2007 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 541 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 65 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 31 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, springs, leaf spring assembly, leafSep 29, 2014
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.
If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 14V604000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsAug 7, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.
If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during February 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 13V337000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalMar 7, 2012
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TACOMA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2004, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2008. OVER TIME, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION MAY DAMAGE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING) THAT POWERS THE DRIVERS AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER IS EXPECTED TO BE MAILED TO OWNERS DURING APRIL 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 12V092000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalOct 5, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 09V388000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 15, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Campaign 09V223000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, drivelineJul 26, 2007
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, A SECTION OF THE REAR PROPELLER SHAFT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY CAST.
THE FRONT SIDE OF THE REAR PROPELLER SHAFT COULD SEPARATE AT THE JOINT AND COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE ROAD SURFACE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR PROPELLER SHAFT WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 07V324000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
44 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jun 22, 2012
I RECEVIED AN "INTERIM" SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA BUT CAN'T GET THROUGH ON THEIR TN (1-888-270-9371) TO GET ANY INFRO. DO YOU HAVE ANY UPDATE? *TT
Air bags, Feb 15, 2012
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH CAME ON. TOYOTA DEALER INDICATED THE AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG IS BROKEN AND THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS THE STATE REQUIRED SAFETY INSPECTION AS IS. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THIS IS A DEFECT AS OPPOSED TO A MAINTENANCE ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE THE PART, HOWEVER TOYOTA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. I WAS QUOTED $600 TO REPLACE THE PART. *TR
Air bags, Feb 13, 2012
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON, CODE INDICATES DEFECTIVE SPIRAL CABLE. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON DEFECT IN NEWER TACOMAS AND IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. REPLACING THESE IS APPARENTLY A PROFIT MAKER FOR TOYOTA, ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME THEY WERE MADE TO PAY FOR THIS DEFECT THEMSELVES, VIA A SAFETY RECALL? OR DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE FIRST? *TR
Steering, Air bags, Feb 9, 2012
SPIRAL CABLE IN STEERING DEFECTIVE, HAD TO REPLACE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY. AIR BAG NOT OPERATING IF DASH LIGHT ON. *TR
Air bags, Dec 28, 2011
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. NO DEPLOYMENT. DEALER SAYS SPIRAL CABLE NEEDS REPLACING INSIDE WHEEL. $600 TO FIX. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF NEEDED DUE TO REPAIR.NEEDED IS THIS NOT A SAFETY DEVICE REQUIRED? THIS A FAILURE NOT A MAINTENANCE ITEM. PEOPLE ALL OVER THE NET REPORTING SAME ISSUES. *TR
Air bags, Dec 8, 2011
THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE DASHBOARD CAME ON AT ABOUT 48,000 MILES. THERE WAS NO CRASH OR ANY RELATED INCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED IT TO COME ON. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS FACTORY RELATED DEFECT. I HOPE THIS COMPLAINT WILL HELP FOR A FUTURE RECALL OR A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Nov 3, 2011
THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. MY PASSENGER LOOKED IT UP IN THE MANUAL AND IT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR MAINTENANCE. THE PROBLEM TURNED OUT TO BE THE SPIRAL CABLE FOR THE AIR BAG HAD BROKEN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY WHEN THIS CABLE BREAKS. FORTUNATELY FOR ME, THIS HAPPENED PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE WARRANTY FOR PASSENGER RESTRAINTS, AS I SEE THIS IS A PRETTY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. I HAVE LOOKED AT THIS SITE AS WELL AS OTHERS AND SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND HAVE TO WONDER WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PART. WHY AREN'T SAFETY FEATURES ALWAYS COVERED IN ALL CARS, AS LONG AS THEY ARE ON THE ROAD? *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 20, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH AND APPLIED THE BRAKES WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION THAT OCCURRED BEFORE THE CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE SCENE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND DISCOVERED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE STILL EXPERIENCED MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,142. ..UPDATED 05/19/16 *BF *TR
Air bags, Oct 4, 2011
THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON MY 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA PRERUNNER DOUBLE CAB 4X2 CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP PLANNED TO CHARGE ME $115 TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY DID NOT RECOGNIZE THE CODE AND CHARGED ME $59.50 STATING THAT THEY WOULD CALL BACK AFTER SPEAKING WITH TECHNICAL SUPPORT. LATER THEY SAID THE PROBLEM IS THE SPIRAL CABLE AND QUOTED ME $562.44 TO REPLACE IT. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED IN JULY 2011 AT 59,000 MILES. I PLAN TO FIX IT SOON FOR 2 REASONS: MY LIFE IS WORTH MORE THAN $562 AND I BELIEVE IN VIRGINIA THE LIGHT NEEDS TO BE OFF TO PASS THE YEARLY STATE INSPECTION. THIS IS DEFINITELY A RECALL AND A SAFETY ISSUE, THE DEALERSHIP LET ME KNOW WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK IN THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY WITHOUT FIXING THIS ISSUE. MY TRUCK IS PRACTICALLY STILL NEW, I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE LIKE THIS BEFORE WITH ANY OF MY OTHER VEHICLES. *TR
Air bags, Sep 22, 2011
NO ISSUES HAVE OCCURRED WITH MY TRUCK UNTIL NOW. JUST RECENTLY THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON MY 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 4X4 CAME ON FOR A FEW SECONDS WHEN TURNING THE TRUCK ON, IT STAYED ON FOR A FEW MOMENTS, LONGER THAN USUAL THEN TURNED OFF. WHILE DRIVING THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP; THEY SAY THIS IS A SPIRAL CABLE ISSUE - COST TO FIX IS $400.00. TRUCK HAS APPROXIMATELY 76000 MILES ON IT. DOING MORE RESEARCH ON TOYOTA TACOMA DISCUSSION FORUMS ONLINE THERE ARE A FEW 100 OTHER PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT HAVE THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A RECALL AND A SAFETY ISSUE, THE DEALERSHIP LET ME KNOW WHEN I TOOK MY TRUCK IN THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY WITHOUT FIXING THIS ISSUE. MY TRUCK IS PRACTICALLY STILL NEW, I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE LIKE THIS BEFORE WITH ANY OF MY OTHER VEHICLES. I WILL BE SENDING A LETTER TO TOYOTA ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS WELL. *TR
Air bags, Aug 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT BECAUSE THE AIR BAGS HAD NEVER DEPLOYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. FORM RETURNED NO CHANGE *TR
Air bags, May 11, 2011
NO SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OCCURRED. AIR BAG LIGHT ON 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA CAME ON BRIEFLY AFTER START UP, TURNED OFF AS USUAL, THEN CAME BACK ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP; THEY SAY THIS IS A SPIRAL CABLE ISSUE - COST TO FIX IS $400.00. TRUCK HAS APPROXIMATELY 77000 MILES ON IT; HAVE NEVER HAD AIRBAG ISSUES WITH ANY VEHICLE IN MY LIFE! *TR
Air bags, May 2, 2011
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON DASH- TOOK TO DEALER BECAUSE MANUAL SAID TO-$450 LATER I AM TOLD IS A SPIRAL CABLE IN THE STEER COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED-WAS TOLD ONLY OPTION WAS TO REPLACE-OTHERWISE, AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY AND LIGHT WOULD STAY ON DASH-WARRANTY SHOULD COVER THIS TYPE OF THING FOREVER. NO REASON CONSUMER SHOULD PUT OUT $450 FOR A SAFETY MALFUNCTION. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 13, 2011
2007 TOYOTA TACOMA SRS LIGHT IS ON 66,000 MILES. NO ACCIDENTS TO SET OFF AIRBAGS. SHOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY. WITH LIGHT OFF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM SUPPOSE TO NOT WORK AT ALL. *TR
Air bags, Oct 11, 2010
NORMAL FREEWAY DRIVING, WITH ONLY 61,000 MILES ON 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA, WHEN AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, ADVISING TO SEE "DEALER IMMEDIATELY". DEALER "FOUND SYSTEM CODE B 1801 OPEN D SQUIB INTERMITTENT OPEN SPIRAL CABLE WIRING. WAS ABLE TO CLEAR LIGHT BUT SYSTEM CODE WILL RETURN. REPLACE SPIRAL CABLE DECLINED. PARTS AND LABOR $432.45 PLUS TAX." CURRENTLY, SEEKING AFFORDABLE WAYS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. *TR
Air bags, Sep 6, 2010
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AT 62,000 MILES. DEALER DETERMINED THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY IN THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED DUE TO BROKEN WIRE. THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. DEALER SAID TOYOTA HAD NO RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND THEY WERE AWARE OF OTHER FAILURES. DEALER IS TOYOTA OF NEWPORT. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Feb 17, 2010, crash
DRIVING MY 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA (V6, 4-WD, AUTOMATIC, ACCESS CAB), I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AS I WAS TURNING FROM W. SEVENTH AVENUE IN EUGENE, OREGON ONTO NORTHBOUND INTERSTATE-105. I WAS TRAVELING AT A SAFE RATE OF SPEED (APPROX. 20 MPH) AS I MADE THE TURN FROM THE SURFACE STREET TO THE LEFT-HAND, CURVING, ON-RAMP WHICH IS THE BEGINNING OF AN ELEVATED FREEWAY STRUCTURE. IT WAS MID-MORNING AND, ALTHOUGH THERE HAD BEEN SOME LIGHT RAIN OVERNIGHT, THE PAVEMENT WAS DRY. ABOUT HALFWAY THROUGH THE CURVE THE TACOMA INEXPLICABLY ACCELERATED. THE REAR OF THE TRUCK SWUNG OUT TO THE LEFT AT WHICH POINT IT WAS MOVING SIDEWAYS UP THE ON-RAMP. THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK JUMPED THE CURB AND THE TRUCK PROCEEDED 20-30 FEET SIDEWAYS ALONG THE CURB AND EVENTUALLY SLID UP A CONCRETE WALL WHERE THE CURB TRANSITIONS TO THE BRIDGE RAIL OF THE ELEVATED STRUCTURE. JUST SHORT OF THE START OF THE ACTUAL BRIDGE RAILING THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AND FENDER STRUCK A TREE. AT THIS POINT, THE VEHICLE BOUNCED BACK, CONTINUED TO ROTATE TO THE LEFT AND CAME TO A REST, STRADDLING THE TRANSITION WALL, HAVING TURNED 150-170 DEGREES. AT THIS POINT I REALIZED THE MOTOR WAS STILL RACING AND I SWITCHED THE ENGINE OFF. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO ONE WAS INJURED, NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED. POLICE WERE CALLED TO PROVIDE TRAFFIC CONTROL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM THE SCENE BUT NO REPORT WAS FILED. I HAVE LIVED WITHIN TWO-AND-A-HALF MILES OF THIS INTERSECTION FOR MORE THAN 36 YEARS. I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THIS INTERSECTION THOUSANDS OF TIMES AS A PRIVATE CITIZEN AND IN MY ROLE AS A TRANSPORTATION PLANNER. I HAVE BEEN AND AM BAFFLED BY THIS INCIDENT. THE COLLISION DAMAGE WAS REPAIRED. OTHER THAN THAT ALL PARTS ARE ORIGINAL. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TOYOTA FLOOR MATS HAD BEEN REMOVED PREVIOUSLY. *TR
Air bags, Dec 17, 2009, crash
2007 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 EXT CAB PICKUP. ON 12/5/09 I HIT AN ICY PATCH AND WENT OFF ROAD AND HIT A TREE. TRAVELING APPROX 40 MPH. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. HIT THE TREE IN THE EXACT CENTER OF THE HOOD OF TRUCK. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. SUBSEQUENT INQUIRIES TO TOYOTA HAVE RESULTED IN TWO EXPLANATIONS FOR NON-DEPLOYMENT. A) AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO GO OFF ON RAPID DECELERATION (I TOLD THEM I HIT A TREE) B) AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO GO OFF WHEN THE ENGINE BREACHES THE FIREWALL AND ENTERS THE CAB (I TOLD THEM IF THE ENGINE WAS COMING INTO THE CAB, I WOULD BE SCREWED) THEY SENT ME A NHTSA AIRBAG BROCHURE THAT PRETTY MUCH TOLD ME WHAT I ALREADY KNOW ABOUT AIRBAGS AND TOTALLY CONTRADICTED WHAT THEY TOLD ME ABOUT AIRBAGS. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL OF 05 & 06 MECHANISMS. MAYBE I GOT AN EARLY 07 THAT USED ONE. I DON'T KNOW. I AM NOT BUYING A TOYOTA ANYMORE. *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jun 22, 2008
ACCELERATOR SEEMED TO STICK UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS... ENGINE REVS WOULD NOT GO TO NORMAL IDLE EVEN IN NEUTRAL... BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AT THE HIGH REVS... ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF... AFTER WORKING THE GAS PEDAL WHILE IN PARK, THE ENGINE IDLE SPEED WENT BACK TO NORMAL... *TR