How concerned should I be - falling apart?

[westwind77]

So I noticed the black plastic 'scoop' was hanging down a bit today. I got under to see what the issue was (missing clip) and saw this.....how concerned should I be? It was just at the dealer for an oil change and 100k service and they did not say a word about this.....

 

[yotantexas]

that look terrible. that is that quality toyota metal mixed with salted roads.

 

[Rightside Up]

Yikes! :wow:

 

[westwind77]

I only have 106k on it - it is driven in Eastern MA - we do not get a lot of snow/salt on the roads compared to other areas in the NE. The truck is not driven on the beach. Plus I keep a 20' quick disconnect hose for rinsing the 4R (under as well) after storms. I was surprised to see this today. Shocked Toyota did not mention it.

My big questions is does this pose a concern/problem or is it more a visual issue?

 

[GripT4R]

Wear that seat belt.

 

[mcat707]

That does not look good. I would get that entire rusted section replaced with all new parts as soon as I could.

 

[5thToy]

I may not be interpreting the pictures correctly, but it looks like just the front engine skid plate? The rest of the vehicle, from what we can see, doesn't seem to display similar issues.

 

[90weight]

First gen guy here... but my question would be is it structural? Holding anything up? Anything important bolted to it?

 

[westwind77]

I believe it is just the front skid plate, however I do not know if anything else is affected by the lack of support. Curious how others look from drivers in the North with the salt after a number of years as well?

 

[jhguth]

that looks like part of your skid plate, but the angle is weird

 

[Drillzzz]

Either way this looks pretty sheit for Toyota quality. I would contact your dealership and ask about lack of keeping you informed of your car. Not sure how much of that would pose a threat as its hard to see what is exactly involved or what the extend is. That leads me to my next thought process. Bring it in somewhere to have the entire underside inspected and get documents on that severity. I would take that back to dealership that just did the service and also contacts Toyota. This rust issue with Toyota is unacceptable and them not telling you is criminal in my honest opinion. Do you carry any kids in your car? That’s another speaking topic with your dealer and how importantly safety is to you. Yeah I’m overly critically but them not saying anything or documenting it gets me peeved.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

Either way this looks pretty sheit for Toyota quality. I would contact your dealership and ask about lack of keeping you informed of your car. Not sure how much of that would pose a threat as its hard to see what is exactly involved or what the extend is. That leads me to my next thought process. Bring it in somewhere to have the entire underside inspected and get documents on that severity. I would take that back to dealership that just did the service and also contacts Toyota. This rust issue with Toyota is unacceptable and them not telling you is criminal in my honest opinion. Do you carry any kids in your car? That’s another speaking topic with your dealer and how importantly safety is to you. Yeah I’m overly critically but them not saying anything or documenting it gets me peeved.

I agree. Hopefully it is just the skid plate. Replace it with a factory heavy duty TRD PRO aluminum skid or an aftermarket stainless steel plate including stainless hardware.

 

[bowhun2r]

That's part of the skid. When I still had my wife's 2014 LTD her skid looked nearly identical to your picture. It lasted just about 4.5 years before I noticed a piece hanging low when it was parked in the driveway. Fortunately, I had my 2018 OEM skid in the basement since I have the RCI skid and swapped it over. We live in SW PA. It's relatively easy to take it off and get a replacement OEM or aftermarket skid. Granted... wish it wouldn't have rusted like that...but it did.

 

[yota1976]

Mine's only got 2500 miles. Could the factory skid be removed and coated with something?

 

[adrtoy]

Looks like it's just the front skid. Shouldn't be hard to find a takeoff to replace it, but do be prepared for broken bolt.

 

[Kandor]

Looks like the factory had bring your kid to work day and make parts out of paper mache. It does make you wonder what else the dealer is 'overlooking' due to poor materials. Maybe it is so common in you area and not a safety/structural issue the tech's don't give it a second thought.

 

[snowrunner77]

Not 100% sure but this might be due to water draining from the A/C, in addition to salt from roads. I noticed this area dripping water when A/C is in use on my vehicle. Last oil change I cleaned rust from area and painted.

 

[BigCountryT4R]

That is NOT the skid plate folks. That is the frontal subframe support which those items like the skid plate,engine mounts, and suspension all mount too. That thing is about to let go and it will cause a crash if it falls apart on the highway. You need to get a new subframe immediately.

 

[d_clark]

That is NOT the skid plate folks. That is the frontal subframe support which those items like the skid plate,engine mounts, and suspension all mount too. That thing is about to let go and it will cause a crash if it falls apart on the highway. You need to get a new subframe immediately.

Wrong.

That is the front skid plate, if you look close at the pics, you can see the skid mount bolts, and the portion where you are supposed to jack the vehicle up from.

I am not familiar with the plastic scoop, but looks like it is funneling water/salt right to that area.

 

[Horsethief]

I'd have to take a peek under mine to verify, but to me that looks like a crossmember, not the skidplate, If that IS a crossmember, it's pretty scary. Hopefully it can be replaced.