looked at mine, there appears to be very small cracks (one on each side). Upon closer inspection the cracks are just in the soft cosmetic putty stuff. The heaviest thing that's ever been on my tailgate is me and I don't plan on putting quad/snow mobiles/bikes back there.

My question is this. What is the time frame to have a TSB taken care of? Does a TSB expire with your 3yr/36k warranty? Is the TBS separate from the factory warranty? If it’s not tied to the warranty, does the TSB have an expiration date? Does a TSB cover a certain VIN range or build date?

Thanks guys.

[PPosey]

Well mine is a 4/08 build and it seems to have the new gate as it has the screw head sticking up under the black trim. Whewwwwww maybe thats one Tundra weakspot I have dodged

[joshp]

Originally Posted by thumbster

The OP didn't mention anything of himself wanting to take legal action. He was stating Toyota themselves recommended he take legal action. He's just trying to gather as much proof as possible to prove there's an existing problem with the tailgate in order to get it replaced.

People from Toyota do frequent this and other Toyota forums, so be rest assured they know what's going on. Like others said before, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

It shouldn't come to the squeaky wheel...
That's called crap customer service.

If GM wants to come back and blow Toyota out of the water, #1 fix the union problem #2 have superior customer service. At this rate it won't take much to beat Toyota's customer service. My experience with their service was bad.

[Dakster]

So far I really like the Tundra. I am getting the unloaded driving fuel mileage of my previous diesel fords and GM's. I lack the pulling power of the diesel, but I rarely towed anything that the Tundra won't. I don't plan on having to Tow anything that heavy in the immediate future so I am not too concerned about it. I almost forgot how nice it is to have a truck that actually has a turning radius.. This truck turns on a dime. I hope that Toyota's reputation here for bad customer service is not the norm as that would make this my last one.

I would go back to GM and possibly Ford, but I will never go back to VW because their customer service is down right awful.

[Tankerhank]

Customer service is tied to the dealer - sadly too many have a crappy attitude.