Toyota Tundra is a half-ton truck with a reliable design. However, some model years have been affected due to frame corrosion issues, specifically in 20 cold climate US states with high road salt content. However, the company launched a recall and various customer satisfaction programs to facilitate the owners by offering free-of-cost repair work.
What Year Toyota Tundra Has Frame Recall? Toyota Tundra frame recall covers the 2000-2003 model years manufactured between the periods January 1999 to September 2003. It involves preventive measures like spraying the corrosion-resistant compound on the frame’s rear part and replacing parts with perforation greater than 10mm.
This article will cover the safety recall issued by the manufacturer for the Tundra frame corrosion issue. We will explain its reasons, consequences, coverage, eligibility criteria, and replacement procedure for faulty parts.
Reasons for Toyota Tundra frame problem
The main reason for the Tundra frame recall is corrosion due to various reasons. Over time, exposure to environmental elements, such as road salt, moisture, and extremely cold climates, can lead to rust formation. It weakens the structural integrity, posing a safety risk to drivers and passengers.
The problem is more aggressive in cold climate states, causing holes in the truck frame and damage to other components.
It is open to everyone, irrespective of location, facing severe corrosion problems other than normal wear and tear with frame aging.
However, preference has been given to residents of 20 states like Connecticut, Delaware, Columbia District, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Wisconsin, and West Virginia, to name a few.
Consequences of Toyota Tundra Frame Corrosion
Weakening of the Toyota Tundra frame leads to damage to other components and associated severe safety risks. The part most affected by the corrosion is the rear cross member.
The manufacturer has provided the space under the truck to tie the spare tire with this frame part. Perforation of the rear cross member due to excessive corrosion can lead to detachment of the spare tire under the running vehicle, posing severe safety risks for the traffic behind it and causing an accident.
Its other consequence can be damage to the rear brake lines, compromising their braking capacity and increasing the stopping distance. As a result, the truck can crash with other vehicles due to uncontrolled operation because of brake loss.
Furthermore, this truck has 2 cross members and straps as a part of its frame to hold the fuel tank.
Some owners have complained about the falling of fuel tanks under their trucks while running, leading to catastrophic accidents and, in some cases, fire due to friction produced due to tank dragging on the road.
The structural weakness resulting from corrosion also impacts the overall performance and drivability of the vehicle.
Toyota Tundra model years affected by frame recall
This frame recall specifically targets model years 2000 to 2003. Owners of trucks from these years can check their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) against the list provided by Toyota to determine if their vehicle is eligible for the recall.
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) code for the eligible vehicles is 5TB. The limited number of 2007-2008 models also have this facility available as a part of extended warranty coverage by Toyota to resolve the problem.
Eligibility criteria for Toyota Tundra trucks for recall program
The first part of the frame recall program eligibility is that the vehicle must fall within the specified model years 2000-2003 and 2007-2008. Next, you have to check that its VIN is within the range provided by the manufacturer on its website or alternate channels.
If you have registered a Tundra in any cold climate state as per the list provided by Toyota, then the next step is to perform its visual inspection.
If any holes on the rear parts of the frame are larger than 10 millimeters in diameter, you are eligible for the repair program.
Any vehicle not in drivable condition due to some other problem, condemned or scrapped and damaged due to any road accident is not eligible for this offer.
Toyota Tundra frame recall coverage
This recall covers the replacement or repair costs for eligible vehicles. It includes both parts and labor associated with the replacement.
If corrosion and damage to rear cross members, brake lines, and fuel tank mounting straps are not significant, Toyota will apply a corrosion-resistant compound on those areas of the frame to protect them from further damage.
In case of perforations in those parts, the manufacturer will replace them free of cost. In case of damage to its structure beyond repairs, you have to replace its entire assembly.
Therefore, Tundra owners need to contact their local dealership for specific details regarding coverage and eligibility depending on the condition of their vehicles after the frame inspection by the technicians.
The manufacturer will also provide rental cars during your truck at the repair shop or any delay in the repair procedure due to the unavailability of parts.
Besides this recall, Toyota has also launched a limited service campaign for the 2000-2003 models for remedial measures to frame damage due to corrosion.
Instructions by Toyota for a rusty Tundra frame
Toyota instructed all Tundra owners to visually inspect the rear part of the frame and cross members for any signs of excessive rust. In case of any problem, remove the spare tire from the cross member to prevent accidents and avoid the risk of following vehicles.
Next, they should visit any authorized dealers to inspect these parts of the frame to do repair or replacement procedures as per requirement.
In case of no problem, the manufacturer advises all the owners, especially in cold climates, to apply a corrosion-resistant chemical on the frame to protect it and ensure its longevity.
Procedure for frame replacement under recall issued by Toyota
If a Toyota Tundra is deemed eligible for the frame recall, the process involves scheduling an appointment with an authorized dealership.
Trained technicians will remove the spare tire and inspect the vehicle to confirm the presence of corrosion on the respective parts. They will replace the frame if the perforations are larger than 10 mm.
They will replace it if the rear cross-member area has holes larger than 10mm. The next step is to replace the fuel tank mounting straps. After that, technicians will clean the rusty area and apply a corrosion-resistant compound (CRC) on all rear portions of the frame.
In some cases, it is challenging to replace rear cross members, and they will go for complete replacement.
Other parts requiring replacement are brake lines, load sensing proportioning valve, and nuts and bolts holding the fuel tank straps. The company will cover the costs associated with the replacement, including parts and labor.
Is the Toyota frame recall for the Tundra still available?
The deadline for the customer satisfaction program to repair the front portion of the frame was the end of 2012.
The 2nd part of the program to apply CRC to the rear part of the frame continued after that deadline under the Tundra BXD campaign to facilitate the 2000-2003 model truck owners.
Toyota also offered a limited service campaign for 2000-2003 models with frame perforation problems until April 2012.
Moreover, there is also a class action settlement for an extended warranty for 2007-2008 models having excessive corrosion on the truck.
You should visit the dealership or contact their Customer Experience Center for specific details.
How much does the owner have to pay for the Toyota Tundra frame recall?
Frame safety recall, customer satisfaction program, and limited service campaign offered free-of-cost services to the vehicles fulfilling the eligibility criteria and passing the inspection.
However, if your Tundra truck model is not covered under any of these offers, you have to pay varying amounts depending on the extent of repair required.
It can range from $1000 to $12000, from replacing parts like brake tubes or tank mounting straps to a complete frame swap.
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