Owners have filed 545 complaints
about the 2004 Toyota Tacoma with NHTSA between 2003 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 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 — 81
Against the median year of the Toyota Tacoma. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 57
11% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 29
17% 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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
92.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
194.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
307.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
358.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
399.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4811.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
14133.8%
150,000+ miles
9623.0%
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.
Dec 2003peak 15Mar 2026
Recalls on the 2004 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
12V542000
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.
Risk: Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
06E065000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
05V225000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
Risk: THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
04V214000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, 'SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.' THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAS INCORRECT MARKINGS.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20123909,000 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, excessive corrosion of the spare tire carrier lift plate may cause the separation of the spare tire stowed under the vehicle. The spare tire falling on the road surface creates a safety hazard that may result in a crash causing personal injury and/or property damage. Correction: To be announced.
Recall 200515114,341 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, a manufacturing issue with the front lower ball joint could result in premature wear. If the vehicle is operated for an extended period of time in this condition, the ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort, reduced vehicle self-centering and noise in the front suspension. In extreme cases, when the driver continues to operate the vehicle in this condition, the lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing a loss of vehicle steering control. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower ball joints.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 200,000 milesDenison, TXCrash2 injured
WHEELS
I was driving on a highway at the posted speed and suddenly the front right wheel broke off the vehicle and caused me to roll 6 times on the highway and I was wrongly accused of being at fault.
NHTSA complaint #11512108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesDenison, TXCrash2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving on a highway at the posted speed and suddenly the front right wheel broke off the vehicle and caused me to roll 6 times on the highway and I was wrongly accused of being at fault.
NHTSA complaint #11512108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesAguanga, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact called on behalf of her mother who was driving approximately 45 mph when she lost control of the vehicle which resulted in crashing into a power pole. None of the air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to an insurance lot and currently was at a storage yard. A police report was taken and the driver sustained injuries to her face, and her dentures shattered but did not seek medical treatment at the time of the crash. The driver attempted to go to the hospital later but there was a 5-hour wait and was not seen. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
NHTSA complaint #11446887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,468 milesPhelan, CACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AXLE AND BALL JOINTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S SON LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DIRT DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY HI TOYOTA (14612 VALLEY CENTER DRIVE, VICTORVILLE, CA 92395, 866-405-5098), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,468.
NHTSA complaint #11119621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,468 milesPhelan, CACrash
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AXLE AND BALL JOINTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S SON LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DIRT DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY HI TOYOTA (14612 VALLEY CENTER DRIVE, VICTORVILLE, CA 92395, 866-405-5098), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,468.
NHTSA complaint #11119621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,700 milesColorado Springs, COCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE IN REVERSE, IDLING SLOWLY TO A STOP TO PICK UP A HOT WATER HEATER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PLUMBING SUPPLY WAREHOUSE, SENDING THE VEHICLE THROUGH AN OVERHEAD DOOR AND THROUGH EXPENSIVE HOT WATER HEATERS AND SPAS. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED INTO THE WAREHOUSE UNTIL IT HIT AN IMMOVABLE OBJECT AND STOPPED. THE THROTTLE CONTINUED TO HIGHLY REV THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE TO GET OUT OF THE WAREHOUSE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED AT HIGH SPEED ON THE WAY OUT, AND ONTO THE STREET. BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE THROTTLE RESUMED NORMAL SPEED OPERATION. NEXT DAY, TOYOTA DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE THROTTLE PROBLEM BECAUSE, BEING A 2004, IT DID NOT THROW COMPUTER FAILURE CODES. INDEPENDENT GARAGE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. EARLIER IN THE SAME WEEK, THE THROTTLE STUCK OPEN WHEN BACKING UP AT LOW SPEED, BUT I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING ABOUT IT OR THE SERIOUSNESS OF A FAILING THROTTLE. THE TRUCK IS NOW OPERATING AFTER REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #11102755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
North Stonington, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY
Immediately after the manufacturer recall requiring full frame replacement (completed November 2017 by the same dealership referenced below), the vehicle developed abnormal handling not present before the repair, including improper tracking and rear end instability. No warning lights/diagnostic messages were present. These issues were reported to the servicing dealership within weeks and repeatedly over the following years. Despite multiple short initial inspections and two extended service periods—totaling approximately fourteen months in the dealership’s possession—the dealership repeatedly reported no defect found and continued to advise that the vehicle was safe to operate. Due to ongoing safety concerns, an independent inspection was recently obtained. It confirmed measurable rear axle offset and a thrust angle deviation outside acceptable tolerances. The defect is visually apparent: the rear wheels are not symmetrically aligned, and the vehicle exhibits a noticeable “crab walking” effect when viewed from behind. The root cause remains undetermined and would require further diagnostic work and significant disassembly. All documentation and inspection findings are available upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle does not track correctly and shows instability, especially in low traction conditions such as rain or snow, increasing the risk of loss of control. The manufacturer has been formally notified through repeated outreach, including ongoing contact with the Brand Engagement Center since December 2025 and multiple certified letters to Toyota North America Legal/Consumer Affairs between January and March 2026. The only response received was a generic statement from the Brand Engagement Center indicating that the vehicle is out of warranty and an offer to return it to the same dealership that performed the frame replacement and failed to identify the defect. No other response, investigation, or resolution has been provided by Toyota North America.
NHTSA complaint #11726891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Orange, FL
SUSPENSION
I was turning into a gas station and all the sudden the vehicle came to a complete stop i was unable to move the vehicle and sat there until the tow truck was able to show up. Looked under the vehicle and on the passenger side front suspension the lower ball joint was no longer where it belongs.
NHTSA complaint #11717952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, PA
POWER TRAIN
My 2004 Toyota Tacoma was part of the frame replacement back in the fall of 2018 when Bobby Rahal Toyota in Mechanicsburg, PA has by truck for over 6 months while they replaced my frame. It has been determined that my rear differential is rusted and is now to the point of needing replaced. For over the last year I have tried working with Bobby Rahal to come to and understanding on having this repaired due to the fact that my mechanic believes that this rust is in fact the same issue as the frame and should have been replaced when the frame was. All they will tell me is that the recall is closed and there is nothing they can do. Very disappointed in the fact that this was handled when it should have been. Now I am stuck trying to figure out how to pay for this myself. I have taken very good care of my truck for over 21 years and there is no reason for me to have to pay out of pocket for something that they should have taken care of during the recall. I don't have a lift to check the underneath of my truck, I trust when there is a recall that the dealership will do its job and fix everything safely and not put an unsafe vehicle back on the road and wait until a vehicle rusts completely through. Bobby Rahal was also inspecting the truck at this time so they knew the rear differential was rusted. My current mechanic said the Rear differential has been rusted since the time they replaced the frame and and has been for many years. It is irresponsible for Bobby Rahal Toyota to have not replaced the Rear differential axel knowing it was rusted and unsafe.
NHTSA complaint #11696970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, NH
STRUCTURE:BODY
The frame broke
NHTSA complaint #11688089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesCecil, AL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma equipped with Toyo Tires, Tire Line: Open Country HT, Tire Size: 265/70/R16, DOT Number: CXLJA881918. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to Walmart for the tires to be balanced and the wheels rotated. The mechanic informed the contact that the service could not be performed because the front tires were out of round, the tires belts were separated, and the tire beads were fractured. The tires were not replaced. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the tire warranties were not transferable from the previous owner. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 144,549. The tires failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11667780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesCecil, AL
TIRES:BEAD
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma equipped with Toyo Tires, Tire Line: Open Country HT, Tire Size: 265/70/R16, DOT Number: CXLJA881918. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to Walmart for the tires to be balanced and the wheels rotated. The mechanic informed the contact that the service could not be performed because the front tires were out of round, the tires belts were separated, and the tire beads were fractured. The tires were not replaced. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the tire warranties were not transferable from the previous owner. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 144,549. The tires failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11667780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union City Apt 35 H, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to report a safety related issue with a 2004 Toyota Tacoma that I purchased from an auction on 12/21/2022. The vehicle has an expired recall that I believe has not been properly addressed, potentially affecting the safety of the vehicle. I have attempted to resolve this issue through Toyota's customer service and local dealership, but I have been informed that the recall is no longer active and will not be addressed. It has a Virginia rebuilt title. It failed inspection due to rust on the frame.
NHTSA complaint #11656088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
SUSPENSION
The vehicle has an open recall (NHTSA Recall #12V542) for the spare tire carrier lift plate. I brought the vehicle to a Toyota dealership to have the recall addressed, but the dealership refused to perform the repair, stating that the frame is too rusted to proceed safely. They recommended a full frame replacement due to severe rust damage, which includes holes and significant structural weakening. Toyota has refused to provide a replacement frame under any existing recall or warranty program. This means the recall cannot be completed, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive. Additionally, I cannot locate a replacement frame for this vehicle through Toyota or the aftermarket, leaving no practical solution to address the safety risks. The refusal to honor the recall and the lack of available replacement parts put me and others at significant risk. The problem has been confirmed by the Toyota dealership during inspection, and the rust damage makes the vehicle structurally unsound. The unresolved recall, combined with the excessive frame rust, has created a double safety hazard that needs urgent resolution
NHTSA complaint #11631075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
The vehicle has an open recall (NHTSA Recall #12V542) for the spare tire carrier lift plate. I brought the vehicle to a Toyota dealership to have the recall addressed, but the dealership refused to perform the repair, stating that the frame is too rusted to proceed safely. They recommended a full frame replacement due to severe rust damage, which includes holes and significant structural weakening. Toyota has refused to provide a replacement frame under any existing recall or warranty program. This means the recall cannot be completed, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive. Additionally, I cannot locate a replacement frame for this vehicle through Toyota or the aftermarket, leaving no practical solution to address the safety risks. The refusal to honor the recall and the lack of available replacement parts put me and others at significant risk. The problem has been confirmed by the Toyota dealership during inspection, and the rust damage makes the vehicle structurally unsound. The unresolved recall, combined with the excessive frame rust, has created a double safety hazard that needs urgent resolution
NHTSA complaint #11631075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurel, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Bringing to your urgent attention a significant safety concern regarding a 2004 Toyota Tacoma owned by my brother, [XXX] , bought in 2004, which has severe frame rust affecting the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this matter directly with Toyota, we have been unable to obtain assistance, as Toyota states the Customer Support Notice for this issue has expired. Given the potential risk this poses to both the driver and other motorists, we are seeking your intervention to address this pressing matter. In September 2024, while retrieving an item from under the truck, my brother discovered extensive rust damage on the vehicle’s frame. We promptly took the truck to Antwerpen Toyota on September 4, 2024, where a technician confirmed the severe rust corrosion and deemed the truck unsafe to drive. The dealership informed us that Toyota had previously issued a Customer Support Notice addressing rust issues on this model but explained that the program had expired. They recommended we contact Toyota directly for potential support or compensation to help acquire a safe vehicle. We reported the case to Toyota (Case No. [XXX]) on September 4, 2024, and have since been in regular contact, yet have only been met with repeated delays and dismissals. Toyota representatives acknowledged that a notice had been issued for this problem, but despite knowing the serious nature of the rust and its impact on the vehicle’s safety, they have not provided us with any solution. We have requested escalation to senior management, but those requests have not been honored. Toyota’s refusal to address this safety defect, even with our willingness to discuss options, has left us with no alternative but to turn to your agency for help. We understand that the notice has expired and that my brother was not the vehicle’s original owner. However, this issue goes beyond a typical warranty claim, as it concerns the fundamental safety and road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
NHTSA complaint #11624320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fremont, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle was taken to dealer with frame rust, crack and holes. Toyota refused to fix , repair or offer parts to repair.
NHTSA complaint #11568678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frostburg, MD
SUSPENSION
2011- check engine light was illuminated. Toyota dealership attempted repairs 11 times but could not find a cause. They replaced 7 different sensors, replaced gas cap, charcoal filter.. still could not get light to go off. refused to continue servicing same issue with no fault. Since 2011, I have had to run diagnostics on a regular basis to ensure there are no other mechanical issues. 2022- gas tank fell off of truck while driving. The straps snapped off due to rust and tank fell to the ground. This issue could have caused GREAT bodily injury or DEATH. 2023-lost brakes while driving. TOTAL brake failure. local mechanic stated it was a proportioning valve failure. The housing for it was rusted through and cannot be removed safely. After multiple days of research, a replacement could not be located. Even contacting Toyota, part is unavailable so vehicle CANNOT be fixed. Total brake failure could have led to GREAT bodily injury or DEATH. ONGOING-- vehicle frame is extremely rusted. bumper has fallen off, spare tire fell off, brush guard rusted and fell off. The frame under cab near bed of truck is rusted through. gas tank straps rusted through and tank fell off. You can literally push fingers/hand through the flaking metal. ALL previous recalls were completed including undercoating but the rust has gotten so bad the vehicle is not safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11527190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frostburg, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
2011- check engine light was illuminated. Toyota dealership attempted repairs 11 times but could not find a cause. They replaced 7 different sensors, replaced gas cap, charcoal filter.. still could not get light to go off. refused to continue servicing same issue with no fault. Since 2011, I have had to run diagnostics on a regular basis to ensure there are no other mechanical issues. 2022- gas tank fell off of truck while driving. The straps snapped off due to rust and tank fell to the ground. This issue could have caused GREAT bodily injury or DEATH. 2023-lost brakes while driving. TOTAL brake failure. local mechanic stated it was a proportioning valve failure. The housing for it was rusted through and cannot be removed safely. After multiple days of research, a replacement could not be located. Even contacting Toyota, part is unavailable so vehicle CANNOT be fixed. Total brake failure could have led to GREAT bodily injury or DEATH. ONGOING-- vehicle frame is extremely rusted. bumper has fallen off, spare tire fell off, brush guard rusted and fell off. The frame under cab near bed of truck is rusted through. gas tank straps rusted through and tank fell off. You can literally push fingers/hand through the flaking metal. ALL previous recalls were completed including undercoating but the rust has gotten so bad the vehicle is not safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11527190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frostburg, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2011- check engine light was illuminated. Toyota dealership attempted repairs 11 times but could not find a cause. They replaced 7 different sensors, replaced gas cap, charcoal filter.. still could not get light to go off. refused to continue servicing same issue with no fault. Since 2011, I have had to run diagnostics on a regular basis to ensure there are no other mechanical issues. 2022- gas tank fell off of truck while driving. The straps snapped off due to rust and tank fell to the ground. This issue could have caused GREAT bodily injury or DEATH. 2023-lost brakes while driving. TOTAL brake failure. local mechanic stated it was a proportioning valve failure. The housing for it was rusted through and cannot be removed safely. After multiple days of research, a replacement could not be located. Even contacting Toyota, part is unavailable so vehicle CANNOT be fixed. Total brake failure could have led to GREAT bodily injury or DEATH. ONGOING-- vehicle frame is extremely rusted. bumper has fallen off, spare tire fell off, brush guard rusted and fell off. The frame under cab near bed of truck is rusted through. gas tank straps rusted through and tank fell off. You can literally push fingers/hand through the flaking metal. ALL previous recalls were completed including undercoating but the rust has gotten so bad the vehicle is not safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11527190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, TX
SUSPENSION
Lower ball joint detached, nearly caused major problems for me on the road
NHTSA complaint #11518998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,641 milesFremont, WI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact had taken the vehicle to Kolosso Toyota (3000 W Wisconsin Ave, Appleton, WI 54914) to have his exhaust replaced. While there, he was informed that the entire sub frame was corroded with several cracks and holes had formed around both front leaf springs. The mechanic informed him that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the failure. Prior to the failure, the contact took the vehicle to another local dealer where the vehicle was inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension). The contact was informed that a special coating was sprayed onto the sub frame to prevent corrosion; however, the recall remedy failed to prevent the corrosion. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 51,641.
NHTSA complaint #11513413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,641 milesFremont, WI
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact had taken the vehicle to Kolosso Toyota (3000 W Wisconsin Ave, Appleton, WI 54914) to have his exhaust replaced. While there, he was informed that the entire sub frame was corroded with several cracks and holes had formed around both front leaf springs. The mechanic informed him that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the failure. Prior to the failure, the contact took the vehicle to another local dealer where the vehicle was inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension). The contact was informed that a special coating was sprayed onto the sub frame to prevent corrosion; however, the recall remedy failed to prevent the corrosion. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 51,641.
NHTSA complaint #11513413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesDenison, TXCrash2 injured
WHEELS
I was driving on a highway at the posted speed and suddenly the front right wheel broke off the vehicle and caused me to roll 6 times on the highway and I was wrongly accused of being at fault.
NHTSA complaint #11512108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesDenison, TXCrash2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving on a highway at the posted speed and suddenly the front right wheel broke off the vehicle and caused me to roll 6 times on the highway and I was wrongly accused of being at fault.
NHTSA complaint #11512108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stratford, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY
Bought the vehicle in May 2022 from a dealer. By November of 2022 it was discovered that the frame was totally rusted. The dealer won't help so I paid $10,000 for a truck that lasted 6 months. I then found out this was a common problem that Toyota knew about so I called them for assistance. They would not help. I have been renting a vehicle at a cost of $800 a month because I don't have the money to buy another vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11511452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, Costa Rica, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The whole frame, the chassis, it is rusty specially in the front How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? when the rusty becomes worse, it will compromise the entire vehicle estructure, even the suspension and wheel parts. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, I can see Toyota run a recall process until 2019 Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, just regular shop service, on which they reported high damage for the suspension and frame parts. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?. It is making bad noises and suspension parts are difficult to replace
NHTSA complaint #11507649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesHustle, VA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) main fuse had blown due to a short circuit. The dealer replaced the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) main fuse; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded, including transmission components and fuel system components. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as unknown recalls had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11501675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesHustle, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) main fuse had blown due to a short circuit. The dealer replaced the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) main fuse; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded, including transmission components and fuel system components. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as unknown recalls had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11501675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesHustle, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) main fuse had blown due to a short circuit. The dealer replaced the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) main fuse; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded, including transmission components and fuel system components. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as unknown recalls had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11501675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Schodack, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
Frame is badly rusted as a result truck is not driveable..
NHTSA complaint #11496303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.