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.
Tires, May 6, 2011
I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL ON MY TACOMA TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. FOR MONTHS I'VE NOTICED THAT MY TRUCK WOULD WEAVE TOWARDS THE LEFT SIDE. AND NOW HEARS A CLICKING NOISE ON SIDE OF TRUCK LIKE SOMETHING GOT LOOSE FROM PULLING TO LEFT SIDE. DIDN'T THINK ANY THING OF IT UNTIL HAVING THIS RECALL SO IM NOW CONCERNED IF IT WAS THE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM THAT FAILED TO LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO BEFORE THIS PROBLEM ESCALATED. I WANT MY TRUCK INSPECTED AND WITH NEW TIRES DUE TO MANUFACTURER FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED HIS VEHICLE RESPONDED WITH MINIMAL POWER. WHENEVER HE MADE A TURN THE VEHICLE WOULD IDLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD FOR ABOUT TWO TO THREE SECONDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FOUR TOYOTA DEALERS WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO INFORMED HIM THEY WOULD SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE BUT NO ONE NOTIFIED HIM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Air bags, May 3, 2011
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO SPIRAL CABLE FAILURE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 6, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED. AS THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ENGINE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN RPMS AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE SLOWLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT NOTICED SKID MARKS FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE THAT INDICATED THAT BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
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
Power train, Tires, Feb 15, 2011
VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATIONS. FEELS LIKE A DRIVE LINE OUT OF BALANCE. HAVE HAD IT TO WILSONVILLE OREGON DEALER TWICE, AND MENTION IT TO THEM EVERY TIME I GO IN. THEY TEST DRIVE EVERY TIME AND SAY THERE IS NO ISSUE. ALSO HAVE ONE TIRE THAT ALWAYS LEAKS DOWN, DEALER CAN'T SEEM TO FIX. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN HE ENGAGED THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE RESULTING IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
Air bags, Jan 24, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 48 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE RAN OVER SOME BLACK ICE CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER FOUR TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS RULED DESTROYED. THE POLICE STATED THEY WERE SURPRISED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NEITHER THE FRONTAL NOR SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 28,000.
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
Vehicle speed control, Dec 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND ACCELERATING DOWN A HILL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN. THE GEARS THRUST INTO PARK BUT THE RPMS CONTINUED TO INCREASE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO HER RESIDENCE BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
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
Air bags, Oct 3, 2010
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON. $114.99 PAID TO TOYOTA DEALER TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. $524.00 TO REPAIR PROBLEM. 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA PURCHASED NEW, NEVER INVOLVED IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT, NOT EVEN A DOOR NICK. TRUCK HAD 71,032 MILES WHEN THIS OCCURRED. DEALER REPLACED "SPIRAL CABLE". *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
Power train, Sep 20, 2010
SEVERAL TOYOTA MODELS, INCLUDING MY 2008 TACOMA EXPERIENCE PREMATURE FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB FAILURES. INCIDENCES HAVE BEEN REPORTED FOR THESE MODELS AS FAR BACK AS 2002 AND THE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED BY TOYOTA. THE FAILURE IN MY VEHICLE WAS CAUGHT BEFORE BECOMING CATASTROPHIC, BUT AS YOU MIGHT IMAGINE, A FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AT HIGH SPEED CAN BE A DEVASTATING ACCIDENT. THIS FIRST FAILURE ON MY VEHICLE WAS RESOLVED AT MY EXPENSE IN EXCESS $800, BUT INTERNET REPORTS SUGGEST THIS REPAIR IS NOT A FIX. IT IS PROBABLE THAT THIS WILL OCCUR AGAIN AS TOYOTA HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT IS MAKING REPAIRS AT THE CONSUMERS COST. PLEASE HAVE TOYOTA STAND BEHIND THEIR ENGINEERING FAILURES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 8, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL 09V388000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2010. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE GASOLINE PEDAL BECAME STUCK TWICE WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 90 AND 50 MPH. HE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND MOVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACTS HOME. THE DEALER WILL SEND A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE TO THE INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,973 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,173.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 16, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND UNEXPECTEDLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK INJURY. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE BODY DAMAGE REPAIR COST WAS $5,500. IN ADDITION, THE METAL SIDING OF THE BUILDING WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION AFTER THE ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE RECALL WAS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A SPECIALIST TRANSPORTED THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR INVESTIGATION AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,121.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE BLACK FOOT REST PAD IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BROKE AND GOT UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER NOR WAS THE MANUFACTURER CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WILL CHARGE HIM FOR THE REPAIRS WHICH HE CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,200.
Tires, Aug 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE REAR RIGHT TIRE LOST AIR CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER WASN'T ABLE TO ADJUST THE TIRE PRESSURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE REMOVED THE FLOOR MAT BECAUSE HIS VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A HOOK FOR THE FLOOR MAT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000.
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Aug 7, 2010, crash
SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2007, I DROVE A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. JULY 13, 2010 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:55 A.M., I WAS STEPPING ON MY BRAKE TO COME TO A STOP BEHIND A VEHICLE AT A STOP SIGN IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. I STARTED BRAKING SLOWLY AS USUAL. IT APPEARED THE BRAKES WERE WORKING BUT NOT CATCHING AS FAST AS USUAL SO I PUT EXTRA PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE. GETTING TOO CLOSE THAN I SHOULD BE FOR A STOP, I PUSHED THE BRAKE TO THE FLOOR & MY TRUCK DIPPED A BIT APPEARING TO COME TO A STOP BUT THEN KEPT ROLLING & HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR SEEMED TO MOVE FROWARD JUST BEFORE THE TAP AS IF IT WERE GOING TO MAKE THE TURN AT THE STOP SIGN SO THE IMPACT WAS LOW. THE CAR THEN STOPPED BUT SINCE MY TRUCK HADN'T, ALTHOUGH MY FOOT WAS STILL HAD THE BRAKE TO THE FLOOR, I PUMPED MY BRAKE AND STOMPED IT TO THE FLOOR AGAIN AND MY TRUCK LAUNCHED OUT SLAMMING INTO THE CAR AGAIN. THIS WAS A LOW IMPACT COLLISION IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA COMING TO A STOP SIGN IN THE MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK. THE BRAKES HAD FAILED PRIOR TO THE ACCELERATION ISSUE THAT FOLLOWED. MY INSURANCE COMPANY & TOYOTA CLAIM TOYOTA IS THE ONLY COMPANY ABLE TO RUN ANY TESTS ON THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT MY TRUCK. TOYOTA WRITES THAT IT IS THEIR UNDERSTANDING MY ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED WHEN MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED & REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THAT'S ONLY A PORTION OF MY CLAIM. THEY OVERLOOKED THE INITIAL CAUSE OF THE BRAKE NOT CATCHING. I UNDERSTAND THAT IN SOME CASES PEOPLE PANIC & STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR. EVEN IF THAT HAD HAPPENED CAUSING THE SECOND HIT, THE FIRST HIT THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED ANY PANIC WAS BECAUSE THE BRAKE DID NOT WORK. THE LETTER REGARDING MY INSPECTION CLAIMS MY BRAKES WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. THE TOYOTA RECALL ON MY VEHICLE SAYS SAFETY RECALLS OR SERVICE CAMPAIGNS, "HAVE NOT YET BEEN COMPLETED FOR YOUR VEHICLE" AND I'LL BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS THERE'S A REMEDY. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THAT VEHICLE. THE POLICE ON THE SCENE SAID I COULD BE HELD NEGLIGENT IF I CONTINUED DRIVING AFTER MY BRAKES FAILED. I CAN'T AFFORD A NEW TRUCK. *TR
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
Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2010
STICKING ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2010
2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE EXPERIENCES LACK OF RETURN TO IDLE IN 4TH AND 5TH GEAR. *TGW THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AT RANDOM TIMES. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO ACHIEVE A STEADY SPEED. HE STATED HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO DO THE SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH. HOWEVER, THE SPEED WENT TO 56 MPH INSTEAD. UPDATED 08/10/10. UPDATED 05/10/11 THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DOESN'T RETURN TO IDLE AND CONTINUES TO GO AT THE SAME RPM WHEN TRYING TO STOP. UPDATED 08/23/11 .*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A NON-REINFORCED VACUUM TUBE. THE LINE FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE TO A SENSOR COLLAPSED. IT THEN LOCKED THE SENSOR WITH OBSOLETE INFORMATION. THE CONSUMER REPLACED BOTH LINES WITH A SEMI-RIGID HIGH TEMP EMISSION VACUUM LINE. UPDATED 10/14/11