2008 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 446 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 48 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 27 people were injured and 4 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
Equipment, other, labelsAug 4, 2014
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 14V475000 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
Tires, pressure monitoring and regulating systemsMar 4, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.
FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
FOR THE LAND CRUISER, SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE DEALER WILL RE-CALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON AFFECTED VEHICLES AND INSTALL AN UPDATED TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AT NO CHARGE. FOR THE FJ CRUISER VEHICLES, THE TPMS CANNOT BE RESET SO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE TPMS WILL BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPING THE REMEDY ECU. IF AN OWNER IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER HIS OR HER VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 11V148000 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
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
30 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Structure, Service brakes, Dec 15, 2025
The brakes on my 2008 Toyota Tacoma were failing so I took it to a mechanic, who said that the brake lines had failed and needed to be replaced. However, he said that it wasn't worth putting any money into the truck, as the leaf springs were corroded along with the frame, which could crack apart at any time. As we only purchased the truck one year ago, he advised us to take it to the dealership where we purchased it, and informed us of the recalls on both of these issues. I spoke with the mechanic at the dealership because when we purchased the vehicle, they did the inspection and said that everything was fine. When I asked the mechanic about this, he said that he didn't have anything to do with sales and we needed to speak to the owner (who is out on medical leave). The mechanic said that when the dealership purchased the vehicle at auction, the frame must have been undercoated and so they missed it. When I mentioned the recall, he told me to call Toyota. I have checked the VIN and it is not showing an open recall for this vehicle. However, it is experiencing the exact same safety issues as the recalls for leaf spring corrosion and frame rust and cracking. I have only had this truck for a little over one year and do not know what to do. It is too dangerous to drive as it could cause a serious accident. Neither the dealership nor Toyota want to take responsibility and offer a solution.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Aug 5, 2025
Loss of brakes
Suspension, Service brakes, Mar 19, 2025
Hope to be able to get this solved. My 2008 Toyota Tacoma had a recall with the previous owner but they didn't take it in. On the rear section of the frame on the inside beside the gas tank and on the driver side there is a lot of rust there the frame has expanded and is starting to go all away through also same place back beside the muffler on the passenger side. Also there are a few spots on the front part of the frame under the fire wall area on both sides. I had a recall on the truck and took it in and had it fixed which Toyota replaced the leaf springs on both sides and hardware. Says there was a recall when the previous owner had the truck. Will they validate that still? I've owned the truck almost a year now. But it's getting worse. Within a year I'm gonna have to park it because it liable to possible break in half. Toyota should of let me known when they had it on the lift replacing the rear leaf springs. Not my fault the previous owner didn't take the truck in to have them look at it.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Service brakes, Jan 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel failed to move as intended and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the pinion steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal revving sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine was leaking oil and the entire braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Structure, Service brakes, Nov 30, 2023
The brakes completely failed on the vehicle. When inspected the main brake line was found damaged due to the frame of the car being totally corroded and shifting of the mechanical structure. If I were not quick in getting the emergency brake applied, we would have had an uncontrolled crash in traffic and could have potentially been killed. There were no warnings or lights that came on in the vehicle prior to the complete brake failure. The car is currently at a local repair shop and can be inspected if necessary. The frame corrosion was so bad on this car that the repair shop was not comfortable even putting it on a lift as they felt the car frame would break.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Apr 26, 2017
I HAVE OWNED A 08 TACOMA FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS NOW, AND HAVE NOTICED A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THE TOYOTA ABS SYSTEM. IF WHEN BRAKING YOU HIT A BUMP, POT HOLE, OBJECT, ETC THE ABS SYSTEM DOES NOT KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO REACT AND INCREASES BRAKING DISTANCE. I LIVE IN LOUISIANA AND OUR ROADS ARE NOT THE BEST. I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL TIMES THAT I WILL BE BRAKING TO AVOID HITTING SOMETHING/SOMEONE, HIT A BUMP, AND MY BRAKING ACTION IS REDUCED UNTIL THE SYSTEM REGAINS ITSELF. YOU CAN HEAR THE ABS SYSTEM RESPOND EACH TIME THIS OCCURS AND CAN NOTICE THAT YOUR VEHICLE ISN'T STOPPING. LIKE I STATED BEFORE I'VE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR 4 YEARS AND HAVE NOTICED THIS THE ENTIRE TIME. I RECENTLY HAVE HAD A FEW TIMES TO WHERE THE TRUCK HAS NOT WANTED TO STOP AND I HAVE ALMOST HIT SOMEONE BECAUSE I STARTED BRAKING, HIT A BUMP, AND THE SYSTEM DID NOT KNOW HOW TO REACT. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT I WOULD LIKE FIXED. I'M A LOYAL TOYOTA OWNER (HAVE 4) AND JUST WANT THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED SO THAT I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BRAKING AND HITTING BUMPS. MY VEHICLE WAS CHECKED OUT MY TOYOTA AND EVERYTHING WAS GOOD WITH THEM. I CONTACT TOYOTA ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY STATED THAT IF THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE'S NO PROBLEM, THEN THERE'S NO PROBLEM, BUT I COULD HAVE PROBLEM FIXED AND THEY MAY REIMBURSE ME IN THE FUTURE. I'VE SPOKEN WITH OTHER OWNERS AND THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH SIMILAR YEARS AND MODELS INCLUDING 4RUNNER. THE ABS SYSTEM DOESN'T REACT LIKE I FEEL IT SHOULD WHEN THE TIRE'S DYNAMIC CHANGES DUE TO EITHER A DUMP AND/OR GOING FROM HARD SURFACE TO A SOFT SURFACE SUCH AS DIRT, IF THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED BEFORE AND THROUGH THE CHANGE IN DYNAMIC. I HAVE A PARTICULAR BUMP IN THE ROAD RIGHT BEFORE A TURN THAT EVERY TIME I HIT IT WHILE BRAKING TO MAKE THE TURN MY ABS PUMP SURGES, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES, AND BRAKING IS VERY LIMITED UNTIL SYSTEM REGAINS ITSELF.
Service brakes, Dec 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, HOWEVER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL LOCKED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THAT THE ABS BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Service brakes, May 8, 2015
I USED AN INCLINED DRIVE WAY, FOR A BAY DOOR, TO PULL INTO SO I COULD TURN AROUND AND PARK. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES MY ABS ENGAGED AND STARTED WHINING. I LOST CONTROL OF BRAKING AND MY TRUCK WASN'T STOPPING. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO HIT THE CLOSED DOOR. THANKFULLY THE INCLINED DRIVE WAY SLOWED ME DOWN BEFORE HITTING THE DOOR!!! THIS ISN'T THE FIRST ISSUE I HAVE HAD WITH MY BREAKS NOT WORKING PROPERLY OR WITH MY ABS WHINING. LAST SUMMER I HAD AN ISSUE GOING DOWN A BUMPY HILL UP IN THE MOUNTAINS. I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY DOWN THE REALLY BUMPY HILL AND MY ABS WAS WHINING LIKE CRAZY, I WASN'T EVEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. WHEN I NEEDED TO APPLY THE BREAKS IT FELT AS IF THEY WEREN'T WORKING PROPERLY AND STOPING WASN'T GOING TO BE EASY. MY ABS WHINES WHEN I HIT A BUMP, SPEED BUMP, POT HOLE, RAILROAD TRACKS, AND SO ON. BASICALLY IF I HIT ANY TYPE OF UNFLAT SURFACE MY ABS WHINES MAJORITY OF THE TIME AND I'M NOT EVEN USING THE BREAKS. I TALKED TO THE DEALER A WHILE AGO AND THEY SAID MY ABS IS WHINING BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS LIFTED. MY LAST TRUCK, DIFFERENT MAKE, WAS LIFTED THE SAME DISTANCE AND I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH IT. I HAVE HAD THE TOYOTA FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW.
Service brakes, Apr 23, 2015, crash
DRIVER HIT BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN FOR APPROACHING STOP SIGN. BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT GO DOWN. HE TRIED 3 TIMES TO MAKE THE BRAKE GO DOWN. TO KEEP FROM HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM, HE RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. TRUCK WAS TOTALED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, May 1, 2014, crash
WAS COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE TRUCK SURGE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. TRUCK SURGE TWO TO THREE TIMES AFTER THAT. TOYOTA FIX THE SURGE ISSUE AND AT THE SAME TIME CREATED ANOTHER SAFETY PROBLEM / DEFECT. NOW WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS PETAL TO MUCH OR GIVE THE TRUCK TO MUCH GAS AT ONE TIME THE TRUCK THINKS IT IS SURGING AND THE TRUCK WILL SHUT DOWN . IN THE LAST COUPLE MONTH I HAVE HAD THREE CLOSE CALL FROM THIS DEFECT / PROBLEM. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE TOYOTA DEALER SHIP (HILO HAWAII) TOLD ME NOT TO PUNCH THE GAS OR STEP ON THE GAS TO HARD OR THE TRUCK WILL SHUT DOWN (HE WAS RIGHT). I EXPRESS MY CONCERN THIS WAS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE, HE REPLIED THIS WAS TOYOTA SOLUTION TO THE SURGE PROBLEM. I ONLY DRIVE MY TRUCK WHEN NEEDED AND DON'T ALLOW ANY PASSENGER IN FEAR OF HAVING ANOTHER ACCIDENT. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 28, 2013
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES ON MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA EXTENDED CAB 4X4 TO COME TO A STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES DOWN ALMOST TO THE FLOOR, ABOUT 2 INCHED FROM THE FLOOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. AT ABOUT 18000 MILES I REPORTED THE ISSUE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED THE VEHICLE BRAKES AND STATED THE PEDAL MOVEMENT WAS NORMAL. I HAD THE FRONT BREAKS REPLACED AT 47000 MILES AND THE PROBLEM PERSIST. THE EXCESSIVE BRAKE PEDAL MOVEMENT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I ATTEMPT TO STOP. I AM GOING TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ONCE AGAIN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 16, 2013
I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE WAY THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS ARE CONFIGURED I FREQUENTLY HIT THE GAS PEDAL ALONG WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN DEPRESSED GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. THE PEDALS ARE SO CLOSE TOGETHER THAT THE GAS PEDAL IS SOMETIMES CAUGHT BY THE EDGE OF MY SHOE WHILE BRAKING CAUSING THE ENGINE TO RACE. THIS ESPECIALLY HAPPENS WHEN BACKING UP AND MY BODY IS CONTORTED TO SEE OUT THE REAR WINDSHIELD. BUT IT ALSO HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING FORWARD AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE AND HAD NUMEROUS CLOSE CALLS ALMOST RUNNING INTO CARS OR OBJECT IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE REFERRED THE PROBLEM TO THE DEALER. THEY SAY THEY HAVE NO REMEDY FOR THE PROBLEM. I WAS REFERRED TO TOYOTA CORPORATE NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS PHONE # 1-800-331-4331 AND HAD AN INVESTIGATION CASE OPEN, CASE NUMBER 1307222061. AFTER THE INSPECTION OF MY VEHICLE THEY SAID THAT MY TRUCK IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. I STILL FEEL THAT THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. ANOTHER SIDE NOTE IS THAT WHENEVER I BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN TO THE DEALER JUST ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THEY WOULDN'T CHARGE FOR THE INSPECTION OR BRAKE ADJUSTMENTS AND SO NO PAPERWORK WAS WRITTEN UP OF MY COMPLAINTS WHICH HAS HAPPEN TWO OR THREE TIMES. SO YOU PROBABLY WON'T SEE MUCH OF ANY HISTORY ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WAS BY DESIGN TO NOT HAVE A PAPER RECORD TO AVOID RECALLS OR HAVING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS DOCUMENTED. I HAVE ALSO MENTIONED THIS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DURING ROUTINE SERVICE VISITS BUT IT WAS NEVER REALLY WRITTEN UP. I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT OTHER TACOMA OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE LAST INCIDENT THAT I HAD A MONTH AGO I ALMOST WENT OF A CLIFF BECAUSE MY FOOT CAUGHT ON THE GAS PEDAL WHILE BRAKING. IT'S A POOR DESIGN TO HAVE THE BRAKE PEDAL GO BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE GAS PEDAL AT ANY TIME WHEN THEY ARE SO CLOSE TO EACH OTHER. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS ALSO A SQUEAKING COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS WOULD HAVE TO BE ROTATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 31, 2011
I BOUGHT A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA (NEW). UNFORTUNATELY, LAST YEAR I BEGAN HAVING SOME BRAKING ISSUES. EVEN-THOUGH IT WAS NOT SCHEDULED, I HAD MY MECHANIC CHANGE OUT THE ORIGINAL FRONT DISC BRAKES TO BETTER QUALITY PADS. WHEN THIS TOOK PLACE, MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT MY BRAKES WERE OVER-HEATING AND TURNING THE FLUID BROWN. THERE ALSO SEEMS TO BE PROBLEMS WITH THE QUALITY OF THE REAR DRUM BRAKES. MY TRUCK EXPERIENCES INCONSISTENCY EVERY TIME I STOP. TOYOTA SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG. I BELIEVE THIS IS ANOTHER ISSUE WITH QUALITY AS I AND MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD WITH THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 22, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE SLIGHTLY FORWARD EVEN WITH THE BRAKES PRESSED. ONCE THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR, THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN JERK ABNORMALLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM THE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THERE HAD BEEN COMPLAINTS ON THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 05/03/11*LJ UPDATED 05/11/11
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 10, 2011
I'VE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES OF ABS PROBLEMS WITH MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. IT'S AS IF YOU ENTER A SITUATION, STOPPING OR SLOWING OBVIOUSLY, AND THE ABS SYSTEM TOTALLY RELEASES THE TRUCK TO KEEP ROLLING. THE BRAKING ACTION STOPS, THE PEDAL DEPRESSES, AND THE TRUCK KEEPS GOING. YOU CAN HEAR THE ABS SYSTEM WHINING AWAY. IT SEEMS AS IF THE TRUCK ACCELERATES OR LUNGES, BUT I THINK ACTUALLY THE TRUCK STOPS DECELERATING FROM YOUR BRAKING ACTION AND ROLLS ON AT THE SPEED THE BRAKE RELEASED, GIVING THE SENSATION YOUR VEHICLE ACCELERATED. LATEST INSTANCE, I WAS BACKING INTO A CLEAN GARAGE OFF SNOW AND ICE. I HAD JUST STARTED THE TRUCK SO IT WAS IDLING JUST A BIT ON THE HIGH SIDE AS IT OFTEN DOES WHEN FIRST STARTED COLD. BACK WHEELS WHERE IN THE GARAGE, FOOT OFF GAS AND ON BRAKE, AND THE FRONT TIRES MUST HAVE SENSED A SLIDE WHILE STILL IN THE DRIVEWAY AND ON THE SNOW. THE ABS WHINED, THE TRUCK SEEMED TO ACCELERATE( IN THIS CASE IT ACTUALLY DID, JUST AS IT WOULD AS IF YOU TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE AT STOP SIGN). I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL ON TO THE FLOOR, ABS WHINED, TRUCK HEADED ON INTO THE GARAGE. IT WOULD HAVE KILLED ANYONE BEHIND ME, ALMOST SMASHED TWO MOTORCYCLES AND TWO VERY NICE BICYCLES. ONLY THING THAT SAVED THEM AND MY TRUCK, AND MY GARAGE, WAS I HAD THOUGHT TO SLAM THE TRUCK INTO DRIVE. IT STOPPED. I WENT IN AND CHANGED MY UNDERWEAR. TOYOTA THIS IS NOT RIGHT! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 16, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DECELERATING THE BRAKES WOULD PULSATE AND MAKE A GRINDING NOISE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TAKE LONGER THAN NORMAL TO STOP. NO WARNING LIGHTS HAVE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE FAILURE OCCURED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT HE REPLACE THE TIRES AND CONFIRMED THAT THEY WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 3, 2010, crash
WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT FOR A SHORT TIME, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK LUNGED FORWARD HITTING THE CAR THAT WAS IN FRONT. TOOK THE TRUCK TO OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. REPORT CAME BACK THAT EVERYTHING WAS IN PROPER WORKING ORDER AND WITHIN SPEC. DEALERSHIP TOLD US THAT SINCE IT WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT THEY COULD NOT TOUCH IT ANY LONGER WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORIZATION. DIRECTED US TO TOYOTA CUSTOMER RELATIONS. WE OPENED UP A CASE FILE AND NOW JUST WAITING TO HEAR FROM A CASE MANAGER. I ASKED OUR LOCAL TOYOTA SERVICE MGR IF HE HAS HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. HIS REPLY WAS "NEVER, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING". I FIND THAT VERY HARD TO BELIEVE. I SENT HIM A JUST A FEW OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE FOUND ONLINE IN A REAL QUICK SEARCH. IT LOOKS LIKE IT HAPPENS TO ALOT OF TOYOTA TACOMA OWNERS. VERY UNSAFE! *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 9, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS HE ENGAGED THE BRAKES,THEY LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE SLID INTO A TREE. HE STATED THAT THERE WAS SOME DAMAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER. THE FAILURE ONLY HAPPENED WHENEVER IT RAINED OR WHEN HE USED THE VEHICLE FOR TOWING ON THE SAND. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A TREE AND DAMAGE THE REAR BUMPER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Service brakes, Electric, Jul 18, 2010
AT A COMPLETE STOP FOR A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT AND AFTER ABOUT 30 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING THE TRUCK BEGAN ACCELERATING ITSELF TO SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 1500 AND 2000 RPM'S I IMMEDIATELY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND AS THE TRUCK PASSED SLOWLY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, I SHIFTED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL. THE TRUCK RETURNED TO A NORMAL (IDLE) RPM. I GOT BACK INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AND PROCEEDED. I CALLED A TOYOTA DEALER AND DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY, I DROVE THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP WAS APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOME AND MOST OF THAT DRIVING WAS HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE STAFF AND A TOYOTA SERVICE PERSON FROM ANOTHER CITY ALL INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND TEST DROVE IT. THEY FOUND NOTHING. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS, IT WAS RETURNED TO ME. THE WEATHER AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT WAS PARTLY CLOUDY, DRY AND THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMP. WAS IN THE LOW 90'S. THE TOYOTA SERVICE PEOPLE TOLD ME THAT ALTHOUGH NOTHING WAS FOUND WRONG, THE FLOOR MAT WAS SUSPECT. IT WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY WAY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 17, 2010
THE BRAKES ON MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP ARE VERY SCARY. SEVERAL TIMES, WHEN JUST BEGINNING TO DRIVE FORWARD FROM A STOP, I HAVE HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES BECAUSE OF AN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE OR PEDESTRIAN. THE VEHICLE STOPPED, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL SLOWLY WENT TO THE FLOOR. THIS MADE ME THINK THE BRAKES HAD FAILED BECAUSE OF A SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. WHICH WAS NEVER THE CASE, BUT VERY FRIGHTENING. ALSO, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ENGAGE EVEN AT VERY LOW SPEEDS WHEN NOT EXPECTED, FOR EXAMPLE ON GRAVEL, AND OFTEN WHEN THERE IS NO REASON THEY SHOULD ENGAGE. ALMOST ALWAYS WHEN THE ROADWAY IS DRY. OFTEN WHEN SLOWLY COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES FOR A SUDDEN DECELERATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, EXCESSIVE BRAKING PRESSURE IS REQUIRED. AND VERY SCARY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 17, 2010
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ON 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA,ACTS ERRATIC AT TIMES. ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, UNDER EMERGENCY BRAKING ON SNOW COVERED ROADS, (DEER RAN ONTO ROAD, LOTS OF DEER AND SNOW WHERE I LIVE) THE BRAKE PEDAL STAYED STUCK TO THE FLOOR, AND HAD TO BE "RELEASED", (PULLED BACK UP BY MY TOES) IN ORDER TO RESUME DRIVING OPERATIONS. IT FEELS LIKE WHEN THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES "WORK" ON SLIPPERY ROADS, IT INCREASES YOUR STOPPING DISTANCES IMMENSELY. THEY USUALLY WORK GREAT ON BARE PAVEMENT, BUT READ ON. THE LATEST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING IN A CITY WITH TRAFFIC MOVING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 30MPH.. WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE LIGHT CHANGED TO RED, I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT IT FELT LIKE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM KICKED ON, AND MY VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW I PRESSED DOWN HARD FOR AT LEAST 2 SECONDS, THEN I RELEASED THE PEDAL AND REAPPLIED THE BRAKES, AND IT STOPPED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT SKID OR SLIDE, MY WINDOWS WERE DOWN, SO I COULD HEAR NONE OF THE SAME, AND IT WAS BARE PAVEMENT, AND I CAME VERY CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE I WAS FOLLOWING. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 11, 2010
1. ICY ROADS 2. ANYTIME ROAD SURFACE IS ICY OR SLIPPERY; ANTI-LOCK BRAKES KICK IN AND YOU HAVE NO BRAKING POWER AT ALL EVEN WITH SURFACES THAT MY OTHER VEHICLES HAVE NO ISSUES. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO STOP SEVERAL TIMES. 3. HAVE REQUESTED BELLEVUE, NE TOYOTA REPAIR 2 TIMES. TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRONICS SETTING WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 14, 2010
I'M AWARE OF ALL THE NEGATIVE NEWS ON TOYOTA BUT THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO KNOW. I WAS RUNNING MANY ERRANDS THAT SATURDAY. IT WAS HOT / HUMID AND THE A/C WAS ON MEDIUM. I WAS ON A SLIGHT UPHILL GRADE WAITING AT THE RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. I WAS THE FIRST CAR TURNING RIGHT ON THE RED LIGHT. THEN MY TRUCK LURCHED FORWARD WHILE I WAS RELEASING MY BRAKE. SO, I STEPPED THE BRAKES AND SHIFTED TO NETURAL. THE ENGINE REVIVED FOR A SPLIT SECOND THEN IT RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. I LOOKED DOWN TO CHECK THE FLOOR MAT AND THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. I CONSIDER THIS A MILD INCIDENT COMPARED TO WHAT I HAVE BEEN HEARING ON THE NEWS. I REPORTED IT TO AN AUTHORZIED TOYOTA SERVICE ADVISOR AND HE DISMISSED THE CASE SAYING IT WAS CAUSED BY THE A/C NOT NEED MORE POWER. HOW OFTEN DID IT OCCUR? JUST THAT ONCE. WHAT WAS DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM? NOTHING. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 4, 2010
THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM ON MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB HAS FELT INCORRECTLY CALIBRATED SINCE THE TRUCK WAS NEW. WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP, HIT A POT HOLE OR AM GOING DOWN A HILL WITH UNEVEN PAVEMENT WHILE BRAKING, THE ABS WILL DISENGAGE THE BRAKES. I HAVE ALMOST RUN INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT. IN THE WINTER, IT ALSO HAPPENS REGULARLY IN ANY SNOWY CONDITIONS. THE LOCAL DEALER HAS CHECKED IT AND TOLD ME IT TESTS WITHIN THEIR SPECIFICATIONS. THEY DID REPLACE THE SUSPENSION, SHOCKS AND SPRINGS, SAYING THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SOME COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN CORRECTED BY A SLIGHTLY SOFTER SUSPENSION. I DISAGREED WITH THE ASSESSMENT BUT LET THEM MAKE THE CHANGE IN THE HOPE THAT IT MIGHT WORK. IT DID NOT. THE INCIDENT DATES ARE ONGOING. *TR