Responding to customer complaints about excessive corrosion on the frames of older Toyota Tacoma s, Toyota USA is extending its rust perforation warranty on affected models. The affected models are model years 1995 through to 2000, amounting to approximately 813,000 units. The warranty will cover trucks 15 years old, from each vehicle’s original date of purchase, with no associated mileage limits.
There are no recalls required for rusting, so Toyota seems to be doing this in good faith. The Japanese automaker, hot on the heels of GM as the world’s largest, decided the trucks built between the model years may not have received protection necessary to hold off harsh climates, in which salt is used on ice-covered roads. Furthermore, there don’t seem to be any catches, as the extended warranty will apply to trucks that were re-sold, so even third owners are eligible.
Owners of potentially affected trucks will receive letters starting mid-month informing them of the warranty, or they can visit a dealership for a free inspection. If rust damage is found to be extensive, Toyota will either repair the truck or buy it back from the owner.
