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, 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.
Electrical system, Apr 2, 2014
SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK. HAVE ALSO HEARD THE SAME COMPLAINT FROM OTHER OWNERS. *TR
Structure, Mar 12, 2014
2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE HEAT SHIELDS ABOVE EXHAUST PIPES AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FASTENERS ATTACHED TO THE BODY, DETERIORATED CAUSING THE HEAT SHIELD TO FALL OFF.
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
Air bags, Seat belts, Tires, Feb 19, 2014
2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DISTANCE TO DEALERSHIP FOR SEVERAL RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Structure, Engine, Jan 27, 2014, crash
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN FRONTAL CRASH. *TR
Engine, Dec 17, 2013, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE ERRONEOUSLY BEGAN TO RACE AS THE RPMS INCREASED WITHOUT THE CONTACT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FLAMES WERE ALSO SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT USED SNOW TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Structure, Nov 21, 2013
THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE FRAME OF MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCK VIN #[XXX]. THE COMPLAINT IS BASED ON THE SEVERE CORROSION PROBLEM WITH THE TRUCK FRAME. THE TRUCK WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WHEN I FIRST NOTICED IT IN 2011. BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED I TOOK THE TRUCK TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO INSPECT THE FRAME AND HAVE A RECALL ADDRESSED. AT THE TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS MINOR SURFACE RUST AND THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. FAST FORWARD TO APRIL, 2012 WHEN I SENT AN EMAIL TO TOYOTA MOTOR CO., THEIR RESPONSE WAS FOR ME TO CONTACT THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. IN THE SAME EMAIL I WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WARRANTY WAS FOR 3 YEARS OR 36,000 MILES. FAST FORWARD TO AUGUST/SEPTEMBER OF 2013. I SPOKE WITH THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE FRAME TO BE INSPECTED. WHEN THE TRUCK WAS ON THE LIFT THE SERVICE MANAGER DIDN'T EVEN CARE TO LOOK AT THE FRAME. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IS NOT INTERESTED IN HELPING ME AT THIS POINT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE AMOUNT OF FRAME RUST ON THE TRUCK IS "NORMAL'. THEY SUGGEST I HAVE THE RUSTY FRAME UNDERCOATED. IT'S TOO LATE FOR THAT. THERE ARE SEVERAL AREAS OF THE FRAME THAT HAS SEVERE CORROSION. MY CONCERN IS THE POSSIBILITY OF THE FRAME CRACKING, ETC. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WHILE I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AND THE TRUCK SHOULD NOT HAVE PROBLEMS LIKE THIS AT 5 YEARS OLD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *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
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.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY AND ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. .... UPDATED 10-17-13 *BF
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
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
Structure, Aug 13, 2013
MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA HAS A FACTORY BED EXTENDER. WHICH ALLOWS USE TO USE THE TAILGATE AS PART OF THE TRUCK BED. DUE TO THE SMALL 5 FT BED. LOAD THE WEIGHT OF A ROTOTILLER INTO THE TRUCK CASED THE TAILGATE TO BOW AND BECOME UNSTABLE. THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY WEIGHT LIMIT OR RESTRICTION POSTED. IF THEY SELL PARTS TO USE THE TAILGATE TO SUPPORT ITEMS IT SHOULD NOT FAIL UNDER SUCH LIGHT LOADS. 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA TAILGATE IS DANGEROUSLY WEAK, AND IS UNABLE TO SUPPORT WHAT MOST CONSIDER NORMAL WEIGHT FOR A TRUCK TAILGATE. ALTHOUGH SUBSTANDARD DESIGN MAY BE CONSIDERED "BUYER BEWARE", TRUCK BUYERS EXPECT A TAILGATE TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF NORMAL TRUCK USE ACTIVITIES. TOYOTA PROVIDES NO WARNING OR CAUTION ANYWHERE THAT THE TAILGATE IS OF INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO PERFORM NORMAL 1/2-TON TRUCK DUTIES, AND TYPICALLY (PER INTERNET FORUM THREADS) TELLS THEIR CUSTOMERS THAT IT IS THEIR PROBLEM AND THAT THEY SHOULD NOT EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO SAFELY USE THE TAILGATE FOR ANYTHING MORE THAN HIDING THE INSIDE OF THE BED. SINCE TOYOTA HAS PRODUCED A SUBSTANDARD DESIGNED PART, THEY SHOULD HAVE PROVIDED A VISUAL WARNING ON THE PART TO ALERT CUSTOMERS TO THE DANGER THEIR PRODUCT IMPOSES IF USED IN A TRADITIONAL MANNER. SINCE THEY DID NOT DO SO, THEY SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE TO PROVIDE A REDESIGNED PART TO THEIR CUSTOMERS OR FULL RESTITUTION FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE VEHICLES. A GOOGLE OR SIMILAR INTERNET SEARCH ON "TACOMA TAILGATE FORUM" WILL SUBSTANTIATE MY STATEMENTS BEYOND MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE TAILGATE BENDING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 8, 2013
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS LENS IS MELTING AND CRACKING, THIS LOOKS LIKE IT COULD START A FIRE. TOYOTA DEALER HAS RECOGNIZED THIS AS A DEFECT, INFORMED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED, BUT NOT COVERED BY TOYOTA. TOYOTA AND DEALER HAS OFFERED TO PAY HALF OF THE REPLACEMENT, BUT STILL VERY COSTLY, FOR A TOYOTA DEFECT! *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 6, 2013
2008 TOYOTA TACOMA, 4X4, DOUBLE CAB, 6 CYL NOTICED THAT THE EXTERIOR FRONT RUNNING-TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS ARE BROWN & ONE IS CRACKED. ORIGINAL LIGHT BULBS IN PLACE. FIRE HAZARD???? RUNNING HOT. REPORTED TO BEAVERTON TOYOTA IN OREGON THIS AM. PLEASE ADVISE. [XXX] OR [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 2, 2013
INITIALLY BEGAN OCCURRING ON HIGHWAY OFF-RAMPS THAT CURVED IN AN ARC. ACCELERATOR WOULD DIE AND NOT RESPOND TO BEING PUSHED DOWN. ENGINE WOULD NOT EVEN REV. LOSS OF FORWARD MOMENTUM WOULD LAST 5-9 SECONDS AND CAUSE TRAILING VEHICLES TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION. ACCELERATOR WOULD THEN RETURN TO BEING RESPONSIVE, AND ENGINE WOULD REV WHEN ACCELERATOR PRESSED, AND SPEED INCREASE ONCE AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED 4 TIMES OVER A SPAN OF 25000 MILES; 3 TIMES WHEN TURNING TOWARDS LEFT ON A RAMP, AND THEN ONCE WHEN TURNING TOWARDS RIGHT ON A TRAFFIC CIRCLE. IN MID DEC 2012, ISSUE AGAIN OCCURRED WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE ON A STRAIGHTAWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH. ACCELERATOR BECAME NON-RESPONSIVE, AND SPEED DROPPED, WHILE IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE DURING PASSING MANEUVER. IN FEB 2013, ISSUE OCCURRED WHILE TURNING LEFT NINETY DEGREES, IN MID-TURN, FROM A FULL STOP AT A T-INTERSECTION. HAVE SPOKEN TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER, WHO CONTACTED TOYOTA USA REGIONAL OFFICE IN MANSFIELD MA, AND WAS TOLD THAT TOYOTA "WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, BUT HAD CHOSEN NOT TO ISSUE A SERVICE BULLETIN ON IT AT THIS TIME". *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 5, 2013
MY LIGHTS BEGAN GOING OFF AT NIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ABOUT 2 YEARS OLD. NOT THAT FREQUENTLY, USUALLY RELATED TO MOISTURE OR MAYBE THE WIPERS DRAWING POWER TO CLEAR MOISTURE. TOYOTA SENT THIS VEHICLE HOME TWICE, PUTTING IT BACK ON THE ROAD WITHOUT RESOLVING THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE NOW FOUND THE ECU UNIT, OR ESSENTIALLY THE ELECTRICAL SWITCHBOARD HAS MALFUNCTIONED. *TR
Steering, Feb 4, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD, APPROXIMATELY 55MPH MY STEERING COLUMN CAME OUT OF THE DASH AND INTO MY LAP. AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA FOR A SPIRAL CABLE RECALL IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY I MADE ARRANGMENTS TO TAKE IT IN FOR BOTH TO BE REPAIRED. TOYOTA CALLED ME THIS MORNING TELLING ME THAT THE TABS IN THE STEERING COLUMNS WERE SHEARED AND IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE RECALL OR MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. I FEEL THAT THE TABS ARE OBVIOUSLY ANOTHER CHEAP PART THAT TOYOTA IS MAKING THIER VEHICLES OUT OF AND RISKING THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE. THIS TRUCK IS A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND SHOULD NOT FALL APART GOING OVER A BUMP ON A DIRT ROAD. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO REPLACE IT INTO THE COLUMN AND STEER OFF THE ROAD SAFELY, BUT SOMEONE ELSE MAY NOT REACT AS FAST AS I DID. THE SERVICE EMPLOYEE AT TOYOTA REQUESTED SOMEONE FROM THE WARRANTY DEPARTMENT COME TOMORROW TO INSPECT IT TO SEE IF THEY CAN APPROVE COVERAGE IF NOT THEY ARE REQUESTING APPR $1200.00 FROM US TO INSTALL A NEW STEERING COLUMN. I WAS ABLE TO FIND OTHER TOYOTA BLOGS WHERE OTHER MAKES AND MODELS HAVE HAD THIS SAME THING HAPPEN TO THEM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 30, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT STEERED THE VEHICLE ONTO A CURB TO AVOID TRAFFIC AND THEN CRASHED INTO A CONSTRUCTION SIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEY WOULD DISPATCH SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS STILL AWAITING THE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Steering, Jan 29, 2013
THE DEALER IS NOT ACCOMDATING THE REPAIRS FOR THE VEHICLE. THEY STATE THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY PARTS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 5, 2012
IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE TOO ME TRUCK IS RUNNING FINE AND THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON TRUCK GOES INTO A LIMP MODE . HAS DONE IT TWICE ONCE RUNNING ABOUT THIRTY MILES PER HOUR THE SECOND TIME RUNNING 70 MPH IN BUSY I-10 TRAFFIC IN JAX FL RUSH HOUR BAD NEWS. TRUCK NEVER SHUTS OFF GOES TO A IDLE SPEED AND WILL NOT RUN OVER 20 MILES PER HOUR MAYBE IF YOU LUCKY . NO THROTTLE RESPONSE IT WILL ONLY HAVE A IDLE . NEVER SHUTS OFF . *TR
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Nov 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 09V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL) AND12V092000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND RECALL REPAIRS BUT THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN HAWAII. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED IN HAWAII. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURS WHILE COMPLETELY STOPPED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.