I purchased the Tacoma 10/9/2013, it was a one owner truck, I had a copy of the car fax, everything was clean, ran well, and it seemed to be in over-all good condition. I noticed some of the recall repairs had not been made by the previous owner, I took it to the dealer, Voss Toyota in Beavercreek, Ohio 10/29/2013 for the necessary repairs. I was informed by the service guy, using a hammer, that my frame was crumbling and I would be needing a new frame as well. He gave me a number to call to get the work authorized under the recall. I was denied and told the recall was only out there for a brief time and I had missed it. I was disappointed after reading blogs, some people were still getting their frames replaced free of charge, through a recall, where as others were in the same boat as me, stuck with an extremely dangerous truck. I called Toyota Customer Service numerous times and all I ever got was, I'm sorry, and how they were well aware of the corrosion problem with the frame on the 2002 and 2003, but there was a recall still in effect for the 2005...

The rust problem on my Tacoma is so severe, the truck is starting to buckle, no space between the cab and the bed at the top. It is in such bad shape no one will put it on a lift! It will be the complete and single cause for the demise of my truck, and quite possibly myself. I am not in a financial position to replace the frame at my expense. Nor am I in a financial position to scrap the truck, or sell it at a loss, like some others have, I had just bought the truck. Hence, due to no other choices within my means, I will be driving the Tacoma when the frame breaks apart and I will probably die or end up a paraplegic, neither of which are good outcomes to the situation.

9/11/17 I wrote James Letz, Chief Officer of Toyota North America, 6781 Headquarters Dr., Plano TX 75024.

He is also manager of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing of North America, asking for help in my situation. I stated, "I followed the corrosion prevention in the Owner's Manual, it is washed regularly. The Pocket Reference Guide has safety and emergency features, I did have the spare tire part fixed under the recall, but I don't see anything that applies to the frame, which is the biggest safety issue. I want to protect my investment, "Insist on Genuine Toyota Quality." The quality of the frame on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma is inferior due to inadequate rust protection at the factory."

9/28/17 I received a response by phone from (972) 324-7000, I didn't catch the mans name, but he was calling from Grand Prairie, TX. He told me there was a recall letter sent out to the owners of 2002 Tacomas, informing the owners to check for rusting and corrosion on the frame, and they could bring the truck in for a rust prevention spray; however, it expired 2011. The call took me by surprise, and I was driving during the time of the call. I wanted to know when the letter was originally sent out, and why something so serious, a recall, could expire? They obviously know how severe the problem is, and sending out letters is admitting guilt, and admitting a mistake had been made at the factory. I asked if anything could be done, and if there was going to be a new recall or re-open the recall that had expired in 2011. I told him I was scared, and he answered, "I understand I would be too." He led me to think nothing was going to be done, but it was up to the Engineering and Manufacturing department, oddly enough, that is Mr. Letz, the CEO!

What happened to "Genuine Toyota Quality?"

Just bought in April for just above $10,000 because i heard this mileage was still young for a toyota, The paint itself has no rust, however underneath the frame is completely rusted through to where you can poke a hole through the frame. I purchased in April and did not notice a rust issue until i went to change the Oil about mid July. I have contacted Toyota and they said that they are well aware of the issue and that it may be unsafe to drive. However Toyota will not fix the issue because their 15 year frame fix for customer ended the month before in JUNE. That means i missed their customer voluntary recall by less than one month, after only purchasing the vehicle four months ago! Toyota needs to honor this for me or do a formal recall, this is a bunch of BS. They wont do anything for me but tell me what the standard policy is.

Bought a used 2002 tacoma in 12/2010. Had a recall on the tire holder and when it was in for the recall the dealer told me the frame was completely rotted and I shouldn't drive it. I drove it home and called toyota to find out about any recall. They said I missed the frame spray by one month (prior to my purchase) and was old of luck (the guy named Kevin was very nice on the phone-but in the end could not help me). So i'm out of the 10K I spent for the truck several years ago, it's the beginning of winter. I used to love toyota I had a 1996 that was a gem of a truck until the frame rusted out on that as well and Toyota bought it from me. I'm a teacher so when students see my toyota is gone I will tell them never buy a toyota. Toyota is not a good company and have lost their way as far as quality and customer service. I figure in my career as a teacher I'll reach some 10,000 students so I can warn them about buying a Toyota.

My truck will not pass inspection due to the frame. Toyota says their offer for extended warrenty expired in 2011. Toyota referred me to the dealer in 2011 which threatened to take my truck. (See below) I could not afford to have a dealer swindlel me into a new car payment due to unemployment in 2011. I paid cash for the truck when I bought it. In 2011 Toyota said they would pay 1.5 times blue book, but they marked down the blue book value during the recall.

6/18/2010 Hello Ron, I recieved your email, and yes it is in your best interest to turn your vehicle back in here. It doesn't hurt, or help our dealership, but a voluntary surrender of your vehicle is better than having a repossesion on your file. Let me know if there is anyway we can help. Thanks again, Greg Oldaker - Business Development Manager

Response (Anita Mouton)

06/26/2012 09:36 AM

Thank you for getting back to us with the requested information, Mr. Rector.

We have forwarded your concerns to our Case Management Department for further assistance. A Case Manager will be in touch with you by the end of business Wednesday June 27, 2012.

Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file #1206252461.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via email by using the following link, http://www.toyota.com/help/contactus.html, or by calling 800-331-4331. We are available from 5 AM to 6 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday and from 7 AM to 4 PM on Saturday. Sincerely, Anita Mouton Toyota Customer Experience