Toyota Driver Says Truck Frame 'Looked Like Swiss Cheese'

BOSTON -- Team 5 Investigates has learned that the frames of Toyota Tacomas manufactured between 1995 and 2000 have frames that may not be properly protected against rust, posing a safety hazard for as many as 800,000 car owners.

"The very basic area that supports the cab was all rusted out," said Adele Rothman, a Toyota Tacoma owner. "It looked like Swiss cheese."

Driver: Frame 'Looked Like Swiss Cheese'

Rothman took in her 1999 Tacoma for routine service in March and was stunned to discover the truck she'd been driving for years was unsafe.

"It wouldn't withstand an accident," Rothman said. "And what would happen? The cab would fall right onto the highway."

Rothman is one of more than 800,000 owners who could be affected.

Team 5 Investigates uncovered federal records showing dozens of similar complaints with Tacomas manufactured from 1995 to 2000. People complained about truck frames that look like "Swiss cheese" and "rusted so badly they're unsafe to drive." Several owners said their frames did break or they could put their finger through the rust.

A Tacoma truck in New Hampshire failed inspection. And plenty of other owners said they were told by their mechanics that "one bad bump was going to land me in a ditch or out of control."

"It's osteoporosis for your car," said Rebecca Lindland, an automotive analyst for Global Insight in Lexington. "If you hit something, and your frame is made of Swiss cheese, you're in a lot of trouble."

Toyota has acknowledged some Tacomas frames "may not have adequate corrosion protection" to protect against road salt. The company is extending warranties and sending letters, telling 1995-2000 Tacoma owners to have their trucks checked.

But Toyota has not issued a recall.

"They're not releasing estimates of how many vehicles are impacted," Lindland said. "But certainly not every Tacoma on the road."

Toyota is paying affected owners 150 percent of Kelly Blue Book value for their trucks. For Rothman, that meant a $13,897 check for a truck she bought used in 2001 for $17,611.

If you're driving a 1995 to 2000 Toyota Tacoma, have the frame checked immediately. If you've already junked it because of rust, don't give up.

Toyota told Team 5 it'll work with former owners.