Owners have filed 613 complaints
about the 2009 Toyota Tacoma with NHTSA between 2008 and 2026.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 91
Against the median year of the Toyota Tacoma. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 40
7.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 86
51% 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.
Automatic Transmission
4441.5%
Body
3734.9%
Frame AND Members
87.5%
Rear
65.7%
Engine
43.8%
Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
32.8%
Accelerator Pedal
21.9%
Manual Transmission
21.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
5712.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
7817.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
5211.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
8518.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6514.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
5912.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4610.1%
150,000+ miles
143.1%
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 2008peak 29Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2009 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.
14V168000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Risk: If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
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.
13V014000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
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 DRIVERS 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 DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 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 201442046,835 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 2014124344,870 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 injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the spiral cable assembly.
Recall 2013353369 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 201327326,830 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 201209215,920 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 2009290437,445 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 78,000 milesDublin, NHCrash
STEERING
excessive play in steering wheel
NHTSA complaint #11514701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Branford, CTCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Vehicle was involved in an accident while starting to turn left onto a side street. The Tacoma was struck in both driver side doors by a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado K3000 driven by an 85 year old who either ran the stop sign or did not see her even though she was signaling and the truck had the option driving lights that are on all the time. The Tacomas doors were pushing in almost a foot and the truck was pushed sideways several feet. Tacoma driver injured her side and has a probable concussion. This Tacoma is equipped with side seat and side curtain airbags but neither deployed. The insurance claims adjuster stated that based on the damage, the airbags should have deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11505443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesEast Amherst, NYFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THEY WERE INFORMED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ALL THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ON THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *DT *DT *JB
NHTSA complaint #11373751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario, CAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FRONT HEADLIGHTS HAVE YELLOW SIGNAL AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS THAT ARE ALWAYS ON AND THE LIGHT BULB HEAT UP CAUSING THE PLASTIC TO HEAT AND MELT AND STILL FEEL HOT WHEN USING ON A LONG DRIVE. I WORRY ABOUT MY CAR CATCHING ON FIRE
NHTSA complaint #11183962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesRockaway, NJCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THE EXACT SAME FAILURE OCCURRED, CAUSING HIM TO STRIKE OTHER VEHICLES. PREVIOUSLY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO THE FLOOR MAT. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS CUT DOWN AND THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS UPDATED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000. UPDATED 05/16/17*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10971920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 610,000 milesRockaway, NJCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AT OR AROUND 1330HRS LOCAL TIME ON APRIL11TH I WAS STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT ON E.MAIN STREET AT FRANKLIN AVE IN ROCKAWAY BOROUGH IN DRY DAYLIGHT CONDITIONS WHEN MY TRUCK EXPERIENCED FULL ACCELERATION IN AN INSTANT PROPELLING ME FORWARD UNTIL I IMPACTED THE VEHICLE 3 FT IN FRONT OF ME ALSO STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT. THE IMPACT INSTANTLY LOWERED THE ENGINE SPEED TO NORMAL IDLE. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAPPENED. THE DEALER AND TOYOTA TRY TO HIDE UNDER THE FLOOR MATS INTERFERING WITH THE ACCELERATOR. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED IN 2013 THE DEALER CUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REFLASHED THE COMPUTER. IT'S STILL NOT RIGHT. TOYOTA HAD AN INDEPENDENT LAB TO LOOK AT THE EVENTS RECORDER AND REPORTED EVERYTHING IS FINE. THE ENGINE SPEEDS UP IN A RAPID MANNER AT A COMPLETE STOP GIVING THE OPERATOR JUST MILLI-SECONDS TO TRY TO REACT. A CRASH IS THE RESULT. I'M LUCKY TODAY, IT COULD HAVE BEEN PEDESTRIANS RUN OVER AND KILLED.THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, I WON'T DRIVE THE TOYOTA ANYMORE IT'S AN UNSAFE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10971982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Pensacola, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My truck has experienced a major coolant leak, but it's not the radiator nor the water pump. After replacing both the radiator and water pump, the leak remains. Upon further investigation, the hose connecting to the coolant bypass housing has come completely disconnected from the housing and the male connector, which is part of the housing is completely gone. After further research, I've come across numerous posts on multiple forums of other people experiencing the same issue with the same hose disconnecting and the same part of the coolant bypass housing completely gone. Had I not caught this problem while in my driveway, the truck would have leaked all the coolant and caused major issues possibly resulting in an accident on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11757294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 217,000 milesWest Harrison, IN
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the frame on the driver’s and passenger’s side was severely rusted. The dealer was contacted about the failure and about the warranty enhancement program ZH6, which was associated with the failure. The manufacturer had extended the warranty coverage for frame corrosion on certain 2005–2010 model year Toyota Tacoma vehicles. The dealer informed the contact that the program had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the warranty program had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 217,000.
NHTSA complaint #11747159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Perkasie, PA
STEERING
Unknown.no accident ,Steering is tight. Started noticing it May 12 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11743521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jerseyville, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
Real bumper assembly rotted off the frame was dragging behind the truck I'm at 60mph luckily nobody was behind me pulled over and removed it all both frame rails was rusted in half Hanging On by a little piece every place I called will not fix it want me to buy a whole frame truck has 220 miles on it with no rear bumper
NHTSA complaint #11739530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,619. It was later discovered through Carfax in August 2025 that the mileage on the Title was 297,651.
NHTSA complaint #11695505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesChase Mills, NY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after maintenance service on the vehicle, it was discovered that the front subframe of the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was inspected, and determined that the entire subframe had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same diagnostic result was provide,d and the contact was informed that the entire subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11695033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSummerville, SC
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the chassis was rusted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that an unknown Toyota recall for warranty coverage had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11694959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pemberton, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AND HOLES ARE UNSAFE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING MY VEHICLE. THE SAFETY OF ME AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD I AM TRAVELING ARE AT RISK. I WENT TO LIBERTY TOYOTA IN BURLINGTON, NJ AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR. THE RUST IS UNUSUAL AND THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER YEARS AFFECTED AND FRAMES REPLACED. MY WIFE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK FROM LIBERTY TOYOTA
NHTSA complaint #11693714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anderson, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle: 2009 Toyota Tacoma VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 128,400 Owner: Jacob Grove, Anderson, SC Summary of Issue: The frame of this 2009 Toyota Tacoma has developed severe rust perforation that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. My independent mechanic has refused to work on it due to safety concerns, and Toyota of Greenville (SC) has confirmed that the frame is extensively corroded and requires replacement. Background: Toyota previously issued a Customer Support Program (CSP) for frame corrosion affecting 2005–2009 Tacomas in northern states, including Ohio, where this truck was purchased and operated. In June 2018, the vehicle was inspected at Don Wood Toyota in Athens, OH (91,600 miles). The dealership recorded “no perforation” and did not apply the protective coating or replace the frame. The truck has been minimally driven since (an average of 6,000 miles per year). In May 2024, at 128,400 miles, a mechanic and dealership confirmed the frame has multiple areas of severe perforation, including around brake lines and exhaust mounts. Concern: It is unreasonable that a vehicle frame could go from “no perforation” to “severe perforation” in only 36,000 miles and six years of light use. This indicates either: The 2018 inspection under Toyota’s CSP was inadequate, or The frame was already compromised but not properly addressed at the time. Safety Risk: The vehicle cannot be safely lifted, worked on, or driven in its current condition. The rapid deterioration presents a risk of frame failure while driving, endangering occupants and others on the road. Request: I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA is aware of ongoing frame corrosion failures in 2005–2009 Toyota Tacomas, even in cases where Toyota previously inspected and declined to repair during the CSP period. This case demonstrates that the problem may not have been properly identified or corrected during program inspections, leaving unsafe vehicles on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11682040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anderson, SC
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle: 2009 Toyota Tacoma VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 128,400 Owner: Jacob Grove, Anderson, SC Summary of Issue: The frame of this 2009 Toyota Tacoma has developed severe rust perforation that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. My independent mechanic has refused to work on it due to safety concerns, and Toyota of Greenville (SC) has confirmed that the frame is extensively corroded and requires replacement. Background: Toyota previously issued a Customer Support Program (CSP) for frame corrosion affecting 2005–2009 Tacomas in northern states, including Ohio, where this truck was purchased and operated. In June 2018, the vehicle was inspected at Don Wood Toyota in Athens, OH (91,600 miles). The dealership recorded “no perforation” and did not apply the protective coating or replace the frame. The truck has been minimally driven since (an average of 6,000 miles per year). In May 2024, at 128,400 miles, a mechanic and dealership confirmed the frame has multiple areas of severe perforation, including around brake lines and exhaust mounts. Concern: It is unreasonable that a vehicle frame could go from “no perforation” to “severe perforation” in only 36,000 miles and six years of light use. This indicates either: The 2018 inspection under Toyota’s CSP was inadequate, or The frame was already compromised but not properly addressed at the time. Safety Risk: The vehicle cannot be safely lifted, worked on, or driven in its current condition. The rapid deterioration presents a risk of frame failure while driving, endangering occupants and others on the road. Request: I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA is aware of ongoing frame corrosion failures in 2005–2009 Toyota Tacomas, even in cases where Toyota previously inspected and declined to repair during the CSP period. This case demonstrates that the problem may not have been properly identified or corrected during program inspections, leaving unsafe vehicles on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11682040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesPaw Paw, WV
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a branch lodged beneath the vehicle and the corroded subframe with a hole in the front passenger’s side subframe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #11679005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Orange, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake failure because of rusted brake lines.
NHTSA complaint #11647187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Orange, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake failure resulting from rusted brake lines. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer police or any other entity. No warning lamps or other indicators that detected brake failure.
NHTSA complaint #11642721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Webster, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
I just learned from my Mechanic that the Frame Corrosion is bad. The frame was inspected by Vanderstyne (now West Herr) Toyota on 06/20/2020. It passed the Inspection at that time, so they did not do anything. But within 4.5 years and only a little more than 6,000 miles driving since then - this corrosion shows up. I think the Toyota Specs for the Corrosion Inspection were not sufficient. Toyota should be held accountable for their negligence. I only have 72,900 miles on this Tacoma. I would have liked to keep it for another 5 years or so, but now I cannot and Toyota washed their hand when I contacted them.
NHTSA complaint #11621838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waldwick, NJ
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
See Attached Letter
NHTSA complaint #11618525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasant Hill, IA
STRUCTURE:BODY
My frame is rusting and has holes in places. Is there a recall for that?
NHTSA complaint #11610734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Chassis in the middle frame back left too much rust and big hole due to rust
NHTSA complaint #11593639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rexford, NY
STRUCTURE
See attached document for complaint
NHTSA complaint #11570983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Metairie, LA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlight shows visible signs of over heating of the amber lenses on both driver and passenger side. Amber lenses are melted, obscured, burned through and causing additional discoloration to the clear lens of the headlight itself. This creates a safety issue for both driver and passenger side headlights and amber lights not illuminating properly but also reducing the reliability and longevity of the lighting systems themselves.
NHTSA complaint #11566610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blacklick, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
We recently went to have new tires put on the Tacoma at Costco. The Costco technician said that the frame was rusted and he had a similar problem with his Tacoma and Toyota repaired it. He told us that he couldn't install the new tires with the rusted frame and suggested that we go to our Toyota Dealer. We went to Toyota Direct in Columbus, Ohio (where we have had the vehicle serviced every time) and they took pictures of the rust and told us they would call us back. Although we have inquired several times, they had not called us back so we reached out to Toyota Corporate and they said that the recall/warranty extension had expired and there was nothing they could do. Costco has refused to install the new tires until the frame is repaired. (our problem is not with Costco.) The Costco tech did tell us that he was surprised that the rust had not been noticed before by the Dealer during regular service as it would not have appeared so quickly. So the complaint goes against Toyota Corporate and Toyota Direct... why did they not notice any rust while the warranty/recall was in effect or any of the service visits if this is a standard problem with 2009 Toyotas. If the vehicle has a rusted frame, that could be dangerous to whoever is driving the vehicle. In addition, without being able to have new tires installed due to the frame issue, that creates another safety concern with winter weather approaching and tires that need replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11563647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murrells Inlet, SC
SUSPENSION
Frame is rusted out under engine above axle housing.
NHTSA complaint #11551262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Hampton, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY
Just learned from CT Toyota dealer that my 2009 Toyota Tacoma frame has significant corrosion and that it's time to replace frame or vehicle. Very disappointed. Vehicle did go in for recall service on 12/7/17 and CRC spray was applied as frame was determined ok at that time. Looks like that didn't help much to prevent further corrosion less than 6 years later. Voicing my frustration over those that got new frames are still driving on road, while I have to retire my truck. Extending warranty to 12 years from date of first use clearly did me no help. Do I and others like this have any options?
NHTSA complaint #11544513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zeeland, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame rotten from salt corrosion. Rust holes in frame.
NHTSA complaint #11543696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tamaqua, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rust flaking frame small hole
NHTSA complaint #11539570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Seneca, NY, NY
SUSPENSION
I have a 2009 Toyota Tacoma that has a significant amount of frame rust. I have recently learned that Toyota lost a class action lawsuit on this model of Tacoma because the frames would rot quickly. I was not aware of this recall, nor was I notified and because of that I missed the 12-year windows for Toyota to replace the frame. Toyota's Owner app made no mention of this either. The only recall that I received was an issue with leaf springs which I had corrected when the parts came in. I'd like to know what I can do to have my truck's frame replaced, or something comparable.
NHTSA complaint #11539253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.