476 of the
10,741 complaints filed about the Toyota Tacoma
are about the steering —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2005.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V152000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel was firm, the brake pedal was firm, and the vehicle was violently vibrating. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message “Pull Over – Do Not Drive” was displayed before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the battery and alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The passenger side lower A arm frame mount broke, due to frame rust. The truck has been taken to Toyota, they had the truck for about 6 weeks and have refused to fix the safety issue.This year model had a recall on the frame, it was taken in for the recall, but the recall has failed. When the lower A arm frame mount broke, I just happened to be in a parking lot. If I had been driving it, I could have killed someone, or could have been killed myself.
NHTSA complaint #11754384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a severe safety hazard on my 2025 Toyota Tacoma caused by incorrect alignment specs and an uncorrected extreme toe setting. On a recent service visit, alignment inspection showed a Total Toe of +1.62 degrees (OEM target is approximately +0.10 degrees). The alignment machine database loaded incorrect tolerance specs (+1.37 to +1.87 degrees displayed as acceptable green range), leading technicians to leave the extreme toe-in completely unadjusted. In less than 2,000 miles of normal driving since a prior inspection, both front tires suffered extreme, rapid toe wear down to the internal cord layer. Operating a vehicle with +1.62 degrees total toe causes severe lateral tire drag and creates an imminent threat of a catastrophic tire blowout at highway speeds, presenting a significant vehicle safety defect.
NHTSA complaint #11751664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While checking wiper fluid levels for 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road, noticed power steering fluid was below minimum line. No leaks were noticed on the ground where the vehicle is normally parked, underneath the reservoir or along the hoses related to the power steering system. Upon inspecting the tie rod boots, it was noticed that they appeared to be holding fluid, due to signs of moisture on the exterior of the boots. Vehicle was taken to the dealership where purchased. Vehicle was purchased November 2022 and now has approximately 52,000 miles). The dealership service department determined the steering rack seals failed and power steering fluid was dripping into the tie rod boots. Vehicle was out of the 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty and this known issue is not covered by the power train warranty, so 100% of the cost to repair falls upon the owner. Dealer stated that this is a known issue but could not state why a recall was never initiated to alleviate the issue and prevent this costly repair from falling upon the vehicle owners. If not repaired the issue could cause sudden, dramatic increases in steering effort and total loss of vehicle control. Low fluid can also damage internal pump components if not caught early enough.
NHTSA complaint #11744147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
am filing this complaint regarding a power steering rack leak on my [2018] Toyota Tacoma with [83,000] miles, which I purchased used three months ago from Fred Anderson Toyota of Greer in South Carolina. The dealer represented the vehicle as having passed a 160-point inspection and implied CPO-level standards, but it was not actually Certified Pre-Owned. The steering rack is now leaking power steering fluid, with visible accumulation in the boots, despite stable fluid levels in the reservoir during my ownership. This issue appeared very shortly after purchase, raising concerns that it was a pre-existing defect. Power steering leaks can lead to loss of assist and increase crash risk if they worsen. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a safety defect affecting Toyota Tacomas, as similar complaints appear common in owner forums
NHTSA complaint #11740010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 2 seperate occassions I had a wheel on my 2019 Toyota Tacoma come off while driving. Both after Toyota signed off on work orders and bill of sales showing they accessed the wheels. On 4/11/26 the front left drivers side fell off. Upon picking it up after repairs on April 28, May 6th the left rear wheel fell off while driving again. My safety could have been fatal but luckily no injuries for me and a passanger occurred. Toyota used a Certified Toyota body shop to do the repairs on the first incident not sure who worked on the 2nd as I have not yet been notified the truck is ready. The manufacturer has done all the inspecting no other parties have been involved. No warning. Right before each incident the truck would shake then skid along the floor causing sparks.
NHTSA complaint #11737733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
*Steering system - tie rod / steering nut lock was loose and discover after alignment service * Loose tie rod nut created a potential safety risk because it involves a steering component related to vehicle control. This could have put me, my passengers, and others drivers at risk if the condition had worsened while driving. *No, the condition has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. I noticed abnormal steering/handling, inspected the vehicle myself, and discovered a loose tie rod nut. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. *No the vehicle I available upon request *No
NHTSA complaint #11733479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is a safety issue and a known issue. Toyota is reporting that it is wear and tear and denying my goodwill repair but it is a technical service bulletin TSB #0082-21 - so it is a safety issue. I emailed and called and have case number with Toyota - 260225002292
NHTSA complaint #11723258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There are three concerns in this write up: at 117000 miles the blind spot monitoring system has fails and will cost $300 to repair. More concerning is that it was recommended I replace the Power Steering Lines at a cost of $927 and the Transmission Lines at a cost of $797 due to severe rusting and corrosion. Its recommended before they rust through and break/leak.
NHTSA complaint #11720723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I took my 2003 Toyota Tacoma and for a tire alignment and was told by an employee of the tire shop that my rack and pinion needed to be replaced and lower ball joints. I checked the VIN number and it said I have zero recalls, but there is a general recall on this make a model that I have what do I do? I also have the steering has a lot of play whenever I go for a bump in the road like the tires catch the road so I kind of swerve a little bit and I feel that it’s very unsafe to me and other drivers.
NHTSA complaint #11719764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY 2025 TACOMA is part of a recall by Toyota, I was notified of the potential issue on early November 2025 and told Toyota was working on a remedy. On December 3rd, 2025 while using 4-wheel drive during a snow storm the drive shaft (recall issue) broke. On December 4th, 2025, the local Toyota dealer checked my Tacoma and found it unsafe to drive - they kept my Tacoma and provided a loaner vehicle. Toyota reported at this time the remedy would be available by the end of 4th quarter (December). As of today, February 21, 2026 -- there is still no remedy for the issue, my Tacoma is still sitting at the dealer, and I do not have my truck. Toyota reports a remedy will be available during the 1st quarter of the year but nothing yet. I called brand engagement recently and asked them to extend my warranty, Toyota care, and other free trials that were included with my purchase. However, Toyota refuses to do anything further - as they said a loaner car is enough - to make the issue more acceptable even though my new vehicle is losing this coverage.
NHTSA complaint #11719623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Supplemental Safety Description I am submitting this supplemental statement to provide a complete and consolidated description of the ongoing safety concern affecting my vehicle. Vehicle Behavior and Safety Symptoms During normal driving conditions, the vehicle consistently exhibits directional instability, including pulling to one side and difficulty maintaining straight-line tracking. Steering control feels unstable, and the vehicle experiences abnormal harshness and vertical movement over the road surface. The vehicle often feels difficult to control and demonstrates behavior consistent with lateral misalignment, including a crab-walking sensation. During rapid left and right steering inputs, the vehicle exhibits abnormal and asymmetric body movement. One side of the vehicle body rises excessively while the opposite side compresses, resulting in excessive body roll and uneven suspension response. This abnormal dynamic behavior creates a strong perception of instability and increases the risk of loss of control or rollover during steering maneuvers. Additionally, overall traction appears reduced. Under wet or slippery road conditions, the wheels are more prone to slipping, further compromising vehicle stability and steering control. Repair History and Dealer Involvement The vehicle has been presented to four different Toyota authorized dealerships for the same steering and suspension-related concerns. Multiple wheel alignments, steering calibrations, inspections, and road tests were performed. Despite these repeated repair attempts, the condition persists. Each dealership reported that no abnormal condition was found and stated that the vehicle was operating normally. In at least one instance, a dealership declined to continue further repair attempts while the safety-related condition remained unresolved. Independent Review and Technical Findings After repeated unsuccessful repair attempts, I conducted an independent review to better understand the cause of the on
NHTSA complaint #11706992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On June 20, 2025, my 2023 Toyota Tacoma (VIN [XXX] ed a sudden loss of effective braking during normal driving conditions (dry roadway, clear weather). The vehicle was being driven by my adult son. While slowing for a turn, the instrument cluster displayed a Pre-Collision System (PCS) malfunction warning and a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) warning. The Driver applied the brake pedal continuously, but the vehicle did no decelerate as expected. ABS did not activate, and braking effectiveness was insufficient. During braking, the driver experienced reduced steering responsiveness. In order to avoid entering a busy roadway without adequate braking capability, the driver applied maximum steering input, fully loading the left side of the steering wheel with as much force as possible in an attempt to redirect the vehicle. Any reduction in speed occurred primarily due to the change in direction and tire to road friction, not effective braking. The vehicle was towed to a Toyota dealership. Dealer intake records document a PCS warning and no brakes upon arrival. Event Data Recorder (EDR/CDR) data shows continuous brake pedal application for approximately 5 seconds prior to the event, accelerator at 0%, and brake system hydraulic pressure reaching approximately 12.14 MPa (maximum recorded). Despite this, the vehicle did not stop as expected. No frontal crash pulse recorded. Toyota Motor North America later denied responsibility, asserting incorrect vehicle speed and stating that a CARFAX report indicated prior front-end damage. The CARFAX vehicle history report, dealer purchase disclosures, and service records show no reported accidents or damage. Toyota declined to provide brake system ECU logs (ABS/VSC/brake control modules). This incident raises concerns regarding a potential safety defect involving electronically controlled braking and its interaction with PCS stability control systems. Supporting documentation available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
NHTSA complaint #11705080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle Cannot Be Safely Driven – Structural / Suspension Defect Suspected – Dealer Claims “Repair Completed” Despite Unequal Wheelbase My vehicle is currently unsafe to operate, due to the following critical issues: ⸻ 1. Left–right wheelbase inconsistency The front and rear wheelbase measurements are not equal side-to-side. This is a strong indicator of structural deviation, such as: •Subframe misalignment •Control arm mounting point displacement •Deformed suspension components •Manufacturing or assembly error in chassis geometry ⸻ 2. Front caster angles remain abnormal •Left caster: 3.9° •Right caster: 4.9° •Cross-caster difference: 1.0° A 1° difference exceeds manufacturer tolerances and causes: •Vehicle drifting •Poor straight-line stability •Uneven steering return •Potential instability during emergency braking This is a safety-related steering geometry defect. ⸻ 3. Real-world driving confirms unsafe behavior The vehicle cannot maintain straight-line travel, the steering wheel is off-center, and the car exhibits instability at normal speeds. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. ⸻ 4. Despite these unresolved issues, the dealership insists the vehicle is “repaired” and demands that I pick it up. They refused to provide frame measurement reports or explanation for the unequal wheelbase. Returning a vehicle with unresolved steering and chassis geometry defects constitutes unsafe vehicle delivery. ⸻ Conclusion Based on unequal wheelbase, abnormal caster geometry, and inability to drive safely, this vehicle likely contains a structural or assembly defect. I formally request investigation, suspension geometry verification, and required action from the manufacturer, as this is a matter of public road safety.
NHTSA complaint #11703390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While having routine maintenance performed on 8/5/2025, I was advised that the steering rack must be replaced at an approximate cost of $2,200. I was told this should be done as soon as possible because it poses a safety issue. The vehicle only has 29,000 miles and has not been driven off road or in extreme conditions. I researched the issue and it seems that a number of complaints have been filed for the same concern, specifically because this is happening at such low mileage. If Toyota does not come up with a resolution and recall for faulty equipment, will I be doing this repair again in another 29,000 miles?
NHTSA complaint #11687938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Turning a corner my left axle broke and I only have 3100 miles on this vehicle. Still is not fixed because of warranty issues. When I do get it back I don’t know how I’m suppose to feel safe driving it. Upon checking on YouTube and Internet I see there is a problem with this happing to others. Thank you for your time.
NHTSA complaint #11681892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.