2003 TOYOTA TACOMA Suspension Problems

Invoice no. XXX Frame recall. I have a receipt stating…”J# 20TOZFRAM,;CS FRAM Inspection TECY(S):351 Warrenty inspected Frame, Frame failed, perforation, Replaced Frame at Dealer”. Except they did not replace the frame, I have a receipt stating they replaced the “ spare tire rack assembly. Now, my frame is so rusted it will not pass inspection next September. It has been welded already, at the tune of $2500.00. This truck has 122,000 miles. I want the truck fixed. I’ve been in touch with the BBB and the attorney general, and others. The attorney general suggested I get a lawyer. This is a a gross deception from the Orleans Dealer in [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving at both high speeds (highway) and local road speed limits, Toyota Tacoma's rear passenger side frame split completely in half. While performing maneuvers such as right turns, vehicle wobbled and I, driver, lost temporary control of vehicle. Upon further inspection, rear driver side frame also contains stress fractures which are symmetric to the rear passenger side of truck. Potential for accident has increased exponentially. Pictures provided. Brought evidence of clear safety hazard to local Metro Detroit dealership at 773 S Rochester Rd Unit B, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 on 04NOV25, and called Toyota Corporate on 05NOV25. Toyota Corporate neglected my concerns about safety hazard and potential harm to myself and family. Safety recall needs to be issued immediately. This issue stems from a well known recall from Toyota of Toyota Tacoma's, 1996-2004, which contained an OEM defect of excessive corrasion to the frames, causing premature failure of the frames due to excessive rust build up which impacts frame integrity and increases probability of failures such as observed in my case.

Prior to July, 2010, I received a letter from Toyota stating my Tacoma Frame was recalled. I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I set up an appointment with the Orleans Toyota dealer and set up an appointment. They gave me a loaner and had my truck for two weeks. I thought my frame had been replaced. All this time went by and now my frame is dangerously rusted. Last year I spent $2500 getting it spot welded. This year the mechanic says he may not be able to pass it next time. This provoked me to research all my bills for the truck. What I found was unbelievable to me. I never looked at my billing receipt from Orleans Toyota, but believed the frame was done. Not the case. They replaced the 83341 Spare Tire Carrier 5092 Wpt. Part=04002-11204. My Tacoma has 122,000 on it now. I’m [XXX]. I cannot afford a new car payment . From what I understand there are 100s of people with the same problem of seriously rusted frames. I need your help. Thank youL [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? While driving over railroad tracks, the lower ball joint separated from its socket, which caused the CV axle shaft to break apart and led to the separation of the upper ball joint. As a result, the front driver's side tire folded under the fender, causing the truck to abruptly veer off the road and into the right shoulder All parts are available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the failure occurred, I was driving over a series of railroad tracks when the truck suddenly veered off the road onto the shoulder. This abrupt veering and stopping put my safety—and the safety of others—at risk, as the drivers behind me had to react suddenly to avoid a collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The truck was serviced in 2006 in response to the recall, having the lower ball joints replaced, however the replacement parts may have failed Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s side wheel detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to navigate the vehicle to safety. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front driver’s side ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle remained and was diagnosed that the rear frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was included in an unknown warranty extension; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 310,000.

Mileage: 310,000

I was driving home on March 10 2023 well out of no where my Toyota Tacoma something on the front end suspension broke it looks to me the recal that Toyota fixed before I even got the truck well sent me into 3 trees head on 55mph no airbag deployed I didn't have a chance to try and stop the vehicle I thought I was going to die I know the road I was on isn't the best shape I need help

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the entire subframe of the vehicle was rusted due to severe corrosion. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the subframe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available. The contact stated that there was an opportunity to have the frame of the vehicle coated but that make the corrosion worse. The contact feels as though the vehicle is unsafe to drive.

Mileage: 200,000

While driving, on the highway, the rear shock absorber support mount came loose, allowing the truck bed to come loose from the frame/chassis. Fortunately only the passenger side came loose, keeping the truck's bed attached to the rear of the truck I later found that this particular model has a problem with Frame rot which generated a Toyota bulletin. I bought the truck from Toyota, as a used truck in 2011, but received no notifications of this potentially hazardous vehicle. If the bed had come loose at highway speed, any vehicle following the 2003 Toyota Tacoma truck would have been severely damaged or potentially resulted in the death of the people in the cars following behind me and the truck. There was a Toyota bulletin issued previously which was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase. The vehicle has been in Toyota shops regularly for inspections, maintenance and other repairs but the shop never mentioned anything about a "rusty" frame. Upon further research, I have found multiple Toyota Tacoma owners with similar issues with the frame. I believe Toyota knowingly manufactured and sold a defective product with serious potential safety issues. This vehicle either should be banned from the road for the safety of all drivers.

THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND WAS NEVER ADDRESSED TO BE FIXED

I NOTICED A SMALL HOLE UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME JUST IN FRONT OF THE LEAF SPRING AND NOW THE HOLE HAS GROWN TO THE SIZE OF A QUARTER. THERE IS ALSO QUITE ALOT OF RUST UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK AS WELL AS THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER. I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA AND THIS TRUCK WAS PURCHASED FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN PENNSYLVANIA. THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION. SINCERELY,[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

FRAME IS RUSTING.

Mileage: 243,188

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER?S AND PASSENGER?S SIDE REAR SUBFRAME AND REAR LEAF SPRING WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BERLIN CITY TOYOTA OF PORTLAND LOCATED AT 191 RIVERSIDE ST, PORTLAND, ME 04103 (207) 618-6528, AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.*DT 8/14/2020 EDIT BY [XXX]: I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT THE TACOMA WAS BROUGHT INTO THE SEASHORE TACOMA DEALERSHIP IN NEW JERSEY BACK IN 2013 FOR A DIFFERENT RECALL AND THE FRAME RECALL WAS NEVER ADDRESSED OR BROUGHT UP TO ME WHILE MY TACOMA WAS THERE. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO NOTE THAT IN 2016 WHILE I WAS STATIONED IN ALASKA, I RECEIVED A POST CARD ABOUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I PROMPTLY CALLED THE NUMBER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE WARRANTY DID NOT PERTAIN TO MY TACOMA. OTHERWISE, I WOULD HAVE PUT IT ON THE FERRY TO JUNEAU FOR THE INSPECTION. LASTLY, I HAVE OWNED THIS TACOMA SINCE 2009. IT AS BEEN STATIONED WITH ME FOR 4 YORK IN FL, 4 YORK IN NJ, 4 YORK IN SITES, AK AND 2 YEARS IN ME. IT ALSO PREVIOUSLY LIVED BETWEEN IN KY AND FL PRIOR TO ME. HAD I BEEN ASKED THE RIGHT QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF THE TACOMA THEN I'M SURE THEY WOULD HAVE TOLD ME THE TRUCK WAS ELIGIBLE FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. *DT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Mileage: 160,000

I PURCHASED MY 2003 TACOMA SECOND HAND BACK IN 2015 WHICH SERVES AS MY PRIMARY VEHICLE TO THIS DAY. AFTER RETURNING FROM A YEAR LONG DEPLOYMENT OVERSEAS, I HAD A FEW FRIENDS OVER ON 4JUN OF WHICH ONE WAS ADMIRING MY TRUCK UNTIL HE LOOKS UNDERNEATH AND NOTICES ALL THE FRAME RUST. HE ADVISES THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON IT AND I SHOULD CONTACT MY TOYOTA DEALER TO GET IT SERVICED. FEELING DISTRAUGHT, I GO ONLINE AND LOOKUP RECALLS FOR MY CAR WHICH LED ME TO THE "FRAME RUST" SAFETY ISSUE ON A MANY TOYOTA MODELS TO INCLUDE MY OWN. THE ADVISEMENT SUGGESTS SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THE FRAME RUSTING THROUGH DUE TO FACTORY NEGLIGENCE IN SUFFICIENTLY COATING WITH ANTI-CORROSION MATERIALS. FURTHER RESEARCH IN OTHER FORUMS STATE OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS DESCRIBING IT AS FRAME RUST ALTOGETHER AND NOT JUST ON THE SPARE TIRE PLATE. ISSUES DESCRIBED INCLUDE THE ISSUE CAUSING THE LEAF SPRING TO SNAP AND THE FRAME ITSELF RUSTING THROUGH. INSPECTION OF MY TRUCK PROVES TRUE TO ALL ACCOUNTS DESCRIBED. I CONTACTED SERVCO TOYOTA IN HONOLULU, HI THE VERY NEXT DAY AND SPOKE TO A NICE LADY. I EXPLAINED HOW I BECAME THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE SINCE 2015 AND WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THIS RECALL. SHE CHECKED MY VIN TO CONFIRM THAT I WAS AFFECTED BY IT, HOWEVER THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED AS OF 2018 SO THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. SHE GAVE ME THE 1-800 NUMBER TO TOYOTA WHICH LED ME NOWHERE AND KEPT DIVERTING ME BACK TO SERVCO TOYOTA INSTEAD OF THEIR MAIN OFFICE..... WHAT FRUSTRATES ME THE MOST IS THAT TOYOTA PROVIDED ME NO NOTICE OR WARNING ABOUT THIS RECALL. SO HOW CAN I REACT TO SOMETHING I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF. SAFETY RECALLS SHOULD NEVER HAVE EXPIRATION DATES AS IT REMAINS A SAFETY ISSUE UNTIL ITS PROPERLY REMEDIED. *TR

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE FRAME BROKE COMPLETELY IN HALF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AN CAUSED THE DRIVE SHAFT TO FALL OUT AND WHEN IT DID IT BOUNCED UP AND KNOCKED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK CAUSING ME TO WRECK.AND THE BED OF THE TRUCK HAS HUGE HOLES RUSTED THROUGH THEM.

POWER STEERING PUMP HAVING ISSUES I CAN FILL IT UP TO THE FULL LINE AND IT WILL GO DOWN TO HALF EMPTY EVERYTIME I'VE DONE IT THEREFORE STEERING IS VERY TIGHT AND DIFFICULT, THE TRUCK BED HAS HUGE HOLES RUSTED/CORROSION COMPLETELY THROUGH IT ON BOTH SIDES, THE SPARE TIRE MECHANISM IS RUSTED SO BADLY IT DOESN'T WORK AND HALF OF IT IS MISSING DUE TO RUST/CORROSION AN HAS FALLEN OFF, AND THE FRAME BROKE COMPLETELY IN HALF ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE TRUCK WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AN CAUSED THE DRIVE SHAFT TO HANG ON THE GROUND AND IT KNOCKED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK BEFORE I COULD GET THE TRUCK STOPPED, ALSO THE SUSPENSION ON THE REAR OF THE TRUCK IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE FRAME ON THE TOP UNDER THE BED JUST ATTACHED TO THE FRAME ON THE BOTTOM.

BROUGHT TRUCK INTO BODY SHOP IN JUNE 2019 TO HAVE WORK DONE. THEY TOLD ME THE FRAME ON THE TRUCK WAS SEVERELY RUSTED IN SEVERAL PLACES. THEY SAID IT MAY BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IN 2016 (ABOUT 2.5 YRS AGO) I BROUGHT THE TRUCK INTO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER TO HAVE FRAME INSPECTED UNDER A RECALL NOTICE. AT THAT TIME THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FRAME WAS OK. IN ADDITION THE TRUCK WAS AT THE DEALER IN 2018 FOR ANOTHER RECALL FOR LEAF SPRINGS. AT THIS TIME THEY REPLACED LEAF SPRINGS BUT DID NOT REPORT ANY PROBLEMS WITH FRAME RUST. THE ORIGINAL BODY SHOP AND MY LOCAL CAR REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THAT THE SEVERITY OF THE RUST DAMAGE ON THE TRUCK INDICATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON A LONG TIME AND WERE SURPRISED THAT IT HAD PASSED TOYOTA DEALER FRAME INSPECTION. I CALLED TOYOTA NATIONAL LINE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT FOR FRAME REPLACEMENTS FOR MY TRUCK THE PROGRAM ENDED IN JANUARY 31 2019. SUBSEQUENTLY I TRIED TO WORK WITH THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY HAVE ALSO TOLD ME THAT NATIONAL TOYOTA WILL NOT HELP. CLEARLY THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM (SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS) INDICATES THAT THE RUST DAMAGE WAS HAPPENING OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND TOYOTA WAS NEGLIGENT IN REPORTING THIS TO ME. TOYOTA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRING/REPLACING THE FRAME SINCE CLEARLY THE PROBLEM HAS EXISTED LONG BEFORE THE JANUARY 31 2019 DATE AND I HAVE FOLLOWED UP ON ALL THE RECALL NOTICES FOR THIS TRUCK.

Mileage: 136,000

BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED, FRAME RUSTED, FROM COLD WEATHER STATE, HEARD LOTS OF TRUCKS DID THIS, RUST SO BAD AFRAID TO DRIVE IT,EVERYTHING ELSE ON TRUCK GOOD, FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND IT'S HAD 5 RECALLS, NOT ONE DONE BY FORMER OWNER, INTERNET WEB SITE SAID FRAMES WERE NOT COATED RIGHT, FACTORY DEFECT, WANT TOYOTA TO FIX ISSUE AS IT'S THEIR FAULT THIS HAS HAPPENED, IT'S DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 165,000

FRAME IS ROTTEN AND BROKEN, SHOCKS RIPPED OFF OF FRAME. UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND STILL NEED TO USE DAILY.

Mileage: 110,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH, THE FRONT SUSPENSION EXPLODED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FLEW UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE LINE SNAPPED. THE VEHICLE MOVED ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,661.

Mileage: 172,661

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING DETACHED. THE HUB FOR THE WHEEL BEARING WAS LOOSE AND DETERIORATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUST AND WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFUSED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE CORRECT CERTIFIED PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

Mileage: 107,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A POPPING NOISE WAS PRESENT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SPRING HANGER WAS RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000 *BF.. CONSUMER STATED WHILE SEARCHING THAT TOYOTA WAS AWARE THAT THE FRAME WAS SUSCEPTABLE TO CORRISION AND THERE WAS A RECALL/ REEPLACEMENT PROGRAM BUT HAS EXPIRED.*JB

Mileage: 146,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A POPPING NOISE WAS PRESENT FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SPRING HANGER WAS RUSTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000 *BF.. CONSUMER STATED WHILE SEARCHING THAT TOYOTA WAS AWARE THAT THE FRAME WAS SUSCEPTABLE TO CORRISION AND THERE WAS A RECALL/ REEPLACEMENT PROGRAM BUT HAS EXPIRED.*JB

Mileage: 146,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS COASTING INTO A FUEL STATION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT DETACHED FROM THE TIRE INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT AN IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER TOWED TO TOYOTA OF WHITTIER (LOCATED AT 14577 E, WHITTIER BLVD, WHITTIER, CA 90605, (562) 222-5386). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINT BECAME LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION) IN 2005. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1902250627. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR FAILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.

Mileage: 230,000

THE REAR BRAKE LINES THAT CONNECT OVER THE REAR AXLE RUSTED INTO AND CAUSED THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM. WHEN THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN INTO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIR TO THE BRAKES THE SERVICE CENTER REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE BRAKE LINES BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO SEVERELY THAT IF PUT ON A LIFT THE FRAME WOULD FALL APART AND THE TRUCK WOULD BREAK IN HALF. THE SERVICE CENTER DETERMINED ALSO THE TRUCK WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. SERVICE RECORDS AT THE DEALERSHIP ARE ON FILE WHERE THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION OF THE FRAME AND REPORTED THE TRUCK DID NOT HAVE A RUST ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE LETTERS I RECEIVED AND HEEDED THE WARNING TO HAVE THE TRUCK INSPECTED.

Mileage: 115,680

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY SERVICED BY A MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION OF THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS FOR THE FRAME. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER ON 12/17/18 REPRESENTATIVE STATED NOTIFCATION WAS MAILED W/O A RESPONSE. CONSUMER STATED NO NOTIFICATION WAS SENT, REPRESENTATIVE STATED SHE WOULD GET BACK TO THE CONSUMER ON 12/18/18 BUT NEVER DID.*JB

Mileage: 156,500

WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40 MPH, RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY BROKE OFF AT THE BALL JOINTS. THE TIRE FOLDED UNDER THE CHASSIS AND THE TRUCK SKIDDED TO A STOP IN THE ROAD SHOULDER.

Mileage: 250,000

FRAME CORROSION, TOOK TACOMA IN FOR INSPECTION WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, FRAME FAILED INSPECTION BUT TOYOTA DENIED CLAIM DUE TO OUTSIDE INFLUENCES.

Mileage: 148,000

WE BOUGHT OUR 2003 TACOMA BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER IN 2003, EXPECTING THIS TO BE A 30-YEAR INVESTMENT. WE HAVE KEPT UP ALL MAINTENANCE ON THIS TRUCK WITH OUR MECHANIC. HE CHECKED IT LAST YEAR AND FOUND NO ISSUES WITH THE FRAME OTHER THAN SOME NORMAL RUST. LAST WEEK WE TOOK IT TO HIM BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ON, AND HE DISCOVERED THAT OUR FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH WITH HOLES IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE. HE DEEMED IT COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND RECOMMENDED THAT IT BE TOWED TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS NEAR THE POINT OF BREAKING IN HALF. WE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICES FROM TOYOTA. WE PERFORMED ALL RECALLS THEY ISSUED. AFTER AN ONLINE SEARCH, WE DISCOVERED THE EXTENT OF THIS FRAME ROT PROBLEM OVER MANY TOYOTA TRUCKS. WHEN WE CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE, THEY DISMISSED US AND TOLD US THAT WE WERE OUT OF LUCK RECEIVING ANY HELP OR COMPENSATION FOR THIS DEFECT BECAUSE WE HAD MISSED DEADLINES ON A CLASS ACTION SUIT AND ALSO THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUED ONLY FOR SOME TACOMAS IN CERTAIN COLD WEATHER STATES. WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY OF THIS INFORMATION AND HAVE LIVED AT THIS SAME ADDRESS WITH THE SAME CONTACT INFORMATION SINCE THE TIME OF PURCHASE. WE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED IT AND THEY ALSO COMPLETELY DISMISSED US, TELLING US THAT IT WAS OUT OF THEIR HANDS AND WE COULD TRY TO CONTACT CORPORATE TO JOIN ALL THE OTHER TRUCK OWNERS WITH THIS FRAME ROT PROBLEM AND TRY TO SEE IF THEY MIGHT HELP US. THIS TRUCK HAS ONLY 37,479 MILES. AS MUCH AS I'M DEVASTATED THAT WE ARE NOW OUT MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BECAUSE OF TOYOTA'S UNSCRUPULOUS POLICIES, I'M MORE ANGRY THAT THEY KNOWINGLY HAVE PUT MILLIONS OF LIVES IN JEOPARDY BY COVERING UP THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. HOW MANY MORE VEHICLES ARE CURRENTLY ON THE ROADS EVERY DAY WITH THE RISK OF RIPPING IN HALF AND KILLING INNOCENT PEOPLE? THIS PROBLEM MUST BE FIXED PLEASE!

Mileage: 37,479

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD GOIMG ABOUT 35 MPH HEARD A LOUD NOISE. LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY TIRE HAD BROKEN OFF FROM THE BALL JOINT. THE PLACE FIXING IT SAID THE OTHER SIDE IS ABOUT TO BREAK AS WELL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.

Mileage: 270,000

THE FRAME ON MY TACOMA HAS ROTTED BEYOND REPAIR, OVER 6" GAPING HOLES IN THE MAIN FRAME NEAR THE SUSPENSION MOUNTS. THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS ARE BOWED OVER AS WELL! I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS BY TOYOTA. I CONTACTED TOYOTA TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THEY REFUSED AT 1ST THEN AQCCEPTED IT AT THE WHITBY TOYOTA DEALER. THE RESULTS WERE THAT TOYOTA WAS WILLING TO INSTALL AN UPGRADED SPARE TIRE CARRIER & NOTHING MORE!

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE KRAUSE TOYOTA OF BRINIGSVILLE, PADEALER DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT IT DID NOT PASS BECAUSE THE REAR END NEAR THE SPRING SHACKLE FOR THE SUSPENSION WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT, AS OF 2012, THEY WERE NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER OPENED CASE NUMBER: 1706010045. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF SEVERE CORROSION TO THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED CASE NUMBERS: 1075172502 AND 1705192164. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 06/29/17*LJ UPDATED 08/03/2017 *JS

Mileage: 180,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY TURNED LEFT AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT FRACTURED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD NOT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

THE FRAME ON MY 2003 TACOMA IS RUSTING BADLY! THE TRUCK ONLY HAS ABOUT 98K AND IM THE SECOND OWNER. I PURCHASED THE TRUCK ON 9/3/2011. THE TRUCK IN GETTING TO THE POINT OF BEING UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MOUNTING POINTS FOR THE LEAF SPRINGS ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF NOTIFICATION FROM TOYOTA REGARDING THE FRAME RECALL. I'VE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY ARE TELLING ME I DON'T QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE BECAUSE NO CORROSION TREATMENT HAS APPLIED. THE PROBLEM WITH THAT IS, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED! IF I HAD BEEN, THEN THEY WOULD REPLACE THE FRAME FREE OF CHARGE. I'VE RECEIVED AT LEAST THREE LETTERS FROM TOYOTA FOR THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER RUST ISSUE, SO THEY DO KNOW I OWN THE TRUCK AND HOW TO CONTACT ME. I'VE LIVED AT THE SAME LOCATION FOR 14 YEARS! FROM WHAT I'VE READ, THE CORROSION TREATMENT THEY ALLEGEDLY OFFERED DIDN'T HELP ANYWAY. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SOME PEOPLE WERE NOTIFIED AND OTHER WERE NOT. THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME DRIVING THESE UNSAFE TRUCKS. I HAVE TO WONDER HOW MANY OF THOSE PEOPLE ARE CLUELESS ABOUT THE DANGER THEY ARE PUTTING THEM SELVES INTO, NOT TO MENTION THEIR FAMILIES. AT ANY MOMENT YOU COULD LOOSE TOTAL CONTROL...AFTER THE TRUCK COLLAPSE IN HALF AFTER YOU HIT A BUMP WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IM SURE IF SOMEONE LOOKED HARD ENOUGH THEY COULD FIND EXAMPLES OF THESE UNSAFE TACOMAS CAUSING SERIOUS AND POSSIBLY FATAL ACCIDENTS. THEY ALREADY KNOW ITS A PROBLEM. HOW ELSE COULD THEY HAVE WON A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE VENDER THAT SUPPLIED THEM WITH THESE FRAMES. THEY SUED, AND WON BECAUSE THESE FRAMES ARE DEFECTIVE. THAT SETTLEMENT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONTINGENT UPON THE ONGOING INSPECTIONS AND REPAIRS FOR EVERYONE AFFECTED. *TR

Mileage: 98,650

FRAME RECALL FOR RUST TOYOTA DID UNDERCOAT THE FRAME AND IT DID NOT DRY FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW ALL THE UNDERCOAT IS FALLING OFF AND THE FRAME IS RUSTING WORSE THAN WHEN IT ORIGINALLY WAS WORKED ON I TOOK IT BACK AND WAS TOLD AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO HOLES THEY WILL NOT FIX THE RUSTPROOFING.

FRAME HAS RUSTED THRU BY THE LEAF SPRING AND OTHER PLACES. TOYOTA HAS A RECALL/CAMPAING THAT COVERS THE FRAME THRU 2018. BUT THEY WILL NOT REPLACED FRAME BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS NOT UNDERCOATED DURING A SPECIFIC TIME....THEY WANT $10,000 FOR NEW FRAME.. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE FULLY RECALL.

Mileage: 166,000

BOTH SIDES OF MY FRAME ARE RUSTED IN FRONT OF THE REAR WHEELS . THE LEFT SIDE HAS A LARGE RUSTED CRACK WHERE THE LEAF SPRINGS CONNECT TO THE FRAME. THE RIGHT SIDE HAS A ROASTED WHOLE LARGE ENOUGH THAT I CAN PUT MY HAND INSIDE. I CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATE AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE VERY SORRY BUT ALL THEIR CAMPAIGNS WERE EXPIRED AND THEY HAD TO TELL THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE THE SAME THING. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND COULD CAUSE ME OR SOMEONE ELSE HARM AT ANY TIME. IF TOYOTA HAS TALKED TO THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, IT SEEMS TO ME THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR FAULTY EQUIPMENT . UPDATED 11/19/15.*JB

Mileage: 210,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STEERING THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER WAS NOT ATTACHED TO THE TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

Mileage: 123,000

I PURCHASED THIS 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 4 DR A FEW MONTHS AGO I'VE BEEN A TOYOTA OWNER FOR MORE THAN 6 YRS AS MY PREVIOUS TRK WAS ALSO A TACOMA THE BODY ON THIS TRK WAS SPOTLESS, NO RUST ANYWHERE, THE FRAME HAD SURFACE RUST BUT IT DIDN'T LOOK TOO BAD THE TRK NEEDED TIRES & A BULB FOR SAFETY. I FELT LIKE I HAD GOTTEN LUCKY TO GET A NICE DEPENDABLE TRK ON THE ROAD. WITHIN A MONTH I NOTICED THE TRK WAS RIDING ROUGHER. IT SEEMED TO BE GETTING WORSE EVERYDAY. TACOMA DOESN'T HAVE GOOD SUSPENSION IN THE 1ST PLACE AS I HAD TO DO IT TWICE ON MY LAST TRK. THE TRK HAD SNOW BUILD UP FROM THE COLD WINTER WE WERE HAVING, SO I TOOK IT TO THE CAR WASH TO CLEAN IT UP BEFORE PUTTING `IT IN THE SHOP. WHILE WASHING IT I NOTICED SOME SCALE RUST CAME OFF UNDER THE DRIVERS FLOOR, I PULLED IT INTO THE SHOP OVER THE HOIST & WHILE SETTING THE LIFT ARMS I NOTICED A SUBSTANTIAL HOLE IN MY FRAME. I LIFTED THE TRK TO FIND A PIECE OF THE FRAME STARTING AT THE LT FRONT SWAY BAR MOUNT HAD ROTTED AROUND THE WELDED SEAM & DISINTEGRATED. THE HOLE WAS15" LONG & ANOTHER 8" HOLE ON THE RT REAR IN FRT OF THE SPRING SHACKLE. TOYOTA SAYS THEY WILL REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE HANGER UNDER WARRANTY BUT THE FRAME IS MY ISSUE AS I DID NOT HAVE THE FRAME INSPECTED BACK IN 2010 TO EXTEND THE WARR. UNTIL 2017. I DID NOT OWN THE TRK UNTIL 2014. TOYOTA IS TRYING TO HIDE BEHIND A TECHNICALITY THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO THE NEW OWNER. I FEEL TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXCESSIVE RUST ISSUE AS THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE HAD TO RE-CALL OVER 160.000 UNITS BECAUSE OF THE FACT THEY FAILED TO USE ADEQUATE RUST PROTECTION IN THE 1ST PLACE. THIS TRK & MANY OTHER TOYOTA TRKS ON THE ROAD ARE A POTENTIAL DEATH TRAP. THE WORLD NEEDS TO BE INFORMED OF TOYOTA NOT BACKING THEIR WARR. & TRYING TO KEEP THE HUSH HUSH ON THEIR RECALL FOR RUST PERFORATION. TOYOTA CREATED THE PROBLEM, TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 275,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRUTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

SO IN DECEMBER I TOOK MY TACOMA TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A REGULAR FRAME INSPECTION AFTER LEARNING UPON THE ISSUE. THE TRUCK IS IN ALMOST PERFECT CONDITION, SPOTLESS INSIDE AND OUT. THE FRAME FAILED INSPECTION, AND I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. FIRST OFF, A SERVICE REP AT THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO SEND ME OFF TO A FRIEND OF HIS WHO COULD "PATCH" UP THE FRAME SO THAT IT WOULD PASS INSPECTION (GREAT IDEA, RIGHT?). TOYOTA HAS PROVIDED ME WITH A RENTAL, BUT THE ONLY RENTAL THEY WOULD GIVE ME IS A COROLLA. I LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS, AND BOUGHT THE TRUCK SO THAT I WOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE ROUGH WINTER WEATHER. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO CALL OUT OF WORK AS A RESULT OF BEING UNABLE TO DRIVE THROUGH THE SNOW. I AM LOOKING AT A DATE OF MID MARCH AT THE EARLIEST (MOST LIKELY LONGER) UNTIL I AM ABLE TO HAVE MY TRUCK BACK, DEPLETING THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF ME HAVING A TRUCK. I HAVE TRIED GETTING TOYOTA TO BUY THE TRUCK BACK. I LOVE MY TRUCK, AND I PLAN ON CONTINUING TO DRIVE TOYOTA DUE TO THE WELL-KNOWN RELIABILITY OF THESE VEHICLES. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A SORT OF BAD LUCK INCIDENT, BUT CONSIDERING THAT RUST SPREADS, I ALREADY KNOW THAT I AM GOING TO HAVE TO PUT MORE MONEY INTO THE VEHICLE TO COMBAT THE RUST CORROSION THAT HAS ALREADY BEGUN DUE TO A FAULTY FRAME. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY ALREADY OCCURRING, CONSIDERING THAT IT IS NOT JUST THE FRAME THAT IS CORRODED, BUT ALSO THE BRAKE LINES. I AM NOT LOOKING IN ANY WAY TO CHEAT TOYOTA, I AM JUST ATTEMPTING TO HAVE A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE, AND I WORRY THAT SINCE THIS CORROSION HAS ALREADY STARTED, REPLACING THE FRAME IS ONLY PUTTING OFF THE ISSUE UNTIL IT BECOMES NOTICEABLE ON THE REST OF THE VEHICLE. IF ANYONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY HAVE TOYOTA BUY BACK A 2001-2004 MODEL TACOMA, I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW HOW THEY ACCOMPLISHED THIS.

Mileage: 122,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LEAF SPRING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION) AND STATED THAT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BEFORE THE NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL SPRAYED THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD NOT BE HONORED DUE TO THE COATING OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED AND MAY FRACTURE. A LIFT PLATE INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS COVERED WITH UNDERCOATING AND THE LIFT PLATE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO THE RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,880.

Mileage: 75,880

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AXLE, POWER STEERING LINES AND OIL PAN WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CORROSION WAS SO SEVERE THAT IT CAUSED A FRACTURE ON THE POWER STEERING LINE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRAME AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Mileage: 80,000

FRAME RUSTED/ CRACKED WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA DURING THE FIRST RECALL AND I WAS TOLD IT PASSED. DID NOT GO BACK FOR SUBSEQUENT RECALLS TO HAVE THE FRAME SPRAYED. CALLED TOYOTA WHEN THE TRUCK FAILED INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE THE FRAME SPRAYED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WOULD DO FOR ME. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM OUTLASTED THE FRAME. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. *TR

Mileage: 125,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT WAS FOUND TO BE SEPARATED, CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 05V225000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,640.

Mileage: 175,640

A TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP WAS TAKEN TO MY MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND FRAME RUST WAS NOTED. I CALLED TOYOTA AND TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLIED THEY COULD DO NOTHING AS THE COST OF REPAIRING THE FRAME WAS NOT WORTH THE VALUE OF THE CAR. THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO CALL TOYOTA DIRECTLY AND HAVE BEEN TOLD I AM ON MY OWN. THERE ARE 96,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME RUST WAS NOTED. WE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATIONS THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS AS I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I AM STUCK WITH A VALUELESS CAR WITH NO HELP FROM THE PARENT COMPANY. *TR

Mileage: 95,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL COLLAPSED TO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE BALL JOINT WAS SPLIT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: BALL JOINT) AND WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000. *TR UPDATED 06/10/13 *BF

Mileage: 180,000

TOYOTA HAS RECALLED MY TRUCK DUE TO A RUSTED OUT FRAME. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HAS ELECTED TO REPLACE MY FRAME WITH A NEW FRAME. THIS LARGE PROCEDURE HAS LEFT ME INSECURE ABOUT THE OUTCOME. THIS TRUCK IS NOW 10 YEARS OLD AND AS SOON AS THE START WRENCHING ON ALL THE SYSTEM COMPONENTS TO DISASSEMBLE AND RE ASSEMBLE MY TRUCK I AM AFRAID THAT THEY SHORTEN THE LIFE OF EXISTING COMPONENTS DUE TO ADDED WEAR AND TEAR. THE DEALER WILL NEED TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL BRAKE LINES AND GAS LINES THAT HAVE BEEN SET IN PLACE AND HAVE EXTENSIVE CORROSION THIS WILL LEAD TO PREMATURE FAILURE AND UNSAFE OPERATION. MOST MECHANIC KNOW THAT A RUSTED AND SET BOLT THAT HAS NOT BEEN MOVED FOR 10 YEARS HAS A 50% CHANCE OF REMOVAL. IN ORDER TO REMOVE SUCH A "STUCK" BOLT THEY WILL NEED TO APPLY HEAT AND IMPACT AND MAY WEAKEN THE EXISTING PARTS, STEEL, AND BOLTS TO LOWER LEVELS OUT OF TOLERANCE THAT THE VEHICLE AS DESIGNED ORIGINALLY. ADDITIONALLY, THIS SERVICE IS COMPLETED IN A LOCATION WITH OUT THE CONTROLS, QUALITY ASSURANCE AND TESTING THAT IS IN PLACE IN A FACTORY WHERE NEW VEHICLES ARE BUILT. THERE IS UNCERTAINTY THAT THIS VEHICLE WILL BE ASSEMBLED, TESTED, AND INSPECTED ACCORDING THE MANUFACTURER'S GUIDELINES FOR A FACTORY PRODUCED VEHICLE. THIS LEADS TO UNCERTAINTY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT OPERATE WITHIN THE INTENDED MANUFACTURES GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY, ROLL OVER PROTECTION, AND CRASH PERFORMANCE. I PROPOSE THAT A TOTAL FRAME RECALL AND REPLACEMENT (OR ANY LARGE INTEGRAL PART THAT WILL IMPACTED THE VEHICLE OPERATION) ON ANY VEHICLE SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED GIVEN THE UNCERTAINTY DESCRIBED. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THERE APPEARED TO BE AN OIL LEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL BOOT THAT WAS NOT APPARENT PRIOR TO THE FRAME REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE.

Mileage: 143,000

PURCHASED USED VEHICLE FROM PRIVATE SELLER. ON THE FIRST DAY OF USE, AFTER OBTAINING NEW TITLE, TAGS, INSURANCE COVERAGE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE FOLLOWING DAY SCHEDULED SERVICE W/ THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. UPON INSPECTION WAS TOLD THAT THE TRUCK NEEDED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE LOWER FRONT BALL JOINTS THAT THE DEALER WILL REPLACE FOR FREE. THE DEALER HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS. AFTER RECEIVING THE PARTS AND UPON START OF THE REPAIRS, I RECEIVED A PHONE INFORMING ME THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE IS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS GIVEN AN 800 PHONE NUMBER TO CALL AND DEAL DIRECTLY WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE OFFICE. I AM PATIENTLY AWAITING FOR A RESPONSE. *TR

Mileage: 90,400

I BOUGHT A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA FROM A TOYOTA DEALER IN DECEMBER 2011 WITH 81,841 MILES ON IT. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE FROM TENNESSEE TO OREGON A LEAK IN THE OIL PAN APPEARED. I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND TO MY SURPRISE THE WHOLE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY RUSTING. THE LEAK WAS FROM THE OIL PAN THAT WAS CORRECTED BADLY. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT FROM THERE TO MY HOME IN OREGON HAVING TO ADD ABOUT ONE QUART OF OIL. THE DISTANCE WAS ABOUT 700 MILES. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND HE INFORMED ME THAT I HAD MAJOR RUST PROBLEMS UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE GAS TANK SHIELD IS GONE DUE TO RUST. THE FRONT END SUSPENSION WAS SO RUSTY THEY COULDN,T GET SOME OF THE BOLTS OUT. THEY HAD TO REMOVE SOME OF THE FRONT END SUSPENSION TO REPLACE THE OIL PAN. BOTH FRONT BACKING PLATES FOR THE ROTORS WHERE RUSTED AWAY. NO ALIGNMENT COULD BE DONE BECAUSE OF THE RUST. I HAD THE FRONT END REPLACE WITH GOOD USED PARTS AND WHEN THEY ATTEMPTED TO ALIGN THE VEHICLE THE FRONT TIE ROD BROKE DUE TO RUST. THE WHOLE FRAME ASSEMBLY IS VERY RUSTY. I FIND OUT NOW THAT THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF FRAME WHICH I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT. THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT FROM A TOYOTA DEALER IN TENNESSEE IN DECEMBER OF 2011. THEY NEVER SAID A WORD TO ME ABOUT THE RUST PROBLEM. THEY DID A OIL CHANGE AND THEY ALSO REPLACED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE SO THEY HAD TO BE AWARE OF THE RUST PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE A FIND OUT CAME FROM NEW YORK ORIGINALLY. THEY SAY THEY WILL HELP OUT WITH REPAIR COSTS SO FAR BUT WHAT ABOUT THE FRAME RUST. THIS DEALERSHIP WITHHELD VITAL INFORMATION FROM ME. TOYOTA OF AMERICA SAYS THE FRAME RECALL WAS VOLUNTARY AND HAS EXPIRED. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TAKEN CARE OF. *TR

Mileage: 88,841

VERY LOOSE STEERING WHEEL. PROBLEM IS THE SLIP SHAFT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. OVER TIME THE LOVER SHAFT WEARS AND THE STEERING BECOMES LOOSE AND SLOPPY. PROBLEM FIRST SHOWS UP AS LOOSENESS IN THE WHEEL AND EVENTUALLY TURNS INTO A CLUNK WHEN DRIVING OVER MINOR ROUGH ROADS. FROM TALKING TO MECHANICS AND OTHER TACOMA OWNERS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA WILL NOT ADDRESS. PROBLEMS INCLUDE DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING CONTROL OVER ROUGH PAVEMENT. WANDERING AT ALL SPEEDS. MAJOR DIRECTION CHANGES WHEN BREAKING ON ALL ROADS. SMOOTH OR ROUGH. OVER ALL THE TRUCK IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I'VE HAD THE TRUCK ACTUALLY CHANGE LANES WHEN I HIT AN UNEXPECTED ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD AT APPOX 30 MPH. THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DUE BECAUSE OF THE SLOP IN THE STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TRUCK IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND I HAVE GONE THROUGH THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING TRYING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH NO LUCK. I'M NOW FACED WITH SPENDING EVEN MORE MONEY TO REPLACE A STEERING COLUMN. *TR

2003 TOYOTA TACOMA RECALL NOTICE FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PARTS FAILED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *NJ

2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 4WD CREW CAB PICKUP I WOULD LIKE TO RELATE A RECENT EXPERIENCE I HAD WITH MY 2003 TOYOTA PICKUP. I WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK THROUGH A PARKING LOT IN LARGO, MARYLAND ON JANUARY 29, 2009. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED DOWN IN THE FRONT END AND I CAME TO A STOP. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HAD DROPPED DOWN INTO THE WHEEL WELL. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BY BOSWELL AUTO SERVICE OF WALDORF, MARYLAND NEAR WHERE I LIVE. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE CASTLE NUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY HAD COME OFF. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY EVENT. THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY SEPARATED AND AS A CONSEQUENCE FRONT AXLE WAS BROKEN AS WELL. IN REVIEWING MY RECORDS I SAW THE RECALL FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINT FOR MY TOYOTA. I HAD THIS RECALL WORK COMPLETED AT WALDORF TOYOTA ON DECEMBER 29, 2005. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE MECHANIC WHO FIXED MY TRUCK. HE TOLD ME I SHOULD MAKE THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AWARE OF THIS INCIDENT. IN HIS OPINION, THIS EVENT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IF THE BALL JOINT CASTLE NUT IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY. I TOOK THE INFORMATION TO WALDORF TOYOTA ON FEBRUARY 3, 2009. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER (MICHAEL PAVAN, 301-843-3700, [email protected]) AND A MAN I BELIEVE WAS A MECHANIC OR SERVICE SUPERVISOR. I SHOWED THEM PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE BROKEN BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE REMNANTS OF THE COTTER PIN WERE STILL IN SO THAT THEY BELIEVE THEY HAD INSTALLED THE CASTLE NUT CORRECTLY. I LEFT THE BROKEN BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY WITH THEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE WOULD REPORT IT TO HIS REGIONAL MANAGER. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD TURNED IN A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 318,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 218,000. UPDATED 10/5/09 *CN UPDATED 10/07/09. *JB

Mileage: 218,000

IN JANUARY 2006, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA RE: BALL JOINTS ON OUR 2003 TACOMA. I SCHEDULED WITH THE DEALER AND THEY WERE ALL REPLACED. CHRISTMAS DAY OF 2007, I EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE BALL JOINTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. BOTH UPPER AND LOWER SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH. AND, THE WHEEL PRETTY MUCH SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. (VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT INJURY). VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE IS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH 74,0000 MILES. MILEAGE ON TOYOTA-REPLACED BALL JOINTS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE THAN ABOUT 20,000 MILES WHEN THEY FAILED. *TR

Mileage: 20,000

IN JANUARY 2006, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA RE: BALL JOINTS ON OUR 2003 TACOMA. I SCHEDULED WITH THE DEALER AND THEY WERE ALL REPLACED. CHRISTMAS DAY OF 2007, I EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE BALL JOINTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. BOTH UPPER AND LOWER SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH. AND, THE WHEEL PRETTY MUCH SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. (VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT INJURY). VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE IS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH 74,0000 MILES. MILEAGE ON TOYOTA-REPLACED BALL JOINTS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE THAN ABOUT 20,000 MILES WHEN THEY FAILED. *TR

Mileage: 20,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. IN FEBRUARY OF 2007, THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND WAS UNAVAILABLE. AS OF MAY 4, 2007, THE PART WAS STILL UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WAIT TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR IS UNACCEPTABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 38,300 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT SSC 50J A FEW MONTHS AGO. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND EACH TIME I CALL THEY TELL ME THE PARTS ARE IN BACK ORDER IN THE MEAN TIME I AM DRIVING ON THIS VEHICLE WITH MY BABY AND MY 6 YEAR OLD SON IN THE TRUCK I FEEL SOMETHING NEEDS TO HAPPEN ASAP I NEED TO GET MY PARTS REPLACED THE TREASON I AM TAKING IMMEDIATE ACTION RIGHT NOW BECAUSE FOR THE PAST DAYS THERE HAS BEEN NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT AND ALSO IT HAS BEEN VERY JUMPY AND I WAS TOLD THAT IS THE LOWER BALL JOINT. THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE WE HAVE AND I AM VERY UPSET WITH TOYOTA HOW THEY ARE GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND . I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY KIDS IN IT BUT I HAVE NO CHOICE SINCE IT IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE PLEASE HELP ME. I HAVE MENTIONED TO THEM TO LEND ME A LOANER AND I ALSO GET THE RUN AROUND I WILL TO TAKE CARE OF THIS BEFORE I PUT MY FAMILY IN DANGER. *JB

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FOLLOW UP NOTICE FOR THE SUSPENSION, LOWER BALL JOINTS. HOWEVER, HE NEVER RECEIVED A PREVIOUS NOTICE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND WAS UNABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE CONTACT'S HEAD SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD, AND ALSO SUSTAINEDE BRUISING TO THE FACE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CALL TOYOTA, AND WAS TOLD BY THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT HE WAS THE ONLY PERSON THAT HR EVER REACH AND WAS NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR. TOYOTA SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AFTER THE CRASH ,AND HE ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REASON THAT THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY WAS DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE IMPACT. WHILE UNABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED THAT THE RELATED RECALL WAS IDENTICAL TO THE FAILURE THAT OCCURRED WHILE HIS FAMILY MEMBER DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS DISSATISFIED THAT THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE FAILED TO MENTION THE RECALL THAT WAS EFFECTIVE A YEAR PRIOR WHICH CAUSED A COLLISION WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,500. *AK

Mileage: 39,500

2003 TOYOTA TACOMA WOULD NOT STEER SAFELY. UPON INSPECTION MECHANIC DETERMINED THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW TIRES DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT. CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF A RECALL REGARDING THE BRAKES. *KB THE TOYOTA DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE RIGHT AND LEFT BALL JOINT USELESS THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. *NM

Mileage: 12,282

DT: THE CONTACT STATED A RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED PERTAINING TO THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL ON 12/27/05 WHERE THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REALIGNED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIMMY AFTER ABOUT THREE MONTH LATER AND IT WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE FRONT TIRES WERE BALANCE WHICH RESULTED IN DIFFICULTY OF STEERING DUE TO THE TIRES BECOMING WORN. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT THE WORN TIRES WERE A DIRECT RESULT OF THE IMPROPER ALIGNMENT PERFORMED BY THE DEALER ON 12/27/05. AFTER 3 DAYS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR TIRE ROTATION BECAUSE THE DIFFICULTY IN STEERING HAD WORSENED. THE ROTATION FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR AWHILE HOWEVER AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS THE STEERING WORSENED. ON 6/26/06, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT TIRE DEALER FOR REALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE REALIGNMENT OF THE TIRES BEFORE THE ALIGNMENT, AFTER THE ALIGNMENT AND THE SPECIFIED RANGED. *NM

Mileage: 23,750

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTIFICATION. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID # 05V225000 CONCERNING THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, THE DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL REMEDY. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE DRIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION.

Mileage: 25,000

2003 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED. VEHICLE LATER BEGAN TO MAKE A GRINDING & CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LURCH FORWARD. *TS *JB ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***

INFO COPY LTR FWD TO TOYOTA REGARDING FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL, CUSTOMER DISSATISFIED W/QUALITY OF CURRENT TOYOTA VEHICLES. *TS **REFERENCE 10140998*** THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IT KEPT GOING, THE CONSUMER OVER STEERED TO TRY AND THE VEHICLE TO TURN, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WENT TOO FAR IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, CROSSED THE CENTER LINE, HIT A CULVERT WENT AIRBORNE AND HIT A DIRT DITCH. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE. *JB

INFO COPY LTR FWD TO TOYOTA REGARDING FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL, CUSTOMER DISSATISFIED W/QUALITY OF CURRENT TOYOTA VEHICLES. *TS **REFERENCE 10140998*** THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE FRONT END PROBLEM AFTER BEING FIXED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER WHICH MADE IT HARD TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES HAD DELAYED ACTION, IT TOOK A LITTLE TIME TO RESPOND TO TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *JB

THE FRONT TIRE TREADS ON THE ORIGINAL TIRES OF THE VEHICLE WORE OUT WITHIN 10,000 MILES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THE SHOCKS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHICH FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH THE SHOCKS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Mileage: 10,000