There are a few used Toyota Tacoma model years to avoid if you don’t want your truck to rust. Rust slowly forms on a vehicle and then eats it away. But some trucks, like these Toyota Tacomas, are more susceptible to rust than others. 

Used Toyota Tacoma models with the worst rust 

According to Hot Cars, 2005 – 2010 Toyota Tacoma models are more likely to rust than others. Hot Cars complied a list of the top 10 trucks that rust the most, and these Tacoma trucks landed in fifth place. Only they included five model years for it with problems. 

Then the plot thickens. Hot Cars mentions that Toyota had a major lawsuit in 2016 because over 225,000 steel frames needed to be replaced due to severe corrosion. These frames were used on the Tacoma and one other type of truck that isn’t mentioned. But the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia also had rust issues around this time. 

The frames were supplied by Dana Holding Corp, in Maumee, Ohio. Hot Cars said that the frames were not properly treated in the beginning and mainly became damaged in the rear where the suspension leaf springs are mounted on. 

Did Toyota fix the rust issue? 

According to Best Ride, Toyota settled a class-action suit that cost them over three billion dollars. The suit was brought on by those who had the frames of their Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia models fail due to corrosion. This is better known as frame rot. 

Toyota bit the bullet and replaced the rotted frames despite the high costs it caused to the company. Typically a frame replacement for these models took about two days if two technicians were working on it. 

However, due to a delay for the replacement Tacoma frames, Toyota had to rent out vehicles to its customers while the rotting trucks and SUVs sat in quarantine. Some people were very happy with their new Tacoma frames, while others faced more problems. 

For example, One owner took his 2005 Toyota Tacoma in due to the rusted frame recall, but they were met with a list of problems Toyota wouldn’t cover. A hole rusted through their frame, and replacing other parts they may be damaged in the process would cost $3,100. 

Can you still have your Tacoma fixed? 

According to Reuters, yes, you can still have your Toyota Tacoma fixed, depending on the model year. Under the settlement, Toyota agreed to inspect vehicles including the 2005 – 2010 Tacoma, 2005 – 2008 Sequoia, and 2007 – 2008 Tundra models for 12 years from the original date of purchase. They will determine if the frames need to be replaced as a company expense or reimburse owners who already paid for a frame replacement. 

For some models, like the 2005 Tacomas, the time has already run out. The 12 year time period would have ended in 2017. The year 2021 marks the 12th year for the Toyota models from 2009. So, you have until 2022 to have your 2010 Toyota Tacoma fixed if needed. 

Before buying a Tacoma from 2005 to 2010, look at the vehicle history report. See if the frame has been replaced. Also, climb under it and inspect it for any rust. You don’t want to buy one of these trucks just to have it quickly rot away.