NHTSA Complaint #11422943 — 2014 TOYOTA TUNDRA

In the course of cleaning my vehicle, I noticed corrosion on edge of door sill (emanating from under inside rubber door seal) of my 2014 Toyota Tundra on June 13, 2021. After removing the plastic scuff plate and rubber door seal, it was apparent that openings from the underside of the vehicle into the cabin are present from the design/manufacturing process - these opening are not sealed. The openings are not a result of corrosion but rather are associated with the geometry of the floor pan at the floor pan to rocker pinch weld - it is not a sealed surface. After removing the rubber seal I was able to look downward into the openings and see daylight from the underside of the cabin. Electrical cabling is immediately adjacent to these openings beneath the plastic scuff plate. It was apparent that the openings permit water and salt infiltration into the cabin, and would appear to be the primary cause of corrosion and build up of salt residues in the cabin and door sill area. My first impression was the condition that I observed was a manufacturing defect. On reflection many questions came to mind including: was the infiltration of water, salt and potentially exhaust through the openings in the floor pan going to have safety consequences - would the deterioration of the body structure as a result of corrosion have consequences in the event of a crash, or would the potential infiltration of exhaust gases affect the safety of cabin occupants? In following up the dealer and manufacturer over the last week, no resolution has been found . Owing to the age I was advised that there was no warranty coverage. The dealer reportedly inspected other Tundras and the design/manufacturing conditions (ie. opening in the floor pan) were the same as I had observed. It was only through my own initiative that I identified a Manufacturer Communication (NHTSA ID 10173991) that shed some light on the issue.