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: suspension
124 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Dec 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, A CLUNKING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V604000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LEAF SPRING FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Dec 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, A CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LEAF SPRING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V604000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Suspension, Sep 30, 2014
MARCH OF 2014 MY RIGHT REAR LEAF SPRING CRACKED. I CONTACTED THE TOYOTA DEALER AND TOYOTA CORPORATE REGARDING THIS. THEY BOTH DENIED ANY GENERIC PROBLEM WITH THE SPRINGS AND TOYOTA REFUSED ANY REPLACEMENT. IN AUGUST OF 2014 THE LEFT LEAF BROKE. IN BOTH CASES I CHOSE TO HAVE MY LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACE THE BROKEN LEAF. I BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE LEAVES AND THE SPRING ASSEMBLY SHOULD BE REPLACED PER THE ANNOUNCED RECALL (SEPT 29, 2014). I DETECTED THE BREAK BECAUSE OF UNUSUAL SUSPENSION NOISE. NO LOADS WERE CARRIED DURING THIS PERIOD. *TR
Suspension, Jul 23, 2014
I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A REPAIR FACILITY FOR BRAKES AND WHEN IT WAS PUT UP ON THE LIFT THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT ONE OF THE LEAF SPRINGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE HAD SNAPPED - THE SNAPPED SPRING WAS ABLE TO MOVE BOTH BACK AND FORTH AS WELL AS TO PROTRUDE SIDEWAYS. I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND THE SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SPRINGS. RECENTLY I RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THE COMPANY IS RECALLING ALL LIKE VEHICLES TO ADD CORROSION RESISTANT MATERIALS TO THE FRAME. WHEN I SPOKE WITH THE COMPANY THEY DENIED THE TWO INCIDENTS WERE SIMILAR AND TOOK UMBRAGE THAT I WOULD SUGGEST SUCH. NO ONE I HAVE SPOKEN TO HAS EVER SEEN SPRINGS BREAK IN THIS MANNER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN USED TO TOW HEAVY OBJECTS NOR TAKEN OFF ROAD SO THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. I AM CONCERNED THAT OTHERS MAY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND NOT FIND IT UNTIL AN ACCIDENT OCCURS. *TR UPDATED 12/07/15. *JB
Suspension, Jun 27, 2014
DRIVERS SIDE REAR LEAF SPRING RUSTED AND A SECTION OF THE CENTER SPRING WAS BANGING OFF THE BRAKE LINE. I HAD THE SPRING REPLACED 2 WEEKS LATER ONCE THE PART ARRIVED AT THE DEALER AT MY COST. NOW IN JUNE 2014 THE PASSENGER SIDE LEAF SPRING ALSO RUSTED AND WAS BANGING OFF THE BRAKE LINE. IT HAS BEEN 5 WEEKS AND THE PART IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. I HAVE TIED THE SPRING TOGETHER WITH BUNGEE CORDS IN ORDER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY THING HOLDING A LARGE PIECE OF METAL FROM BREAKING LOOSE IN BOTH INSTANCES WAS A BRACKET. IF THE METAL CAME OFF ON THE HIGHWAY A SERIOUS INJURY OR ACCIDENT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. TOYOTA ISSUED A RUST RECALL FOR THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE BUT NOT THE LEAF SPRINGS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE DEALERSHIP, AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA. THE DEALERSHIP NOW TOLD ME TOYOTA HAS CHANGED THE SPRING DESIGN AND I SHOULD HAVE BOTH SPRINGS REPLACED AT MY COST. I FEEL AS WELL AS A SAFETY ISSUE, IF THE DESIGN WAS CHANGED, TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGING THEM OUT....UPDATED 08/12/14 *BF *TR UPDATED 08/23/2017*CT
Suspension, Apr 7, 2014
I OWN A 2008 TACOMA DOUBLE CAB, 4X4. STRANGE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION AFTER DRIVING OVER FROST HEAVES AND POT HOLES. THE DRIVER SIDE LEAF SPRING HAD BROKE, AND WAS RUBBING HARD ON THE BRAKE LINE. I DO NOT TOW, OFF ROAD, OR CARRY HEAVY LOADS. ONLINE SEARCH FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH TACOMAS. HAPPY (OR LUCKY) THE BRAKES DIDN'T FAIL, AND DISAPPOINTED IN THE INFERIOR QUALITY. *TR
Suspension, Apr 6, 2014
I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA ACCESS CAB OFF-ROD 4X4. A LEAF IN THE PASSENGER SIDE LEAF SPRING BROKE WHILE DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND I STARTED TO HEAR A CLANKING METAL ON METAL NOISE THAT I HAD NOT HEARD BEFORE. I WAS CLOSE TO HOME SO I DROVE THERE AND WHEN I LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE SECOND LEAF FROM THE TOP WAS BROKEN IN TWO RIGHT BEHIND THE U-BOLT HOLDING THE REAR AXLE TO THE LEAF PACK. I HAD IT REPAIRED BY A LOCAL SHOP WHO REPLACED THE BROKEN LEAF AND ADDED ANOTHER FULL LEAF TO BOTH LEAF PACKS(PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE) ON THE TRUCK. BEFORE IT BROKE, THE SPRINGS ON BOTH SIDES WERE ALREADY FLAT WHEN UNLOADED AND IF I PUT ANY AMOUNT OF WEIGHT IN THE BACK I WAS HITTING THE BUMP STOPS VERY EASILY. *TR
Suspension, Apr 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE VEHICLE TILTED TO THE SIDE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE LEAF SPRING BECAME FRACTURED AND LANDED ON TOP OF THE AXLE, CRUSHING THE BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,330.
Suspension, Apr 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION BY THE DEALER, IT WAS FOUND THAT BOTH LEAF SPRINGS HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 4, 2014
STEERING FEELS LIKES ITS BINDING INTERMITTENTLY. HAVE READ ON VARIOUS TOYOTA ONLINE FORUMS THERE IS A U-JOINT IN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT THAT IS EXPOSED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND FAILS DUE TO ROAD DEBRIS, SALT, SAND ETC. IF THIS JOINT FAILS VEHICLE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BE CONTROLLED. THERE ARE TSBS FOR THIS BUT ONLY FOR 36,000 MILES. *TR
Suspension, Oct 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SPRING WAS FOUND TO BE FRACTURED IN TWO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THAT THE SPRING WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHEN CARRYING A LIGHT LOAD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Suspension, Aug 15, 2013
BETWEEN 42000 AND 47000 MILES, THE DRIVER SIDE LEAF SPRING BROKE. SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATES PASSENGER SIDE LEAF SPRING IS LIKELY TO BREAK SOON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY HEAVY LOADS, OFF-ROAD TRAVEL OR TOWING. OWNER EXPECTATIONS BASED ON PREVIOUS VEHICLE OF SAME MAKE AND MODEL (1998) ON WHICH THE LEAF SPRINGS LASTED 100,000 MILES SUBJECT TO THE SAME DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR
Suspension, Sep 25, 2012
LEFT REAR LEAF SPRING FOUND BROKEN ON USED TACOMA THAT I PURCHASED. A QUICK WEB SEARCH REVEALS THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS ISSUED A TSB FOR REPLACEMENT OF WEAK SPRINGS FOR VEHICLES STILL UNDER THE NEW VEHICLE COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY. THE AFTERMARKET SPRING SUPPLIER THAT I PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT SPRING FROM STATED THIS IS HIS BEST SELLING SPRING; I THINK THAT IS A STRONG INDICATION OF A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. *TR
Suspension, Jan 19, 2012
THE VEHICLE HAD 4 PASSENGERS AND ABOUT 200 POUNDS OF GEAR IN THE TRUCK BED AND IT HAS A LEER CAP ON.ON BUMPY ROADS IT BEGAN TO HIT THE BUMP STOPS AS IF IT WERE OVERLOADED, THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 20 TIMES.ON THE RETURN TRIP ON I 57 N AS I CROSSED OVER A BRIDGE THE TRUCK BOTTOMED OUT SLAMMING THE BUMP STOPS AND THE VEHICLE ALMOST VEERED OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT, THE REAR SUSPENSION AFTER HITTING THE BUMP STOPS HARD SEEMED TO RETURN ERRATICALLY AND DISTURB THE BALANCE OF THE VEHICLE. ON ANOTHER TRIP A FEW WEEKS LATER WITH 3 OF THE SAME PEOPLE IN THE CAR IN SNOW CONDITIONS I AGAIN HIT THE BUMP STOPS BUT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND I LOST CONTROL DUE TO LACK OF TRACTION. TOYOTA HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON 2 OCCASIONS IN REGARD TO THE BOTTOMING OUT ISSUE, BOTH TIMES THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG, DID HAVE THE FACTORY TSB DONE FOR THE SUSPENSION EARLY ON BUT IT HAS NOT HELPED, AS TRUCK GETS OLDER THE LACK OF CONTROL AFTER HITTING THE BUMP STOPS IS REPEATABLE AND PREDICTABLE EVEN WITH LESS WEIGHT THAN IT IS RATED FOR. *TT
Suspension, Nov 14, 2011
THIS 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB WAS PURCHASED NEW IN LATE 2007. IT IMMEDIATE DEVELOPED LEAF SPRING NOISE WHICH TOYOTA ADDRESSED THROUGH TSB TSU01207 - GREASE SPRINGS. TSB 027409 WAS ISSUED IN 2009 WHICH INSERTED A NEW SILENCER PAD DESIGN. THOSE WORE OUT IN A YEAR. NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN OFFERED BY TOYOTA SINCE - ALTHOUGH PROMISED - AND TACOMA OWNERS STOP ME IN PARKING LOTS TO ASK ABOUT THE ISSUE. A VIDEO OF THE PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND AT: HTTP://YOUTU.BE/YGN9EX7CEVU. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Sep 7, 2011
SEVERE STEERING DRIFT AND SHIMMY. NEW TIRES DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. HAD TIRES REBALANCED, DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. FREEWAY DRIVING IS MORE SEVERE, I'M FIGHTING THE STEERING TRYING TO KEEP THE VEHICLE TRACKING STRAIGHT. IF I HIT A BUMP THE VEHICLE WANTS TO JUMP TO THE SIDE. TOWING A LIGHTWEIGHT SINGLE AXEL TRAILER IS VERY DIFFICULT, THE TRAILER IS WHIPPED BECAUSE OF THE TRUCKS STEERING SITUATION. IT FEELS LIKE PREMATURE BALL JOINT FAILURE, OR IN THE CASE OF AN OLD STYLE STRAIGHT AXEL (KING PIN WEAR) THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS IS A TRD MODEL WITH BILSTEEN FRONT STRUT AND REAR SHOCK SUSPENSION. FEELS LIKE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS INITIATING ONE SIDE OF THE FRONT BRAKES, THUS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL TOWARD THAT SIDE, THEN I HAVE TO CORRECT THE STEERING. I DO NOT HAVE THE AUTOMATIC ROLL-OVER SYSTEM ON THIS TOYOTA. I'VE SEEN OTHER POSTINGS ON THE INTERNET WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON THE SAME VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Sep 20, 2010, crash
WE HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCK WITH THE ENGINE REVVING WHEN WE FIRST START IT UP. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THAT THIS IS "NORMAL" LAST WEEK WE TOOK IT IN DUE TO A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS THAT TOYOTA CLAIMS IS DUE TO FLOOR MATS. DEALER CUT DOWN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM, ROTATED THE TIRES. UPON PULLING OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED (SIDE TO SIDE) AND CAR BUCKED (FRONT TO BACK) THERE WERE LOUD GRINDING AND BANGING NOISES. CAR PULLED STRONGLY TO THE LEFT. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR . INSTEAD OF SLOWING, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED UP. DUE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON BOTH SIDES OF US, I FOCUSED ON STEERING US OUT OF TROUBLE BY KEEPING US IN OUR LANE. I DID NOT APPLY BRAKE. I HAD THOUGHT THAT WITHOUT GAS, THE CAR WOULD GRADUALLY SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN. INSTEAD OF SLOWING THE ENGINE REVVED UP! TRUCK SUDDENLY LURCHED 90 DEGREES TO LEFT, JERKED STEERING WHEEL OUR OF MY HANDS VEHICLE LURCHED INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE, WHOLE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE ASSEMBLY CAME OFF AND HEADED ONE WAY AND THE TRUCK WENT THE OTHER. WE WERE THROWN FORWARD, DOWN AND TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE KEPT MOVING UNTIL WE CRASHED INTO CONCRETE ENTRANCE/EXIT OF DEALERSHIP. I PUT ON EMERGENCY BRAKE. DEALER SAYS "SIMPLE HUMAN ERROR MECHANIC FORGOT TO TIGHTEN BOLTS ON TIRE" I THINK THIS GOES WAY BEYOND A TIRE PROBLEM. THEY MESSED WITH COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I CAN'T SEE HOW TIRES CAUSE ENGINES TO REV UP. UPDATED 01/28/11 *BF UPDATED 02/07/11 *TR
Suspension, Jul 5, 2010
SHIMMY AND TRAMPING OF FRONT STEERING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS (45 -70 MPH) WORSE AFTER HITTING BUMPS. TRUCK JUMPED SIDEWAYS ONE FOOT ON TURN WHILE CROSSING BRIDGE AFTER ENCOUNTERING A BUMP THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES,SINCE THE TRUCK WAS NEW. *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
Suspension, Apr 18, 2009
PROBLEMAS CON LA SUSPENCION DE LA TACOMA 2008, CUANDO VAMOS 4 PERSONAS EN EL VEHICULO LA CAJA CHOCA CON SU LIMITE Y AL HACHAR CARGA DA UN CANTAZO FUERTE EN LA PARTE TRASERA DE LA GUAGUA, EMPEORANDO LA SITUACION. *TR
Suspension, Oct 23, 2008
TRUCK HAS FRONT END VIBRATION AS IF TIRES ARE OUT OF BALANCE. DEALER HAS ROTATED AND BALANCED TIRES TWICE AND ADVISES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM KNOWN TO TOYOTA AND THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON IT. *TR
Suspension, Nov 30, 2007
THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE TRUCK RESTS ON THE BUMPSTOPS WHEN HAULING LOADS IN THE BED. I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 4X4, TRD OFF-ROAD. WHEN LOADING MY 4-WHEELER IN THE BED, THE TAILGATE BENDS SLIGHTLY & THE SUSPENSION BOTTOMS OUT. *TR
Suspension, Nov 14, 2007
SUSPENSION IS DOING A LOUD FRICTION SOUND WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, IT SOUNDS LIKE METALS ARE HAVING FRICTION ONE AGAINST THE OTHER, THIS IS HAPPENING EVERY TIME YOU DRIVES OVER A BUMP, BIGGER BUMP LOUDER SOUND. AND THERE IS NO WAY TO GO FAST OVER THESE BUMPS ALL OF THEM ARE AT SCHOOL STUDENT DROPPING AREAS AND SECURITY IS FIRST THAN EVERYTHING, BUT IS ANY PART OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION DAMAGED BECAUSE OF THIS? *TR
Suspension, Nov 5, 2007
THE REAR SUSPENSION BOTTOMS OUT WHEN THERE IS A LARGE LOAD IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK (2008 TOYOTA TACOMA ACCESS CAB 4X4, NO TRD PACKAGE). JUST STANDING ON THE REAR BUMPER MAKES THE REAR END DROP CONSIDERABLY. *TR