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.
Wheels, Jul 4, 2013
WHEELS ARE TWO PIECE CONSTRUCTION RUST BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE TWO PIECES DOES NOT ALLOW ME TO CLEAN. IMPOSSIBLE TO SERVICE RUST BUILD-UP IS EXCESSIVE.
Structure, Jun 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY ADVISED HIM THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 08/20/13*LJ
Steering, Suspension, May 21, 2013
UPON MAKING A TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY THE LOWER LEFT(DRIVERS SIDE) BALL JOINT SEPERATED FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. THIS IN TURN MADE THE FRONT WHEEL FALL INTO THE VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, May 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DENIED SERVICING THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES) DUE TO THE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Structure, Apr 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME HAD CORRODED DUE TO RUST. THE MANUFACTURER PREVIOUSLY ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL RELATED TO THE STRUCTURE BUT THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WELDED THE AREA WHICH EXHIBITED A HOLE AS A TEMPORARY FIX. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Structure, Apr 9, 2013
THE FRAME WAS RUSTED, AND WE WERE AWARE OF RECALLS. 2 WEEKS AGO WE HAD IT INSPECTED AT THE DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT IT. THE MECHANIC TOLD US THE VEHICLE WAS UN-DRIVEABLE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SENT THE INFORMATION TO TOYOTA BUT THE RECALL CLAIM WAS DENIED. THE MECHANIC GAVE US A NUMBER TO CALL TO PLACE A CLAIM. THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD US WE HAD BEEN MAILED A LETTER IN 2011 SAYING THE VEHICLE NEEDED UNDERCOATING. SHE ADMITTED THAT IT WAS SOMETHING TOYOTA WAS DOING LEGALLY TO AVOID HAVING TO HONOR THE RECALL CLAIM. SHE ALSO SAID THAT THE UNDERCOATING WOULD HAVE BEEN USELESS SINCE DEFECTIVE STEEL WAS USED TO CONSTRUCT THE FRAME. AGAIN, THE CASE MANAGER TOLD US THE CLAIM WAS BEING DENIED. *TR
Service brakes, Mar 23, 2013
THE BRAKES FAILED DUE TO LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID. THIS OCCURRED SUDDENLY. THE STEEL HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE HAS CORRODED AND RUPTURED WITHIN AN INCH OF WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE BRAKE BIAS VALVE NEAR THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. UPON INSPECTION OF THE AREA AROUND THE BRAKE BIAS VALVE, THE BIAS VALVE ITSELF, THE BOLTS SECURING THE BIAS VALVE, AND THE BRAKE LINES SEVERE CORROSION WAS OBSERVED. THE INSPECTOR WHO HAS 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORKING ON TOYOTAS REGARDS THIS CORROSION AS ABNORMAL FOR ANY VEHICLE OF THIS AGE. THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS COATED WITH A SUBSTANCE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO PREVENT CORROSION UNDER A TOYOTA RECALL IN OCT. 2010. THIS SUBSTANCE WAS SPRAYED ON THE BRAKE LINE WHICH RUPTURED AS WELL. THE INSPECTOR FEELS THAT THE COATING IS ACTUALLY ACCELERATING THE CORROSION. THE INSPECTOR OBSERVED THE COATING PEALING OFF OF THE TRUCK'S FRAME IN LARGE SHEETS. *TR
Power train, Mar 22, 2013
LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. IT APPEARS THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE ROTTED OUT LEAVING THE REAR END WITH NO GEAR FLUID. WHEN THEY REPLACED THE FRAME (AS IT ROTTED OUT TO)... THEY SHOUD HAVE REPLACED THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING. LUCKY THIS HAPPEN AROUND TOWN AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. I CAN IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THE DIFFERENTIAL BLEW APART AT HIGH SPEED (WITH FLYING METAL AND NO CONTROL OF ACCELERATION IF NEEDED TO AVOID OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT). I CALLED TOYOTA CAR CARE AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD GO IN HALF ON THE REPAIR AND GET BACK TO ME IN A FEW DAYS WITH THE DETAILS. THEY DIDN'T... I CALLED THEM A FEW DAYS LATER AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HELP ME. LOOKED TO BE A +/- $2,000 REPAIR. *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2013
I LIVE IN VIRGINIA. THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL FOR INSPECTION OF THE TRUCK FRAME FOR RUST CORROSION. AT THE TIME VEHICLE HAD THE RECALL I WAS BEING TREATED FOR A MENTAL DISABILITY AND IN MENTAL HOSPITALS. I WAS NOT OF SOUND MIND OR JUDGMENT TO UNDERSTAND THE "RECALL NOTICE". WHILE HAVING OIL CHANGED BY THE TOYOTA DEALER THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK WAS NOTED TO HAVE HOLES IN THE FRAME CAUSED BY RUST. TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK HONORING THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH I PROVIDED THE NECESSARY INFORMATION FROM DOCTORS PROVIDING DOCUMENTATION OF MY ILLNESS AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL. ON MARCH 14, 2013, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR A SAFETY RECALL FOR RUST OF THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER; WHICH COULD FALL OFF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE TOYOTA DEALER REPLACED THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER CONSISTING OF TWO METAL PLATES WITH FOUR BOLTS THAT WAS BOLTED TO A DEFECTIVE FRAME THAT HAS HOLES DUE TO CORROSION; ALSO, THEY REPLACED SUPPORTS THAT RUNS BETWEEN THE TWO FRAME RAILS; THEY DID NOT REPLACE THE CABLE NOR THE RUSTED PART THAT HOLDS THE WHEEL TO THE PREVIOUS ASSEMBLY PARTS. THIS HAS NOT FIXED THE ISSUE BECAUSE THEY HAVE ONLY REPLACED THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER PLATE ONTO A FRAME THAT HAS HOLES DUE TO RUST THAT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I NEED THIS VEHICLE AS I AM ON DISABILITY AND LIMITED INCOME; I WANT THE FRAME REPLACED OR A NEW TRUCK WITH THE SAME OPTIONS AS I HAVE ON THE 2001 TACOMA. TOYOTA RECEIVED A 25 MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT FROM DANA CORPORATION, SUPPLIER OF THE TACOMA TRUCK FRAMES, PROPER ANTIRUST PREVENTATIVE WAS NOT APPLIED TO PREVENT CORROSION, WHICH WAS A COST SAVING FOR ONE OR BOTH COMPANIES. FROM 1995 TO 2004 THE TACOMA TRUCKS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. BY REPLACING THE FRAME TOYOTA WOULD NOT BE LOSING ANY MONEY BECAUSE THEY GOT THEIR MONEY FROM DANA CORP SUPPLIER OF THE TACOMA FRAMES. *TR
Structure, Mar 18, 2013
I PURCHASED THE BEST TRUCK I COULD EVER WISH FOR, 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA; IT'S AN XTRA CAB WITH TRD WITH THE SR5. TODAY AT 113500 MILES IT STILL LOOKS AND RUNS SHOWROOM NEW. BUT IT HAS THE RUST ON THE FRAME AND BAD TOO. TOYOTA REFUSES TO HELP IN ANY WAY. IN 2012 THE FRAME WAS PERFECT, NOW IT IS ALMOST EATEN THROUGH. I LOVE THIS TRUCK BUT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND I AM VERY DISPLEASED WITH HOW THEY ARE HANDLING THE SITUATION. AT 113500 MILES I OPT TO GO WITH TOYOTA COMPARED TO CHEVROLET BECAUSE TOYOTA HAD A WONDERFUL REPUTATION ON RELIABLE VEHICLES AND I WAS SOLD ON THAT. WHEN THE RECALL WAS SENT OUT, I WAS LIVING IN VIRGINIA AND BATTLING CANCER SO I MISSED THE RECALL. I BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD WARRANT THEIR PRODUCT OR CLOSE DOWN THEIR PLANTS IF THEY WON?T HONOR THE ISSUES AT HAND. I WANT A NEW FRAME OR AT LEAST ANOTHER TRUCK WITH MY ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, MY BABY IS GORGEOUS. I AM NOW ON A FIXED INCOME WITH BLOOD CLOTS IN MY LUNGS DUE TO THE CANCER I NEED MY TRUCK. *TR
Structure, Mar 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
Structure, Feb 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHASSIS, THE SPARE TIRE CABLE AND THE HOLDER BECAME CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 95,200. KMJ UPDATED 7/29/13 *CN
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Feb 9, 2013, crash
I HAD MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO FREEWAY ENTRANCE RAMP, STARTED ACCELERATING TO GET UP TO SPEED. AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH THERE WAS A LOUD BANG/POP NOISE AND THE VEHICLE FRONT LEFT DROPPED DOWN. I HUNG ON TO TRY AND KEEP VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AS IT TOOK AN SHARP LEFT HAND TURN TOWARDS A POLE. EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR I WAS ABLE TO SOME HOW GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED BEFORE THE PASSENGER SIDE HIT THE POLE WHERE MY 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS RIDING. I HAD THE TRUCK CHECKED FOR RECALLS IN LATE 2008 WHEN I PURCHASED IT. THE REPORT SAID BALL JOINT RECALL WAS VIN # SPECIFIC AND THAT THIS TRUCK WAS NOT IN THE VIN RANGE. AFTER THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, I CALLED TOYOTA HOTLINE FOR ASSISTANCE AND EVEN THOUGH THIS IS THE SAME CONDITION, AND PART THAT IS FAILING ON THE VEHICLES IN RANGE THEY SAID, "THAT SENSE THE RECALL IS VIN SPECIFIC, THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO, AND WE CAN'T JUST ADD A VEHICLE TO THE RECALL". SO, NOW I'M STUCK WITH A WRECKED VEHICLE, BUT VERY THANKFUL THAT I DIDN'T HIT THE POLE WHERE MY DAUGHTER WAS SITTING. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND ALL TACOMA'S THAT CONTAIN THIS STYLE BALL JOINT BE FIXED BEFORE SOME ONE DOES GET KILLED. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 7, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, ANOTHER DRIVER WARNED HIM OF SPARKS IGNITING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE REAR OF THE FUEL TANK BRACKET HAD FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE BRACKET FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Structure, Jan 29, 2013
MY FRAME WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL BECAUSE OF THE RUST. A COUPLE WEEKS AFTER GETTING MY TRUCK BACK I WAS STRANDED IN 100 DEGREE HEAT BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO GET MY SPARE TIRE OUT FROM UNDER BED OF TRUCK. SEVERELY RUSTED BUMPER NO LONGER ALLOWS ACCESS TO MECHANISM TO LOWER TIRE. FOUGHT WITH DEALER AND REGIONAL MGR. THEY SAY IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. I COULD NOT DISAGREE MORE. WHY THEN DO WE HAVE SPARE. HE DID ADMIT THAT IF IT WAS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY IT MIGHT BE DIFFERENT. BUT, NO..... NOW THEY ARE RECALLING THE PART THAT HOLD THE SPARE UNDER THE TRUCK BECAUSE TIRE MAY FALL OFF. THAT WOULD BE DOING ME A FAVOR.... *TR
Steering, Jan 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. HE THEN DISPENSED POWER STEERING FLUID TO THE PROPER LEVEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RACK AND PINION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT AUTO MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jan 16, 2013
AT SPEED ABOVE 60 MPH ,WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ON BRAKE PEDAL IS VERY HARD AND NO RESPONSE,AND ALL THE TIME BRAKE IS WEEK AT SPEED ABOVE 30MPH.VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Structure, Jan 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 159,000. UPDATED 2/25/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO OFFER ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE RECALL BEING CLOSED ON DEC 31, 2011. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE RECIEVED A NOTICE. THE CONSUMER CHANGED ADDRESSES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THEREFORE DID NOT RECIEVE ANY NOTICE. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 03/11/2013 *JS
Suspension, Dec 25, 2012
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AT ABOUT 5 MPH, MY LOWER LEFT BALL JOINT (DRIVER SIDE) SEPARATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING CAUSING MY TRUCK TO LOSE CONTROL AS THE ENTIRE TRUCK COLLAPSED ONTO MY DRIVER SIDE TIRE, BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION WAS NO LONGER HOLDING IT UP. IN THE EVENT THAT I HAD BEEN GOING MUCH FASTER (POSSIBLY EVEN TEN MILES PER HOUR) I FEEL THAT THE WHEEL WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY RIPPED OFF, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL. I THEN FOUND OUT TOYOTA HAD MADE A RECALL ON THIS PART AND WHEN I CONTACTED THEM, I WAS APPARENTLY 2 WEEKS PAST THE RECALL WINDOW. I FEEL THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED DUE TO THE SHEER NUMBER OF THESE TRUCKS THAT ARE STILL ON THE ROAD. WHEN THE LOWER BALL JOINT FAILS, IT IS A CATASTROPHIC EVENT THAT CAN VERY EASILY RESULT IN A CRASH. *TR
Structure, Nov 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR UNRELATED REPAIR THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE FRAME WAS SEVERALLY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED THE PREVIOUS YEAR TO TREAT THE FRAME AND PREVENT CORROSION. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL AND NEVER HAD THE VEHICLE TREATED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THERE WAS NO REPAIR FOR THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE FRAME CORROSION. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000. UPDATED 01/14/13
Structure, Nov 27, 2012
2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE FRAME. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE ONLY TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE SIX MONTHS AGO, AND WAS UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE FRAME AND WOULD LIKE TO GET THE ISSUE RESOLVED. *JB
Other or unspecified, Nov 20, 2012
I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, AND WHEN I NOTIFIED TOYOTA THEY INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD NO LONGER HONOR THE RECALL, UNLESS I HAD GONE IN FOR SOME KIND OF UNDERLAYMENT. I NEVER WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS, AND SINCE THE VEHICLE WILL BE CONSIDERED UNSAFE I FEEL THAT THEY TOYTA SHOULD TAKECARE OF THIS ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE IF THERE IS A LIMITATION ON SAFETY HAZARDS FOR VEHICLES. *TR
Suspension, Oct 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 12MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE EVERY TIME THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE ISSUE WAS THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE SUSPENSION THAT WAS WORN OFF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,500.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 18, 2012
I BRAKE IN MY DRIVEWAY AT APPROX. 2 MPH, HEARD A LOUD THUMP IN THE REAR END OF MY 2001 TACOMA. WHEN I CHECKED, I FOUND THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT BRACKET TO LEAF SPRING HOLDING THE REAR AXLE WAS ACTUALLY SITTING 2 OR 3 INCHES INTO THE FRAME RAIL. THE FRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH IN THAT SPOT, THE RUST WAS SO BAD, THAT 6 INCHES OF STEEL ON BOTTOM OF FRAME RAIL WAS GONE IN ANY DIRECTION OF THE LEAF SPRING BRACKET ATTACHMENT POINT. THERE ISN'T ENOUGH STEEL LEFT TO EVEN ATTEMPT A WELD TO REPAIR IT. ON CLOSE INSPECTION OF THE FRAME OVERALL, THERE ARE MULTIPLE POINTS WHERE THE FRAME RAILS HAVE DISINTEGRATED. MY REAR AXLE IS SITTING OFF-CENTER, AND THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN. IF NORMAL FORCE OR TORQUE IS APPLIED, THE AXLE WILL BREAK FREE, AND THIS WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HEARD THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON TACOMA FRAME RAILS, SO I CALLED THE DEALER. DEALER STATED MY VIN DID NOT HAVE A RECALL; I CALLED TOYOTA, THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD BE CONTACTED IN 1 BUSINESS DAY. THEY NEVER CALLED. 2 DAYS LATER, I CALLED AND GOT TRANSFERRED TO THEIR "TRUCK TEAM," GOT SHUFFLED AROUND FOR 6 MORE PHONE CALLS OVER 3 DAYS, WHEN THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY MAILED ME A NOTICE THAT I HAD TO HAVE GOTTEN A FRAME SPRAYING TO QUALIFY FOR THE FRAME RECALL. I NEVER RECEIVED SUCH NOTICE, AND TOYOTA DID NOT EVEN HAVE MY ADDRESS; WHICH THEY STATED THAT THEY GOT ALL INFORMATION FROM DMV. MY DMV INFO IS CURRENT, ALWAYS HAS BEEN. TOYOTA HAS GIVEN MY EVERY TYPE OF RUN-AROUND IMAGINABLE, ULTIMATELY DENYING MY RECALL. ON WEBSITES, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN MY SAME SITUATION...EXACTLY THE SAME. FURTHER, THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAD THE FRAME SPRAY, WHICH THEN PEELED OFF WITHIN MONTHS OF APPLICATION. THIS SEEMS LIKE TOYOTA DELIBERATELY TRIED TO EXCLUDE AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WITH THIS FRAME SPRAY, WHICH WOULDN'T BE NECESSARY IN THE FIRST PLACE IF THE FRAMES WEREN'T DEFECTIVE. MY TRUCK IS DEAD. *TR
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2012
AS I WAS DRIVING UP A MOUNTAIN, THE TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME WAS SLOW, I BRAKED TO SLOW, BUT THE TRUCK DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I PUSHED HARDER ON THE BRAKE, BUT THE TRUCK STILL DID NOT SLOW DOWN. THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL OFF, A DROP OFF ON THE RIGHT AND TRAFFIC ON THE LEFT COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. I KEPT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD PUSH IT, ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN. THERE WAS A PARKING AREA AT THE TOP AND I TURNED INTO THAT AREA. MY HUSBAND QUICKLY TURNED OFF THE KEY AND WE CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. WE GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK AND MY HUSBAND RAISED THE HOOD. SEVERAL MEN STOPPED TO SEE IF THEY COULD HELP. WHILE THE TRUCK WAS SITTING THERE, WITH THE GEAR SHIFT IN PARK, MY HUSBAND STARTED THE ENGINE A COUPLE OF TIMES. THE ENGINE RACED AT FULL SPEED. MY HUSBAND DID NOT HAVE HIS FOOT NEAR EITHER PEDAL. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE FLOOR NEAR THE PEDALS. A TOW TRUCK CAME AND PICKED UP THE TRUCK, IT WAS TAKEN TO THE OWNER'S LOCATION AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED. THE ENGINE RAN NORMALLY THEN. WE TOOK THE TRUCK TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT WAS CHECKED, AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK.