149 of the
10,741 complaints filed about the Toyota Tacoma
are about the wheels —
1% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2002.
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.
The rear leaf spring broke on my 2024 Toyota Tacoma at approximately 16,000 miles during normal highway driving. The vehicle drove without issue on the way to my destination. On the return trip, I noticed a creaking sound, loud clunks, particularly when going over bumps or turning, and also increased sway. Given how new the vehicle is, a catastrophic suspension failure was not something I anticipated. The failure was confirmed on February 12th by my authorized Toyota dealer, Toyota of Muskegon in Muskegon, MI as a manufacturer defect. The vehicle is currently at the dealership awaiting a replacement part and is available for inspection upon request. A broken leaf spring compromises the structural integrity of the rear suspension, affecting vehicle stability, handling, and control - particularly at highway speeds or during braking. A failed leaf spring can also contact the fuel tank, creating a potential fire hazard. This is a documented risk, as Toyota issued a recall on 790,000 Tacomas from model years 2005–2011 for this same failure. When I called my authorized dealership, the service manager told me to get the truck off the road immediately. Based on my description, he identified it as a likely broken leaf spring and that it was an extremely dangerous situation. He even suggested that I get the truck towed into the dealership. The dealer has documented it as a manufacturer defect and submitted a warranty claim. A replacement part has been ordered but is currently on an extended backorder with no confirmed availability date. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Toyota dealer, who confirmed the leaf spring failure as a manufacturer defect. Toyota corporate has been notified and a case has been opened (Case #: 260303000171) There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The leaf spring failed without any prior symptoms or indication of a problem.
NHTSA complaint #11722176 — 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.
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.
The contact owned a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while his son was driving 40 MPH, the rear driver-side wheel rim detached. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle veered to the right, accelerated independently, and went up the embankment, hit a tree, and accelerated independently down the embankment when the vehicle flipped on the passenger side, where it came to a stop. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags deployed, and the side curtain air bags deployed. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company was contacted, and pending results. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11661159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle since approximately 45,000 miles had exhibited occasional steering wheel jitter that would go away when traveling at high speeds. In addition to the steering wheel jitter, the vehicle would pull to the right when traveling and required continued contact with the steering wheel. Dealerships had indicated the vehicle needed an alignment since approximately 30,000 miles. Wheel balancing performed at discount tire acceptably reduced the amount that the vehicle pulls towards the right when traveling at highway speeds. At 78k miles when visiting an alignment service center the technician indicated that the wheel bearing on the front passenger side required replacement and then demonstrated lateral play in the wheel that permitted a quarter inch to 3/8th inches of play. The bearing had been wobbling for a prolonged period of time.
NHTSA complaint #11562740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Drivers the problem drunk speeding Hitman killed man do you watch hard no manslaughters still driving just got another traffic ticket and let go again super unfair
NHTSA complaint #11531246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on a highway at the posted speed and suddenly the front right wheel broke off the vehicle and caused me to roll 6 times on the highway and I was wrongly accused of being at fault.
NHTSA complaint #11512108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle made a loud bang from the rear of the vehicle , then started to slow down slightly without brakes applied. And then suddenly within a few more feet the Rear wheels locked up without brakes applied. Traveling at between 35- 45mph the vehicle skidded causing vehicles behind me to also skid to avoid hitting me. Truck would not move from this position , I was stuck in the lane without a shoulder to move close to . I was shaken pretty bad, out of fear I popped the truck into reverse and the rear of the truck made a loud bang or loud pop noise. It wouldn’t move back so I put it back in drive and it made another bang noise and started to roll forward with a lot of resistance . There was no safe place to park, I was close to home so I continued home driving very slow with my hazard lights on . Please help. I towed the truck to Servco Kauai Toyota 9-23-2022, they did not look at the truck until 10-20-2022 almost a month it sat at the Toyota. I went home and checked online to see if anyone had the same problem and found Tech. Bulletins and a Recall for this problem, I did not receive a letter for this recall. I had no idea there was even a Recall. Service advisor [XXX] and Service Manager [XXX]told me my vehicle does not fall into the criteria of this recall. Service Manager [XXX] said they are not part of Servco and this dealership would not perform this recall because it is a maintenance issue ( What ?) Please help . I towed My truck home , I m trying to sell my truck as is because the dealership gave me a quote of over $7000 to fix this problem. No one wants to buy my truck in this condition. Aloha [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11491128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving my Toyota Tacoma and all of the sudden, without any warning I felt an abrupt bump which caused the bed of the truck to jump a foot in the air. Looking in my mirrors to find out what happened I saw a tire rolling beside my truck past me into the other lane. Thankfully there were no cars approaching. I pulled over and examined my vehicle. I saw my spare was not there. I found the wheel now laying in the middle of the street and realized this was my spare tire that came off. In the street near where the bump occurred I found the spare retention part and a metal part with frayed wires. I put the spare tire and parts in the truck and called the Toyota Corperate and told them what happened. I was informed that my vehicle was not subject to a recall for the spare tire retention system. They informed me that I would need to take it to the dealer for inspection. My tacoma is at the dealer with the parts. They are covering the costs of the repair now after initally telling me I would have to pay to repair it. The spare tire coming off during motion put me, my family and other motorists in danger. I was on my way to fill up my truck for a camping trip where we pull a trailer. I can only imagine what would happen if the wheel came off while I was towing my trailer. Would it cause my trailer to flip over, causing an accident, injury or even death of my family or others?
NHTSA complaint #11485957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased this vehicle from CarMax in South Sacramento. Before I purchased this vehicle, I asked that the tires be replaced with new as they are original to the vehicle, and there are indications of their being aged, cracked tread, and missing tread on these tires. These tires appear to be the original tires that were purchased when this vehicle was new. The lf tire is reading at 8/32 to the center/and outer tread, the lr tire is reading is 8/32 to the center, and outer tread, the right rear tire is reading 8/32 to the center/and outer tread, and the rf tire is reading 8/32 to the center/and outer tread. The salesman advised that these tires would be replaced with new if I brought them into their service dept after purchasing the vehicle. I was able to bring it back within 3 days, and the CarMax Dealer General Manager, and Service Department manager feels that these tires are safe to drive. I did discuss that these are aged, cracked, and missing tread, and that there is a slight vibration when driving under speed of 75 - 80 mph, and that these tires are unsafe due to their conditions of being aged, cracked, and missing tread, and they refused to replace with new. These tires in my opinion are very unsafe to drive, and this is why I am reporting the conditions to you. They keep mentioning the fact that they are compliant to your standards, and are not in agreeance with their initial advice to bring the vehicle in to have them replaced with new because of their age/and their unsafe condition.
NHTSA complaint #11463419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving down the highway my front passenger wheel completely disconnected from the ball joint. There was nothing indicating that the wheel was even loose; no wobbling or shaking or grinding. Luckily the wheel itself slid under the frame of the vehicle and I was able to maneuver the truck off of the highway; a very serious crash could have occurred. Since that incident I have been witness to two other Toyota trucks suffering from the same sudden issue. One was a Toyota Forerunner of a similar year where its wheel had completely fallen off at the ball joint. Another was a 2004 or earlier model Toyota Tacoma. I was merely driving past these vehicles as they were off to the side of the road and saw that their respective front passenger-side wheels had fallen off in the exact same manner as mine had, with the wheels being dragged under the body / frames of the vehicles. I don't know if this amounts to some sort of defect in these model Toyotas but I find it highly suspicious that the front wheels are suddenly falling off of these vehicles while they are being driven.
NHTSA complaint #11449798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I recently changed tires from the factory originals. While tightening the lug nuts 4 wheel studs sheared off while tightening (2 on passenger front tire and 2 on passenger rear tire). In light of this issue I decided to replace all 12 wheel studs on the affected tires. The 8 remaining wheel studs that were still intact all had evidence of thread stretch visible to the naked eye.
NHTSA complaint #11446667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DRIVING IN A HIGHWAY STATE 81 TOWARDS HARRISONBURG VIRGINIA WHEN MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA , PARTS OR EQUIPMENT UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK COLLAPSE CAUSE OF OUT OF CONTROL OF THE TRUCK , THE WHOLE SHOCK AND THE BALL JOINT IN THE FRONT ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK, THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE FALL TO THE GROUND, WHILE DRIVING DID NOT HIT ANY ONE BUT IT WILL CAUSE MY LIFE AT RISK . I DONT KNOW WHAT HAPPEND IF I CAN CALL SOME AS A RECALL , SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2002 WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK BRAND NEW AT STEVEN TOYOTA HARRISONBURG , VIRGINIA , NOT EVEN A YEAR YET NOTICE THAT UNDERNEATH FROM PIPE TO THE SHKICJ THE WHOLE UNDERRNEATH START TO RUSTY BAD BUT NO ONE EVER TOLD ME HOW BAD IT IS. I LOVE MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA .I KEPT THE TRUCK FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS NOW I BELIEVE IM ONLY THE ONE IN PAGE COUNTY TOWN OF STANLEY VIRGINIA DRIVING A TOYOTA TACOMA . I TOOK CARE OF MY TRUCK NOTHING BUT ONLY 135,000 MILES ON IT., MOSTY EVERYDAY I HAVE BEEN ASK OR MANY PEOPLE LIKE TO BUY MY TRUCK . IM NOT VERY RICH PERSON IM NOT RETIRED YET BUT I GOT DISABLE FOR A YEAR AND MY INCOME NOT ENOUGH BUT WITH THE HELP OF SOME FAMILY I MANAGE TO PAY THE TOWING CAMPONY . NOW THE TRUCK SET IN TO MY MECHANIC TOLD THEM TO FIX AND WHAT EVER IT TASKES OF COURSE WILL COST ME MORE MONEY. I WILL LOST MY TRUCK IF I DONT HAVE MONEY TO FIX IT AND MY INSURANCE WILL NOT PAY ANYTHING . THIS THE FIRST THING IM GOING TP WORK ON IT AFTER ALL HOLIDAYS . LOTS IOFTHEY TOWED IT , CHARGE ME THEN PAY SHOP N MECHANIC TOW IT ,WILL START ON IT ,COST LOTS OF MONEY TO FIX IT TOLD THEM TO FIX IT , HOLIDAYS HAVE NOT START YET , I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PAY .! I NEED MY TYRUCK OR SUE/ SO PROUD ON IT .WHY HAPPENED WHY FELL OFF . LEFT THE TRUCK AT THE HIGHWA POLICE SPOTED SAY I ABANDON THE TRUCK , BUT NO CHARGES , NO , JUST DONE STATE INSPECTION , NO WARNING SIGN, BY NOW ILL BE DEAD AT RISK , DEALER IGNORANT, RUDE TOYOTA DEALER. WHERE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK BRAND NEW , SO IGNORANT CARRYING TOYOTAS NAME , SHOULD NOT WORK AT TOYOTA THA
NHTSA complaint #11445032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
truck frame, welds, seams, control arms, calipers, ball joints etc....all have significant rust. the drivers side rear fender to frame support has completely rusted through. i am stunned by the amount of rust underneath this vehicle. there are several areas close to perforating but no holes. toyota inspected my frame last week and said it was "fine" and to schedule the CRC treatment. the alloy rims are also severely pitted and bubbled due to rust. there is not a component underneath this truck which does not have significant rust . i live in NYS and wash under the truck weekly in the winter. i have used fluid film, rust converter and POR-15 to try to keep the rust away. why is my 6 year old truck rusting faster/more than any of my other cars. this has to be a manufacturing defect.
NHTSA complaint #11437044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Description of incident: Date: 02/25/21 Road condition: wet As I slowed to exit the highway (speed +/-55 mph), I heard a loud noise from the right rear of the vehicle. Vehicle was difficult to control until I slowed significantly. First thought was a blow-out. Was surprised by the extent of the damage to the wheel since I did not hit anything. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The right rear wheel failed. Tire was flat and showed no signs of damage. The wheel and tire are available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The instantaneous wheel failure and subsequent loss of air pressure in the right rear tire made the vehicle difficult to control. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The Toyota dealership, where the vehicle was purchased, inspected the vehicle on 02/26/21. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was inspected by the Toyota dealership on 02/26/21. Subsequently, I tried to work with Toyota at the regional and national level hoping to receive some insight into what might have caused the failure. Without an accident and injury, there was little interest in finding resolution. Toyota was unable to offer evidence that I hit something and they were unable to offer an explanation supporting the failure. Naturally, this leads me to question the integrity of the remaining wheels. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? TPMS activated.
NHTSA complaint #11432756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A WINTER STORM HIT MY AREA AND I NEEDED TO ENGAGE MY FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WOULDN'T ENGAGE. THE INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH WOULD ONLY FLASH. MY TRUCK ONLY WENT A SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE GETTING STUCK ON THE ROAD LEAVING ME STRANDED.
NHTSA complaint #11397028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE LOOSES TRACKTION WHEN MAKING TURNS ON A CURVE. HAPPENS FREQUENTLY AND TIRES ARE STILL WITHIN LIFECYCLE. THE TIRES CURRENTLY ARE FROM ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF NEW TACOMA. ALSO, THE RECALL FOR PROBLEM WITH FUEL PROPULSION SYSTEM HAS BEEN ONGOING AND NO REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE. THIS IS PUTTING MY FAMILY AT RISK.
NHTSA complaint #11397014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WAS DRIVING DOWN 85 S C FROM GREENVILLE- ANDERSON IN PASSING LANE .HEARD SLIGHT NOISE LIKE IN LEFT REAR TIRE AT FIRST.SOUND INCREASED FAST TO EXTREME THUMPING.HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY INTO BREAKDOWN LANE.LOOKED AT TIRE-----OUTSIDE WALL WAS COMPLETELY RIPPED OPEN SHOWING TOTAL RIM.IF THIS HAD BEEN EITHER FRONT TIRE I WOULD DEAD NOW.TIRE WAS BOUGHT ABOUT 2 1/2 YRS AGO,TWAS OVER 50%,MILAGE WAS UNDER 20,000 MILES
NHTSA complaint #11374596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.