1996 TOYOTA TACOMA Structure Problems

Rear passenger frame rusted/rotted, rear passenger shock mount completely torn off frame at rust area and rear passenger leaf spring assembly cracked. Vehicle is not drivable and completely unsafe. This vehicle was recalled in May 2008 for inspection of frame rust and passed the inspection with only surface frame rust found and no rust perforation. Vehicle was recalled again in January 2012 for Limited Service Campaign for New York vehicles for Frame Rust Corrosion, which it failed with substantial corrosion and rusted through holes in the frame. This vehicle was included in this second recall, however the terms of the recall for repair or buyback only extended for 15 years from vehicle’s ‘in service date’, which in this case meant this vehicle was 5 months outside the recall window. So, Toyota included the vehicle in the recall (actually mailed the recall letter), found it had unsafe frame corrosion issues upon inspection 3 weeks after receipt of recall letter, then washed their hands and walked away indicating the ‘in service date’ was 5 months outside the recall window. Makes zero sense and terrible customer service and warranty management.

I PURCHASED TRUCK IN 2005 FROM TOYOTA OF NICHOLASVILLE KY I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE TOOK TRUCK TO HAVE BRAKES DONE MECHANIC REFUSED TO WORK ON IT BECAUSE OF DANGEROUS FRAME HOLES RUST CAN PUSH IN SIDES OF FRAME WITH FINGERS AND MAKE A HOLE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE!

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS CORRODED WITH HOLES NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER FOR THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTED FRAME REPAIR. WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS NOT CORRODED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE BUY BACK PROGRAM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,310. *TT*JB

Mileage: 115,310

THE FRAME ON THE PASSAGER SIDE OF THE TRUCK HAS RUSTED OUT? WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION.

Mileage: 261,000

ONLY 114,000 MILES, FRAME RUSTED THROUGH. UNSAFE.

THE FRAME IS RUSTED, IN SOME AREAS, CLEAR THROUGH. THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUSPENSION HAVE RUSTED THROUGH. EVERYTHING THAT TOUCHES THE FRAME HAS AN EXCESS AMOUNT OF RUST. THE TRUCK IS PARKED BECAUSE I'M AFRAID IT WILL CAUSE GREAT BODILY HARM IF THE TRUCK FALLS APART WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 215,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING AN OIL CHANGE BY THE DEALER, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRAME FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IN 2011. AT THAT TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FRAME WAS FINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 122,000.

Mileage: 122,000

1996 TOYOTA TACOMA FRAME RUST ISSUES. WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY TOYOTA OF THE "PROGRAM" OFFERS TO FIX. TOYOTA CASE #1607184527 CREATED 6/2016. TOOK VEHICLE TO WELDER TO FIX FRAME TO MAKE ROAD WORTHY.

Mileage: 104,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED, THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO PUSH HIS FINGER THROUGH THE VEHICLE'S FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: LSC-90-D. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE REPAIRS, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY CAMPAIGN RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 01/27/17*LJ

Mileage: 73,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRAME RAIL WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR REPAIRS UNDER A MANUFACTURER RECALL RELATED TO CORROSION OF THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Mileage: 170,000

OUR TRUCKS FRAME IS RUSTING AWAY. I'M WORRIED THE TRUCK IS GOING TO BREAK INTO AND KILL MY HUSBAND. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FRAME BUT I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. I HAVE ALREADY TALKED TO YOUR PEOPLE AND THEY SAID THEY ALLOWED 15 YEARS EXTENSION ON THE RUSTED FRAME . WE BOUGHT OURS USED YEARS AGO. WE HAD NO CLUE THIS WAS A PROBLEM UNTIL I FOUND IT TODAY. I THINK U SHOULD MADE IT GOOD FOR US. WE R POOR AND WE CANNOT AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED. IT SHOULD B FROM THE TIME WE BOUGHT IT. IT IS SO BAD MY HUSBAND S FINGERS WENT THROUGH THE METAL. THIS IS SO UNFAIR. I ALSO FOUND OUT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS AND THAT WAS A RECALL WE HAVE ALREADY SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLAR GETTING IT FIXED. IT'S SAD, U SAY U BACK UP YOUR PRODUCT. HOW R WE SUPPOSE TO KNOW WHEN THERE IS S RECALL . IT'S NOT FAIR, AND IF SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED I WILL HOLD ALL OF U RESPONSIBLE . WE SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL, BUT WE RECEIVED NOTHING. U KNOW THAT THE ONLY AUTOMOBILES WE BUY ANYMORE IS TOYOTAS. PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING MY HUSBAND. WE CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER AND HE IS HANDICAPPED SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE R GOING TO DO. THANK U ,[XXX] , EMAIL IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION TO INVESTIGATE A VIBRATION MY TRUCK HAD JUST STARTED GIVING OFF. FOUND OUT THAT THE FRAME HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AND HAS AN INCH OF STEEL LEFT HOLDING IT TOGETHER. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAULTY STEEL. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM A USED CAR DEALER WHO SAID THE VEHICLE PASSED A MISSOURI STATE INSPECTION AND AM CURRENTLY HAVING TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON IT AND IT CAN NOT BE DRIVEN.

Mileage: 263,884

FRAME CORRODED AND CRACKED. HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO BRACE WITH SHEET METAL AND WELD. JUST WANTED TO MAKE YOU AWARE.

Mileage: 290,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER RECALL IN 2011 WHERE THE DEALER SPRAYED THE FRAME, BUT FAILED TO PREVENT IT FROM RUSTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. 314,000.

Mileage: 314,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME AND AROUND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ARE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,000.

Mileage: 183,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE RUST AND CORROSION THAT PROGRESSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS RUST PROOFED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED YEARS LATER ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO RUST PROOF THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND WELD A PLATE TO PREVENT HOLES AND THE FRAME FROM FRACTURING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED MORE THAN THREE YEARS AGO AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.

Mileage: 210,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE UNDERBODY AND FRAMING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAMING OF THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V129000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

Mileage: 152,000

THE FRAME IS RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE THE LEAF SPRING MOUNTS ARE CRUSHING THE FRAME AND THE FRAME HAS HOLES RUSTING THROUGH. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD, THE VEHICLE STARTED BOUNCING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE LEAF SPRING AND THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,138.

Mileage: 98,138

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.

Mileage: 163,000

VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER 2013, FRAME IS CRACKED IN THE RIGHT REAR AND NUMEROUS HOLES ARE FORMING DUE TO THE WIDELY KNOWN ISSUE OF IMPROPER CORROSION PREVENTATIVE AND POOR MANUFACTURER QUALITY OF MATERIALS USED AND DESIGN. WAS TOLD BY TMC CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT THE "LIMITED SERVICE BULLETIN" HAD EXPIRED AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. THIS SHOULD BE THE LAST COMPLAINT OF THIS KNOWN ISSUE AS CONSUMERS ARE DYING IN GM VEHICLES THAT THE COMPANY KNEW ABOUT FOR 10 YEARS PRIOR. I HAVE OWNED TOYOTAS ALL MY LIFE, AND NOW THE LIFE OF MY YOUNGER SISTER LITERALLY TEETERS ON THE CRACKED FRAME OF HER 1996 TOYOTA LIABILITY. I AM STARTING A PETITION TO THE WHITE HOUSE ( WE THE PEOPLE PETITION SITE AND SEARCH TOYOTA FRAME RECALL) AND HOPE THAT OTHERS SEARCHING THIS SITE AND THE 222 PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE COMPLAINTS WILL SIGN IT. THAT IS IF THEIR TRUCK HAS NOT COLLAPSED AND KILLED THEM. TO PUT A TIME LIMIT ON A SAFETY HAZARD SUCH AS THIS IS DISGUSTING, IMMORAL, AND DOWNRIGHT INTOLERABLE. *TR

Mileage: 175,000

FRAME FAILURE: THE FRAME BROKE, BETWEEN THE LEAF SPRINGS, DURING NORMAL USAGE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, THE FRAME IS RUSTING THROUGH IN MULTIPLE PLACES. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME 5 YEARS AGO THAT MY TRUCK DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR THE TOYOTA FRAME RUST RECALL, THAT IT WAS MOSTLY NORTHERN (COLDER CLIMATE) STATES. *TR

Mileage: 190,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR OF THE FRAME FOLDED IN HALF AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT. IN ADDITION, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT IT WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHASSIS, FRAMING AND SUB FRAME WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED WITH CORROSION TO THE POINT OF DETERIORATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR AN INSPECTION AND WAS NOT ABLE TO PASS. THE INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SO MUCH CORROSION THAT THE PARTS COULD POTENTIAL DETACH FROM THE FRAMING. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE INSPECTED, DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 08/11/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS THE NEW YORK STATE INSPECTION. NO BUY BACK WAS AVAILABLE. TOYOTA DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 08/12/2014 *JS

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHASSIS, FRAMING AND SUB FRAME WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED WITH CORROSION TO THE POINT OF DETERIORATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR AN INSPECTION AND WAS NOT ABLE TO PASS. THE INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SO MUCH CORROSION THAT THE PARTS COULD POTENTIAL DETACH FROM THE FRAMING. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE INSPECTED, DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 08/11/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT PASS THE NEW YORK STATE INSPECTION. NO BUY BACK WAS AVAILABLE. TOYOTA DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 08/12/2014 *JS

Mileage: 130,000

VEHICLE TAKEN IN FOR RECALL UNDERCOATING FOR DEFECTIVE FRAME. SERVICE ADVISED FRAME PERFORATED AND WOULD NOT DO UNDERCOATING. VEHICLE PAST 15-YEAR WARRANTY BUY-BACK PROGRAM (150% OF BLUEBOOK) BY ABOUT TWO DAYS. NO ACTION AVAILABLE. 2014 CONTINUED USE AND ATTEMPTED SERVICING. REFUSED DUE TO FRAME DETERIORATION. CONTACTED DEALER FOR COST ESTIMATE OF FRAME REPLACEMENT. ADVISED BY PARTS THAT FRAME WAS DISCONTINUED IN 2006 (2006!) AND NO ALTERNATIVES AVAILABLE. VEHICLE NOW HAS 77500 MILES ON IT AND IN GOOD CONDITION SAVE FOR THE DEFECTIVE FRAME THAT IS IRREPARABLE. *TR

Mileage: 66,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE FUEL TANK AND FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN HOWEVER, A LOCAL DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CAMPAIGN HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE REQUIRED EXTENSIVE REPAIRS TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80000.

Mileage: 80,000

TRUCK IS STILL IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION BUT THE BODY IS RUSTING OFF THE FRAME. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO... PLEASE HELP ME FIND A SOLUTION. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

I PURCHASED A ONE OWNER 96 TACOMA 4WD TRUCK LAST MONTH THE OWNER SAID THE TRUCK HAD COMPLETED A FRAME RECALL FOR CORROSION IN NOV OF 2011. AFTER PURCHASING THE TRUCK I HAD THE TRUCK MAINTENANCES AT MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. THE DEALER SAID THE FRAME HAS A LARGE HOLE IN IT AND IT HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE FRAME HAD BEEN TREATED PER THE RECALL. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A TRUCK THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO A SHODDY RECALL JOB BY TOYOTA. I TRIED TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE WITH TMMI HEADQUARTERS BUT THEY SAID AFTER 15 YEARS THEIR FRAMES ARE NOT GUARANTEED. CONSIDERING IT HAS BEEN LESS THAN 2 YEARS SINCE THE TRUCK HAD BEEN TREATED I THINK THEY OWE IT TO EITHER REPLACE THE FRAME OR PURCHASE THE TRUCK PER THEIR AGREEMENT. IN MY OPINION JUST SPRAYING THE TRUCK WITH UNDERCOATING INADEQUATELY WAS JUST COVERING UP THE REAL PROBLEM WHICH IS THE POOR QUALITY FRAMES. *TR

Mileage: 220,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED CRACKS NEAR THE FRONT AREA OF THE SUB FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BOTH OF WHICH DETECTED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/24/13*CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED CRACKS NEAR THE FRONT AREA OF THE SUB FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BOTH OF WHICH DETECTED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/24/13*CN

1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERE CORROSION AND RUST ON THE VEHICLE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FRAME. *SMD TOYOTA INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE 15 YEAR WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO HELP.

THE MAIN BODY FRAME ON MY OTHERWISE VERY NICE TOYOTA TACOMA JUST BROKE COMPLETELY IN TWO WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. AFTER INVESTIGATING HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN, I LEARNED THAT TOYOTA ADMITTED THAT THEY MANUFACTURED AND SOLD UNSAFE TOYOTA'S DURING THE MID-90S. THEY CLAIM TO HAVE FIXED THIS BY OFFERING OWNERS OF THESE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES A BUY-BACK OPTION OF 150% VALUE FOR 15-YEARS FROM THE DATE THE VEHICLE FIRST SOLD. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT TOYOTA NEVER ATTEMPTED TO NOTIFY ME THAT I HAD PURCHASED AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND I HAD NO IDEA THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS TRUCK UNTIL THE MAIN FRAME BROKE. I HAD JUST INVESTED $1,000 THE SAME WEEK IN A NEW CLUTCH AND OTHER NEEDED REPAIRS AND WHEN I NOTIFIED TOYOTA THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE 15-YEARS ALREADY PASSED. SINCE TOYOTA ALREADY ADMITTED WITH A BUY-BACK PROGRAM THAT THESE TRUCKS WERE FAULTY AND BUILT WITH A LOW QUALITY METAL, HOW CAN THEY NOT BE RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE VEHICLE PREMATURELY FAILS? WAS MY TRUCK TO SUDDENLY BECOME SAFE AT 15-YEARS OLD? I UNDERSTAND THAT NO MANUFACTURER WARRANTIES THEIR VEHICLES FOREVER, BUT SINCE TOYOTA ADMITTED THAT THEY SOLD US JUNK, AND THE FACT THAT THEY MADE NO ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT ME AS AN OWNER OF ONE OF THESE PIECES OF JUNK, AND THAT THE VEHICLE'S MAIN FRAME SNAPS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN OTHERWISE GREAT CONDITION, TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE AND CONTINUE TO BUY-BACK EVERY VEHICLE THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FAULTY MANUFACTURING. WHEN I CALLED TOYOTA, THEY TREATED ME LIKE DIRT AND EVEN REFUSED TO HAVE SOMEONE REVIEW MY CASE AND GIVE ME A CALL BACK. *TR

Mileage: 175,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 296,000.

Mileage: 200,000

1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. ATTORNEY WRITES ON BEHALF OF CLIENT IN REGARDS TO A RUST CORROSION PERFORATION PROBLEM *TGW THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE STATING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER LEARNED ABOUT THE PROBLEM IN NOVEMBER 2001, AND HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT RUST WAS PRESENT. *JB THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CORROSION PROBLEM WAS FOUND IN NOVEMBER 2011, WELL BEFORE THE CUTOFF DATE. UPDATED 08/28/12 UPDATED 10/15/12

I HAVE A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA THAT WAS PART OF A RECALL FOR A FAULTY FRAME. I RECEIVED TWO LETTERS INFORMING ME OF THIS PROGRAM. THE FIRST ONE WAS IN 2009, AND THE SECOND IN 2010. I BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN FOR ITS FREE CHECK FOR FRAME CORROSION. THERE WAS A GRAVEYARD OF TRUCKS LIKE MINE. I DON'T KNOW IF THEY COULD HAVE FIT ANOTHER UNSAFE TRUCK IN THE LOT, THEY COULDN'T CRUSH THEM FAST ENOUGH. I WENT ON MY OWN AND UNFORTUNATELY I FEAR AS A WOMAN I WAS TREATED DIFFERENTLY. I WATCHED THE MECHANIC BANG MY FRAME OVER AND OVER, ENOUGH TO PUT IT OUT OF ALIGNMENT. MY NAME WAS CALLED AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY TRUCK PASSED THE TEST. RECOMMENDED ME TO FIX A BUNCH OF THINGS, SO AFTER WAITING ALL DAY FOR THEM TO REPAIR MY TRUCK AND SPEND 2000 DOLLARS THAT I DIDN'T HAVE, I WAS SENT ON MY WAY. MY TRUCK DID NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY I LIVE ON MARTHA'S VINEYARD WHERE THE HIGHEST SPEED LIMIT IS 45 MPH. THIS WAS AT FALMOUTH TOYOTA, AFTER THE SECOND NOTICE I WENT TO HYANNIS TOYOTA. THEY FAILED ME, SAID THERE WAS NO REPLACING THE FRAME, NO UNDER CARRIAGE TREATMENT, MY TRUCK WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I SIGNED A CONTRACT STATING THAT I WAS TO RECEIVE 150% MINT CONDITION BLUE BOOK VALUE OF MY TRUCK. I WAS LOOKING AT 9000.00, 10,000 DOLLARS OR MAYBE MORE IF I PUT THE MONEY AS A DOWNPAYMENT ON A NEW TOYOTA. I LOVE MY TRUCK, BUT I HAVE NEVER FELT SAFE IN IT. I WAS READY TO GOTO SALES AND FIND A NEW TRUCK. I HAD TO WAIT FOR A PHONE CALL FROM CECH, YOU KNOW THE BIG GUY,TOYOTA USA. AND AFTER THAT HAND OVER MY TITLE AND START THE TRANSACTION. I WENT BACK A LITTLE OVER A WEEK LATER TO DROP OFF MY TITLE AND GET THE RENTAL CAR THEY PROMISED ME. THEN THE DOOR SLAMMED IN MY FACE. I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. THE FIRST OWNER BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN 1995, JUST BEFORE THE NEW YEAR. NOW I AM LEFT WITH AN UNSAFE TRUCK THAT I CANT INSPECT, SELL OR DRIVE. $300.00 IS ALL THEY ARE OFFERING ME NOW. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN UNKNOWN FRAME CORROSION RECALL. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE FRAME COULD NOT BE REPLACED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 103,000. UPDATED 05/21/12 *BF UPDATED 06/04/12

Mileage: 103,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE FRAME RUST NEAR THE REAR WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS FINE. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED OVER THE FOLLOWING TWO YEARS AND HOLES BEGAN TO FORM IN THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH SPRAYING A COATING OVER THE RUST TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE. THE CONTACT DENIED ASSISTANCE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 140,000

1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRAME RUST CORROSION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL REGARDING FRAME RUST. THE CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE CONSUMER STATED IT APPEARED THE DEALER NEVER PERFORMED ANY INSPECTION IN REGARDS TO THE FRAME OF HIS TRUCK. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT EVERYTHING LOOKED GOOD AND THERE WERE NO MAJOR PROBLEMS AND THE BODY SHOP WOULD TREAT THE FRAME, BY TREATING ANY BAD SECTIONS, THEN UNDER COAT AND CONDITION THE FRAME. TWO DAYS LATER, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A CALL STATING THE BODY SHOP FOUND A FEW MAJOR PROBLEMS, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO CONTINUE AND TOYOTA WOULD COME AND TALK TO THE CONSUMER ABOUT A BUY BACK AS THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED IN TWO DAYS, THE VEHICLE WENT FROM BEING OK TO UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS FRAME DAMAGE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER MADE THE CONTACT AWARE OF A POSSIBLE SILENT RECALL, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 203,000.

Mileage: 203,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRACTURE BEGAN FORM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO THE REAR OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT RUST HAD PERFORATED THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE IN SEVERAL PLACES AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. UPDATED 03/14/12

Mileage: 176,000

THERE IS AN ACTUAL HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE STRUCTURAL FRAME OF THE TRUCK. IN DECEMBER OF 2010, WHILE INSIDE OF THE 15 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD, TOYOTA CLAIMED THERE WAS NO RUST ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN "SURFACE RUST." IN SEPTEMBER OF 2011, AFTER THE 15 YEAR WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, TOYOTA CLAIMED THERE WAS RUST, CORROSION, AND AN ACTUAL HOLE IN THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA IS CLAIMING TO HAVE ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR THEIR RUSTED FRAMES, BUT IS PASSING THE FRAMES UNTIL THEY ARE JUST OUTSIDE OF THEIR 15 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD AND THEN FAILING THEM. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR HAVING STEEL RUST COMPLETELY THROUGH ON THE FRAME OF A VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN CARED FOR AND MAINTAINED. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD, AND IT IS AMAZING TO THINK THAT THESE VEHICLES COULD BREAK IN HALF WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEED. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR SUBCONTRACTERS CUTTING CORNERS DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. THEIR SELF-IMPOSED PROGRAMS ARE NOT EXTENSIVE ENOUGH, FEDERAL PENALTIES NEED TO BE ENACTED. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 260,325

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE FRAME WAS COVERED WITH RUST AND CORRODED DURING AN INSPECTION. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/27/11 *BF UPDATED 10/11/11

Mileage: 90,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD BUY THE VEHICLE BACK BUT LATER RETRACTED THE OFFER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRAME. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 243,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 240,000.

Mileage: 240,000

I OWN A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. I RECEIVED A "LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN" LETTER IN THE MAIL ON JULY 18TH 2011. THE NOTICE STATED THAT TACOMA MODEL YEARS 1996-2000 NEED TO BE INSPECTED FOR FRAME RUST AND POSSIBLE PERFORATION. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FRAMES IN A NUMBER OF THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE CORROSION-RESISTANT PROTECTION SUFFICIENT FOR AREA WITH HIGH ROAD SALT USE. THIS CONDITION IS UN-RELATED TO NORMAL SURFACE RUST COMMONLY FOUND ON METALLIC SURFACES AFTER YEARS OF USE. I LIVE IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND WITH MY VIN, MY TRUCK CERTAINLY FALLS INTO THIS CATEGORY. THE NOTICE, WHICH WAS MY FIRST AND ONLY ONE RECEIVED, CAME TO MY HOUSE 90 DAYS PAST THE 15 YEAR IN SERVICE DATE THAT TOYOTA EXTENDED THE CAMPAIGN FOR. AFTER SPEAKING WITH TOYOTA, I WAS ABLE TO HAVE MY TRUCK INSPECTED. THE FRAME HAS SEVERE RUST BUT SOMEHOW MANAGED TO "PASS" THE PERFORATION TEST. THE RESULTS OF THE TEST WERE IN MY OPINION MARGINAL AT BEST. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE TOYOTA SEND A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO FURTHER INSPECT MY TRUCK FRAME. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED AS OF YET (JULY 27TH,2011) AND TOYOTA SEEMS TO BE PLAYING A BACK AND FORTH GAME TO GET THIS DONE. CORPORATE TOYOTA IS WELL AWARE OF THIS FRAME CORROSION ISSUE BUT IS FAILING MISERABLY BY NOT STANDING BEHIND THE PROBLEM. DURING THIS CAMPAIGN, TOYOTA HAS REPLACED NUMEROUS FRAMES AND HAS "RE-PURCHASED" MANY TRUCKS FROM CONSUMERS IN THE AFFECTED STATES. ONCE MY TRUCK WAS DEEMED "PAST 15 YEARS FROM IN SERVICE DATE", THEY ARE TURNING THEIR BACKS ON THIS ISSUE. AS STATED BEFORE, MY NOTICE WAS NOT RECEIVED UNTIL JULY 18TH 2011, PUTTING THE TRUCK LITERALLY 90 DAYS PAST. I STARTED TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE WITH TOYOTA JULY 19TH 2011. I WILL NO LONGER ALLOW MY FAMILY TO RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE AS I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE THAT THE FRAME WILL HOLD UP. I'M FILING THIS COMPLAINT TO MAKE SURE TOYOTA DOES WHAT IS RIGHT IN THIS CASE AND STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AS THEY SO OFTEN PROMOTE IN THEIR ADDS. THANK YOU. *TR

RUSTED TRUCK FRAME.

I OWN A 96 TOYOTA TACOMA AND IT HAS DEVELOPED FRAME ROT. TOYOTA WILL NOT DO THEIR BUYBACK AS I BROUGHT IT FOR ITS SECOND INSPECTION 68 DAYS BEYOND THE 15 YEAR BUYBACK OFFER. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN CONDEMNED AND REPORTED TO CARFAX, TOYOTA CORPORATE AND THE MA RMV RENDERING THIS VEHICLE INSTANTLY UNFIT TO DRIVE AND ILLEGAL TO OPERATE FOR SAFETY ISSUES..YET TOYOTA DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS AND THE DEALER SERVICE REP SAID, YOU CAN STILL TAKE THE TRUCK, ITS YOURS AFTER ALL. HOW CAN A SAFETY RECALL FOR FAULTY FRAME CONSTRUCTION INVOLVING POOR QUALITY STEEL AND ABSENCE OF RUST INHIBITOR NOT BE A TOTAL RECALL OF ALL VEHICLES ON LIST DEMANDING BUYOUT OR FRAME REPLACEMENT FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE? WHY WAS TOYOTA GRANTED A 15 YEAR BACK-END TO THIS RESPONSIBILITY? FURTHER, TOYOTA PERFORMS THE INSPECTIONS AND YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED 1 INSPECTION PER YEAR. I HAD MANCHESTER NH TOYOTA INSPECT MINE ABOUT 1 1/2 YEARS AGO AND THE TECH INSPECTING COMMENTED, "..THIS ONE WAS ONE OF THE BEST HE'S SEEN YET." I DISCOVERED A BROKEN LEFT REAR UPPER SHOCK MOUNT WITH A CHUNK OF FRAME TWO WEEKS AGO AND ARRANGED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO GET THE TRUCK TO TOYOTA IN FALMOUTH, MA. WHERE THEY IMMEDIATELY CONDEMNED THE TRUCK DETERMINING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE, THEN INFORMED ME THAT I HAD EXCEEDED THE BUYBACK TERM BY 68 DAYS PAST THE 15 YEAR OLD MARK. THEN THEY TOLD ME I COULD TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK BECAUSE AFTER ALL, IT IS STILL MY TRUCK. YOU'VE ALLOWED TOYOTA TO CONDUCT THEIR OWN SAFETY INSPECTIONS AND ALLOWED THEM TO BACK-END THEIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR SYSTEM-WIDE PRODUCTION DEFICIENCY? HOW IS IT THEY GOT TO CALL THAT SHOT? TALK ABOUT ALLOWING THE FOX TO GUARD THE HEN HOUSE! I BOUGHT A TOYOTA AT A MUCH HIGHER PRICE THAN THEIR COMPETITORS BECAUSE OF THEIR ADVERTISED QUALITY ENGINEERING. "EIGHT OUT OF TEN COROLLAS SOLD SINCE 1985 ARE STILL ON THE ROAD TODAY" WELL, THEY FAILED MISERABLY WITH THE TACOMA, PROVEN BY THE HUGE NUMBER OF TRUCKS THEY'VE HAD TO BUY-OUT OR PERFORM A FRAME REPLACEMENT. WHY? *TR

Mileage: 146,205

FRAME ON 1996 TACOMA HAS RUST HOLE THROUGH FRAME. DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION OF WARRANTY EXTENSION FROM TOYOTA AND WARRANTY EXPIRED 11 DAYS BEFORE I UNCOVERED THE WARRANTY COVERAGE. TOYOTA WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY AND TRUCK IS UNSAFE . *TR

Mileage: 88,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING A REAR LEAF SPRING REPLACED ON HER VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND ADVISED HER THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST HER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 259,000.

Mileage: 259,000

I OWN A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA WHICH HAS A RECALL FOR RUST. THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE IS RUSTING OUT. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER FOR EXAMINATION BECAUSE MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS IN BAD SHAPE. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS OK. A LITTLE WHILE LATER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE MECHANISM ON THE BOTTOM RUSTED OUT AND BROKE. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY SO THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE. THE TRUCK JUST ROLLED TO A HALT. IF THIS HAPPENED ON A HILL OR IN A PARKING LOT SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. *TR

Mileage: 111,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. HE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN LEFT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED DRIVING STRAIGHT AND HE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE NEEDED TO REPAIRE THE FRAME. THERE IS A RECALL OUT FOR THIS VEHICLE WHERE THEY WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THEM BUT THIS VEHICLES FRAME CAN BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE AT $480.00 DOLLARS. THERE WILL BE REPAIRS DONE TO THE VEHICLE . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 211800.

Mileage: 211,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TOYOTA WILL NOT ACCEPT HIS VEHICLE FOR THE VOLUNTARY CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM IS IN REGARDS TO THE REAR FRAME CORROSION ON THE 1995 AND 1996 TACOMAS. TOYOTA IS OFFERING 1.5 TIMES THE BLUE BOOK VALUE FOR THESE VEHICLES. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VEHICLE HAS A SALVAGE TITLE; THEREFORE, THEY WERE UNABLE TO BUY HIS VEHICLE BACK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 179,171 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.

Mileage: 178,000

TOYOTA TACOMA RUSTED FRAME RE-CALL. TOYOTA IS SENDING ALL OWNERS A TRADE-IN **ONLY** TOWARDS A TUNDRA PURCHASE OFFER ON 95-04 TACOMAS. THESE VEHICLES POSE A SAFETY-HAZZARD TO THEIR OWNERS, AS THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH * * HEAVILY - ROTTED * * FRAMES. THERE ARE NO BUY-BACK OFFERS OR TRADE-INS ALLOWED TOWARDS ANY OTHER TOYOTA PORODUCT, JUST TUNDRA. WHEN THE TACOMAS ARE BROUGHT IN THEY ARE INSPECTED, MOST ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE!!!!!!!! *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR FRAME HAD ROTTED. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE REAR FRAME FELL OFF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY PLACED A PIECE OF METAL ON THE VEHICLE TO HOLD IT TOGETHER TEMPORARILY. NO PERMANENT REPAIRS WERE MADE AND THE VEHICLE REMAINS PARKED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 66,000.

Mileage: 66,000

TOYOTA TACOMA 1996 HAS EXTREME FRAME RUST MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE. *TR

Mileage: 665,000

PREMATURE FRAME DETERIORATION. ENGINE IS GOOD AND STILL GETS 24 MPG, NO OIL BURNING. REAR FRAME OVER TIRES FAILED AND HAD TO BE WELDED WITH NEW FRAME PIECES. BOTH SIDES. ABOUT 5 MONTHS LATER, COULD NOT REGISTER VEHICLE DUE TO ADDITIONAL, UNREPAIRABLE FRAME FAILURES. REPAIR SHOP SAID HE HAS WELDED ABOUT 100 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCKS. KNOWN TO HAVE PREMATURE FAILURES IN THE CHASIS. *TR

Mileage: 262,000

SEVERLY RUSTED FRAME. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DOES NOT HAVE A SAFETY CRASH BAR. WHEN REPAIRING A BROKEN LOCK, THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO SAFETY CRASH BAR INSTALLED IN THE DOOR. PRESENTLY, NO FAILURE HAS OCCURRED. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 190,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS INAPPLICABLE. UPDATED 02-01-08. *KB

ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER BECAUSE FRONT LEFT TIRE WOBBLED WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER STATED THAT FRAME RAIL WOULD BE REPLACED PER RECALL #96V129000. *AK

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED FRONT LEFT WHEEL WAS CAVED INWARD. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRAME RAIL WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK

CONTACTED DEALER , THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THEY COULDN'T HELP ME BECAUSE THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. STEVE IN SERVICE SAID HE HAD NO IDEA HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO REPAIR MY TRUCK, HE SAID HE WOULD TRANSFER ME TO PARTS AT WHICH POINT WE WERE DISCONNECTED. I CONTACTED THE DEALER'S PARTS DEPARTMENT ON MY OWN AND FOUND THAT THE PART NUMBERS HAD BEEN CHANGED FROM THE ORIGINALS WHIC DENOTES A CHANGE. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT TOYOTA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ( #SU00197) DENOTING A CHANGE OF THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS IN RELATION TO RIDE COMFORT. THERE WERE TWO OTHER BULLETINS (#COM0401K) RELATING TO REAR SPRING SQUEAKS AND (TC96018) RELATING TO CRACKED FRAMES. WHY WOULD THE DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM NOT KNOW THIS OR ATTEMPT TO FIND IT SINCE IT CERTIANLY IS A SAFTEY FACTOR. THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY IS 36/MONTH/36000 COMPREHENSIVE AND 5 YEAR/60,000 MILES ON THE POWERTRAIN. *AK

POOR DESIGN OF THE FENDERS ALLOW DIRT AND DEBRIS TO BE THROWN ONTO VEHICLE. FENDER DOES NOT COME OUT FAR ENOUGH TO COVER THE TIRES.

DOOR PANEL IS VERY NOISY.

DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY.