Frame rot

So I have a 2002 Tundra. I went to take my step sides off and noticed that the frame is in severely bad shape. Does anybody know if Toyota is still doing frame replacements for free?

 

The short answer is yes, maybe, depending on your circumstances. There are at least a dozen threads that discuss the frame replacement, qualifying criteria, letters to dealers, letters to Toyota Corp, eligibility rules, updated eligibility rules, why did you get a frame and I didn't posts. Basically everything you want to know, except for how to become a hand model, is in the search bar in the top right. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info! I’ll take a deeper look into the forums for what I need.

 

To save you some time: visit the dealer, if they say no call Toyota corporate.

Chances are if it was treated with the frame spray you're out of luck since that "satisfied" the service campaign.

 

Seriously, the truck is 17 years old and you want a warranty for the frame. I think that you expect to much. At some point the purchaser needs to be responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle.

If this seems to harsh, I apologize and blame it on my beverage of choice this evening.

 

Not harsh but your thoughts are misguided in the fact I just got the truck and where the frame is rotted was covered up by the step sides. It's Toyota, I never knew I had to look under these models for this issue.

 

Have you gone to a dealer yet?

 

I haven't had the time. Been moving for the past couple of weeks and needed the bed. Just got corporate's number. Going to call them first and see what they say.

 

Go to Toyota.com and enter your VIN# and their software will determine if it may impact you. Then you make an appointment with a dealer, wherein they will inspect the vehicle and make a determination, yea or nay, and that is that. Unless you take it to another dealer and convince him/her otherwise - good luck on that one. In general now, it seems the recall was originally centered on the eastern states which salted the roads during winter. This was later extended to most of the northern tier states that experience snowy road conditions and is considered a non-expiring recall, I believe, or something near to that effect. There is no reason to think that 17 years is a long time with regards to the frame; a well built frame should last 40 - 50 years or better with but a little care. Toyota is protecting it's image - a truly good thing I wish others would follow, and one reason I am driving a Tundra.

A little anecdotal info...While in my youth spent as a carpenter, when the economy soured I would sell cars to get by. It became clear to me early on, and without naming brands, that many dealers participated in the sunshine club. If you brought in a vehicle for warranty work and the dealer had previously performed such warranty work on your rig, it was almost a sure thing that they would extend their sunshine treatment to your vehicle. Sunshine treatment consisted of parking your vehicle in the sunshine and moving it once before you came to claim it, implying that they had looked at it, but in reality they passed. I never noticed this behavior at a Toyota dealership.

 

The Sunshine Club Treatment. This one is a keeper.

 

Thank you so much for your input! Will execute this and get back with yall on results!

 

According to this thread, @WinesburgDuroc got his 2000 Tundra frame replaced yesterday!

 

Just talked with dealership and said that all recalls had been completed. In my eyes, this is actually a good thing b/c it shows where their attempt to fix it has failed and the previous owner complied with Toyota on the matter.
If I take it there, can they deem it "unsafe to drive" and hold it so where I'd be out of a vehicle?

 

I don't think they have any authority to hold your vehicle.

 

Without a valid lien on the vehicle or a court order, they can't keep the vehicle and must release it to the owner. Which isn't to say they couldn't get it impounded by the police should you try and drive it away and an alerted police officer is lying in wait.

If, as you say, the repairs have been completed yet the problem persists, I would take the matter up with Toyota corporate. If they are inattentive, and you wish to pursue it further, have an attorney try and shake the bushes for you. Good luck.

 

Btw, Were these factory steps, or aftermarket?
If aftermarket, they may be able to "claim" that your steps caused the issue and that releases them from liability.

 

Check your rear crossmember above the spare tire. 00-03 did have a recall for that, if it is rusted too you should have a case for a new frame.

 

Thanks for the tip!

 

Got a call back from corporate and verbatim told me my specific, vin was not acknowledged as a vin redeemable for a new frame.

Taking it to Dealer tomorrow. I'll share what they say.

 

What did the dealer say?

 

This I need to bring up with my dealer. They have never told me by getting my frame sprayed it satisfied the campaign. My truck being an 08 with only 83k miles on it now I would still expect them to replace the frame in the future but I guess that's just me. Frame rust is ridiculous.

 

Its sad i have an 06 that ive taken care of i swear that compound or whatever they used cused more damage....and it never held onto the frame....im sadly going to have to junk a decent truck bc the frame is falling apart...my frame was nice i have pics...now 3 years its junk

 

Well that's crap... I am going to have them go over it with me for sure of what they used and how long they will stand behind it.

 

I have a 2002 tundra 4x4 in good condition minus the frame. They just sprayed over the rust to hide it. It rotted out behind the front tires on both sides. I called and emailed Toyota care and NHTSA and made complaints about it. Everybody that only got undercoating is having the same problems.

 

Yea i swear it made it worse...but the call it a campaign...not a recall.....years ago it was beds 1st gen frames...hipe they figured things out....but i do a lot of trailering w that 06...is it just gonna buckle one day...will it wrip in half....maybe the hitch and spare just go one way