Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[NHTSA launches probe into 2000-2001 Toyota Tundra frame rust claims]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/nhtsa-launches-probe-into-2000-2001-toyota-tundra-frame-rust-cla/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/nhtsa-launches-probe-into-2000-2001-toyota-tundra-frame-rust-cla/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/nhtsa-launches-probe-into-2000-2001-toyota-tundra-frame-rust-cla/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Coming hard on the heels of its largest U.S. recall in history is news suggesting that Toyota could again face the wrath of the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. That's because the government agency is finally turning its eyes on the frame rust problem for 2000-2001 Toyota Tundras, a problem that has lit up owner forums for years. Toyota is no stranger to frame rust issues, as it has also extended the rust warranty of 1995-2000 Tacoma trucks and has even offered to buy back the trucks in 20 cold weather states at 1.5 times their Kelley Blue Book values. 2001 to 2004 Tacomas are already eligible for supplemental corrosion protection and replacement frames if necessary, but Toyota will not buy the newer trucks back.

The latest probe by NHTSA involves 218,000 Tundras from the 2000 and 2001 model year, as the government safety organization has reportedly received 20 reports of frames that have rusted to the point where some serious problems occurred. Five of the reports were for brake lining ruptured on the driver's side "rear crossmember at upper shock mount." The other 15 reported incidences involved spare tires which separated from the rear crossmember as the result of excessive rust. Sean Kane, president of Safety Research & Strategies told The Detroit News that the frame rusting problem is so severe that the "bottom can collapse." We take that as meaning that the frame of the Tundra truck can collapse under its own weight due to advanced tinworm.

Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons told the DN that the company is aware of the issue and is conducting an investigation of its own. The Japanese automaker claims that the frames were built by the same supplier which built the potentially defective Tacoma models, so we're thinking a similar issue could be a real possibility. Since the investigation is ongoing, Toyota has yet to officially accept blame for the issue, nor has it offered to repair or replace any defective frames. If NHTSA's investigation determines that 2000 and 2001 Tundra frames are defective due to excessive corrosion, the world's largest automaker may not have a choice. Hat tips to Rene and Alex.

[Source: The Detroit News]

NHTSA launches probe into 2000-2001 Toyota Tundra frame rust claims originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2000 toyota tundra2000ToyotaTundra2001 toyota tundra2001ToyotaTundracorrosionframe rustframe toyotaFrameRustFrameToyotaNational Highway Traffic Safety AssociationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAssociationnhtsasafety recallSafetyRecalltoyotatoyota corrosiontoyota frame rusttoyota recalltoyota rustToyotaCorrosionToyotaFrameRustToyotaRecallToyotaRusttundratundra corrosiontundra rustTundraCorrosionTundraRustThu, 08 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota extends rust warranty on older Tacoma pickups to 15 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/toyota-extends-rust-warranty-on-older-tacoma-pickups-to-15-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/toyota-extends-rust-warranty-on-older-tacoma-pickups-to-15-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/toyota-extends-rust-warranty-on-older-tacoma-pickups-to-15-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Toyota had begun receiving a few reports from customers that excessive corrosion was occurring on the frames of some older Tacoma pickups, specifically 1995 to 2000 models. The Japanese automaker determined that during this half decade of production, some Taco frames may not have received the kind of corrosion protection from the factory that's needed to withstand harsh climes, especially ones where salt is used to deice roadways. While there is no recall and Toyota says that the number of instances where it has found rust go beyond the surface of the frame to penetrate the metal is small, the automaker is pulling an unorthodox move and doing something about anyway.

Toyota is extending the rust perforation warranty on all 1995-2000 Tacoma pickups, some 813,000 units, to 15 years from the original date of purchase, AND you don't have to be the original owner, or the second or the third even. Anyone who owns a Tacoma from this era and finds rust perforation on the frame can have his or her truck officially inspected for rust damage, in which case Toyota will either repair or buy back the truck regardless of its condition. Owners will start receiving letters by mid-March, and those who don't can visit a dealership for a free inspection.

Now if you'd excuse us, we need to start shopping for a used 1995-2000 Toyota Tacoma in Syracuse, NY.

[Source: Toyota Open Road Blog]

Toyota extends rust warranty on older Tacoma pickups to 15 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rust maintenance toyotaRustMaintenanceToyotatacoma rusttacoma rust dealershiptacoma rust warrantyTacomaRustTacomaRustDealershipTacomaRustWarrantytoyota rusttoyota tacomaToyotaRustToyotaTacomaFri, 07 Mar 2008 15:26:00 EST