2001 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 401 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 41 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 36 people were injured and 7 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireNov 23, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.
Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 12V542000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Campaign 06E065000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower ball jointMay 17, 2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 05V225000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 19, 2003
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, DURING SIDE IMPACT NCAP TEST (I.E. LINCAP TEST), A FLANGE AT THE REAR END OF THE DOUBLE CAB BODY DEFORMED AND INTERFERED WITH THE FUEL INLET HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL INLET HOSE.
THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL HOSE PROTECTOR ON THE BODY FLANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 03V189000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, sidewallJun 7, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4X2 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TU4 WHITE LETTER TIRE UPGRADE OPTION AND DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. TIRE DAMAGE MAY HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE TIRE TO DEFLATE OR A BULGE APPEARING IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE.
AN IMPROPERLY INFLATED TIRE COULD RESULT IN VEHICLE HANDLING PROBLEMS OR A BLOW OUT OF AN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TIRE.
DEALERS WILL CHECK ALL FOUR TIRES, REBALANCE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ANY DAMAGED TIRE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 3, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 01V186000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
401 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Sep 28, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA WAS TRAVELING AT 35 MPH WHEN THE TIRE STARTED MAKING NOISE. VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE PROBLEM. DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE. THE CONSUMER CALLED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN, ALTHOUGH IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE LOCATION OF THE BALL JOINT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BALL JOINT. THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING THAT FIXED TODAY. TOYOTA OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY TO THE CONSUMER.*AK UPDATED 11/2/2005. *NM
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 16, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A TOYOTA RECALL ON 2004-2004 TOYOTA TACOMAS REGARDING THE FRONTAL BALL JOINTS. THE CONSUMER HAS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA WHICH DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL CAMPAIGN, BUT THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS ON JUNE 8, 2004. THERE WAS A VIBRATION AND A RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS STATED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER; THEY OPENED A CASE AND DID PROVIDE THE CONSUMER WITH CASE NUMBER 200508100951. *AK THE ROTORS AND PADS WERE REPLACED.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 29, 2005, crash
MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT. AT THE TRIAL THE ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION PERSON SAID HE COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE CRASH HAPPENED THAT IT LOOKED LIKE SOME ONE HAD YANKED THE WHEEL VERY HARD. THE TRIAL WAS FOR MANSLAUGHTER AND IT TOOK PLACE BEFORE THE RECALL. THE TRUCK WAS NEVER INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. I FEEL THIS WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE ACCIDENT. *JB
Steering, Jul 14, 2005
EXCESSIVE FREE PLAY IN STEERING
Suspension, Jun 29, 2005
DT: WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHIFT TO THE RIGHT AND THE FRONT TIRES WERE WEARING TOO FAST, AND DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS SWOLLEN. CALLER STATED ALL THE TIRES WERE AFFECTED. DEALER COULDN'T TELL IF THIS VEHICLE WAS IN RECALL. CALLER SAID COULD NOT GET IN TOUCH WITH MANUFACTURER. RECALL WAS ON BALL JOINTS, BUT THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET CONTACTED VEHICLE'S OWNERS.*AK
Suspension, Jun 14, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BALL JOINT FELL OFF, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO COME OFF. THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE TOYOTA RECALL CAMPAIGN.*AK
Steering, Jun 1, 2005, crash
DIFFICULTY STEERING, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 7, 2005
WHILE BRAKING AT NY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE, AND THE PEDAL PULSATED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS. *AK
Air bags, Feb 4, 2005, crash
I REAR-ENDED SOMEONE DOING 30 MPH AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *JB
Power train, Jan 27, 2005
2001 TACOMA 2 WHEEL DRIVE 4 DOOR PRE RUNNER. HAVE HAD A HORRIBLE "CLUNK WHEN I REALEASE BRAKES. THE WHOLE TRUCK JERKS AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER JUMPS ABOUT 3 INCHES. TOOK IT TO PRECISION TOYOTA IN TUCSON AND WAS TOLD IT IS CALLED AXLE WRAP. I DID SOME REASEARCH ON AXLE WRAP AND BASICALLY IT IS WORN OUT REAR SPRINGS. THE ONLY THING I HAVE CARRIED IN THE TRUCK HEAVY IS MY 200 LB. MOTORCYCLE. THE TRUCK HAS HIGH MILEAGE AND IS ALL INTERSTATE DRIVING. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE AND HAVE SEEN ANOTHER COMPLAINT HERE. I AM WORRIED WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE IT IS DOING TO THE WHOLE DRIVE TRAIN. WHAT'S GOING TO "SNAP"?*AK
Suspension, Nov 13, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AT 60 - 65 MPH, A LOUD SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE HANDLING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN LAS CRUCES, NM. INVESTIGATION FROM THE DEALER WAS THE U-BOLT THAT CONNECTED THE LEAF SPRINGS TO THE AXLE CAME OFF AND DAMAGED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL, THE REAR WHEEL & TIRE AND POSSIBLY THE FRONT TIRE. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE TOYOTA CARE REPRESENTATIVE AND THEY RESPONDED THAT THIS WAS A CASE OF THE FAILURE OF A FASTENER AND WAS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE A MECHANICAL DEFECT OF THE VEHICLE. AS OF THIS REPORT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. *JB
Visibility, Oct 12, 2004
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 12, 2004
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKES PADS ON HIS VEHICLE WAS WEARING OUT TOO FAST. HE STATED HE IS CONSTANTLY REPLACING THEM EVERY 3 MONTHS. *JB
Power train, Aug 3, 2004
FILE #200408021294. CUSTOMER (KIM REAMER) 07/27/2004 07:50 AM I HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA 4 X 4. IT HAS AN ISSUE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE RELEASED YOU WOULD FEEL A JOLT OR A SLIGHT PUSH FROM THE DRIVE TRANE AREA. I HAVE READ UP ON THIS AND IT IS ALSO KNOWN AS ENGINE WRAP WHERE THE ENERGY GETS STORED UP IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RELEASE IS WHEN THE BREAKS ARE RELEASED FROM A STOP. IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE HIT IN THE REAR END BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. YOU SOMTIMES HERE A SLIGHT THUD. THESE SYMPTOMS DO NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT QUITE OFTEN. PER A CONVERSATION WITH ANOTHER TOYOTA TACOMA OWNER HE STATED THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS AND HAS A REPAIR DIRECTIVE OUT. I AM SENDING THIS TO VERIFY THAT INFORMATION AS MY DEALER STATE HE FELT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY TOY AFTER TAKING IT FOR A DRIVE WITH ME IN IT. PLEASE NOTE I POINTED IT OUT ONCE BUT HE SAID IT IS NORMAL. NORMAL IT IS NOT SERVICE RESPONSE: RUSS SWANSON: WE MET AND WENT ON A ROAD TEST TOGETHER WHEN YOU WERE LAST HERE ON JULY 21. OUR BEST INTEREST IS IN FINDING ANY ABNORMALITIES AND CORRECTING THEM. IF THIS CONDITION WORSENS TO THE POINT WHERE THERE IS AN ABNORMALITY, IT WILL BE OUR PLEASURE TO CORRECT IT. AT THIS POINT, ANY ATTEMPT AT CORRECTIVE ACTION WOULD BE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. RUSS SWANSON KOOL TOYOTA MY RESPONSE: WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ROAD TESTED WITH YOU IN IT, I ONLY NOTICED THE VEHICLE DO IT ONCE WHICH WAS SLIGHT TO WITH WHAT IT DOES. AS I STATED IT HAPPED ABOUT 4 TIMES DRIVING IN TO WORK AND HEARD IT THUMB ON ALL 4 CASES. THE PUSH OR ACTION FROM LETTING THE BREAK OFF ONCE STOPPED WAS FELT 4 TIMES AS WELL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL UNDER ANY DRIVING CONDITIONS AND CONCERNS ME THAT YOU SAY SO. THIS WOULD BE CONSTRUED AS ABNORMAL. THERE A REPAIR DIRECTIVE OUT THERE REGARDING THIS COMPLAINT. BUT TOYOTA IS FAILING TO CORRECT THE ISSUE TO SAY IT IS NORMA. THEN WHY A REPAIR DIRECTIVE?. PLEASE ADDRESS MY CONCERNS. THANK YOU. KIM R. REAMER . *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 25, 2004
UPON STARTING THE TRUCK AND DRIVING OUT THE DRIVEWAY, GASOLINE STARTED SPRAYING ALL OVER THE HOOD,THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE DRIVEWAY. THERE IS A HIGH PRESSURE INJECTION HOSE THAT GOES FROM THE FUEL FILTER TO A FITTING ON THE FIRE WALL AND BACK TO THE GAS TANK. THE PLASTIC CLAMP THAT HOLDS THIS HOSE UP,WORE A HOLE IN THE HOSE. THE PART NUMBER FOR THE HOSE ASSEMBLY THAT BROKE IS 2390675040. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 28, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL LETTER NO. 033189000: PICK-UP TRUCKS, DURING SIDE IMPACT NCAP TEST (I.E. LINCAP TEST), A FLANGE AT THE REAR END OF THE DOUBLE CAB BODY IS DEFORMED AND INTERFERED WITH THE FUEL INLET HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL INLET HOSE. HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO CONDUCT THE RECALL. *LA
Air bags, Tires, Apr 28, 2004, crash
THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING A COLLISION WHERE I WAS STRUCK WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION TO THIS ACCIDENT I WAS ALSO GIVEN A TICKET IN WHICH THE STATE TROOPER STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF THE TIRES WERE NOT BAD. TACOMA TOYOTA DOUBLE CAB TRUCK, YEAR 2001. I HYDROPLANED CROSSING THE MEDIAN IN WHICH AN ON-COMING VEHICLE STRUCK MY VEHICLE.
Structure, Mar 12, 2004
FRONT FENDER MOLDING WAS FALLING OFF. *AK
Air bags, Nov 18, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE DRIVER T-BONED A VEHICLE THAT RAN A RED LIGHT. THE VEHICLES DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON IMPACT. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK *NLM
Air bags, Oct 10, 2003, crash
THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING A FRONT END COLLISION THAT OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH. MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB PICKUP STRUCK THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINING SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE. *LA
Suspension, Jun 13, 2003, crash
2001 TOYOTA TACOMA PRERUNNER 2 WHEEL DRIVE, 6 CYLINDER, AUTOMATIC EXTRA CAB 30,000 MILES RIGHT SIDE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED AT FREEWAY SPEED CAUSING WHEEL AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY TO FOLD UNDER VEHICLE. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND LOSS OF BRAKING AND SEVERE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *NLM
Air bags, Feb 4, 2003, crash
CONSUMER WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE BACK AND NEITHER OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PH
Air bags, Dec 11, 2002, crash
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SKIDDED ON ICE AND CRASHED HEAD-ON INTO A GUARDRAIL. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH CAUSING OVER $8000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO TRUCK. NEITHER DRIVER OR PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MR
Air bags, Dec 4, 2002
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG EMITS ACRID/MUSTY LIKE ODOR WHEN SUBJECTED TO HEAT FROM THE SUN OR AFTER THE HEATER HAS BEEN RUN FOR A WHILE AND HAD A CHANCE TO SOAK THE AREA BEHIND THE DASH. ODOR TRIGGERS WIFE'S ASTHMA ATTACKS. ODOR IS NOT COMING FROM HEATER/AC VENTS. DT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 29, 2002
THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DESIGNED TOO CLOSE TOGETHER, CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE WENT TO PRESS THE BRAKE HE ALSO PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. PH *JB