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
446 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Dec 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V604000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
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.
Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 11, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A TREE IN ORDER TO AVOID A DEER IN THE RAIN AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. IN ADDITION, THE SEAT BELT SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FOREHEAD THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. UPDATED 02/02/15*LJ UPDATED 6/8/2015 *JS
Air bags, Structure, Wheels, Dec 5, 2014, crash
THIS TOYOTA TACOMA SLID DOWNGRADE ON BLACK ICE AND THERE WAS NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DESPITE AN END-FOR-END, BACKWARDS, DOWNHILL FLIP INITIATED AT 40 MPH, THAT CAUSED THE FULL WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE TO IMPACT ON THE FRONT BUMPER, DISLOCATING ALL FRONT BUMPER ATTACHMENTS FROM THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER OF THE VEHICLE'S FRAME. THIS VEHICLE IS AT A SALVAGE YARD AWAITING ACTION BY THE INSURANCE CARRIER... UPDATED 12/17/14 *BF
Vehicle speed control, Nov 24, 2014
MY TACOMA TRUCK EXPERIENCED AN UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION ISSUE AT AN INTERSECTION STOP SIGN. THE TRUCK WENT ABOUT 8 FT PAST THE STOP SIGN AS I PUSHED HARD ON THE BRAKE. WITH THE VEHICLE STOPPED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE CONTINUED TO SPIN FOR A FEW SECONDS AND LEFT A BLACK SKID MARK IN THE ROAD. AS QUICK AS THE INCIDENT STARTED THE TRUCK RETURNED TO A NORMAL IDLE. THIS WAS THE LAST OF 3 INCIDENTS: 1) APRIL 20, 2013 2) NOV. 1 2014 3) AS STATED ABOVE. TOYOTA CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY TRUCK. *TR
Air bags, Nov 9, 2014
WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR OTHER INDICATION, AS I WAS DRIVING, THE RED SEAT BELT LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF EVEN AFTER ALL PASSENGERS WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO PULL UP A CODE FOR THE LIGHT AND STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND A REASON FOR THE LIGHT TO REMAIN ON. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST OR FIND A REASON STATING THAT IT WAS MY PROBLEM AND I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS TO THE COMPONENT. RECENTLY, DURING A U JOINT REPAIR, THE SHOP I TAKE MY VEHICLE'S TO WARNED ME THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IF I WERE TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THEY STATED THAT THE RED INDICATOR LIGHT IS SHOWING ME THAT THERE IS NOT AN ACTIVE AIRBAG SYSTEM. I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A PATTERN WITH THIS PARTICULAR MAKE OR MODEL AS THERE SEEMS TO BE QUITE A FEW ISSUES WITH TOYOTA TRUCK MODELS AT THE MOMENT. MY DAUGHTER ALSO DRIVES A 2006 TACOMA AND WAS REIMBURSED FOR HER SPIRAL CABLE REPAIR EXPENDITURE. *TR
Visibility, Oct 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELD ABRUPTLY BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CHEMICAL USED IN THE WINDSHIELD AREA DID NOT ALLOW THE SEALANT TO SET AND CAUSED THE GLASS NOT TO BE SECURELY ATTACHED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
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
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2014
I NOTICED EXCESSIVE RUST FORMING IN INNER WHEEL HOUSING NEAR BOLTS HOLDING WHEEL SPRINGS. LOOKING FURTHER SHOWED EXCESSIVE RUST FORMING ON OTHER SHEET METAL WHICH WAS PROTECTED FROM THE WEATHER. I DID NOTHING UNTIL I RECEIVED THE RECALL ABOUT RUST PROBLEMS ON THE TRUCK FRAME. WHEN I SPOKE TO TOYOTA ABOUT THE SHEET METAL RUST, THEY REFUSED TO CONSIDER IT SAYING THE RECALL ONLY COVERED THE FRAME. A CALL TO NATIONAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE GOT THE SAME RESPONSE. I BELIEVE THAT TOYOTA'S PROBLEM WITH APPLYING RUST PREVENTION IS MORE EXTENSIVE THAN JUST THE FRAME AND AFFECTS NEARLY ALL OF THE SHEET METAL ON THE TRUCK. FAILURE TO ADDRESS THIS SHEET METAL RUST COULD LEAD TO POTENTIAL HANDLING AND STEERING PROBLEMS SHOULD THE RUSTED AREAS BREAKAWAY. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 28, 2014, fire
FRONT RUNNING LIGHTS MELTED THE PLASTIC CAUSING CHARRING AND A FIRE. PICTURES WERE SENT TO TOYOTA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS SAFETY PERSONNEL UNDER FILE # [XXX], INCIDENT [XXX]. TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGES THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH 2005-2011 TACOMAS AND STATED THIS CONDITION WAS COVERED UNDER A "WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM" AND THE DEAL WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER AND WAS TOLD MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT QUALIFY. I INQUIRED PROFUSELY AS TO THE PROCESS USED TO DETERMINE THE VIN NUMBER RANGE, HOW THIS PROBLEM IS BEING FIXED AND WAS TOLD THESE ARE NOT PUBLICLY RELEASED DOCUMENTS. I WAS NOT OFFERED A METHOD TO FIX THIS CONDITION TO PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN -- "WE APOLOGIZE BUT ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO AVAIL A POINT OF CONTACT IN TOYOTA SAFETY MANAGEMENT TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE. AS WE HAVE PROVIDED OUR POSITION ON THESE MATTERS, WE DO NOT HAVE FURTHER INFORMATION TO OFFER IN THIS REGARD." ROBERT BROWNING TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE. I HAVE SEARCHED THE NHTSA DATA BASE AND SEE OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS UNDER NHTSA ID: 10523691, 10510776, 10457435, 10448124, 10427052, 10405463. I ASK THAT TOYOTA BE RESPONSIBLE TO VEHICLE OWNERS AND BE REQUIRED TO RE-EXAMINE THEIR VIN RANGE ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. THE FRONT TURN SIGNALS ARE CHARRED AND MELTED SO BADLY THEY ARE EXTREMELY HARD TO SEE AND WILL LEAD TO FUTURE ACCIDENTS. THE PLASTIC ALSO HEATS UP ENOUGH TO CAUSE MELTING AND FIRE POTENTIAL IN THESE VEHICLES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Aug 21, 2014
IN AUGUST, 2014, TOYOTA ISSUED A LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN AS IT RELATED TO CORROSION-RESISTANT COMPOUND APPLICATION FOR 2005 THROUGH 2008 MODEL YEAR TACOMA VEHICLES. CO-INCIDENTALLY, WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF NOTICE MY 2008 TACOMA HAD TWO COMPONENTS THAT HAVE FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. THESE COMPONENTS ARE LOCATED NEXT TO THE FRAME THAT TOYOTA HAS STATED AS HAVING CORROSION ISSUES. THE TWO COMPONENTS THAT HAVE FAILED DUE TO BEING ROTTED OUT AS DESCRIBED BY MY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1)POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION AND 2)THE FREON SUCTION LINE TO THE AIR CONDITIONER. I CONTACTED TOYOTA MOTOR SALES ABOUT THIS, BUT THEY ARE REFUSING TO COVER FOR ANY OF THE REPAIRS. I WAS INFORMED WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THAT I WAS BEING SOLD A VEHICLE THAT WOULD LAST FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES WITH NO MAJOR ISSUES. TOYOTA MOTOR SALES HAS KNOWN FOR OVER A DECADE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN HAVING CORROSION ISSUES, BUT TO DATE THEY CONTINUE TO PRODUCE TACOMA VEHICLES WITH SEVERE CORROSION ISSUES RELATED TO THEIR FRAMES AND THE COMPONENTS THAT LIE NEXT TO THE FRAME. TOYOTA MOTOR SALES INDICATED TO ME THAT THEY ARE AWARE THAT IT MAY HAVE BEEN A QUALITY ISSUE WITH ONE OF THEIR MEXICO PLANTS. *TR
Air bags, Aug 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V092000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
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
Steering, Jul 17, 2014
ON THE DAY OF JULY 9TH 2014 I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN A DIRT ROAD HILL. ONCE REACHING THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL MY STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY SEPARATED ITSELF FROM THE DASH BOARD COMPLETELY, CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO STOP IN A SAFE DISTANCE AND AVOIDED IMPACT WITH ANY OBSTACLES. THIS EXPERIENCE LEFT ME WONDERING ABOUT THE INTEGRITY,SAFETY, AND TRUST I HAD IN MY VEHICLE WHICH HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT FROM TO HAVE AN INSPECTION ON THE DAMAGE AND EXPRESSED MY CONCERN FOR WHAT HAPPENED. AFTERWARDS I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER OF MY VEHICLE AND EXPRESSED WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM AND THAT I WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAD HAPPENED. IN CONCLUSION, AFTER THE MANUFACTURER SPOKE WITH THE DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT HAPPENED. THEY FEEL IT IS AN IMPOSSIBILITY FOR THIS COMPONENT TO FAIL ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER THAT THREATENS MY LIFE AND MY FAMILIES LIVES. I FEEL THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND MAY BE A DESIGN ISSUE FOR MY VEHICLE AND ANYONE ELSE WHO OWNS THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, Jun 29, 2014
EXCESSIVE RUST ON FRAME. *TR
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
Steering, May 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACTS STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,125.
Structure, May 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS EXCESSIVELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,435.
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
Engine, Apr 22, 2014
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD. TOOK IT INTO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. AT FIRST IT WAS JUST THE CAM THAT HAD BROKEN ON THE LEFT SIDE. AND THEY WERE CHARGING $6,000 A WEEK LATER THEY CALLED AND SAID THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE OVERHAULED AND IT WOULD COST $12,000. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THEY WOULD CONTACT TOYOTA FOR HELP. TOYOTA IS STATING SINCE I DO MY OWN OIL CHANGES THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO HELP ME AND THAT IT HASN'T HAPPENED TO ANYONE ELSE SO I AM OUT OF LUCK. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 22, 2014, crash
A CAR WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AHEAD OF ME. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION I APPLIED THE BRAKES AS I NORMALLY WOULD. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATION INCREASED. AS I PUT MORE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD, STRIKING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AHEAD. A POLICE REPORT HAS BEEN FILED. MOST DAMAGE WAS TO THE FRONT OF MY TACOMA WITH MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE REAR OF THE OFFICIAL CAR AHEAD. *TR
Steering, Apr 8, 2014
VEHICLE UPPER STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY AT THE JOINT WHERE STEERING SHAFT GOES THROUGH THE HOLE IN THE JOINT UNDERNEATH COLUMN INSIDE THE CAB IS COMPLETELY WORN OUT AND IS FLOPPING AROUND AND COULD LEAD TO THE COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING IF IT WAS NOT CAUGHT BY MYSELF AT 49K.... *TR
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