DESPERATE...Need Help! Toyota denying lift gate rust warranty 14'LE

[snobinge]

I have filed a claim with my local dealer as well as a second with Toyota after the first was denied. I won't get into all the details on the forum at this point, however the issue is with rust on the rear lift gate of my 14'LE. Those of us on the forum are fully aware of the 4runner lift gate rust issue. I had a rust issue on my 04' Sport as well although it did not show up nearly as quickly.

What I am asking for is any contact information for someone at Toyota anyone can provide me. I am having no luck with my Dealer as I feel no advocacy! Even if I were to take the vehicle to another dealer I would be dealing with the same local Toyota rep who is denying the claim without even looking at the vehicle or allowing me contact.

Thank you!

Please PM me or email me at snobingetj at gmail.com

 

[wfo9]

Those of us on the forum are fully aware of the 4runner lift gate rust issue.

We are? Never seen it myself.

 

[Watchdogg]

This is the first I've heard of this problem.

 

[LandCruiser]

We are? Never seen it myself.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/163350-rust-starting-my-lift-gate-already-%25-*-$-3.html#post1657671

 

[JeremyB]

This is the first I've heard of this problem.

I've seen several posts talking about rust by the 4Runner logo on the back. Being in Alabama, doubt I'll ever have this issue. :dancin:

I wonder if this is plays into why the latest Taco/Tundra logos are stamped into the tailgate rather than through-hole attached.

 

[Watchdogg]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/163350-rust-starting-my-lift-gate-already-%25-*-$-3.html#post1657671

Last post was April 2014. There just hasn't been a lot of postings about tailgate rust. Not saying it can't happen. I know I would be pissed if it happened to me. Hope toyota takes care of it.

 

[JeremyB]

Last post was April 2014. There just hasn't been a lot of postings about tailgate rust. Not saying it can't happen. I know I would be pissed if it happened to me. Hope toyota takes care of it.

Here's a 50 post thread ending in 2/16.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/108041-rust-bleeding-through-paint-rear-hatch-2.html

 

[Knight-Errant]

The warranty covers perforation due to rust....not "I have some rust". So unless you have a hole in your sheet metal you're out of luck and your claims will be denied.

 

[Knight-Errant]

front the webpage:

Toyota Online Owners Manuals and Warranty

"Rust-Through Coverage 60 months/unlimited miles (corrosion perforation of sheet metal)."

 

[wfo9]

Humm, Seems like a somewhat common problem in certain climates.

Too bad Toyota won't step up and cover stuff like that. Good news is that is should not be that expensive to fix.

I've noticed most mfg deny paint/cosmetic things these days. Some of it may have something to do with the fact that most dealers just don't seem to have body shops anymore.

 

[rocky.mtn]

This is I believe is common. Especially around the plastic moulding for the badge. Use a product called "Iron-X". This should help clear up some of the rust and then paint, wax as needed over any spots.


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[e60ral]

I did an iron treatment when I first bought mine, just from shipping the tailgate was full of iron contamination (I assume rail brake dust?). The iron-x treatment will make it all turn purple and easy to remove, then give it a good wax. I will continue to do a full iron-x treatment and wax seal at least once annually.

It's a common issue, Toyota doesn't cover because if you read the rust warranty it doesn't cover surface cosmetic dust. Also, the corner of the plastic piece with the 4runner logo rubs the paint, keep an eye on that. Also, the license plate only has 2 mounting points which let's the plate touch metal on the bottom, use small rubber or felt stick on nubs on the back of the plate to keep it from rubbing

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[SR5Bart]

PM sent. They can't deny a claim on a car they have never seen.

 

[catrains]

you live around coal powered electrical generation plants .those fumes create acid which then etches at the paint and metal .

30 plus years ago here we had those issues here . lots of paint rust blisters etc..

 

[On Point]

We are? Never seen it myself.

try using the Search function.

 

[e60ral]

front the webpage:

Toyota Online Owners Manuals and Warranty

"Rust-Through Coverage 60 months/unlimited miles (corrosion perforation of sheet metal)."

from warranty guide:

Corrosion Perforation Warranty
This warranty covers repair or replacement
of any original body panel that develops
perforation from corrosion (rust-through),
subject to the exceptions indicated under
“What Is Not Covered” on pages 14-15.
Coverage is for 60 months, regardless of
mileage.
For information on how to protect your
vehicle from corrosion, refer to sections
related to maintenance and care in the
Owner’s Manual.

they have denied coverage of the issue for others because the surface rust isn't perforation, or they call it rail dust (which I think it is) or road debris (also possible) which are unfortunately explicitly excluded from the warranty:

WHAT IS NOT COVERED
This warranty does not cover damage or
failures resulting directly or indirectly from
any of the following:
• Fire, accidents or theft
• Abuse or negligence
• Misuse — for example, racing or
overloading
• Improper repairs
• Alteration or tampering, including
installation of non-Genuine Toyota
Accessories
• Lack of or improper maintenance,
including use of fluids other than
those specified in the Owner’s Manual
• Installation of non-Genuine Toyota
Parts
• Airborne chemicals, tree sap, road
debris (including stone chips), rail
dust, salt, hail, floods, wind storms,
lightning and other environmental
conditions
• Water contamination

 

[tm965]

from warranty guide:

Corrosion Perforation Warranty
This warranty covers repair or replacement
of any original body panel that develops
perforation from corrosion (rust-through),
subject to the exceptions indicated under
“What Is Not Covered” on pages 14-15.
Coverage is for 60 months, regardless of
mileage.
For information on how to protect your
vehicle from corrosion, refer to sections
related to maintenance and care in the
Owner’s Manual.

they have denied coverage of the issue for others because the surface rust isn't perforation, or they call it rail dust (which I think it is) or road debris (also possible) which are unfortunately explicitly excluded from the warranty:

lol so essentially everything that causes rust?

 

[jrandom]

Little story...

I recently installed the wiring kit and plug for an ARB Fridge. I pulled the wire through the firewall main cable trunk boot down the side and through the cabin under the door trim to the rear shelf above the wheel well.

When I removed the both of the plastic kick plates (door trim) to channel the wire, to my surprise I saw dried salt or mag chloride (could be either around here) around the plastic wire harnesses where they click into the body of the truck. Needless to say I wasn't at all happy to see that considering that it is a corrosive and it resides in a hidden location. Considering my intent is to have this truck until Revelations, I obviously need do something about that nasty sh!t I imagine it to be an issue when the truck turns 10ish.


Oh and BTW I had a Wasatch truck that spent a good portion of its life living in both Cottonwood Canyons, a 89 Toyota STD DLX pickup, when I sold it a few years ago at the ripe age of 24, both doors had perforation rust at the bottom (I replaced one), a problem that would have been mitigated had I replaced the mudflaps each time I tore them off. Apart from the doors the rest of the truck only had surface rust. Full perforation is not very common in newer trucks.

The pre 88' pickup beds were notorious for rusting out at the lower bed seam, nothing like that happens these days (I am sure there are a few odd cases but not the norm).

Stole this perfectly descriptive picture from the interwebz...

 

[LandCruiser]

Good luck, Toyota is notoriously shitty about denying or turfing claims on body rust. Their shit rusts, they know their shit rusts, and they're experts at giving customers the runaround or blaming everyone and everything under the sun except their crappy paint and rust prone panels.

 

[snobinge]

Thank you for all the replies! There is a perforation in the steel.