Toyota Tundra (and Sequoia) trucks built in the early 2000s suffered severe frame corrosion in salt-belt states. Toyota issued a customer support program offering free inspection and, where the frame failed perforation criteria, a free frame replacement worth as much as $15,000. Limited Settlement Agreement (Warner v. Toyota) added documented support windows.
Toyota dealers will inspect the frame for perforation free of charge under the customer support program. A failing inspection triggers a free frame replacement within the program window.
Toyota outsourced certain Tundra (1st-gen) and Sequoia frames to a supplier that lacked sufficient corrosion protection. In salt-belt states (Northeast and Midwest U.S.) the frames suffered through-frame perforation that compromised structural integrity and could allow the spare-tire mounting cross member, fuel tank straps, or rear suspension brackets to detach. Toyota issued a customer support program (announced 2008-2009) covering inspection and, in qualifying cases, frame replacement under the program. The <em>Warner v. Toyota Motor Sales</em> class action (C.D. Cal.) settled in 2016 with a Limited Settlement Agreement that further defined eligibility windows and reimbursement.
| Model | Years | Issue | Program | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra (1st gen) | 2000-2003 | Severe frame rust perforation | CSP / Limited Settlement Agreement | Critical |
| Toyota Tundra (2nd gen, salt-belt) | 2004-2008 | Frame rust perforation (limited) | Inspection program | High |
| Toyota Sequoia (1st gen) | 2001-2004 | Frame rust perforation | CSP / Limited Settlement Agreement | Critical |
| Toyota Tacoma (separate program) | 1995-2004 | Frame rust (separate Warner-class) | Tacoma frame replacement program | Critical |
Data sourced from NHTSA recall database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), manufacturer technical service bulletins, and publicly filed class-action documents. Always verify with your VIN before purchase or repair.
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Warner v. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., No. 2:15-cv-02171 (C.D. Cal.) resulted in a Limited Settlement Agreement covering Tundra (2000-2003) frame perforation, providing free replacement where the frame failed inspection within the program window. The separate Tacoma frame settlement covers 1995-2004 Tacomas.
Drive your Tundra to a Toyota dealer for a free frame inspection. If the frame fails perforation criteria within the program window, free replacement applies. Out of the window, request goodwill, and document any prior frame-related repair history. Heavy under-truck salt washing slows rust progression but does not reverse perforation.
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Yes, within the customer support program / Warner settlement window and when the frame fails the inspection criteria.
Typically 1-3 weeks at a dealer. Toyota usually provides a loaner during the work.
A separate Tacoma frame-corrosion settlement covers 1995-2004 Tacomas. Eligibility differs from Tundra/Sequoia.
You can attempt a state-level product-liability or breach-of-warranty claim, but the Warner settlement released many federal claims for in-window owners.
Yes. Replacement frames are treated with improved corrosion protection.
Many Northeast owners do annual lanolin-based undercoating. It is not required by Toyota but is widely considered good practice in salt-belt states.