2002 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 360 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 30 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.
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
Representative owner complaints: suspension
85 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jun 16, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (GERARD TOYOTA LOCATED ON 543 COLMAN ST, NEW LONDON, CT 06320) FOR SERVICE, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED CORROSION ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FRAME AND A CRACK IN THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. THE SHOCKS COULD BE SEEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,672.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Apr 27, 2017, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 55 MPH. THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL BALL JOINT BROKE SO THE ENTIRE WHEEL BROKE OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE TRIED TO RUN/JUMP OVER THE WHEEL AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLAMMED DOWN ON THE ASPHALT. THE TRUCK DRAGGED ON THE ASPHALT FOR ABOUT 100 TO 150 YDS UNTIL I MANAGED TO CONTROL AND STOP IT.
Suspension, Power train, Service brakes, Oct 7, 2016
THE RUST ON THE REAR END ASSEMBLY IS SO SEVERE THAT THE BRAKES ARE COMPROMISED, AND THE BACK UP EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM HAS FAILED. THE RUST ON THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS SO SEVERE THAT THE FLUID HAS LEAKED OUT AND THE GEARS ARE AT RISK FOR CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE SPRING MOUNTS TO THE AXLES ARE ALSO RUSTING SEVERELY, CREATING A RISK OF LOST CONTROL SHOULD EITHER SIDE BREAK AWAY. IT TAKES GREAT EFFORT WHEN BRAKING, AND THE VEHICLE PULLS SEVERELY DUE TO RUST CAUSING THE LOSS OF INTEGRITY OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE BRAKES, ONCE APPLIED, DO NOT RELEASE EVENLY, CREATING UNEVEN BRAKE WEAR, SHUDDERING AND SHAKING, RESULTING IN POOR CONTROL, EXCESSIVE AND UNEVEN TIRE WEAR, I.E., TIRES LOCKED AND DRAGGING, SCALLOPING. ON WET, AND I FEAR, ICEY, SURFACES, THE TRUCK HAS SLID SIDEWAYS DUE TO ONE OR MORE WHEELS NOT RELEASING.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 5, 2016
I WAS INFORMED BY TOYOTA CASE WORKER THAT THE RUSTY FRAME RECALL EXPIRED AND IT IS MY PROBLEM NOW. I DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY FRAME RECALL NOTICE BUT RECEIVED A SPARE TIRE LIFT PLATE RECALL (WHICH DOESN'T EXPIRE) DUE TO RUST AND SEVERE CORROSION. I WAS INFORMED BY DEALERSHIP MY TRUCK WAS UNSAFE TO EVEN PUT ON THE LIFT TO ADDRESS CURRENT RECALL, OF COURSE THEY LET ME DRIVE IT HOME WHICH IS A 35-40 MINUTE DRIVE FOR ME. I WAS FORCED TO SCRAP MY TRUCK WITH A PERFECTLY GOOD MOTOR BECAUSE HOW UNSAFE IT WAS AND THE EXPENSE TO FIX IT ON MY OWN. I DIDN'T REALIZE THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM UNTIL I CRAWLED UNDER MY TRUCK AND WAS BESIDE MYSELF! I HAD HUGE HOLES IN THE FRAME, THE LEAF SPRINGS WERE SHOT, ALL THIS WAS UNDER THE "UNDERCOATING" THAT WAS DONE AT TIME OF PURCHASE TO PROTECT FRAME FROM RUST! I PAID EXTRA FOR THAT! EVEN MY SEAT MOUNTS ON THE INTERIOR BACK SEAT WERE RUSTED! I SUSPECT THE QUALITY OF METAL USED IS ON THE LOWER SIDE... I USED MY TRUCK AS A TRUCK, HAULED SMALL AMOUNTS OF MULCH, SOUL FOR MY GARDEN, IT MOVED ME 5X! I DIDN'T GO MUDDLING IN IT, PARK IT IN A POND, OR LIVE IN A FLOOD AREA. I JUST USED IT... HOW IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE FOR THE ONGOING PROBLEM THAT CAN ULTIMATELY JEAPARDIZE A PERSONS SAFETY AS WELL AS OTHERS ON THE ROAD?! PLEASE HOLD TOYOTA RESPONSIBLE...
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2016
FRAME ROT FROM INSIDE OUT. SUSPENSION MOUNTING TO FRAME ROTTED OUT. TOTOYA REFUSES TO DEAL WITH THIS AND CLAIMS THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPIRED. HOW CAN A RECALL BE EXPIRED. CASE #1606101548 . TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE VERY RUDE AND DEMEANING.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2016
EXCESSIVE UNSAFE FRAME ROT FROM INSIDE OUT. TOYOTA SAFETY 'RECALL' OFFER TO FIX 'EXPIRED'.
Suspension, Structure, May 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SPRING SHACKLE SUDDENLY FRACTURED AND RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY SEVERE RUSTING OF THE VEHICLE'S FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,039. ....UPDATED 07/11/16 *BF *CN
Suspension, Structure, Mar 21, 2016
RUSTING FRAME.I BROUGHT MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCK TO DEALER FOR THE CORROSION RESISTANT SPRAYING TO PREVENT FURTHER RUSTING OF FRAME.SPRAYING COMPLETED ON 03/25/03.RUST ON FRAME CONTINUES.SPRAYING DID NOT WORK.TOYOTA SAID THEY ONLY SPRAY TRUCK ONCE.RUST WARRANTY EXTENDED FOR 15 YEARS EXPIRING ON 10/01/16.TOYOTA SHOULD EXTEND RUST WARRANTY WITH NO EXPIRATION DATE AS TRUCK WILL HAVE TO BE SPRAYED EVERY TWO YEARS.EARLIER YEARS RUST WARRANTY COVERED REPLACING FRAME OR VEHICLE BUYBACK.TOYOTA SHOULD COVER SAME WARRANTY FOR LATER YEAR TACOMAS AS RUST PROBLEM PERSISTS IN EVERY YEAR. LEAF SPRINGS AND HARDWARE ARE RUSTED AS ARE MUFFLER BRACKETS LEADING TO POTENTIONAL SAFETY HAZARD IF ITEMS FAIL WHILE DRIVING.TOYOTA ADMITTED RUST PROOFING NOT DONE PROPERLY BY SUBCONTRACTOR.PLEASE HOLD TOYOTA ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR NEGLIGENCE IN PROPERLY PROTECTING FRAMES,SPRINGS.AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WITH CORROSION RESISTANT MATERIALS.TOYOTA IS JUST BUYING TIME UNTIL WARRANTIES EXPIRE.AFTER THAT TIME THE OWNERS WILL HAVE NO RECOURSE WITH TOYOTA.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME FROM THE REAR LEAF SPRING HANGER WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED 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. UPDATED 11/01/16*LJ
Suspension, Structure, Nov 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION TO THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CORROSION TRAVELED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SUSPENSION TO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SUSPENSION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,175.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 30, 2015
HELLO, I OWN A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA AND I BROUGHT IT TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE A SERVICE ADVISOR CAME OUT TO THE PARKING LOT, GOT UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH (HE STUCK HIS HAND THROUGH THE RUST HOLE) NEAR WHERE THE LEAF SPRINGS ATTACH TO THE FRAME. IT IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE AND TOYOTA HAS REPAIRED/REPLACED MANY TACOMA'S DUE TO THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I DID SOME RESEARCH, AND FOUND OUT THAT TOYOTA KNOWS THEIR FRAMES ARE UNSAFE, AND HAVE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 15 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF NEW CAR DELIVERY. I TRIED TO GET MINE REPLACED SINCE ITS STILL WELL WITHIN TIME-FRAME, BUT THEY ARE STATING THAT THE ORIGINAL OWNER REFUSED A FRAME INSPECTION/APPLICATION ANTICORROSION SPRAY SO NOW THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE UNSAFE FRAME. I HAVE VEHICLE SERVICE HISTORY SHOWING OTHER RECALLS (FRONT BALL-JOINT) WERE DONE, AND OTHER REPAIRS TO THE CAR, SO ITS LIKELY THAT THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP DID NOT OFFER THE APPLICATION ANTICORROSION SPRAY, OTHERWISE THE OWNER WOULD HAVE HAD THIS FREE SERVICE COMPLETED (THE CUSTOMER SERVICED IT REGULARLY AND KEPT IT IN GREAT SHAPE) AND THE FRAME WOULD NOT BE UNSAFE. ORIGINAL NEW CAR DELIVERY DATE WAS OCTOBER OF 2002, MEANING THE 15 YEAR FRAME RECALL SAFETY ISSUE IS COVERED UNTIL OCTOBER OF 2016 (A YEAR FROM NOW). I SPOKE WITH TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. IN ANY CASE, SINCE TOYOTA KNOWS ITS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND ITS WELL WITHIN THE 15 YEAR RECALL FRAME TIME-FRAME, WHY SHOULD TOYOTA EXPECT ME TO JUST DRIVE AROUND AN UNSAFE VEHICLE?
Suspension, Aug 18, 2015
I DRIVE A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE I THOUGHT WAS A LOOSE PICK UP BED (SHORTLY AFTER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT LEGAL BUT HIGH SPEED COMING HOME FROM WORK). STOPPED AND NOTED MY TRUCK FRAME HAD BROKEN IN TWO PLACES OVER THE REAR AXEL AND GAS TANK AREA. THE BROKEN SIDE OF THE FRAME WAS JUST SITTING LOOSELY ON THE L REAR LEAF SPRINGS. LUCKILY I STOPPED TO CHECK THE PICKUP BED. I COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR EVEN KILLED OR WHAT'S WORSE COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL AND HURT SOMEONE ELSE. I KNOW TOYOTA HAS HAD SIGNIFICANT FRAME QUALITY CONTROL ISSUES WITH THESE MODEL TACOMAS IN THE PAST. I DID HAVE A FRAME CHECK IN DEC. 2010 ON A RECALL NOTICE AND IT WAS FINE. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP NO FURTHER ACTION WAS NEEDED. NOW I FIND AFTER TALKING TO TOYOTA CORPORATE, THE FRAME SHOULD HAVE BEEN UNDERCOATED AT THAT TIME. (THEY CLAIM TO HAVE SENT 5 LETTERS ADVISING ME OF THIS.NONE OF WHICH I RECEIVED, AND I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AT THE SAME ADDRESS FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS). LOOKING AT THE INTERNET FORMS CONCERNING TACOMAS, I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN THIS COCK AND BULL STORY. WHY WOULD I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE TRUCK IN FOR PROTECTIVE UNDERCOATING IF INFORMED BY TOYOTA AFTER ALL READY RESPONDING TO A RECALL INSPECTION ONLY A FEW WEEKS EARLIER?. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND COULD CAUSE CATASTROPHIC PROBLEMS. I THINK TOYOTA CORP IS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS SITUATION BY ORIGINALLY INSTALLING DEFECTIVE FRAMES THEN NOT FOLLOWING THROUGH ON RECALLS OR SERVICE BULLETINS PROPERLY AND ACTUALLY STONE WALLING OWNERS CALLING WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE FRAMES WITH AN EXTENDED 15 YEAR WARRANTY.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2015
2002 TOYOTA TACOMA WAS TAKEN INTO THE SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE, TIRE ROTATION AND BRAKE INSPECTION WHEN THE SHOP SERVICE TECHNICIAN CALLED TO REPORT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE CONTAINS PINHOLES AND IS NOTICEABLY RUSTING, PRESENTING A SAFETY ISSUE. THE SHOP TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED CONTACTING TOYOTA DIRECTLY AS HE THOUGHT ANY RECALL HAD SINCE EXPIRED. POST RESEARCHING RECALL INFORMATION, WE DID VERIFY THAT THE "RECALL" PERIOD HAD EXPIRED. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW AS A CORPORATE ASSET AND REMAINS IN OUR POSSESSION. WE ABSOLUTELY DID NOT RECEIVE ANY RECALL NOTIFICATIONS FOR THE FRAME ISSUES NOR A REQUEST FOR INSPECTION!
Suspension, Jun 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SUDDENLY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID ONTO THE ROAD SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL BEARING MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
Suspension, Structure, May 4, 2015
HAD A RECALL ON MY TACOMA. I HAD BOUGHT FROM FATHER, HE BOUGHT NEW FROM SPARTAN TOYOTA IN LANSING MI. IT WAS FOR A POSSIBLE FRAME RUST RECALL. I HAVE THE RECORDS OF TAKING IT IN FOR THAT PURPOSE. IT WAS CLEARED BY SERVICE DEPARTMENT. APPARENTLY, THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO SPRAY A PROTECTIVE COAT ON THE FRAME AT NO COST TO ME, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE A 15 YEAR WARRANTY ON FRAME. THEY DID NOT DO THIS. I SOLD TRUCK TO MY SON, APPROXIMATELY JULY 2014. HE TOOK IT IN FOR MUFFLER WORK AND THEY WOULDN'T PUT ON HOIST BECAUSE FRAME IS WEAK FROM RUST. EVERYONE FROM THE DEALER AND TOYOTA NATIONAL HAS SAID IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SPRAYED, BUT BECAUSE IT WASN'T THEY SORRY BUT CAN'T DO ANYTHING. I FEEL THAT SOLUTION TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS MISTAKE IS NOT ADEQUATE. DO I HAVE ANY OTHER RECOURSE TO HELP MY SON? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension, Structure, Apr 14, 2015
I BOUGHT A USED 2002 TACOMA FROM A GOOD FRIEND. HE TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF THE TRUCK, IT WAS MINT. AFTER I BOUGHT THE TRUCK I ASKED ABOUT THE FRAME RECALL, BUT HE SAID WHEN HE TOOK IT IN THAT THEY COULDN'T DO IT AND HE HAD FORGOTTEN TO TAKE IT BACK. NO NEGLIGENCE, JUST DIDN'T SEE RUST AND DIDN'T TAKE IT IN FOR THE UNDER COATING. I TRIED TO GET IT DONE BUT TOYOTA WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THE WARRANTY. TWO YEARS LATER AND I HAVE A SOME PRETTY BAD FRAME RUST. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I REALLY CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER PAYMENT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM.
Suspension, Structure, Apr 6, 2015
FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS AND HAS BEEN TREATED WITH CORROSION RESISTANT COATINGS. THE COATINGS ARE OBVIOUSLY VISIBLE BUT DID NOT PREVENT THE FRAME FROM RUSTING TO AN UNSAFE CONDITION. THE PREVIOUS OWNER BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN FOR OTHER RECALLS THAT ARE RECORDED IN ITS HISTORY. THIS ONE FOR THE FRAME IS NOT RECORDED HOWEVER YOU CAN SEE THE COATING HAS BEEN APPLIED. THE WARRANTY EXTENSION IS LISTED FOR 15 YEARS. THE TRUCK IS 13 YEARS OLD BUT, A PERSON REPRESENTING TOYOTA SAYS IT'S EXPIRED WITH NO EXPLANATION OF HOW THAT IS. SO FAR SHE PUT ME ON HOLD FOR 20 MINUTES WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO FIND THE INFORMATION TO EXPLAIN TO ME. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Apr 3, 2015
I PURCHASED A TACOMA TRUCK DECEMBER 2014 WITH AN UNDERCOATED FRAME, AND WAS UNAWARE THE FRAMES IN THESE TRUCKS ROT OUT, IT IS NOW APRIL I LOOK UNDER THE TRUCK AND SEE THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTEN OUT TO THE POINT WHERE THERE IS HOLES EVERY WHERE AND YOU CAN POKE YOUR FINGERS HOLES WILL DEVELOP, I CONTACTED TOYOTA THEY DON'T WANT TO EVEN TOUCH THE TRUCK, I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING THE TRUCK. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 6, 2015
PURCHASED THIS TRUCK 4 MONTHS AGO FOR $10,900. FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF RECALLS ON THIS TRUCK ON CARFAX AND TOYOTAS RECALL WEBSITE. IT IS A GREAT TRUCK IN PRISTINE CONDITION. HOWEVER, AFTER TALKING TO A FRIEND WHO HAS A 2004 TACOMA HE INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND THAT HIS FRAME WAS SPRAYED TO PREVENT CORROSION. I CALLED UP TOYOTA TO SEE IF IT HAD BEEN DONE ON MINE AND THEY SAID NO. I ASKED WHY THEY WERE SPRAYING THEM AND THEY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE THE FRAME WILL CORRODE. I ASKED IF IT COULD BE DONE TO MINE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY STOPPED DOING IT AT THE END OF 2011. I HAD JOSEPH TOYOTA INSPECT IT YESTERDAY AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE FRAME HAS A HOLE IN IT AND WOULD ONLY HAVE 2 YEARS LEFT. I ASKED TOYOTA IF THEY WOULD REPAIR THE FRAME OR BUY THE TRUCK BACK AS I HAVE HEARD THEY DO AND THEY SAID NO. SO NOW I CAN EITHER PASS THE PROBLEM ONTO SOMEONE ELSE OR WAIT UNTIL THE FRAME FAILS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Feb 20, 2015
VEHICLE HAS LOW MILES YET THE FRAME HAS RUST HOLES IN IT. TOYOTA WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT EVEN THOUGH IT HAS FRAME INSPECTIONS IN IT'S RECENT SERVICE HISTORY. THE FIRST INSPECTION OCCURRED IN 2010, LESS THAN 7K MILES AGO. THEY INDICATED TO ME ON THE PHONE THAT DUE TO AN AGREEMENT WITH NHTSA THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. THEY WOULD NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP FOR NOT INSPECTING THE FRAME PROPERLY. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH TACOMA'S, TUNDRA'S, SEQUOIA'S AND 4RUNNER'S OF THIS VINTAGE IN COLD CLIMATE STATES. TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGED THE FRAMES WERE OF POOR MANUFACTURING EVEN SUING THE FRAME MANUFACTURER, YET SOME GET NEW FRAMES, OTHERS LIKE MYSELF WITH A LOW MILE TRUCK ARE TOLD THEY COULD DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS TRADED IN LESS THAN 1600 MILES AGO AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN PA. TOYOTA NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND ADDRESS IT INSTEAD OF SKIRTING THE ISSUE WITHOUT A PROPER RECALL. I HAVE SEEN VIDEOS OF TACOMA'S WHICH HAVE LITERALLY BROKEN IN HALF DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. NEVER DID I THINK TOYOTA WOULDN'T STAND BEHIND THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL FLAW IN FRAME MANUFACTURING AND CORROSION RESISTANCE. MY FRAME HAS A LARGE 1"X6.5" HOLE ABOVE THE RIGHT FRONT LEAF SPRING MOUNT - A KEY ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Aug 28, 2014
PART OF THE FRAME SUDDENLY BROKE FROM THE FRAME RAIL UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF MATERIAL LOOSING ALL STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY. THIS WAS DUE, IT SEEMS, TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE FRAME QUALITY LEADING TO EXCESSIVE ROT AND RUST. THE VEHICLE IS NOW STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND AND THUS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN SAFELY. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jul 25, 2014
THE SWAY BAR ARM BRACKET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE PULLED OUT OF THE FRAME DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE CORROSION PERFORATIONS IN MULTIPLE AREAS OF THE FRAME. FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND I HAVE BEEN ADVISED VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO OPERATE. MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jun 16, 2014
I RECENTLY TOOK MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA INTO THE LOCAL DEALER, DCH IN WAPPINGERS FALLS NY, BECAUSE OF LEAK IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. UPON LOOKING AT THE VEHICLE,THEY OBSERVED A CRACKED AND RUSTED FRAME. WE TOOK THE CAR DOWN AND I WENT TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION. THAT REPAIR SHOP HAD SAID THERE WAS A FRAME RECALL FOR THAT YEAR. I CALLED TOYOTA IN CALIFORNIA AND THEY CONFIRMED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT YEAR AND THAT THEY SENT OUT A NOTICE, BUT IT HAD TO BE BROUGHT BY THE END OF 2012. I TOLD THEM I NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE. THERE HAVE BEEN 2 OTHER RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE WHICH I DID RECEIVE NOTICES. THEY CHECKED WITH THEIR COMPLIANCE OFFICE AND SAID THEY DID SEND IT TO ME. I ASKED HOW MANY NOTICES WENT OUT AND THEY SAID ONE AND THEY DO NOT SEND THEM CERTIFIED MAIL. WHEN I STATED THAT I NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE, THEY TOLD THERE WAS A DEPARTMENT THAT MAY STILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST ME. AFTER OPENING UP A CASE WITH TOYOTA, THEY CAME TO THE CONCLUSION, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT BECAUSE I FAILED TO BRING THE CAR IN BY THEIR DEADLINE. I TOLD THEM AGAIN THAT I NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE AND THAT I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH A RUSTED AND CRACKED FRAME. THIS SEEMS TO BE PROBLEM WITH A GOOD DEAL OF TOYOTAS. I WAS HOPING FOR SOME KIND OF HELP, SINCE THEY'VE ADMITTED THE PROBLEM AND I NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE AND WE, AT THIS POINT HAVE ONLY THEIR WORD THAT THEY SENT ME A NOTICE. THANK YOU. TOYOTA CASE# 1405131065. UPDATED 07/03/14
Suspension, May 5, 2014
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM PICKING UP MY DAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL. I HIT A POT HOLE MY TRUCK BECAME VERY LOOSE AND HARD TO HANDLE. I GOT HOME AND INSPECTED THE TRUCK. I FOUND THAT THE REAR LEAF SPRING MOUNTS ON BOTH SIDES PULLED/ RIPPED THE FRAME! MY BACK AXEL ALSO SLID BACK ABOUT 2"! I'M GLAD WE DIDN'T GET HURT, BUT I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS IS ACCEPTABLE. I ONLY WONDER WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THE AXEL WOULD HAVE CAME TOTALLY DISCONNECTED FROM THE TRUCK. *TR
Suspension, Oct 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE REAR OR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE REAR SHOCK WAS CORRODED NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.