Catastrophic failure.
Posted on 11/13/2016 8:16:51 PM PST by LibWhacker
The world's biggest carmaker, Toyota, has agreed to settle a US Federal class action for up to $3.4bn (£2.7bn).
[...]
That was based on a cost of about $15,000 per vehicle and inspection costs of about $90m, at $60 per vehicle.
The Japanese carmaker Toyota admitted no liability or wrongdoing in the proposed settlement.
[...]
Under the terms of the agreement, Toyota will inspect the vehicles for 12 years from the day they were first sold or leased in order to ascertain if frames need to be replaced at company expense.
They will also reimburse owners who previously paid for frame replacement.
The settlement covers Tacoma trucks from the model years 2005 to 2010, Sequoias from 2005 to 2008 and Tundras from the 2007 and 2008 model years.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
An auto body frame rusting through in a few years????
Something doesn’t add up.
Crappy Chinese steel?
CC
“An auto body frame rusting through in a few years????
Something doesn’t add up.”
It’s those “new” rice paper frames. Toyota has discovered that they are not “durable.” And there we thought the aluminum beds on the new Ford F-150 pickups were bad.
Rust never sleeps...
Actually American steel. If I’m not mistaken the frames were fabricated by FMC corp as a sub contractor in the U.S.
Had the frame replaced on my 2005 Tacoma. They also did rear leaf springs, all brake lines and suspension bushings. Truck rides like new and resale value went way up. I’m totally satisfied.
Where is FMC getting their steel from?
Are their frame rails open C-channel stampings? Or hydro-formed tubing?
What sort of anti-corrosion treatments does Toyota specify for their chassis and suspension parts?
I bring these questions up because truck frames are usually made from heavy gauge steel. Even with less than ideal rust prevention measures, and being used on salty midwest roads, you would think that the frames would hold up for at least 10 years before rotting away.
Fords used to have this same problem, due to insufficient removal of impurities in their recycled steel. Up until the mid 90’s their cars would literally rust on the showroom floor wherever moisture would get trapped.
This summer my AC compressor bit the dust. While my Tacoma was in service dept I walked around my dealership lot while I waited. I counted 49 Tacoma frames all between years 2005-2008. Also counted 7 new replacement frames waiting for exchange into several trucks in the corner of the lot. Talking to a service rep he told me this is the second recall. First was late ‘90s models thru 2004. He also told me that frames are the same, manufactured by the same contractor, 2005 thru 2015. All made in Mexico as are the replacement frames. I have pics I need to find a host for and I'll update.
A year or two ago, I went to a local restaurant that was next to a Toyota dealer, there were several semis in the Dealer lot loaded up with brand new frames I had never seen such a sight at a dealership.. I was unaware of the recall etc. they were dealing with... Spoke with one of the drivers who filled me in.
Toyota frames have always been light gauge boxed frames and have always had rust issues. I don’t know how the class action progressed but this has been going on for years. What astounds me is how GM and Ram get away with the same issues on their boxed truck frames. These type of fabricated box frames are prone to these type of rust failures. Google Chevy truck taco. It’s called “tacoing” because the trucks fold in half in the middle.
I’m sitting here with a perfectly good VW diesel. Looks like it cannot be retrofitted to fix it. They will buy it back but I don’t want to find another car. This one will last about 15-20 years if they will let it be.
So Toyota, whose products I admire and might have considered, is now rusting.
How soon till we are transported in self driving, tame little electric bubble cars?
2005-2008 Tacoma frames
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/imloadedtoad/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0376_zpsibihmxla.jpg
Another view
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/imloadedtoad/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0377_zpsy2marqe4.jpg
Replacement frame
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/imloadedtoad/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0379_zpse64a4yns.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/imloadedtoad/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0380_zpswwgwt9tn.jpg
“frames are the same, manufactured by the same contractor, 2005 thru 2015. All made in Mexico as are the replacement frames. “
Good thing they “saved money” by moving production to Mexico.
I guess it comes down to the issue of the “rustproofing” used then. Climate plays a huge factor too. I have a 40 year old International that has virtually no rust, as compared to an 8 year old chevy truck that has quite a bit of rust. The International has never left the high desert, the chevy came from along the west coast.
Then again, unless your vehicle is made out of stainless steel or plastic, there’s no such thing as “rust proof”.
My apologies to everyone for using photobucket. Oh my . . .
I want a new frame for a 1995 Jeep Wrangler.....
I have to admit that I did not know that the frame of a car or truck could be removed or replaced.
Catastrophic failure.
any problems with the FJ cruisers?
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