Excessive frame rust perforation on 1st generation Tacoma will cause the frame to break leading to an extremely unsafe condition including handling ability, rollover, lack of impact protection, and possibly loss of life. Key areas are by the rear leaf springs and close to the front sway bar. Toyota did offer an extended warranty on the frame, but there was no mention that the frame was deteriorating from the inside out or that all the frames were manufactured without proper corrosion preventative treatment at dana Corp, not just those in the listed northern states.Toyota's letter of extended warranty did not list this as a safety issue, nor did it recommend an initial or any followup frame inspection by a qualified Toyota mechanic for the non-northern states, nor did it mention the NHTSA as being involved. The letter mentions "a small number of 2001 through 2004 model year Tacoma operating in severe cold climate areas with high road salt use...". all Tacoma's in any road-salt state have the issue. Many states that do use road salt have not been inspected, ever. When something is under warranty, people tend to keep using things until they break. Under a safety recall, people tend to get the problem fixed quickly. The Tacoma frames are not actually "breaking" during the warranty period but they are becoming "defective" during the period. Many people are driving older Tacoma and have no idea the truck is about to snap in half. This frame rust issue has not been acknowledged as a safety issue by either Toyota or the NHTSA. A quick google search for Tacoma frame rust will reveal hundreds/thousands of pictures of perforated and dangerous frames. Interestingly, there was a recall on the tire carrier which suffered from rust as a direct result from the frame rust. The letter clearly states that in the non-effected states, "you do not need to do anything at this time".

- Bellevue, NE, USA

My 2001 Toyota Tacoma has 150,000 miles on it. I noticed my frame completely split. I drive almost entirely on paved roads. There was no impact or unusual use in the area of the break. I took it into the Toyota dealership immediately and they said there was nothing they could do about it.

- Hood River, OR, USA

The frame is showing sever signs of corrosion. I have taken the vehicle to the local dealership who have investigated the vehicle 2 times last year and said that there is no issues with the frame but one can see several 4 -5 inch rust holes in the frame. I am not sure if the vehicle is safe to drive anymore.

- Twin Falls, ID, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic because the emergency brake cable was damaged. When the vehicle was mounted onto the lift, the frame fractured in between the cabin and the bed of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was too old and all recalls had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000.

- Wasilla, AK, USA

Frame is severely rusted (just noticed), spare tire can't be removed, and the hand brake cable from center cab to rear wheels is frozen

- Crestwood, KY, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact noticed that the rear driver and passenger side frame was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (premier automotive group, 1140 main St, milford, oh 45150). The dealer stated that nothing could be done. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at 800-331-4331 and stated that there was nothing they could do to repair the vehicle. Case number: 1710102304 was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 177,280.

- Columbus, OH, USA

Frame is cracked at rear ended on both sides

- Catlett, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While driving various speeds, a rattling noise was heard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the frame was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 186,103.

- Olive Hill, KY, USA

The frame has rusted through right in front of the right rear spring mount. This vehicle was called back by Toyota for poor corrosion protection of the frame. They sprayed the outside of the frame with and underscoring but did not treat the inside of the boxed sections of the frame.they did not protect the frame as they led me to believe. They are refusing to correct their mistake. I took the truck back to them when they informed me of the problem to have them correct it, but they did not correct it. Merely covered it up. I'V E contacted both team Toyota in langhorne pa and Toyota usa. They have both ignored my issue. This frame issue is dangerous and they're left their customers drive unsafe trucks knowing T H E problem exists. They know of the problem, they created the problem and they are putting many lives in danger every day. These vehicles need to be repaired or the owners need to be properly compensated. It's all about their profits. They've put money and doing the right thing in front of lives like mine. Please ask Toyota to correct this problem. Thanks for your time.

- Langhorne, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact noticed that the rear passenger wheel was corroded and the subframe underneath the wheel was fractured. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the contact was unaware of what was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

- North Babylon, NY, USA

Frame is rusted through at rear leaf spring bracket happened prior to 2016 but just noticed when replacing exhaust and muffler

- Middletown, MD, USA

I took my Tacoma to be serviced and when the technician started to lift it into the air, loud creaking was heard and movement of truck bed from truck cab. Technician immediately lowered vehicle and I was told the frame was rusted and truck may not be safe to drive. Had truck inspected at an auto body shop and was told frame was a complete loss due to rust and would need to be replaced. This year Tacoma was not in the massive recall of rusted frames, but seems like with the number of complaints online, it should be. I'm just thankful that it was found before anything serious had occurred while driving

- Wonder Lake, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. When the vehicle was taken in for routine maintenance, the technician stated that the frame of the vehicle was severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was included in a prior rust recall, but was unsure of the NHTSA campaign number. At the time, the contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle had been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000. Updated 06/21/17

- Enfield, CT, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact discovered that the frame and transmission support were severely rusted and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.

- Royal, IA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the frame was corroded and the vehicle was unable to be driven. The dealer diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new frame and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Attleboro, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While the vehicle was being repaired, the technician noticed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired for the frame failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure the approximate failure mileage was 220,000. The VIN was not provided. Updated 03/29/17lj the consumer stated that he was not notified of the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. Updated 9/15/2017

- Dahinda, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While receiving an oil change, the technician noticed a hole in the frame. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.

- Ridgefield, CT, USA

Frame rusted through. Took it to dealer in 2010 for inspection. Dealer reported no issues. Took it to dealer in 2017. Dealer would not put it on the lift for fear that it would break in half. Toyota assuming no responsibility inspire of the fact of the class action lawsuit for same. They indicated it was past the settlement date. I did bring in in within the deadline in 2010 and they claimed no problem. 7years later the truck has been rendered useless. I should mention that the after market trailer hitch has not rusted through and is in good working order. Hmmm? I think Toyota is not being honest with their customers

- Wood Dale, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. After the dealer replaced the frames, the hose to the center support bearing mold did not match and caused the U-joint to be crooked. The contact attempted to install a new bearing, but it did not align with the frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer the dealer stated that the bearing was fine. The contact stated that the failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was approximately 208,000. Updated 03/16/17 the consumer stated took truck in for frame warranty work, it was released 85 days later in a "repaired condition." The consumer stated Ford made the replace bearing holes the wrong size.

- Mound, MN, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While driving approximately 35 mph, the spare tire fell from under the vehicle. The contact stated that the frame was rusted badly. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

- Mattoon, IL, USA