FaultScore

FaultScore report

2008 Toyota Tacoma problems

Owners have filed 558 complaints about the 2008 Toyota Tacoma with NHTSA between 2007 and 2026. The largest single group is the suspension. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 32 worst.

F

FaultScore 83/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Toyota Tacoma.

How this is worked out

The numbers

558

Complaints

65

Crashes reported

8

Fires reported

21

Injuries reported

4 complaints report a death.

57,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

41%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 83 vs 50 Severity 91 vs 50 Early failure 69 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 83
Against the median year of the Toyota Tacoma. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 91
17.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 69
41% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2008 compares with every other Toyota Tacoma

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2008 Toyota Tacoma

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Suspension 126 22.6%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 77,900 mi

29 crashes, 1 fires · median 18,700 mi

Body & Structure 76 13.6%

4 crashes, 0 fires · median 113,200 mi

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 70,000 mi

Steering 40 7.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 100,000 mi

Brakes 30 5.4%

7 crashes, 0 fires · median 28,000 mi

Airbags 29 5.2%

7 crashes, 0 fires · median 85,000 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 60,000 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 17,457 mi

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 28,000 mi

Lights 15 2.7%

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 77,927 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 137,062 mi

Wheels 7 1.3%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 95,000 mi

Tires 7 1.3%

Median failure at 17,500 miles

Seat Belts 6 1.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 107,500 mi

Equipment & Accessories 5 0.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 25,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 5 0.9%

Median failure at 75,000 miles

Child Seats 1 0.2%
Stability & Traction Control 1 0.2%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

Exactly what failed

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.

Body 52 55.9%
Frame AND Members 13 14.0%
Automatic Transmission 8 8.6%
Accelerator Pedal 7 7.5%
Underbody Shields 5 5.4%
Front 4 4.3%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 2 2.2%
Leaf Spring Assembly 2 2.2%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 22 5.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 42 10.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 54 14.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 65 16.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 49 12.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 43 11.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 74 19.1%
150,000+ miles 38 9.8%

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.

Nov 2007 peak 35 Jul 2026

Recalls on the 2008 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

16V396000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

14V743000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

14V604000

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.

Risk: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.

14V475000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

Risk: If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.

13V337000

SEAT BELTS

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.

Risk: If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.

12V092000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TACOMA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2004, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2008. OVER TIME, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION MAY DAMAGE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING) THAT POWERS THE DRIVER’S AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER’S SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

11V148000

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.

Risk: FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

10V035000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2021723 55,683 units in Canada

Electrical

Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.

Recall 2014420 46,835 units in Canada

Suspension

On certain vehicles, the leaf springs in the rear suspension could fracture due to stress and corrosion. If this were to occur, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components, including the fuel tank. If the broken leaf were to contact the fuel tank repeatedly, it could puncture the fuel tank. This could result in a fuel leak which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear leaf spring assemblies with improved ones.

Recall 2013353 369 units in Canada

Accessories

On certain vehicles equipped with an optional tonneau cover where the front-most panel can be opened with the vehicle ignition key, the lock cylinder could bind. If the lock cylinder were to bind in the open position, the panel may not remain closed and the tonneau cover assembly could separate from the vehicle while it is being driven. This could potentially result in property damage and pose a hazard to other road users. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs when service parts become available. In the interim, the panel release mechanism will be disabled or the tonneau cover removed, at the owner's choice.

Recall 2013273 26,830 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On vehicles with the Access Cab body configuration, fasteners within the driver and passenger front seat belt assemblies could loosen if the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed over an extended period of time. Should the fasteners loosen completely, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash or sudden stop. Correction: Dealers will replace the fasteners or the seat belt assemblies as necessary.

Recall 2012092 15,920 units in Canada

Airbag

On certain vehicles, electrical circuitry in the steering wheel assembly may become damaged. As a result, the driver's airbag may not function as intended, causing the instrument panel airbag warning lamp to illuminate. Failure of the driver's airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the spiral cable assembly.

Recall 2009290 437,445 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death. Correction: Dealers will reconfigure the shape of the accelerator pedal. Certain models will also have the shape of the floor underneath the accelerator pedal modified and/or a brake override system installed.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Austin, TX Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

UPON ARRIVAL AT THE LOCAL LAUNDRY MAT I HEARD WHAT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE A LOW CALIBER GIUN SHOR SECONDS LATER THERE WAS HEAVY BROWN SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THEN SECONDS AFTER THAT TWO FOOT FLAMES CONSUMED THE FRONT BUMPER. THE FOG LIGHT WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND THE HEAT WAS SO INTENSE IT CAUSED THE BUMPER TO CATCH FIRE. CALLED TOYOTA AND WAS HOPEFUL THEY WOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR NEGLIGENCE. BUT AFTER SENDING AN OVER PAID INVESTIGATOR WHO FLAT OUT LIED ABOUT MODIFICATIONS DONE ON THE TRUCK( WRONG) TOYOTA THEN TRIE TO TELL NE I WAS THE SECOND OWNER ON THE VEHICLE SO THAT ON TOP OF PHANTOM MODS PRECLUDES TOYOTA OF ANY RESPONSIBILITY. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TOYOTA YOU'VE DONE NOTHING BUT LIE ABOUT THIS INCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY BEEN A DEATH TRAP!*DT

NHTSA complaint #11361225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Sanger, CA Crash 10 injured

AIR BAGS

AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT THAT LED TO A ROLLOVER AND SEVERE BODILY INJURIES.

NHTSA complaint #11130228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Sanger, CA Crash 10 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT THAT LED TO A ROLLOVER AND SEVERE BODILY INJURIES.

NHTSA complaint #11130228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles Dodd City, TX Fire

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT LOOKED IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED FLAMES BETWEEN THE VEHICLE CAB AND BED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DETECT ANY SMOKE OR A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. WITHIN THIRTY SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND EXPLODED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V604000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,000. ..UPDATED 06/14/17 *BF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE AFTER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. UPDATED 08/22/2017

NHTSA complaint #10965823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles Dodd City, TX Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT LOOKED IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED FLAMES BETWEEN THE VEHICLE CAB AND BED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DETECT ANY SMOKE OR A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. WITHIN THIRTY SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND EXPLODED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V604000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,000. ..UPDATED 06/14/17 *BF THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE AFTER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. UPDATED 08/22/2017

NHTSA complaint #10965823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles Tijeras, NM Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

"TAKATA RECALL" HIT A GUARD RAIL ON INTERSTATE 40 IN ICE AND SNOW, AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND I RECEIVED A LACERATION TO LEFT EYE AND EYELID, TOTAL OF MED BILLS INCLUDING LIFEGARD AIR TRANSPORT AND EMERGENCY/TRIAGE ETC OVER $25,000 AND CLIMBING.

NHTSA complaint #10945256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Durham, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have major rust on the frame of the truck and I was told by Toyota the warranty period is over. I just gave Toyota the Vin number and was told it was not covered. The rust is major and a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11748891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Durham, NC

STRUCTURE:BODY

I have major rust on the frame of the truck and I was told by Toyota the warranty period is over. I just gave Toyota the Vin number and was told it was not covered. The rust is major and a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11748891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Topeka, KS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Got oil changed and they found frame is rusted out. Called Toyota corp and they said they sent a notice to have it looked at on 04/12/2020 but we never received anything. This truck has always been garaged and we bought it new and has only 78148 miles. They refused to do anything.

NHTSA complaint #11739231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 196,000 miles Fullerton, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact was previously interested in a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy before the purchase was made, and the vehicle was not purchased. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 114,000. It was later discovered, upon checking with the local DMV, that the mileage was 196,000.

NHTSA complaint #11734605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ithaca, NY

SUSPENSION

The brakes on my 2008 Toyota Tacoma were failing so I took it to a mechanic, who said that the brake lines had failed and needed to be replaced. However, he said that it wasn't worth putting any money into the truck, as the leaf springs were corroded along with the frame, which could crack apart at any time. As we only purchased the truck one year ago, he advised us to take it to the dealership where we purchased it, and informed us of the recalls on both of these issues. I spoke with the mechanic at the dealership because when we purchased the vehicle, they did the inspection and said that everything was fine. When I asked the mechanic about this, he said that he didn't have anything to do with sales and we needed to speak to the owner (who is out on medical leave). The mechanic said that when the dealership purchased the vehicle at auction, the frame must have been undercoated and so they missed it. When I mentioned the recall, he told me to call Toyota. I have checked the VIN and it is not showing an open recall for this vehicle. However, it is experiencing the exact same safety issues as the recalls for leaf spring corrosion and frame rust and cracking. I have only had this truck for a little over one year and do not know what to do. It is too dangerous to drive as it could cause a serious accident. Neither the dealership nor Toyota want to take responsibility and offer a solution.

NHTSA complaint #11705095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ithaca, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

The brakes on my 2008 Toyota Tacoma were failing so I took it to a mechanic, who said that the brake lines had failed and needed to be replaced. However, he said that it wasn't worth putting any money into the truck, as the leaf springs were corroded along with the frame, which could crack apart at any time. As we only purchased the truck one year ago, he advised us to take it to the dealership where we purchased it, and informed us of the recalls on both of these issues. I spoke with the mechanic at the dealership because when we purchased the vehicle, they did the inspection and said that everything was fine. When I asked the mechanic about this, he said that he didn't have anything to do with sales and we needed to speak to the owner (who is out on medical leave). The mechanic said that when the dealership purchased the vehicle at auction, the frame must have been undercoated and so they missed it. When I mentioned the recall, he told me to call Toyota. I have checked the VIN and it is not showing an open recall for this vehicle. However, it is experiencing the exact same safety issues as the recalls for leaf spring corrosion and frame rust and cracking. I have only had this truck for a little over one year and do not know what to do. It is too dangerous to drive as it could cause a serious accident. Neither the dealership nor Toyota want to take responsibility and offer a solution.

NHTSA complaint #11705095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ithaca, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

The brakes on my 2008 Toyota Tacoma were failing so I took it to a mechanic, who said that the brake lines had failed and needed to be replaced. However, he said that it wasn't worth putting any money into the truck, as the leaf springs were corroded along with the frame, which could crack apart at any time. As we only purchased the truck one year ago, he advised us to take it to the dealership where we purchased it, and informed us of the recalls on both of these issues. I spoke with the mechanic at the dealership because when we purchased the vehicle, they did the inspection and said that everything was fine. When I asked the mechanic about this, he said that he didn't have anything to do with sales and we needed to speak to the owner (who is out on medical leave). The mechanic said that when the dealership purchased the vehicle at auction, the frame must have been undercoated and so they missed it. When I mentioned the recall, he told me to call Toyota. I have checked the VIN and it is not showing an open recall for this vehicle. However, it is experiencing the exact same safety issues as the recalls for leaf spring corrosion and frame rust and cracking. I have only had this truck for a little over one year and do not know what to do. It is too dangerous to drive as it could cause a serious accident. Neither the dealership nor Toyota want to take responsibility and offer a solution.

NHTSA complaint #11705095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 173,807 miles Carmel, NY

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while his wife was entering the vehicle on the passenger’s side, the sidestep was stepped on, and there was an abnormal crunching sound coming from the step. The contact went to the passenger’s side front door and yanked on the sidestep, which caused the sidestep to almost separate from the sub frame. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and observed severe corrosion extending the length of the passenger’s and driver's side. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic due to the extent of the corrosion. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,807.

NHTSA complaint #11689496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Manassas, VA

WHEELS

I am reporting a serious safety incident with my 2008 Toyota Tacoma. While driving at approximately 65 mph on the highway last week, my spare tire detached from the vehicle (unknown at that time). The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light activated, and I later discovered the spare had broken free and fallen off. This was unknown until a week later when the dealership said the TPMS went off due to a missing spare tire. The failure was caused by severe corrosion of the spare tire carrier/hoist assembly, which gave way without warning. This created an immediate highway hazard for vehicles behind me. Toyota has previously issued recalls for spare tire carrier corrosion on earlier Sequoia and Tundra models. However, my 2008 model year was not included — yet the exact defect has now occurred. This is not a matter of convenience or maintenance. A spare tire falling off at highway speeds is a life-safety defect that should be investigated by Toyota and NHTSA before someone is seriously injured or killed.

NHTSA complaint #11688715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Coos Bay, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Wire connection on passenger side, under carpet. It is to the heater Temperature Control. The heater only works on High until you hit a bump or move the connector then it will start working until you bump it again. It is available for inspection upon request. A Certified Mechanic told me, It could potentially cause a fire by shorting out. I have two other friends with the same issue on their Toyota Tacoma's. .

NHTSA complaint #11682857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

report a paint defect on my 2008 Toyota Tacoma, painted in Super White (040). Over time, I have noticed significant paint peeling on multiple areas of the truck, including the roof, hood, and door frames. The paint is deteriorating down to the primer, and in some places, the metal is now exposed. I am aware of Toyota’s Customer Support Program T-SB-0162-19, which extends warranty coverage for similar paint issues on various Toyota models using the same Super White (040) and Blizzard Pearl (070) paints. However, I am disappointed to learn that the Tacoma—despite having identical paint and similar defects—was excluded from the original program. This paint failure is clearly not due to age or wear, but rather a manufacturing defect that has been documented by thousands of Tacoma owners nationwid

NHTSA complaint #11682454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Virginia Beach, VA

STRUCTURE:BODY

report a paint defect on my 2008 Toyota Tacoma, painted in Super White (040). Over time, I have noticed significant paint peeling on multiple areas of the truck, including the roof, hood, and door frames. The paint is deteriorating down to the primer, and in some places, the metal is now exposed. I am aware of Toyota’s Customer Support Program T-SB-0162-19, which extends warranty coverage for similar paint issues on various Toyota models using the same Super White (040) and Blizzard Pearl (070) paints. However, I am disappointed to learn that the Tacoma—despite having identical paint and similar defects—was excluded from the original program. This paint failure is clearly not due to age or wear, but rather a manufacturing defect that has been documented by thousands of Tacoma owners nationwid

NHTSA complaint #11682454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Luis, CO

AIR BAGS

Loss of brakes

NHTSA complaint #11678586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Luis, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Loss of brakes

NHTSA complaint #11678586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Luis, CO

SERVICE BRAKES

Loss of brakes

NHTSA complaint #11678586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Taylor, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

I have a 2008 Tacoma with a severely rusted frame. I just bought it a few months ago but didn’t know the frame was this bad. It’s unsafe to drive in its current state. Toyota will not honor their now expired recall for their faulty frames. Their frames were not coated properly from the factory and almost all tacomas had this issues that were in the cooler states of the US, and around the world for that matter.

NHTSA complaint #11673615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sault Ste. Marie, MI

STEERING

Toyota has had a long history of excessive frame rust. This truck has excessive frame rust. There was a recall to fix this frame rust and my truck has not been fixed. Toyota will not fix the current recall for the spring replacement because of the frame rust. My life and my children’s lives are in danger due to the possible leaf suspension failure that may puncture the gas tank.

NHTSA complaint #11672410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sault Ste. Marie, MI

SUSPENSION

Toyota has had a long history of excessive frame rust. This truck has excessive frame rust. There was a recall to fix this frame rust and my truck has not been fixed. Toyota will not fix the current recall for the spring replacement because of the frame rust. My life and my children’s lives are in danger due to the possible leaf suspension failure that may puncture the gas tank.

NHTSA complaint #11672410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sault Ste. Marie, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

Toyota has had a long history of excessive frame rust. This truck has excessive frame rust. There was a recall to fix this frame rust and my truck has not been fixed. Toyota will not fix the current recall for the spring replacement because of the frame rust. My life and my children’s lives are in danger due to the possible leaf suspension failure that may puncture the gas tank.

NHTSA complaint #11672410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 139,950 miles Barneveld, NY

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that during a routine oil change, he was advised that the sub frame had extensive corrosion on the rear and front passenger’s side of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was informed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,950.

NHTSA complaint #11652296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carmi, IL

SUSPENSION

Hope to be able to get this solved. My 2008 Toyota Tacoma had a recall with the previous owner but they didn't take it in. On the rear section of the frame on the inside beside the gas tank and on the driver side there is a lot of rust there the frame has expanded and is starting to go all away through also same place back beside the muffler on the passenger side. Also there are a few spots on the front part of the frame under the fire wall area on both sides. I had a recall on the truck and took it in and had it fixed which Toyota replaced the leaf springs on both sides and hardware. Says there was a recall when the previous owner had the truck. Will they validate that still? I've owned the truck almost a year now. But it's getting worse. Within a year I'm gonna have to park it because it liable to possible break in half. Toyota should of let me known when they had it on the lift replacing the rear leaf springs. Not my fault the previous owner didn't take the truck in to have them look at it.

NHTSA complaint #11649372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carmi, IL

SERVICE BRAKES

Hope to be able to get this solved. My 2008 Toyota Tacoma had a recall with the previous owner but they didn't take it in. On the rear section of the frame on the inside beside the gas tank and on the driver side there is a lot of rust there the frame has expanded and is starting to go all away through also same place back beside the muffler on the passenger side. Also there are a few spots on the front part of the frame under the fire wall area on both sides. I had a recall on the truck and took it in and had it fixed which Toyota replaced the leaf springs on both sides and hardware. Says there was a recall when the previous owner had the truck. Will they validate that still? I've owned the truck almost a year now. But it's getting worse. Within a year I'm gonna have to park it because it liable to possible break in half. Toyota should of let me known when they had it on the lift replacing the rear leaf springs. Not my fault the previous owner didn't take the truck in to have them look at it.

NHTSA complaint #11649372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Riverhead, NY

STEERING

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel failed to move as intended and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the pinion steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal revving sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine was leaking oil and the entire braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11639479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Riverhead, NY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel failed to move as intended and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the pinion steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal revving sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine was leaking oil and the entire braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11639479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Riverhead, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel failed to move as intended and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the pinion steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal revving sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine was leaking oil and the entire braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11639479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.