Consumer Complaint Detail

TOYOTA / TACOMA / 1998

Recalls
0 Injured
Investigations
0 Death
Complaints
No Fire
Components - Details
NHTSA Complaint Number: 007125312 Incident Date: Oct, 29 2007
Consumer's City: SPRINGFIELD Consumer's State: VT
Vehicle Transmission Type: MAN Manufacturers Name: Toyota Motor Corporation
Model Name: TACOMA Model Year: 1998
Vehicle Involved in a Crash: No Component's Description: Structure:frame and members:underbody shields
Vehicle Involved in a Fire: No Persons Injured: 0
Vehicle's VIN#: 4TAPM62N3WZ Date added to File: May, 23 2021
Date Complaint Received: Nov, 02 2007 Complaint Type: IVOQ
Incident Reported To Police: No Purchase Date: Aug, 16 2005
Was Original Owner: No Anti-lock Brakes: No
Number of Cylinders: 4 Date of Manufacturer: -
Was Vehicle Towed: - Description of the Complaints: This is a 1998 toyota tacoma with 107,000 miles. after repeatedly noticing rust flakes on the ground under the vehicle, it was taken to several mechanics and a body shop for assessment. there was consensus that the frame was completely rusted through, and that there wasn't sufficient intact metal left to enable it to be repaired. they also agreed that that it would be extremely expensive to replace the frame (estimates ranged from $3,500 to $10,000), so the vehicle was essentially "totaled." they all warned that it was extremely hazardous to drive, since the slightest accident or road hazard could cause the frame to break and the vehicle to split apart and/or buckle. this vehicle is not old enough, nor does it have enough miles on it, to warrant this massive failure of frame integrity. it has been well maintained and not driven under any conditions that could account for the failure; thus, it seems self-evident that it is a fundamental defect in the manufacture of the vehicle that has resulted in this dangerous condition. *tr