Rust spots already on frame.

New here, and new to the Tundra. I’ve always been a GM guy, sold my 21 Trail Boss shortly after purchase for various reasons last summer. Made money, which was a first for me, on a new vehicle.

Drove the beater/grocery getter until I figured out what I wanted next in a truck. Really came down to a RAM 1500 & the Tundra.

The Tundra pre-release hyped got to me and I was intrigued. Figured why not give it a go. I got it at MSRP, and thought it was a safe bet, as if it did become a problem I could sell it and probably do well in this market.

So I picked up my 22 Limited OR, late February, full disclosure I live in the rust belt. I generally get my vehicle annually coated via NH Oil with good results.

Winter is finally ending here, roads are clear of salt from all the rain we’ve been getting. I was underneath my Tundra, cleaning and washing the salt and crap off, before my undercoat oil appointment next week.

I was pretty shocked what I found. Never in my life have I witnessed this kind of surface rust on a vehicle this new after 2500 miles and 2 months or ownership. I’ve owned 7 new vehicles and this is a first, and fast even for the rust belt imo!

Granted, my theory is these two areas were tied down during either transport or during assembly, as scratches are present. The rest of the frame is beautiful, black and appears to be well coated.

I plan on contacting my dealer, but honestly don’t really know what I want or to expect. Or if I should even care and move on. I’ve searched the internet, Facebook groups etc and apparently a few other owners have this same rubbing on the frame.

These areas of contact are behind the rear tires on both frame sides. Scratches/wear is present with the drive side being worst on my truck.

Besides this let down, I absolutely love the truck. It’s been a joy to drive, power train and the tech/interior has been amazing. Coming from GM interiors, that’s probably not hard to beat!

If anything in the end, I’m hoping this is useful to anyone else whose truck might be prone to rust from salt. As this should be addressed or would eventually get pretty nasty if left unattended.

 

Congrats on the truck, and welcome to the forum. Personally, I wouldn't lose any sleep over those spots. Clean them up and give them a blast of paint if it bothers you, then enjoy your new Tundra.

 

Welcome from NC!

 

Welcome. I see no cause for concern personally. Keep it undercoated as it seems like you plan to and I don’t think you’ll have problems. The salt on bare metal is going to of course cause some corrosion which is what happened there. Toyota dealt with a lot of rusted frame issues in the past, I don’t think they would want to go down that road again on the 3rd gens if they can avoid it.

 

If you are concerned, prior to doing anything, take it to the dealer and have them inspect it. Get a copy of the paperwork and file it with your owners manual (or wherever you keep paperwork for your truck).

 

My late made in Japan 13’ 4Runner also had exact same type of frame rust after just 2 months of ownerships. I guess it is a Toyota thing.

 

Tundra-G, curious does your 22 have rub marks on the frame? Behind the rear wheels?

 

I’m guessing you mean rust marks, not rub. No, I don’t see any rust marks yet, but the truck has barely seen any rain.

 

Toyota welds are notorious for rusting quickly. If the paint is off in those areas, for whatever reason, it’s going to turn rust colour. Lightly sand it off and paint, or just let them spray the NH oil over it and it will be fine. That is such light surface rust the oil will make it disappear

 

I’ve got same scratches on same spots - both driver and passenger side. Has to be rocks being flung. Nothing else could rub there. If it were something like the fender rubbing it would be in a consistent spot. Not 3 inches wide. Impossible. I am guessing taking a beating from rocks down on the snow and ice.

 

Yeah, I wouldn’t worry too much about that. Hit it with some scotch brite pads and a lil flat black primer if you need the peace of mind.

 

If it makes you feel any better my buddies new ram1500 has little spots like this all over the frame and the passenger rear door on a fully loaded beast sticks out further than all the other doors.

nothings perfect.

 

I work in a frame production plant. I'd be surprised if any frames make it out without getting scratched by a forklift after E-Coat.

 

Welcome to the forum and calm the fu(k down.
God forbid any of you social media wonder babies had bought a vehicle in the 70s, 80s, or even 90s..

My 2014 frame has spots like that.
My 2005 frame had spots like that.
But I didn't panic..

Just wait until your exhaust system shows signs of rust...
You're gonna have a social media meltdown...

I hope the service manager laughs at you when you bring this to his/her attention.
You bought a Toyota, not a Maserati.
Jeezus...

Again, welcome to the forum..

 

Here.