Published: May 15, 2008 10:55 pm         

Toyota Tacomas get extended warranty

Toyota officials say they have received reports that excessive corrosion of the frame has caused perforation of the metal on a small number of 1995 to 2000 Tacomas.

“The reason for this, it appears, is that the frames of some of the 813,000 vehicles built during this time frame may not have adequate corrosion protection,” says Mike Michels, corporate communications, on Toyota’s Internet Web site toyota.com. “As a result, when they’re exposed to severe environmental conditions, especially in states where salt is used for the de-icing of roads, these frames may develop corrosion that goes beyond the normal surface rust that’s commonly found on metal after years of exposure — and in this case, these trucks are from 8 to 13 years old.”

Michels goes on to say that because of Toyota’s oft-stated commitment to standing behind its products, the company is extending the rust-perforation warranty covering these trucks for a period of 15 years from each vehicle’s original date of purchase, with no mileage limitation, for corrosion damage that results in perforation of the vehicle’s frame material.

“Owners of these Tacomas need not be the original owners,” he said. “Even if you bought your Tacoma second- or third-hand, it’s covered by this extended warranty.”

Starting in March, Toyota began sending owners of 1995 to 2000 Tacomas letters informing them about this issue, according to Michels.

“If you find rust perforation on your vehicle’s frame, have your truck inspected by a Toyota dealer,” he said. “If frame corrosion damage is confirmed by an inspection at a Toyota dealership, at Toyota’s option, we will either repair the vehicle or repurchase it. No matter the vehicle’s actual condition, it will be valued as a vehicle in excellent condition. If the inspection reveals no rust perforation, the 15-year warranty will remain in force.”

Michels says this is not a recall.

“Rather, it’s an example of our commitment to the durability of our products and to our owners,” he said. “These are older trucks and rust is a fact of life, especially where road salt is used, but that’s not what’s important. What’s important is that we take care of our owners.”

For more information, visit the Web site toyota.com.

— Fred Pace