Tacoma Frame Rust Recall: The Ongoing Saga
Background
My 2005 Toyota Tacoma, affectionately known as #CampTacoma, is subject to a Limited Service Campaign due to excessive rust resulting in a frame susceptible to perforation. This isn’t a minor issue – the rust is so extensive that the truck is currently in three separate pieces at a Seattle area dealership.
The Present Status
The mechanics are poised to start the rebuild, but they’ve hit a roadblock. The severity of the rust means that additional parts need replacement – parts that will or have already been damaged during the frame replacement. Here’s the catch: these parts aren’t covered in the recall.
The Extra Cost
For me to proceed with the necessary repairs, the dealership is asking for an extra $5380. This cost is to cover the additional parts not included in the recall. I have informed the dealership that I won’t shoulder any additional expenses associated with the recall.
Advocacy and Negotiation
The Service Representative from the dealership understands my stance and has been advocating on my behalf to Toyota Corporate. For the past two weeks, we’ve been in a standoff with Toyota Corporate, which refuses to cover the cost of any parts that aren’t explicitly included in their frame recall “policy.”
A Tough Decision
The situation puts me between a rock and a hard place. If I refuse to take on the extra costs, Toyota will return the truck in its current state: old, rusty frame and all. The decision to be made is not an easy one, considering the emotional and financial implications involved.
This page serves as an ongoing record of the struggles I’m facing during this recall process. I will continue to update as the situation evolves. Please feel free to share your own experiences or suggestions in the comments section below. Follow along with the journey at @TacomaProblem.
