Rust is more than an eyesore for truck owners. Once corrosion starts eating away at a frame or suspension component, repairs can get expensive. And sometimes, the damage can compromise safety. Certain trucks are simply more prone to rust because of factory design choices or inadequate protective coatings. These aren’t just cases of owners leaving their rigs in salty winter slush; these models have documented weaknesses you can’t ignore.

Chevrolet Silverado (2007–2013 and even beyond)

The 2007 to 2013 Silverado’s frame protection problem is no small flaw. Instead of a durable paint or epoxy coating, GM used a wax-based frame sealant that doesn’t always hold up in real-world conditions.

It could drip off during transport or peel away in sheets, leaving raw steel exposed. Many owners have reported seeing rust before their trucks even hit 30,000 miles.

Even in relatively mild climates, the undercarriage can show significant corrosion on cross members, leaf spring hangers, and other critical points. GM addressed some cases under warranty, but without a broad recall, plenty of trucks remain vulnerable.

Toyota Tundra (2000–2003)

Early 2000s Tundra pickups built in Indiana were prone to severe rust on their rear cross members. This wasn’t just cosmetic; the corrosion could weaken the structure holding the spare tire and rear suspension.

In 2009, Toyota issued a major recall covering about 110,000 trucks. Dealers either applied additional anti-corrosion treatments or replaced frames entirely.

What’s striking is that these failures showed up even in warmer states, pointing to thin or uneven factory coating as the culprit rather than environmental exposure alone.

Nissan Frontier (pre-2022)

The Frontier’s reputation for toughness is often deserved, but rust complaints have shadowed the model for years.

Some owners of brand-new trucks have found extensive corrosion on suspension components, weld seams, and frame rails within months of purchase.

A Redditor shared pics of their 2022 SV with only 3,500 showing visible rust flaking from its undercarriage. Another person commented that they have the identical problem: “I have the same truck, same color. Mine is excessively rusty too. Not cool. My tires get a haze of rust over them. I wash the truck regularly, defiantly not from neglect.”

Another confirmed the condition on their Frontier: “Ohh [curse] man I just noticed rust on mine it’s got 7200 miles.”

While some felt the rust was salt-related, the OP ended up bringing the Frontier back to Carvana and getting a Tacoma instead. “Yea whatever it was, was enough to leave a bad taste. I’ve returned this truck to Carvana and since got a 2018 Tacoma that’s seen 6 winters and doesn’t have a quarter of this rust damage.”

Chevrolet Colorado (2004–2011, 1st gen)

First-generation Colorado pickups, particularly those built before 2012, are infamous for frame rot. Moisture can collect in unsealed frame sections, where poor coating coverage lets corrosion work unchecked.

Some owners have had frames rust through at fewer than 100,000 miles, forcing expensive repairs or complete replacements. This isn’t the kind of rust you grind off and touch up. It’s deep structural deterioration that can make the truck unsafe.

Rust-prone trucks lose resale value faster and cost more to maintain

Surface rust can be managed with consistent cleaning and protective sprays, but once frame rot sets in, it’s often a structural problem that demands major repairs. If you own or are shopping for one of these models, inspect the undercarriage carefully. Look for flaky metal, swelling around welds, or rust that bleeds through paint.

Some trucks start fighting a losing battle with rust the day they leave the factory. Knowing which ones are vulnerable gives you a better shot at either avoiding them or protecting them before it’s too late.