Owners have filed 358 complaints
about the 1998 Toyota Tacoma with NHTSA between 1997 and 2025.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 32 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 53
Against the median year of the Toyota Tacoma. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
24.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 5
3% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Underbody Shields
3020.1%
Body
3020.1%
Frontal
3020.1%
Frame AND Members
2818.8%
Tread/Belt
96.0%
Foundation Components
85.4%
Bumpers
74.7%
Gasoline
74.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
42.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
139.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1410.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4330.9%
150,000+ miles
6345.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 1997peak 19Feb 2025
Recalls on the 1998 Toyota Tacoma
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
98V188000
AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STATEMENT REQUIRED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL THAT "...THE ON-OFF SWITCH SHOULD ONLY BEN USED WHEN A MEMBER OF A PASSENGER RISK GROUP IDENTIFIED IN THE REQUEST FORM IN APPENDIX B......IS OCCUPYING THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEATING POSITION..." IS MIS-STATED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Risk: IF THE AIR BAG SWITCH IS "OFF," THE SEAT OCCUPANT WHO IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE PASSENGER RISK GROUP WOULD BE SUBJECT TO INCREASED INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Winter Haven, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
I had an accident over a year ago and the airbags did not deploy then I ask the guy that fixed it told me that it didn't have the sensor on the front of my truck, and I wonder why. Now I realized the never saw that sensor on my truck, and want to know what is happening with my truck if other vehicles are involved in the same situation. Sincerely: [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11474087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN. VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY A DRIVER NOT PAYING ATTENTION, SENT AIRBORNE, FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES FORWARD AND SIDEWAYS, THEN HIT A PARKED CAR. AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED, RESULTING IN MAJOR INJURIES TO DRIVER OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11015435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 226,038 milesSylvester, GACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I STARTED MY TRUCK AND WAS SLOWLY DRIVING DOWN A DRIVEWAY, AS I CHANGED FROM 2ND GEAR TO 3RD GEAR MY VEHICLE ACCELERATION WENT FROM 15MPH TO 67MPH WITHIN JUST A FEW SECONDS AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT I COULD DO BUT SWERVE TO MISS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE ENGINE ROARED OUT OF CONTROL. AS A SWERVED TO MISS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, I WAS FORCED INTO A DITCH AND THE TRUCK ROLLED OVER.
NHTSA complaint #10508675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 287,000 milesVON Ormy, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
MY TRUCK WAS TRAVELING IN MIDDLE LANE OF INTERSTATE WHEN TRAFFIC ON THE RIGHT WAS SLOWING DOWN TO EXIT AND ANOTHER TRUCK IN THE LANE NEXT TO ME ON THE RIGHT DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND SWERVED INTO THE MIDDLE LANE FAILING TO YIELD CAUSING MY TRUCK TO STRIKE HIS TRUCK CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND TOTALING MY TRUCK. DURING THIS ACCIDENT THAT CRUSHED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10483591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesSunrise, FL1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG FUEL SMELL COMING IN THROUGH THE VENTS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE YET THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD SUFFERED VARIOUS RESPIRATORY COMPLICATIONS SINCE THE FAILURE BEGAN AND BELIEVED IT WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10405586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesPass Christian, MSCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
MY SON WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT. AN SUV RAN A RED LIGHT WHEN HE HAD A GREEN LIGHT. HIS TRUCK WAS SMASHED IN THE FRONT AND WAS TOTALED. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS A 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA PRE-RUNNER. I'VE HEARD THAT THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AT 35 MPH. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE.
NHTSA complaint #10358832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 164,000 milesCrestwood, KY
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the subframe was severely corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Campaign: 10030357-0006 (Frame Corrosion-Preventative Compound); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
NHTSA complaint #11642253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRichmond, VA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while inspecting the subframe of the vehicle, he noticed that there was a hole in the rear passenger side wheel well. The contact stated that the failure had increased significantly. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as an unknown recall had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11503438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRichmond, VA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while inspecting the subframe of the vehicle, he noticed that there was a hole in the rear passenger side wheel well. The contact stated that the failure had increased significantly. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as an unknown recall had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11503438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Haven, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
I had an accident over a year ago and the airbags did not deploy then I ask the guy that fixed it told me that it didn't have the sensor on the front of my truck, and I wonder why. Now I realized the never saw that sensor on my truck, and want to know what is happening with my truck if other vehicles are involved in the same situation. Sincerely: [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11474087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Post Falls, ID
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Left and right Frame members forward of the rear leaf spring mounts are severely rusted. According to the Toyota dealership who inspected it, the frame is compromised and their is a potential for structural failure in a collision. I purchased the vehicle in October of 2020 from the original owner who maintained it in immaculate condition. The rusted areas are not very obvious while inspecting the outside of the frame, however the interior portions have severe damage. I contacted Toyota Brand Enhancement, on the dealerships recommendation and was told they would not assist based on the lack of a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11456901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,995 milesRichlands, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
I BOUGHT A 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 AUTOMATIC WITH 106995 ON THE ODOMETER AND I AM HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING IT INSPECTED BECAUSE OF THE RIGHT SIDE REAR FRAME IS TESTED TO BAD
NHTSA complaint #11399788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Castle, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BOUGHT A VEHICLE FROM A WOMAN OFF OF CRAIGSLIST. MET HER IN AN UNFAMILIAR AREA. WOMAN STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND RUNS PERFECT. WOMAN WOULD NOT ALLOW US TO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND INSISTED ON CHECKING THE VIN ON CARFAX AND SHE QUICKLY PULLED OUT AN OUTDATED TITLE. THE VEHICLE'S ODOMETER READING STATED APPROXIMATELY 166,000 MILES. AFTER THE TRANSACTION OF $5000.00 WAS COMPLETED IN CASH. SHE QUICKLY LEFT WITH A HEAVYSET HISPANIC MALE THAT WAS WITH HER. MY HUSBAND LOOKED AT CARFAX AND THE LAST REPORTED MILEAGE ON CARFAX FOR THE VIN NUMBER WAS APPROXIMATELY 278,000 MILES FOR THAT VEHICLE. THE WOMAN QUICKLY BLOCKED OUT PHONE NUMBERS. ABOUT AN HOUR LATER SHE HAD HER NUMBER UNBLOCKED. WE CALLED HER FROM A DIFFERENT NUMBER AND ACTED AS THOUGH I WAS READY TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE FROM HER AND SHE STATED SHE HAD ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND COULD MEET ME AT THE SAME LOCATION (NOT KNOWING IT WAS ME) NOT ONLY WAS THE ODOMETER READING FALSE, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEABLE AND COMPLETELY UNSAFE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #11399558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Castle, CA
ENGINE
BOUGHT A VEHICLE FROM A WOMAN OFF OF CRAIGSLIST. MET HER IN AN UNFAMILIAR AREA. WOMAN STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND RUNS PERFECT. WOMAN WOULD NOT ALLOW US TO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND INSISTED ON CHECKING THE VIN ON CARFAX AND SHE QUICKLY PULLED OUT AN OUTDATED TITLE. THE VEHICLE'S ODOMETER READING STATED APPROXIMATELY 166,000 MILES. AFTER THE TRANSACTION OF $5000.00 WAS COMPLETED IN CASH. SHE QUICKLY LEFT WITH A HEAVYSET HISPANIC MALE THAT WAS WITH HER. MY HUSBAND LOOKED AT CARFAX AND THE LAST REPORTED MILEAGE ON CARFAX FOR THE VIN NUMBER WAS APPROXIMATELY 278,000 MILES FOR THAT VEHICLE. THE WOMAN QUICKLY BLOCKED OUT PHONE NUMBERS. ABOUT AN HOUR LATER SHE HAD HER NUMBER UNBLOCKED. WE CALLED HER FROM A DIFFERENT NUMBER AND ACTED AS THOUGH I WAS READY TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE FROM HER AND SHE STATED SHE HAD ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND COULD MEET ME AT THE SAME LOCATION (NOT KNOWING IT WAS ME) NOT ONLY WAS THE ODOMETER READING FALSE, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEABLE AND COMPLETELY UNSAFE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #11399558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Castle, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
BOUGHT A VEHICLE FROM A WOMAN OFF OF CRAIGSLIST. MET HER IN AN UNFAMILIAR AREA. WOMAN STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND RUNS PERFECT. WOMAN WOULD NOT ALLOW US TO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND INSISTED ON CHECKING THE VIN ON CARFAX AND SHE QUICKLY PULLED OUT AN OUTDATED TITLE. THE VEHICLE'S ODOMETER READING STATED APPROXIMATELY 166,000 MILES. AFTER THE TRANSACTION OF $5000.00 WAS COMPLETED IN CASH. SHE QUICKLY LEFT WITH A HEAVYSET HISPANIC MALE THAT WAS WITH HER. MY HUSBAND LOOKED AT CARFAX AND THE LAST REPORTED MILEAGE ON CARFAX FOR THE VIN NUMBER WAS APPROXIMATELY 278,000 MILES FOR THAT VEHICLE. THE WOMAN QUICKLY BLOCKED OUT PHONE NUMBERS. ABOUT AN HOUR LATER SHE HAD HER NUMBER UNBLOCKED. WE CALLED HER FROM A DIFFERENT NUMBER AND ACTED AS THOUGH I WAS READY TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE FROM HER AND SHE STATED SHE HAD ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND COULD MEET ME AT THE SAME LOCATION (NOT KNOWING IT WAS ME) NOT ONLY WAS THE ODOMETER READING FALSE, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEABLE AND COMPLETELY UNSAFE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #11399558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainfield, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
FRAME IS VERY BAD SHAPE DUE TO RUST PROBLEM AND BROKEN
NHTSA complaint #11203515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 289,000 milesMolalla, OR
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY SON WAS DRIVING HIS 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE FRAME SEPARATED IN HALF. LUCKILY HE WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE AND GET IT OFF OF THE ROAD WITHOUT HARM TO HIMSELF OR OTHERS. THE TRUCK WAS LATER TRAILERED TO A FRIENDS HOUSE WHERE A TEMPORARY BRACE WAS WELDED ON. WE LATER BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO A DEALERSHIP WHO TOOK ONE LOOK AT THE FRAME AND SAID WE WERE NOT DRIVING THAT TRUCK HOME IT WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED BEYOND ITS YEARS. THE DEALERSHIP GAVE US A RENTAL CAR FOR THE EVENING UNTIL THEY HEARD BACK FROM TOYOTA WHO REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FRAME BECAUSE THE PROGRAM HAD EXPIRED. UNFORTUNATELY I AM ON ABLE TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE FOR MY SON. I DID MY DUE DILIGENCE WHEN I PURCHASED THE TRUCK AND PULLED A CARFAX ON IT AND THERE WAS NO REPORT OF A RECALL, I DID NOT LOOK UNDERNEATH TO CHECK FOR FRAME DAMAGE AS THE TRUCK HAD A CLEAN TITLE AND THERE DID NOT SEEM TO BE A REASON.
NHTSA complaint #11186670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesElkins, AR
SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT STARTED FRAYING AND AFTER WHILE LOCKED UP ,WOULD NOT RETRACTED OR PULL OUT. NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE IS FRAYING AND NOW IT IS LOCKED UP, IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THE ENGINE IS RUNNING OR NOT IT WILL NOT RETRACTED OR PULL OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11183215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,000 milesCorsicana, TX
SEAT BELTS
THE WIRING HARNESS CABLE FROM THE SENSORS TO THE COMPUTER BURNOUT AND THE SEATBELTS DOESN'T RESPOND RIGHT ESPECIALLY WITH HIS UNRAVELING AND DOESN'T LOCK GOOD OR POOL AND THE MASTER CYLINDER IT'S NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY EITHER IT'S LIKE IT'S NOT STOPPING THE BRAKES ARE NOT STOPPING I KNOW THE VEHICLE IS OLD BUT STILL THIS IS A DEFECT AND VERY HAS FOR THE DRIVERS OF ALL THE VEHICLES MY 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 2.4 LITER 2 WHEEL DRIVE
NHTSA complaint #11162647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,000 milesCorsicana, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE WIRING HARNESS CABLE FROM THE SENSORS TO THE COMPUTER BURNOUT AND THE SEATBELTS DOESN'T RESPOND RIGHT ESPECIALLY WITH HIS UNRAVELING AND DOESN'T LOCK GOOD OR POOL AND THE MASTER CYLINDER IT'S NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY EITHER IT'S LIKE IT'S NOT STOPPING THE BRAKES ARE NOT STOPPING I KNOW THE VEHICLE IS OLD BUT STILL THIS IS A DEFECT AND VERY HAS FOR THE DRIVERS OF ALL THE VEHICLES MY 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 2.4 LITER 2 WHEEL DRIVE
NHTSA complaint #11162647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,000 milesCorsicana, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
THE WIRING HARNESS CABLE FROM THE SENSORS TO THE COMPUTER BURNOUT AND THE SEATBELTS DOESN'T RESPOND RIGHT ESPECIALLY WITH HIS UNRAVELING AND DOESN'T LOCK GOOD OR POOL AND THE MASTER CYLINDER IT'S NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY EITHER IT'S LIKE IT'S NOT STOPPING THE BRAKES ARE NOT STOPPING I KNOW THE VEHICLE IS OLD BUT STILL THIS IS A DEFECT AND VERY HAS FOR THE DRIVERS OF ALL THE VEHICLES MY 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 2.4 LITER 2 WHEEL DRIVE
NHTSA complaint #11162647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesViper, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FRAME ON RIGHT AND LEFT REAR RUSTED THREW
NHTSA complaint #11115728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weston, WV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER IN 2011 REGARDING A TACOMA FRAME RUST CORROSION ISSUE. I OPENED A CASE AND HAD MY TOYOTA INSPECTED ON 5/20/11 BY A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THE FRAME HAD PASSED INSPECTION. ON 12/02/11 TOYOTA PERFORMED A BODY FRAME UNDERCOATING ON THE VEHICLE. FAST FORWARD TO 2017. I FOUND A SMALL HOLE IN THE FRAME THAT WAS INSPECTED BY TOYOTA AND DEEMED SAFE. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID SINCE THE SAFETY RECALL ON THE FRAME HAS PASSED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF OTHER STORIES OF TOYOTA'S WITH RUSTING FRAMES. I FEEL IT IS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND/OR SELL TO SOMEONE.
NHTSA complaint #11078567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesKittery Point, ME
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE PROBLEM WITH MY TRUCK IS THAT THERE IS SEVER CORROSION ON THE FRAME MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA HAS PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED AND ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM HOWEVER THEIR ATTEMPT (UNDERCOATING) FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER NOW REFUSES TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #11051480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,726 milesTrinidad, CO
WHEELS
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY AT A SPEED BETWEEN 60-65 ML/HR, WHEN I HEARD SOMETHING POP. WHEN COMING TO A STOP SIGN AT THE OFF RAMP, THE STEERING WHEEL IMMEDIATELY TURNED TO THE RIGHT, AFTER PRESSING ON THE BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO WALMART WERE I PURCHASED THE TIRES AND EXPLAINED TO THE INTAKE TECHNICIAN OF THE SITUATION AND REQUESTED A BALANCING OF ALL 4 TIRES, BECAUSE I THOUGHT A WEIGHT HAD FALLEN OFF THE RIM. THE AUTO TECHNICIAN BALANCED ALL 4 TIRES. THE RECEIPT STATED TIRES BALANCE ACCEPTED AND COMPLETE. NO OUT OF BALANCE SPECIFICATIONS WERE INDICATED. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60-65 ML/HR AND COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE STILL PULLED TO THE RIGHT IMMEDIATELY WHEN LETTING GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I THEN HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED BY ANOTHER AUTO/TIRE SHOP. IT WAS FOUND TO BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT SOLVE THE VEHICLE PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND SWAPPED THE FRONT TIRES, FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. HE FOUND THE VEHICLE NOW PULLED TO THE LEFT. HE STATED THE ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ARE CORRECT AND THAT IT WAS A BAD TIRE. THE PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE WAS INTERNAL AND TO CONTACT WALMART WHERE YOU PURCHASED THEM. WALMART DID NOT CHECK THE TIRE AND STATED THE WARRANTY WAS NOT EFFECTIVE AT 5/32ND TREAD DEPTH. WALMART STATED THEY OPTED OUT OF MICHELIN'S TIRE WARRANTY AND TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRE DIRECTLY. I THEN CONTACTED MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER CARE, WERE THEY AUTHORIZED ME TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER TIRE DEALER WHO SOLD MICHELIN TIRES. I TOOK IT TO PHIL LONG TOYOTA DEALER WHO STATED THEY WOULD PROCESS THE WARRANTY FOR THIS TIRE. THEY CHECKED THE TIRE AND FOUND THAT THE TIRE ON THE LEFT SIDE HAD AN INTERNAL SEPARATED BELT. THE COMPANY MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA IS PROCESSING THE WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #11043791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,238 milesLeon, WV
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE SUBFRAME BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF A BUY BACK PROGRAM, WHICH HAD EXPIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED CASE NUMBERS: 1505202202 AND 1602030551. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,238.
NHTSA complaint #11024960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesDalton, GA
SUSPENSION
I RECENTLY BOUGHT MY 98 TOYOTA TACOMA EXTENDED CAB 44. I KNEW NOTHING OF ANY FRAME RUST PROBLEMS OR ANY OTHER PROBLEMS THAT TOYOTA'S HAD. NOW I AM THE PROUD OWNER OF A GOOD LOOKING TRUCK THAT I JUST FOUND OUT IS NOT ONLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE OFF ROAD BUT ON ROAD ALSO.YESTERDAY I FOUND THAT THE REAR SHOCK,WHERE IT MOUNTS ON TOP,HAD BROKE THROW THE FRAME AND AFTER INSPECTING AND DOING A QUICK WELDING REPAIR JUST TO MAKE IT HOME,THAT THE FRAME HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED IN OTHER PLACES BUT ONLY WELDED NEW METAL OVER THE EXISTING RUSTING FRAME.NO ONE HAS MADE ANY ATTEMY TO INFORM ME OF ANY PROBLEMS AND FROM WHAT I'M SEEING NOW IT'S PAST THE 15 YR DEADLINE. I BOUGHT A TOYOTA BECAUSE OF ITS DEPENDABILITY BUT WHAT GOOD IS IT TO HAVE A DEPENDABLE ENGINE WHEN THE FRAME WASN'T PREPARED TO HOLD UP TO NORMAL CONDITIONS WITHOUT RUSTING INTO.
NHTSA complaint #11021327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesDalton, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
I RECENTLY BOUGHT MY 98 TOYOTA TACOMA EXTENDED CAB 44. I KNEW NOTHING OF ANY FRAME RUST PROBLEMS OR ANY OTHER PROBLEMS THAT TOYOTA'S HAD. NOW I AM THE PROUD OWNER OF A GOOD LOOKING TRUCK THAT I JUST FOUND OUT IS NOT ONLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE OFF ROAD BUT ON ROAD ALSO.YESTERDAY I FOUND THAT THE REAR SHOCK,WHERE IT MOUNTS ON TOP,HAD BROKE THROW THE FRAME AND AFTER INSPECTING AND DOING A QUICK WELDING REPAIR JUST TO MAKE IT HOME,THAT THE FRAME HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED IN OTHER PLACES BUT ONLY WELDED NEW METAL OVER THE EXISTING RUSTING FRAME.NO ONE HAS MADE ANY ATTEMY TO INFORM ME OF ANY PROBLEMS AND FROM WHAT I'M SEEING NOW IT'S PAST THE 15 YR DEADLINE. I BOUGHT A TOYOTA BECAUSE OF ITS DEPENDABILITY BUT WHAT GOOD IS IT TO HAVE A DEPENDABLE ENGINE WHEN THE FRAME WASN'T PREPARED TO HOLD UP TO NORMAL CONDITIONS WITHOUT RUSTING INTO.
NHTSA complaint #11021327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN. VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY A DRIVER NOT PAYING ATTENTION, SENT AIRBORNE, FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES FORWARD AND SIDEWAYS, THEN HIT A PARKED CAR. AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED, RESULTING IN MAJOR INJURIES TO DRIVER OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11015435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesActon, CA
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELTS ARE FRAYED AND LOCK UP. SR5 EXTRA CAB- DRIVERS SIDE AND REAR SEAT BELTS ARE NOT WORKING
NHTSA complaint #11012946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesPisgah Forest, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE TACOMA HAS DEVELOPED SIGNIFICANT RUST AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR LEAD SPRING BRACKET. THE BRACKET IS BEGINNING TO PULL AWAY FROM THE FRAME AND THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER USABLE AS A RESULT, THIS IS VERY DISCOURAGING AS THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED WELL AND CURRENTLY HAS 250K MILES ON IT. ALL OTHER PARTS OF THIS VEHICLE IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE.
NHTSA complaint #10995685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.