1997 Toyota Tacoma Suspension Problems

“Recently purchase 1997 Tacoma took it to replace rear tires shop informed me the frame had major rot and is not safe for highway. Contacted local Toyota dealer they preformed a free inspection on 08-29-16 upon completion of this inspection dealership informed me both in writing and verbally that this vehicle is not safe for highway use. Multiple rust perforations through out frame of this truck. …”

“1. Driving normally, my 1997 Toyota Tacoma's front passenger tire fell off at an intersection. The ball joint failed. It was towed to a service place today. Had I been driving at highway speed, myself and passengers could have been killed or seriously injured. 2. Has not happened before. The vehicle is well maintained. 3. Waiting on repair parts and estimate.”

“I noticed a noise coming from underneath my vehicle and noticed that the right leaf spring had broken. I am the original owner, the vehicle had 57,000 miles on it when this occurred. This vehicle has never been abused and has been given proper maintenance. I feel that this is an item the mfg. Should stand behind.”

“I bought the above mentioned truck new in 1997. For the past few years it's just been sitting in my driveway because the frame is so rusted it's not safe to drive. A mechanic friend of mine said there was a recall on that year of truck. My wife called Toyota and was told the recall was expired but they couldn't give a date. I called today and they said it wasn't a recall but an extension on the life of the frame for fifteen years (same thing). The body of the truck is in good shape for its age. The engine only has 126k miles which is nothing for a Toyota. …”

“The Toyota Tacoma I bought in 1997 is in excellent mechanical condition. How ever it is in horrible structural condition, with a frame that is almost completely rusted through, and no longer safe to drive. I took the truck to kings Toyota to get inspected and they told me that since the truck has passed the 15 yr warranty extension, that there is nothing they could do for me and allowed me to drive the truck off of their lot. I then called Toyota and they said that unfortunately I am out of luck, since the truck is a year past the extended warranty. …”