2008 Toyota Tacoma Body & Structure Problems

Your 2008 Tacoma's frame has severe rust damage that makes it unsafe to drive. You recently purchased the truck and discovered the frame wasn't properly coated at the factory, a common issue for Tacomas in cooler climates. Toyota's recall for this defect has expired and they won't cover the repair. Addressing this will likely require professional frame inspection and rust treatment or replacement.

Your brakes completely failed while driving due to a damaged main brake line caused by severe frame corrosion and structural shift. You had to use the emergency brake to avoid a crash in traffic, and there were no warning lights before the failure occurred. The frame corrosion was so extensive that the repair shop was concerned the vehicle would break apart if lifted. Fixing this will require replacing the damaged brake line and addressing the severe frame rust, which may involve professional frame inspection and restoration.

Your truck's sidestep (the step you use to climb into the cab) made a crunching sound when stepped on and nearly separated from the frame when pulled on. You noticed severe corrosion running along both the passenger and driver sides underneath the vehicle. This corrosion has weakened the structural integrity of the sidestep attachment.

During a routine oil change on your 2008 Toyota Tacoma, a mechanic discovered that the sub frame (the structural component that supports the suspension and drivetrain) had extensive rust and corrosion on both the rear and front passenger's side. No warning light appeared before this discovery. The mechanic recommended replacing the sub frame to address the corrosion. Fixing this will likely require removing and replacing the corroded sub frame, which is a major structural repair.

Your 2008 Tacoma's frame has developed excessive rust, particularly on the front passenger side, causing visible deterioration. The manufacturer confirmed this is a known issue, but your dealer did not diagnose or repair it. The underlying frame corrosion could eventually affect the vehicle's structural integrity and safety. Frame repair or replacement would be needed to address this rust damage.

During a routine oil change at 130,000 miles, a mechanic discovered severe corrosion on your truck's subframe — the structural component that holds suspension and drivetrain parts. Toyota's dealer confirmed there were no recalls for your vehicle and provided a repair estimate, but the manufacturer offered no assistance with the cost. This corrosion could eventually affect your vehicle's structural integrity and safety.

Your truck's subframe has severe corrosion with a large hole in the front leaf spring shackles, which your dealer says needs reinforcement at a body shop. Toyota sent out extended warranty letters about this issue, but yours may have expired before you received it. The problem was discovered at 107,811 miles during a state inspection.

Your truck's Super White paint is peeling and deteriorating across multiple areas including the roof, hood, and door frames, exposing primer and bare metal underneath. This appears to be a manufacturing defect rather than normal wear, and Toyota has a warranty extension program (T-SB-0162-19) for this paint issue on other Toyota models, but your 2008 Tacoma was excluded despite having the same paint type and defects. Addressing this will likely require professional repainting of the affected panels or the entire truck.

Frame is rusted. Lancaster Toyota Mazda body shop recommended the frame be replaced. They will not repair it.

I purchased this vehicle used several years ago. I recently took it in for an oil change and my mechanic advised me that the underside was rusting out. There was a recall for this issue but it has expired and Toyota has refused to do anything.

While driving at unknown low speed on 2 lane road, contact observed bed of truck rise vertically in the air, within the frame of rearview mirror. Upon pulling over, further investigation indicated that indeed, while adding body weight to the truck bumper, rear of bed, was more than sufficient to cause the front of the bed to rise. Truck was later moved to dealer location, Courtesy Toyota, Brandon, FL, for inspection. Inspection by Toyota indicated both frame rails were completely severed by corrosion. Truck was tagged out of service and not safe to operate by the OEM. This unit was inspected by same Toyota dealership in Jan 2019, for extended frame corrosion warranty program, and was passed for frame rail replacement as it did not meet the failure criteria of the incorrectly written test. This criteria DOES NOT address all failure modes, nor a normal population of "most likely" failure modes, thus allowing the OEM to side-step responsibility. placing consumers at great risk for bodily harm for both vehicle owners/operators, and the general public in proximity to the traveling vehicle. Known Quality issue. Known Safety issue. Harm is imminent. Financial damage imminent.

Red paint peeling off

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at unknown speeds and turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormal rattling sound heard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that frame was rusted after removing the heat shield. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 109,151.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a wheel bearing replacement however, upon inspection, the contact was informed that the sub frame was extremely corroded. The contact was informed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,808. The contact stated she was told find a shop to weld a metal piece but Marquardt Toyota but was informed there is nothing to weld.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that that there was corrosion underneath the front end of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle had corrosion but that the vehicle was out of warranty and provided no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

1. Some years ago Toyota recalled the vehicle for inspection of the frame. Since it was relatively new, it did not need a frame replacement at that time. They claimed to have enhanced protection with some kind of coating. 2. Warrantee for frame corrosion was extended for 12 years but I did not receive a notice for reinspection when that was nearing the end for my vehicle. 3. Although my vehicle just passed inspection, I have been informed that corrosion is progressing, and I will not pass inspection in one two or three years. 4. My vehicle which has low mileage and is otherwise perfectly serviceable for my purposes, will have to be junked because Toyota refuses to take responsibility for shoddy manufacturing (or at least shoddy steel fabrication).

2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO FAULTY FRAMES ON TRUCK. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $12,000 TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle struck the curb. The contact heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the subframe was fractured due to extreme rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 113,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Takoma. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle and steering wheel would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic and local dealer who diagnosed that the subframe had experienced severe rusting and corrosion causing multiple holes to be present in the frame and the frame needed to be replaced. The contact was advised that due to the condition of the subframe the vehicle was unsafe to operate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 170,000.

The frame of my 2008 Toyota Tacoma prerunner truck is severely rusted. Is Toyota advising customers on steps to take care of this issue?

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that he took his vehicle for service and was informed that the chassis was extremely corroded. The contact was also informed that the failure was common. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a service campaign where rust inhibitor was applied to the chassis of the vehicle however, the treatment failed to prevent the subframe from rusting. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

We purchased our 2008 Toyota Tacoma pick up about 2012 from Stephen's Toyota in Bristol,Connecticut. Recently it went in for an oil change and emissions testing, our mechanic and the owner of the garage told us to get in touch with Toyota right away, the frame on your truck should be covered under the recall, the truck is in perfect condition inside and out and no ruse other than the frame falling apart. I touched base with the dealer but parts department just say's sorry it's not cover.. wtf.... something about the recall expired???? What I"m seeing on line is Recalls don't expire they transfer from owner to owner and "we" never have received any recalls on this truck and had no clue the frame was bad! My wife drives my child around in this truck ever single day... I need this problem taken ASAP... God for bid something happens and she get's into an accident with my son.... Next step I talk to my attorney.... Douglas Lambert 65 West Broad St. Plainville, Conn. 06062

Frame is rusting away. I bought this vehicle in 2019 from a dealership and was just informed of this issue. No recall for this vehicle is showed on the website or Toyota dealership. I think the original owner along with previous owner never looked at the recall for this vehicle. I’m not sure what else to do.

truck. Multipte spots in frame with excessive rust and holes. Needs extensive frame Work, I want to know if it covers the guarantee of this

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that he took his vehicle to get inspected and was informed that the chassis was extremely corroded and would collapse if the mechanic attempted to jack the vehicle up. The contact became aware that the failure was common. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a service campaign where rust inhibitor was applied on the chassis of the vehicle however, the treatment failed to prevent the subframe from rusting. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage 267,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while receiving an inspection, the mechanic informed the contact that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,843.

This is my second Tacoma. Both cases I’ve found out too late that the frames are shot. Although before I purchased I had it inspected by Toyota shop to identify any problems including frame rot. First one I bought new second used. Both cases I was told I am out of the recall window. My loyalty to your brand is in question. You’ve recognized a problem and on the surface it appears your taking responsibility for it. Then , atleast in my case, don’t. Disappointed starts to describe my feelings on this matter. If you care to make any concessions and retain a Toyota customer reach out to me.

frame is rotting out is there any recall for a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. I heard the recall was for 15 years is this true? thank you

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while performing repairs under the vehicle, he noticed there was a crack on the sub frame and rusting. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would not replace the sub frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the anti-corrosion coating was already applied to the sub frame. The failure mileage was approximately 284,000.

My Toyota was denied needing a frame replacement. I regret not taking it to a different dealership because it was very rusted! The corrosion compound was applied and now at 126,000 miles, you can literally rip handfuls of the frame off the truck. The frame is to the point of it not being safe to drive. I fear that it could definitely break in half while driving it. Has any other people reported rust coming through the spray on corrosion compound? It definitely did not solve the problem on my Toyota Tacoma.

This vehicle falls under a Toyota "Limited Service Campaign" based on the VIN. Because the vehicle is registered in Arizona my parents never received a notice of this campaign. But this vehicle is now in Indiana and is exposed to issues related to this campaign (Frame Rust - Cold Climate states). To base a campaign on state registration is short sighted and wrong. My parents still reside in Arizona and the vehicle is registered there but it will remain in Indiana as their vehicle for when they visit. I contacted Toyota and asked them to inspect and apply the CRC per the campaign but they have refused. Would ask the NTSB to review this campaign and cover all customer vehicles that might have exposure to cold climate not limited to registration state. If we would have been made aware of this we would have acted sooner but again, no one from Toyota informed us of the issue.

GAS TANK SUPPORT RUSTED OUT CAUSING THE GAS TANK TO FALL OFF THE TRUCK

I PURCHASED MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA IN 2010 WITH 39,000 MILES ON IT. IN EARLY 2018, I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM TOYOTA THAT MY TRUCK NEEDED TO HAVE THE FRAME INSPECTED. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN LEESBURG, VA AND HAD THE FRAME INSPECTED AND TREATED WITH SOME TYPE OF BLACK TREATMENT. THIS SUBSTANCE NEVER COMPLETELY ADHERED TO THE FRAME AND WASHED OFF. THIS IS APPARENT IN THE ATTACHED PHOTOS. I EXPRESSED A CONCERN ABOUT REOCCURRING RUST IN APRIL 2020 WITH THE TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY DIRECTED ME TO CALL TOYOTA DIRECTLY. I THEN OPENED A CASE WITH TOYOTA, CASE #2004082516 AND WAS UNABLE TO GET THE FRAME RE-INSPECTED DUE TO COVID. RECENTLY IN 2021 DURING A REGULAR SERVICE, THE TECHNICIAN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION LARGE GAPING HOLES IN THE FRAME. THE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT THE FRAME WOULD NOT PASS VA STATE SAFETY INSPECTION WHICH IS DUE IN APRIL 2021. I AM NOW LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND OF NO VALUE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION AT AUTO NATION, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS COATED WITH A PROTECTIVE SEALANT TO AVOID FURTHER CORROSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED MORE CORROSION TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER MALLOY TOYOTA (400 WEEMS LN #3609, WINCHESTER, VA 22601; (540) 678-1791) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD ROTTED THROUGH AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,773.

TOOK TRUCK IN FOR INSPECTION MECHANIC SAID FRAME IS ROTTED OUT TOYOTA SAID THAT THERE'S NO RECALL PENDING ON THIS VEHICLE

I HAD 2 PREVIOUS RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE TO CHECK FOR A RUSTED FRAME. . . . WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I HAD IT UNDER COATED AND OF COURSE IT PASSED THE TWO INSPECTIONS. .THE UNDERCOATING HAS NOW FLAKED OFF SO NOW THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH . . I TOOK IT TO A BODY SHOP AND HAD A PATCH WELDED ON TO THE FRAME. . . TOYOTA NOW SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR A RUSTED FRAME. . . I HAVE TO QUESTION THIS AFTER RECEIVING THE TWO PREVIOUS RECALLS. . .

MY VEHICLE HAS A LOT OF RUST AREA ON THE BOTTOM FRAME. I AM UNABLE TO PUT A CARJACK TO LIFT THE VEHICLE UP WITHOUT THE FRAME BREAKING. I AM AFRAID IF I NEED TO SWITCH THE TIRE I WONT BE ABLE TO BECAUSE OF ALL THE RUST. I NEED TO PLACE A SIDE STEP RUNNING BOARD ON THIS VEHICLE BUT I AM AFRAID IT MAY BE TOO RUSTED TO HOLD IT. THERE IS SOME RUST ON THE BODY AREA AND I WAS THINKING ABOUT FIXING IT MYSELF BUT THE FRAME MAYBE A LITTLE HARDER TO FIX IF I NEED TO REPLACE THESE PARTS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE STATIONARY, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THERE WERE ALSO HOLES IN THE FRAME WHERE THE WHEELS CONNECTED TO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

POSSIBLE RUST CORROSION ON FRAME OF VEHICLE. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM IN A TACOMA TRUCK, 2000 MODEL YEAR. I WANT TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT THIS ISSUE DOES NOT AFFECT THE 2008 TACOMA I PURCHASED TO REPLACE THE OLDER VEHICLE.I STILL OWN THE 2008 TACOMA. I AM NOTICING A HUM IN THE FRONT END OF THIS VEHICLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND A HUMMING NOISE WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME EXPERIENCED SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE REAR CROSS MEMBER FRAME. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR CROSS MEMBER FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,598.

THIS TRUCK WAS RECALLED FOR PREMATURE FRAME CORROSION. AT THE DEALER'S INSPECTION THE VEHICLE WAS PRONOUNCED AS BEING STRUCTURALLY SOUND. HOWEVER, AT THE CORPORATIONS EXPENSE THE VEHICLE WOULD BE SENT ELSEWHERE FOR FRAME ANTI CORROSION TREATMENT. I PICKED UP THE TRUCK A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER AND FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS AS FAR AS ALLOWING THE TREATMENT TO CURE OUTSIDE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THIS REPAIR WAS DONE IN JANUARY F THIS YEAR. AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE FRAME TREATMENT HAD NOT CURED AS A STRONG CHEMICAL SMELL PERSISTED WHICH WAS PHYSICALLY NAUSEATING. IT IS NOW MAY 5TH AND THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP (WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED) FOR AN UNRELATED RECALL REPAIR. THE SERVICE MANAGER AND MECHANIC WHO LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE SAY THE TREATMENT WILL EVENTUALLY CURE AND STOP SMELLING. THE TOYOTA CORPORATION CLAIMS TO HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY IN THIS MATTER. THE DEALER SENT THE VEHICLE OUT FOR A TOYOTA CORPORATION AUTHORIZED TREATMENT THAT APPARENTLY DID NOT WORK. THIS HAS MADE THE VEHICLE NOT USEFUL FOR ME ANY LONGER; I DON'T EXPECT TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH MY PRIMARY VEHICLE HAVING BEEN MADE USELESS UNLESS I INTEND TO BE MADE ILL WHILE DRIVING IT. THE VEHICLE WAS MORE USEFUL, EVEN WITH MINOR FRAME CORROSION, BEFORE THIS TREATMENT WAS DONE AND I FULLY EXPECTED TO HAVE THE USE FOR SEVERAL MORE YEARS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TREATED FOR RUST A YEAR AGO, BUT THE SOLUTION USED TO COAT THE FRAME RUBBED RIGHT OFF. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4TH I WAS DRIVING MY TACOMA PICKUP. WHEN I HAD TO STOP IN TRAFFIC I APPLIED THE BRAKE. THE PICKUP HAD UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION RATHER THAN STOPPING. I WAS NOT GOING MORE THAN FIVE MPH. I WAS ON A CITY STREET. THERE IS DAMAGE TO MY PICKUP.

I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. IT CAME WITH GENINUE FACTORY INSTALLED RUNNING BOARDS. ABOUT A YEAR AGO I NOTICED PITTING ON THE RUNNING BOARDS (BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE) THE COROSION STARTED AT THE REAR OF THE BOARDS (NEAR THE REAR WHEELS). I BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. I INQUIRED IF THE TACOMA WAS COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY OR RECALL, SINCE I'VE HAD SEVERAL AND ONE IS STILL OUTSTANDING (TOYOTA IS IN PROCESS OF DECIDING HOW TO FIX, SOMETHING TO DO WITH A REAR SPRING NEAR GAS TANTK). THIS MIGHT BE ASSOCIATED WITH MY CURRENT PROBLEM WITH THE-RUNNING BOARDS ON MY TRUCK! LAST WEEK WEDNESDAY I LEFT MY TRUCK FOR REPAIR WITH THE DEALERSHIP AGREEING TO PAY $300 FOR RESTORING MY RUNNING BOARDS. BY THE WAY THEY GUARANTEE THEIR WORK FOR LIFETIME. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY INFORMING ME THAT UPON INSPECTIOEN OF THE RUNNING (TOYOTA GENUINE FACTORY INSTALLED) BOARDS THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THAT BOTH BOARDS WERE CORRODED FROM WITHIN THE PARTS AND CONSIDERED UNSALVAGEABLE. IF THEY DID THE WORK THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THE SAFETY OF THE PARTS. IN FACT THE BOARDS COULD COME OFF IN THE COMING MONTHS. NO WARRANTY ON DOING THIS JOB. MY WIFE & I ARE SENIOR CITZENS AND RELY ON USING THE RUNNING BOARDS TO GAIN ENTRANCE TO THE TRUCK. ANOTHER CONCERN I HAVE IF I HIT SOMETHING ON THE ROAD AND THE DEFECTIVE RUNNING BOARDS BREAK OFF AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ATTITUDE FROM TOYOTA CORPORATE WAS THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE IF ANYTHING HAPPENS. WHEN I ASKED TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD RECEIVE A CALLBACK WITH 24 HOURS. IT HAS BEEN 3 DAYS AND I'VE NOT HEARD BACK. MY COMPLAINT IS LODGED AGAINST TOYOTA FOR MAKING DEFECTIVE PARTS THAT COULD INJURY OTHERS. TOYOTA'S INDIFFERENCE TO MY SITUATION ONLY INCENSES ME BECAUSE I THOUGHT I WAS BUYING A QUALITY PRODUCT.

EXCESSIVE RUST ON FRAME. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS EXCESSIVELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,435.

2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE HEAT SHIELDS ABOVE EXHAUST PIPES AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FASTENERS ATTACHED TO THE BODY, DETERIORATED CAUSING THE HEAT SHIELD TO FALL OFF.

THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE FRAME OF MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCK VIN #[XXX]. THE COMPLAINT IS BASED ON THE SEVERE CORROSION PROBLEM WITH THE TRUCK FRAME. THE TRUCK WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WHEN I FIRST NOTICED IT IN 2011. BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED I TOOK THE TRUCK TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO INSPECT THE FRAME AND HAVE A RECALL ADDRESSED. AT THE TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS MINOR SURFACE RUST AND THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. FAST FORWARD TO APRIL, 2012 WHEN I SENT AN EMAIL TO TOYOTA MOTOR CO., THEIR RESPONSE WAS FOR ME TO CONTACT THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. IN THE SAME EMAIL I WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WARRANTY WAS FOR 3 YEARS OR 36,000 MILES. FAST FORWARD TO AUGUST/SEPTEMBER OF 2013. I SPOKE WITH THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE FRAME TO BE INSPECTED. WHEN THE TRUCK WAS ON THE LIFT THE SERVICE MANAGER DIDN'T EVEN CARE TO LOOK AT THE FRAME. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IS NOT INTERESTED IN HELPING ME AT THIS POINT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE AMOUNT OF FRAME RUST ON THE TRUCK IS "NORMAL'. THEY SUGGEST I HAVE THE RUSTY FRAME UNDERCOATED. IT'S TOO LATE FOR THAT. THERE ARE SEVERAL AREAS OF THE FRAME THAT HAS SEVERE CORROSION. MY CONCERN IS THE POSSIBILITY OF THE FRAME CRACKING, ETC. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WHILE I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AND THE TRUCK SHOULD NOT HAVE PROBLEMS LIKE THIS AT 5 YEARS OLD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA HAS A FACTORY BED EXTENDER. WHICH ALLOWS USE TO USE THE TAILGATE AS PART OF THE TRUCK BED. DUE TO THE SMALL 5 FT BED. LOAD THE WEIGHT OF A ROTOTILLER INTO THE TRUCK CASED THE TAILGATE TO BOW AND BECOME UNSTABLE. THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY WEIGHT LIMIT OR RESTRICTION POSTED. IF THEY SELL PARTS TO USE THE TAILGATE TO SUPPORT ITEMS IT SHOULD NOT FAIL UNDER SUCH LIGHT LOADS. 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA TAILGATE IS DANGEROUSLY WEAK, AND IS UNABLE TO SUPPORT WHAT MOST CONSIDER NORMAL WEIGHT FOR A TRUCK TAILGATE. ALTHOUGH SUBSTANDARD DESIGN MAY BE CONSIDERED "BUYER BEWARE", TRUCK BUYERS EXPECT A TAILGATE TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF NORMAL TRUCK USE ACTIVITIES. TOYOTA PROVIDES NO WARNING OR CAUTION ANYWHERE THAT THE TAILGATE IS OF INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO PERFORM NORMAL 1/2-TON TRUCK DUTIES, AND TYPICALLY (PER INTERNET FORUM THREADS) TELLS THEIR CUSTOMERS THAT IT IS THEIR PROBLEM AND THAT THEY SHOULD NOT EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO SAFELY USE THE TAILGATE FOR ANYTHING MORE THAN HIDING THE INSIDE OF THE BED. SINCE TOYOTA HAS PRODUCED A SUBSTANDARD DESIGNED PART, THEY SHOULD HAVE PROVIDED A VISUAL WARNING ON THE PART TO ALERT CUSTOMERS TO THE DANGER THEIR PRODUCT IMPOSES IF USED IN A TRADITIONAL MANNER. SINCE THEY DID NOT DO SO, THEY SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE TO PROVIDE A REDESIGNED PART TO THEIR CUSTOMERS OR FULL RESTITUTION FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE VEHICLES. A GOOGLE OR SIMILAR INTERNET SEARCH ON "TACOMA TAILGATE FORUM" WILL SUBSTANTIATE MY STATEMENTS BEYOND MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE TAILGATE BENDING. *TR

THE TOYOTA TACOMA (2008) IS ADVERTISED FOR USE TO TRANSPORT MOTORCYCLES. THIS IS A CENTRAL THEME IN THEIR MARKETING PROGRAM. THE BED IS TURNS OUT IS MADE OF "COMPOSITE" (PLASTIC). THE TIE DOWN POINTS ARE RAILS AND CLEATS THAT COME OFF OR SLIDE ALONG THE SIDES OF THE BED, NOT REGULAR TIE DOWNS IN THE FRONT CORNERS, AS IN NORMAL METAL TRUCKS. THERE IS NO METAL IN THE BED TO AFFIX A TIE DOWN POINT TO. THIS SYSTEM IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE WEIGHT OR ANGLE OF MOTORCYCLES. PLUS THE ANGLES REQUIRED TO TIE DOWN MOTORCYCLES FORCE THE CLEATS TO BEND AND FLEX BECAUSE THEY ARE ONLY INSTALLED IN PLASTIC. IT TURNS OUT THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR THE 2008 HAS LIMITATIONS ON THE CLEATS BOTH IN ANGLE OF TIE DOWNS AND WEIGHT, BOTH OF WHICH ARE EXCEEDED IN THEIR AD PHOTOGRAPHS, LEADING ONE TO BELIEVE IT CAN BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE, AND IN WHAT THEIR DEALERS (OR AT LEAST POWER TOYOTA IN TEMPE ARIZONA, AND TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA, INC IS ADVERTISING). IN FACT, MANY HAVE PURCHASED THE TRUCK FOR THIS PURPOSE AND ARE DANGER OF A FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM. TOYOTA HAS ADMITTED IT IS INSUFFICIENT TO HANDLE THE WEIGHT, BUT CONTINUES TO SELL THE VEHICLES FOR THIS PURPOSE, AS IS SHOWN IN THEIR ADS. THE DEALER THAT I BOUGHT MINE FROM WITHHELD THE OWNER'S MANUAL UNTIL AFTER I TOOK THE TRUCK HOME, AND LET ME KNOW I COULD COME BACK FOR IT. THE SPECIFICATIONS ON THE TIE DOWN LIMITATIONS ARE NOT DISCLOSED ANYWHERE BUT IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE DEALER ALSO TOLD ME TO USE THE TRUCK IN VIOLATION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL WHEN I MET WITH THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN THE EVENT A MOTORCYCLE COMES OFF THE BACK OF A TRUCK AND HURTS/KILLS SOMEONE. *TR

THE FRAME ON MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCK IS RUSTING, I LIVE IN THE SOUTHEAST, WHERE THERE IS LITTLE OR NO SNOW/ICE, AND I WAS THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK REGULARLY. IT HAD RUST SPOTS ON IT THE DAY I PURCHASED IT. I HAVE REPAIRED THOSE RUST SPOTS BUT OTHERS ARE APPEARING, ESPECIALLY AT WELDED SPOTS. I HAVE NEVER SEEN RUST OCCUR SO QUICKLY ON A NEW VEHICLE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT FROM TOYOTA. *TR