2001 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regard to vehicle having a rust and corrosion problem on the frame.

- Houghton, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. While the vehicle was being serviced for the tires, the technician noticed that the entire subframe was corroded. The vehicle was taken to chester berg Toyota (705 paul bunyan dr ne, bemidji, mn 56601, phone: (218) 444-3040) where it was diagnosed that rust preparation was found and the frame was corroded. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair cost. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there was a limited campaign that ended on February 26, 2016, and the warranty was expired. The approximate failure mileage was 208,000. Rusty frame updated 9/13/18

- Gonvick, MN, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair when it was advised by the mechanic the frame was severely rusted and had fractures in the center. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000. Updated 09/29/16 consumer stated she sent a letter and pictures same day as receiving vehicle owner's questionnaire. Updated 06/13/18

- Iola, KS, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle's frame was corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the entire frame was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000. Updated 07/13/16

- Phillipsburg, NJ, USA

The frame has corrosion. The local Toyota dealership informed me they would not repair this item. They said the only remedy was a frame under coating but that this offer had expired. This is the same issue that was discovered on countless other Toyota trucks. I do not understand why this item is not a required repair. This truck has been kept in excellent shape. The problem is due to a condition beyond my control. The truck was stationary when the corrosion was found. This truck was also found to have a corroded spare tire holder, which is currently under recall. I believe the frame corrosion should be repaired as well.

- Brewer, ME, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the center framing corroded and detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 350,000.

- Ossining, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the subframe was perforated due to rust. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 154,000.

- Ferdinand , IN, USA

I frequently check the stability of the spare tire that is stored on the underside exterior of the bed. Recently I noticed that the tire was loose and moving back and forth. This prompted me to lower the tire by using the provided crank handle. After it was lowered to the ground I was shocked to see that the retaining bracket and cable spring were severely rusted. I felt that this could pose a potential safety hazard to me while operating the vehicle on the highway if that bracket fails. It could possibly cause the vehicle to roll over and the tire to fly off and cause danger to other motorists. I promptly removed the spare tire from the vehicle and went to my local Toyota dealer. They seemed to look past the safety hazard it poses and were more interested in charging me ore $600 to install a new retaining bracket. I inquired to the service consultant as to why this problem was not brought addressed to me when my truck was in there a few months earlier for the frame rust perforation recall. He replied that if they notice any issues they present the customer with a list of recommendations. At that time they had the entire cab and chassis off to install a brand new frame. I can't imagine how something as crucial as this potential deadly problem could go undetected. I recently spoke with 2 individuals who had personal experiences pertaining to this issue. One witnessed a deadly rollover due to this problem and the other had his spare fall off and roll down the road. I feel this issue should be presented to the proper officials and action should be taken soon. I hope to hear from you regarding this serious issue. Thank you. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Warwick, RI, USA

While driving on rt 24 North of nashville, the hood on our 2001 Toyota Tacoma flew completely open. The result was a smashed front windshield, a dented cab roof and a severely bent hood. The vehicle was able to be pulled over without anyone being hurt or killed. We replaced the windshield and tied down the hood.

- St. Benedict, PA, USA

Rusty leaky diff problem the oil leaks constantly. I called the Toyota dealer and they said there is no recall and nothing they will do about it at this time.

- Prattsville, NY, USA

2001 Toyota Tacoma frame structure is falling apart before its time. Even if they install a new frame it will cost to much money to replace parts to other components not under warranty. The truck would loose its value if the frame has to be replaced. Why are we letting Toyota get away with this?

- Brant Rock, MA, USA

In 2007 I noticed the frame on my 2001 Toyota Tacoma double cab limited four wheel drive was rusting badly. I notified the gault Toyota dealership where I buy all my vehicles about the problem and they stated they would monitor the rusting issue. On 01/02/2008 I had my vehicle in for an oil change and they advised my the frame of my truck was rusted through. They are now telling me that there was a buy back program for the rusted framed vehicles from 1990's to the year 2000. I have done some research and had found a number of trucks like mine year 2001 and newer are also rushing out. I was told by gault Toyota the Toyota co. Is looking at each individual case and they are more likely are going to replace the frame and it probably would not be bought back like the older models were. I feel this frame swap could cause me more problems and more money loss. I do not feel it is fair that Toyota is not giving the owners of the newer vehicles the option to have the vehicles bought back. This is a problem that needs to be addressed!

- Endicott, NY, USA

2001 Toyota Tacoma frame rusted through and verified by local dealership. Toyota is buying back up to 2000 year models but 2001 models are excluded. When the frame is rusted through, regardless of the year, this is a serious safety issue that the national highway transportation safety administration needs to address with Toyota corporation. Arbitrarily selecting the years and last vehicle identification number Toyota will cover in the buy-back program is ridiculous as this rust issue is bigger than what Toyota has anticipated. We filed a claim with Toyota they said our vehicle did not qualify for the 150% buy back, however they would buy it back for the current retail value. Our truck was built in September 2000 (qualified there), but the VIN number was 4,096 past the cut-off (didn't qualify there). Toyota builds 3,500 Tacoma per week. What makes them think that there weren't some bad frames still in their inventory at the time our truck was built. Some 2001 Tacoma owners have reported that Toyota has taken their truck away from them (after inspection) and have held it for several months and won't give it back to the owners and are only offering retail for a settlement. 2001 Tacoma owners have no choice...accept the current retail price we have offered you because you won't get your truck back. 2000 Tacoma owners...here is 150% of the retail value and we'll take that rust bucket off your hands.

- Lebanon, IN, USA

My 2001 Toyota Tacoma frame is rusted right through. I contacted my local Toyota dealer about this issue and they told me there is a recall on 95-00 Tacoma. Mine is an 01 but assembled in 09/00. They said my Tacoma doesn't fall into the recall category. I paid out of my own pocket to have the rust test performed on my truck, the dealership told me that my frame is in worse condition than some of the 95-00 that they have been taking back on recall. Then the went on to say my truck will not pass a state inspection and was unsafe to be on the road. 95-00 owners are getting 1.5% of the kkb value. I expect Toyota to do the same for me seeing mine failed rust test as well.

- Randolph, NY, USA

Toyota has issued a "customer service" program, whereby they are buying back Toyota Tacoma pickup truck at 150% of the kelley blue book value. This program is only for 1995-2000 vehicles with significant perforated (rusted) frames. I am the original owner of a 2001 Tacoma, built in 2000. My frame is rusted straight through and is only 7 years old. My dealer has stated that it is unsafe. I contacted the dealer as well as corporate directly. They are doing nothing to support owners. No repairs, no buyback. I was told today that "individuals living in new england" should expect this. I believe strongly that the implied warranty extends beyond that statement. There are thousands of Tacoma out there not being covered by this program. We are caught between the new buyback program, and the original 5 year warranty. This is wrong.

- Harpswell, ME, USA