Internal Memo Indicates Tundra Tailgates Were Never Designed For Heavy Duty Use!

We’re not sure if this is will be old news to some of you, but Toyota released a memo to their dealers regarding problems with Toyota Tundra tailgates in the last week or so. We finally got our hands on it, and you can read the memo for yourself by clicking on the image below.

The memo speaks for itself, but we thought the phrase “there is no industry standard or consensus regarding tailgate load capacity” was especially interesting. The way we read that sentence, it sounds like Toyota is saying “we can make this truck any way we want to.” Hardly seems like an appropriate response, especially considering the truck is advertised as being the toughest thing on the road.

Here’s an idea: Make the tailgate strong enough so that the welds don’t split when someone loads an atv in the back.

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DaHarder - 11/12/2007 5:19:27 PM

+1 Boost

Wow!

I was hoping that it was just an engineering flaw, but They Actually Knew?

Bad JuJu...

carguy68 - 11/12/2007 5:27:59 PM

0 Boost

it's a toyota! not a real work truck!!
just show and no go.

lexusis350 - 11/13/2007 12:10:30 AM

0 Boost

Actually, I just bought a new house in a new neighborhood and most of the construction workers and contractors that drive around all day use the 2007 Tundra.

XYZZ - 11/16/2007 5:11:08 AM

+1 Boost

back up the "no go" claim.

the 5.7 is the MOST POWERFUL in the segment.

w209w114 - 11/12/2007 5:28:28 PM

+3 Boost

Toyota has been overlooking a lot of things lately.

Advertise less and build better products like you were doing in 1990-2002 and let them speak for themselves.

Toyota seems to be heading down the old GM road that almost ruined GM. (recalls more recalls and embarassing quality problems that shouldnt have been) Im beginning to distrust them as a brand. I sure hope this doesnt trickle its way up to Lexus, it would be a big blow to their "resiliently unbeatable quality" which is probably the #1 reason people buy them.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 11/12/2007 6:32:32 PM

-2 Boost

I wonder where the Tundra is Manufactured or assembled ??

Might give us a clue as to the quality Problems ??

Anybody else thinking Sabotage ?

Just thinking out loud.

lyonboy - 11/12/2007 5:44:11 PM

-10 Boost

Both Toyota and Honda are trying to mimic GM of the 70's. How sad and pathetic.

S4cabriofoxone - 11/12/2007 9:03:35 PM

+4 Boost

What's wrong with Honda?

lexusis350 - 11/13/2007 12:07:36 AM

+2 Boost

He's probably trying to say that the Ridgeline looks like an El Camino.

lexusis350 - 11/13/2007 12:09:27 AM

0 Boost

Which I can see why he would think that, but the Ridgeline is much better.

EL34 - 11/12/2007 6:09:55 PM

-3 Boost

Boy, I'll ya that Tundra is one ugly lookin' truck.

EL34 - 11/12/2007 7:27:55 PM

-5 Boost

Oh what a tangled web Toyota weaved, When first Toyota practised to deceive!

:(

speedmaster - 11/12/2007 7:33:58 PM

0 Boost

So does the bouncy bed made by design too?
Broken camshafts?

What is puzzling is that they advertise an accessory - an ATV ramp that is used to load ATVs over the tailgate.

This is an official TOYOTA part. Now, if most of the bent tailgates are from loading 800lb objects, then what does this say?
Wouldn't that ramp be a conflicting statement from Toyota?

lexusis350 - 11/13/2007 12:08:39 AM

-2 Boost

Toyota and Lexus (but mostly Lexus) are the big sellers on this site. People only comment on Lexus articles. That's why everyone posts something to do with a Toyota or Lexus; so they can get big hits.

lexusis350 - 11/13/2007 12:06:43 AM

+3 Boost

Wow. The more I hear about the Tundra, the less respect I have for it. Me and my dad drove one and I thought it was nice. My dad almost bought one. I'm starting to think it's a good thing he didn't. Maybe they'll revise all of the problems on future models.

2ndbimmer - 11/13/2007 10:40:25 AM

+1 Boost

I do not like the the new tundra at all!! Get a Ford truck, they are by far the best on the road. Has anyone been in the newer F150? It is nicer than most luxury cars and drives better too!

Rupert - 11/13/2007 12:22:48 PM

+3 Boost

"It is nicer than most luxury cars and drives better too!"

You make me laugh a lot.

M35MT - 11/13/2007 1:17:37 PM

+2 Boost

Yes, I have been in one, and no, they are nothing like luxury cars. None of these trucks are...they're...not suppose to be...

LexusKindaGuy12 - 11/13/2007 10:42:59 AM

0 Boost

am i reading it wrong or...

the picture above doesnt say alot that the tailgate wasnt meant for heavy duty...does it?

it says theres a shock absorber...infact its an advertisement for the truck tailgate to me.

JWalkerLegrande - 11/13/2007 11:37:06 AM

+3 Boost

Agent009,

Where is the memo ?

M35MT - 11/13/2007 1:14:57 PM

+1 Boost

Confirms my statement months ago that all he does is search for bad Toyota PR all day...

M35MT - 11/13/2007 1:21:07 PM

+1 Boost

I just went to progressive.com and searched for recalls for 3 automakers (one from Germany, one from Japan and one from the US). All model year 2006 and I picked the model at random.

I went 3/3, finding a problem that could result in a crash or injury.

The point? 009, while I've agreed with you on certain points in the past, if you are going to continue to post articles of these nature, perhaps you should include all makes?

M35MT - 11/13/2007 1:22:12 PM

+1 Boost

BTW, the "read article" link is dead, it just brings up another autospies page.

soopakrn - 11/13/2007 2:11:02 PM

+1 Boost

This is just pointless. Trucks are not meant to be driven with the tailgate down. This is true not only for the Tundra, but as well as the Ford F-series and the GM Silverados or what have you. This is nothing new. Yes perhaps Toyota stated that you can drive with the tailgate down. But that is for situations when you have the tailgate down with a load on it such as lumber or a tailgate bed extender. Don't get me wrong now. I've had a chance to experience with countless number of trucks.

soopakrn - 11/14/2007 1:00:24 AM

+1 Boost

And you look like you haven't owned a truck before.

XYZZ - 11/15/2007 7:53:27 AM

+1 Boost

you are right. it IS ok to drive with the tailgate down, PROVIDED something is placed on it to prevent bouncing on ruts, potholes, etc.

due to the UNIQUE shock in the 'gate, bouncing can unhinge things.

jimmyjump - 11/13/2007 5:37:13 PM

+1 Boost

009 please fix the memo link so we can read what your post is based on.