Toyota Tacoma:
Extended Warranty on Excessive Frame Rust
Question:
I was wondering if you knew anything about the recall of all 1995-2000 Toyota Tacoma pickups for frame rust. They are buying pickups back if the frames are unsafe. I haven't read anything in any of the magazines and it seems that if it were one of the American car companies it would be everywhere. I was just wondering why it was so hush.
Answer:
It's not a recall or a technical service bulletin; it's a voluntary extension of Toyota's new car warranty policy involving certain 1995-2000 Tacoma, about 813,000 of them. According to Toyota, there have been a number of complaints from Tacoma owners in reference to excessive rust corrosion and perforation of the vehicle's frames -- particularly in northern, high road salt regions.
Toyota states that trucks which fall within a specific vehicle identification number range did not receive adequate corrosion resistant protection during production. Therefore, the original frame rust through coverage of 3 years/36,000 miles has been extended to 15 years/unlimited mileage. If your truck fits the model range, and exhibits excessive frame rust, schedule an inspection at a local Toyota service department.
If the service department determines that excessive corrosion exists, as per Toyota's inspection guidelines, a secondary inspection by a Toyota representative may be required. Toyota will then determine, at their option, if the frame will be repaired or the vehicle bought back at 150% of the "excellent condition" Blue Book retail value (regardless of what shape it's in). Although, repair of significant frame damage is never a good practice and it's believed that most, if not all vehicles with excessive rust will be bought back.
Toyota is allowing removal of any aftermarket add-ons, and a vehicle loaner program will be in effect to help with the inspection and buy-back process. The extended warranty doesn't seem very hush, but it is recent, going into effect March 7, 2008 with notification letters in the mail shortly thereafter. If you believe your Tacoma may be involved but have not received notification, call Toyota customer assistance at 1-888-270-9371 or contact your local dealer.
Need Help?
Get FREE Answers from our Technicians at the Toyota Tacoma Forum.Comments:
The policy on the 1995-2000 Tacoma is not a recall but an extended warranty. Updates are the inclusion of the 2001-2004 model years. Unlike the earlier models there is no buy-back, instead they will inspect the frame and do needed repairs such as additional rust protection treatment, rear cross member replacement and possibly more extensive frame reconditioning.
Added to the mix is a recall on 2000-2003 full-size Tundra pickups suffering from similar frame rust conditions -- again, no buy-backs, only needed repairs.
Schedule a frame rust inspection at a local Toyota dealer, and see what they find.
warranty ran out on my truck a few months ago and NOW I have 2 cracks and rust on my frame (it passed the test 9 months ago). Is there anything I can do to get the buy back now? thanks
Technically, they're not obligated, but it's possible they may fit-you-in on a goodwill basis.
It never hurts to ask.
NO. Is there anywhere else I can go
to fight my point? My truck is not
undrivable. Thanks.
Now I have a worthless '95 Tacoma truck that I paid a lot of money for. Toyota couldn't care less.
I'm assuming the delivery date on the truck put it past 15 years old. And that was the end of the extended warranty covering the rust-through condition.
Toyota upped the coverage from the original 3 years, 36k miles, to 15 years, unlimited mileage.
If you're shortly over the 15 year mark, you can contact Toyota customer support and push for "goodwill" coverage. This may, or may not help.
I would be going straight to seller and get my money back...
The extended rust warranty only involves 1995 - 2000 models.
Was that the issue? If it is rusted through, I would strongly suggest contacting Toyota customer support and get the whole story.
Please let us know what they say at the dealership.
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