29 of the
347 complaints about the 2010 Toyota Tacoma are about the
body and structure — 8% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
112,000 miles.
Took 2010 Toyota Tacoma to independent garage for a problem with tire pressure sensor. The sensor was fixed, however employee of the garage made us aware that there was substantial rust/corrosion on the Tacoma frame. Have made 2 calls this last week to the Toyota Customer Relations/Brand Engagement specialist. Gave the representative all information that we have on the truck and talked to them about the rusted/corroded frame. They had stated that on our particular vehicle that Toyota had sent us out on 11/2017 and 11/2018 a warranty enhancement letter that had addressed this problem. We have never received either of these communications from Toyota, because if we had, we would have pursued this information with them. The main reason I know we would have pursued this, is that prior to the purchase of this truck we owned a 2000 Toyota Tacoma with a rusted frame recall and was able to have that issued resolved with Toyota. Toyota now says that the Warranty Enhancement program has expired, and there is nothing that they can do for us to resolve the rust issue. I stated to them that their records may showed that it was mailed twice to us, but we never received it, because if we had, we would have remembered it, given our prior Tacoma truck rust issue, and not just disregarded it. We have taken several pictures of the rust on the frame of the Tacoma, and never once did Toyota asked to have us forward them on to them. The pictures that we have show the degree of rust/corrosion/holes on the frame. I feel as they were not at all concerned with the safety of driving this truck and it’s declining frame safety. We were the only owner of this truck and bought it brand new in 2009. Because we feel there is definite safety issue to us, we are very disappointed with Toyota’s response.
NHTSA complaint #11758737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSouth Lawrence, MA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was with an independent mechanic for a scheduled service, the contact was informed that the frame underneath the engine was rusted. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that an unknown recall associated with the failure had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11745667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
River Edge, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am the original owner of a 2010 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport, 4 door, 4WD, with a 6' bed, VIN # [XXX] , with 215902 miles. During the replacement of the leaf springs on 1/27/26, under recall #14V-604, I was informed by the Toyota dealership that installed the leaf springs that there was extensive corrosion on various points on the frame to the point where it was unsafe to drive. The frame has developed severe perforation and rust-through. There are large holes in the frame, and sections missing. The corrosion is spreading across multiple points, making the vehicle unsafe and at risk of structural failure while driving. I called Toyota and they said the frame recall expired in 2022. I will be asking Toyota if they will still replace the frame as a "Goodwill " replacement. I told Toyota that I was never made aware of this recall or warranty extension and never received any letter regarding it. I did receive other recall notices for this VIN but none for the frame issues. I am waiting for a response from Toyota on what action they will take, if any, to support their product. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11714253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fallbrook, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The frame on my 2010 Toyota Tacoma has developed severe perforation and rust-through. There are large holes in the frame, and the exhaust hanger has broken completely off the frame rail. The corrosion is spreading across multiple points, making the vehicle unsafe and at risk of structural failure while driving. I purchased the truck in May 2020 and brought it to a Toyota dealer for a paid multi-point inspection that included the undercarriage. At that time, Toyota’s ZH6 frame corrosion program was still active. No frame concerns were reported, and the program was never disclosed to me. Toyota has since denied assistance, even though the condition now represents a clear safety hazard. This frame corrosion is not cosmetic. It is structural and has already caused parts of the vehicle to detach.
NHTSA complaint #11689067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesTaneytown, MD
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon previous ownership; the vehicle was repaired under an unidentified NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the failure failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the main frame of the vehicle had rusted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11659926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesSaint Johnsbury, VT
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while upon taking the vehicle for an annual inspection, he was informed that the sub frame was excessively corroded. The contact stated that the vehicle failed the State Inspection and was deemed unworthy to be driven on the road. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11656321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Recently had routine service done on my 2010 Toyota Tacoma. Mechanic noted a lot of corrosion of the frame, including where leaf springs and axles are connected. He said that he had difficulty putting the vehicle on the lift for service due to the amount of corrosion and that he could not assure me that the vehicle is safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11629062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmel, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
The chassis/ frame work of the pickup is rusted, corroded/ rotted. This is a known issue in there was a settlement on a lawsuit related to the problem for this year model and make vehicle and Toyota was responsible to fix the problem at no cost to the customer. I called the Toyota dealership and is being told that there is no outstanding recall for this issue for this VIN#. The fact remains that the vehicle has this safety issue and I’m asking for the repairs to be done at no cost to me. Thanks for your attention to this matter
NHTSA complaint #11623444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Babylon, NY
STRUCTURE
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11620531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesSouth Amboy, NJ
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the sub frame was extremely rusted underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11614250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milan, NH
STRUCTURE:BODY
On annual inspection vehicle did not pass due to holes in the frame
NHTSA complaint #11563471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMansfield Center, CT
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving a routine oil change, the mechanic observed that the frame was corroded and fractured near the front passenger’s side wheel. The contact was informed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11560049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Holly, VT
STRUCTURE:BODY
Frame rotted and will not pass state inspection. Toyota dealer stated there was no recall on the frame, but some kind of warranty extension which is no longer active since 2022. I don't remember getting any notice from Toyota. I did get 3 recall notices, but nothing on the frame. Now they will not fix or do anything. I did not see it when I looked up recalls 2 years ago, and thought it was not effected. I have low mileage (69,000) on the vehicle that runs perfectly, but I its useless because I was never notified the frame had a safety issue. The Toyota dealer says they can't help me at all. My complaint is I was never notified about it and driving an unsafe vehicle. Now it will not pass inspection because Toyota sold me a faulty frame. How can Toyota not stand behind it's vehicles and make good in some way? There must be many others that missed this as well. Please help anyway you can. Thank you [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11549183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesWarner, NH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the local service center, the mechanic discovered that the sub frame was severely rusted. The contact was informed that the vehicle would soon become unsafe to driving due to the severe rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 183,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11548605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesEagle Lake, ME
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for State Inspection however, the vehicle failed the inspection due to cracks to the driver’s and passenger’s side sub frame, and corroded brake lines. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that both the driver’s and passenger’s side sub frame and brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that an unstated recall had expired, and the previous vehicle owner was notified, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #11547049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesAndover, MA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while having a routine service check, the independent mechanic noticed that the subframe underneath the vehicle was rusted. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 160,000. The consumer is requesting the recall to be honored so the vehicle can be repaired or replaced at a reasonable rate.
NHTSA complaint #11503373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yates Center, KS
STRUCTURE:BODY
I recently had my oil changed and tires rotated. While on the lift, the mechanics found extensive rust in multiple spots on the frame. They said it may not be safe to drive at this point.
NHTSA complaint #11496689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belford, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
My mechanic found excessive premature rusting to my truck's under carriage/frame. He suggested that I contact Toyota to see what could be done about this condition. Having never received a notice of recall I searched for recall information and called Toyota's "Brand Engage3ment Advocate". I found out that the recall for the frame expired 6 months ago. This is intolerable since the truck I own now was a replacement for a truck that had premature rusting of the frame. I thought surely that Toyota would have addressed this issue in my 2010 Tacoma and I was unaware that it would be a problem. Toyota Brand Engagement Center filed a case number for me (not really helpful to me) which is 221017000168.
NHTSA complaint #11490726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
After the truck failed inspection on 10/21/2021 due to underlying rust on the frame, we went researching to find out why a vehicle would experience a severe issue like this. This internet research revealed serious frame rust issues on Toyota Tacomas from 2003-2011 and that Toyota was actually replacing Tacoma frames because they knew of the problem. The next step was calling a local Toyota dealership, which told us that Toyota is replacing frames for rust under what they call a “warranty extension,” but it had just expired on 10/13/2021… 8 days prior to the failed inspection and they would no longer fix the problem. Before the failed inspection, we were never aware of this severe frame issue with many years of trucks… so we then called the Toyota company and they said they would no longer fix this issue, which leaves owners to either pay $10,000+ to replace the frame, or send their vehicle to be junked at the salvage yard. This is not standing by their product or taking care of serious safety issues, especially when most vehicles won’t show these signs of rust for 10-15 years… which basically forces many 2003-2011 Toyota Tacoma owners to take a total loss on their vehicles or pay more than $10,000 for Toyota’s mistake on these frames. The safety risks with having the frame rust out are obvious, because the frame is critical to the structure of the vehicle and could cause serious injury to passengers and vehicles passing by, if and when it breaks… if not caught by a yearly inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11439907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesPerry, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE GETTING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS RUST LOCATED ON THE FRAME NEXT TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #11413208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,500 milesPerry, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
RUSTED FRAME UNABLE TO BE INSPECTED
NHTSA complaint #11413211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesCovington, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
HI. MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I BOUGHT MY 2010 TACOMA ( VIN. [XXX] ) USED AROUND 2 YEARS AGO FROM SHELOR MOTOR MILE. I LOVE THE TRUCK. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS I NOTICED THE FRAME IS STARTING TO RUST APART. I DON'T GO OFFROAD OR ANYTHING. I JUST USE THE TRUCK TO DROP MY 5 YEAR OLD OFF AT SCHOOL AND GO TO WORK MOSTLY. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO PUT USED OIL ON IT TO SLOW IT DOWN BUT I'M NOT SURE IF IT'S GOING TO BE ENOUGH. I NOTICED A HOLE IN THE FRAME AND NOW I'M NOT SURE IF IT WILL PASS NEXT INSPECTION. I ALSO WORRY THAT OTHER WELDS COULD BE RUSTING AND IT POSSIBLY BREAK IF I HIT A BUMP ON THE INTERSTATE AND THROW ME OFF THE ROAD. I STILL OWE AROUND $8,000 ON THE TRUCK. I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. ANY HELP OR ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11311835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Standish, ME
STRUCTURE:BODY
I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE CORRECT FORUM FOR THIS OR NOT BUT HERE GOES....BROUGHT MY TACOMA IN TO THE DEALERSHIP REGARDING A RECALL RELATED TO POSSIBLE FRAME CORROSION. FROM THEIR INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THE FRAME WAS INDEED CORRODED AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM TOLD I NEED A NEW FRAME AND THE PROCESS WILL TAKE 4 MONTHS. THEY DID OFFER ME A VERY NICE RENTAL VEHICLE. THE ISSUE I HAVE IS THEY SAID WHEN THE FRAME COMES IN THEY WILL NEED TO TOTALLY REBUILD THE TRUCK ON THE NEW FRAME (UNDERSTANDABLE). WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE WAS THE MENTION OF THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING TO REPLACE SOME PARTS DURING THE REBUILD. LABOR WOULD BE FREE BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR PARTS. I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK FOR YEARS WITHOUT ANY ISSUES...I LOVE THIS TRUCK. I AM NOW WORRIED I WILL INCUR A COST OF PARTS I WOULD HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE AND AM ALSO WORRIED ABOUT FUTURE ISSUES MOVING FORWARD AS A RESULT OF THIS TOTAL REBUILD. IS THIS MY ONLY OPTION AT THIS POINT?? I WOULD ALMOST CONSIDER PURCHASING ANOTHER TACOMA INSTEAD OF WONDERING WHAT ISSUES MAY RESULT FROM THIS TOTAL REBUILD. DO I HAVE ANY OPTIONS?
NHTSA complaint #11182556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesFort Pierce, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED IN RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DETAILED AND WAXED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V604000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #10689952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesChula Vista, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE TAIL GATE FAILED TO LATCH OR LOCK, CAUSING IT TO OPEN INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY WAS 100.
NHTSA complaint #10595864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesHuntington Beach, CACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
AUXILIARY AUDIO JACK IS DESIGNED POORLY CAUSING FAILURE. FRONT TURN SIGNAL BOTH SIDES YELLOW BULB THE CONNECTOR FOR THE BULB AND THE BULB ITSELF BLACKENS AND IS FRAGILE. FAKE FRONT BUMPER COVER IS MISLEADING AND FALSELY GIVES A FEELING OF SAFETY. ACTUAL BUMPER IS QUITE SMALL AND MAY LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A MODERATE OVERLAP COLLISION. THE ACCIDENT OR COLLISION OCCURRED WITH A MODERATE OVERLAP HITTING LEFT 1/4 OF FRONT BUMPER THE FRONT LEFT FENDER WAS PUSHED INTO THE DOOR CAUSING MORE BODY DAMAGE THAN SHOULD HAVE OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10583470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,600 milesLeague City, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED HE LOADED HEAVY MATERIAL ONTO THE TAIL GATE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE HINGE BROKE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,600 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #10415623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesBushvkill, PA
STRUCTURE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL (VSC) WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IMMEDIATELY AFTER STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT RODENTS CRAWLED INTO THE VEHICLE AND WERE CHEWING ON THE WIRES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT HE FOUND A RODENT "NEST" IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THAT HE SHOULD CONTACT SOMEONE TO TAKE CARE OF THE PEST PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10314150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oviedo, FL
STRUCTURE
HAD INSTALLED RUNNING BOARDS ON MY NEWLY PURCHASED TACOMA 2010. FAILURE: IT IS INSTALLED TOO HIGH AS TO MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. OCCURS EVERY TIME ENTERING OR EXITING THE VEHICLE. IT HAS CREATED AN UNSAFE SITUATION THAT WOULD LEAD TO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO ME AND THE PASSENGER. HAS NOT RECEIVED AN ANSWER FROM TOYOTA OF AMERICA ( CASE FILE #0909136310) OR THE DEALER. ( DAYTONA TOYOTA).
NHTSA complaint #10286060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.