2009 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 519 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 25 involved a crash and 18 involved a fire. 2 people were injured.
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
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleApr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 14V168000 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, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJan 16, 2013
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V014000 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: exterior lighting
105 reports, newest first. Show all
Exterior lighting, Nov 19, 2012
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE CAUSING MELTING AND CRACKING OF THE LENS COVERING FROM THE INSIDE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN SUPERIOR WI. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED. THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES, ISSUER OF MY PLATINUM VEHICLE SERVICE AGREEMENT, AND THEN CALLED ME A FEW HOURS LATER TO SAY THAT MY CLAIM HAD BEEN DENIED BECAUSE "LAMPS" ARE NOT COVERED. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE ON NOVEMBER 15, 2012 AND EXPLAINED THAT THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD AND REQUESTED IT BE REPAIRED. TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE CALLED ME BACK ON NOVEMBER 19, 2012 AND SAID THAT BECAUSE THE "ORIGINAL FACTORY WARRANTY" HAD EXPIRED SO THAT THERE WOULD BE NO REMEDY OFFERED BY TOYOTA. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED ONLINE ON VARIOUS TACOMA / TOYOTA OWNERS' SITES. PERSONNEL AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE "REPLACEMENT PART" HAD BEEN RE-DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE THIS PROBLEM....SO TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 2, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WOULD CAUSE THE HEADLIGHT LENS TO OVERHEAT, MELTING THE PLASTIC LENSES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A BULLETIN FROM THE MANUFACTURER THAT STATED IF ANY HEADLIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE THEY HAVE TO REPLACE BOTH HEADLIGHTS. THE DEALER WILL REPAIR THE FAILURE OF THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE, BUT THE CONTACT HAS TO PAY FOR THE LABOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,800.
Exterior lighting, Oct 24, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT LENSES BECAME MELTED AND CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY ONLY TOOK PICTURES OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,383.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Oct 15, 2012
THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE MELTED AND CRACKED THE LENS/PLASTIC. THESE ARE ALSO USED AS FRONT END TURN SIGNALS. IF THESE FAIL, IT COULD BE A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. WHILE THERE IS A TSB, THE DEALERSHIP DENIED TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENTS SINCE MY 36K WARRANTY HAS NOW EXPIRED. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT JUST STARTED TO HAPPEN AND TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 11, 2012, fire
AFTER COMPLETING AN OIL CHANGE ON MY 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA IN OCTOBER OF 2011 I NOTICED THAT THE AMBER LENS IN THE HEADLIGHT WAS DISCOLORED AND SEEMED TO BE MELTING DUE TO OVERHEATING. OVER THE PAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN MONITORING THE SITUATION AND NOTICED THAT THE MELTING AND CRACKING OF THE AMBER LENS INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT IS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. IT SEEMS THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE NOT PROPERLY ENGINEERED IN THIS MODEL. BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT THERE IS A CLEAR CONCERN FOR DRIVER SAFETY. THE MELTING LENSES CREATE AN OBVIOUS FIRE HAZARD. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY TACOMA IN THE METRO ATLANTA AREA ADVISED ME THAT TOYOTA HAS NO RECALL OF EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS "KNOWN" PROBLEM. I WAS VERY DISMAYED TO HEAR THIS BECAUSE THE ISSUE IS CLEARLY PRESENTS A THREAT TO THE DRIVER. BECAUSE OF THIS SITUATION I HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION ON WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME. EITHER I REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH THE TOYOTA FACTORY ASSEMBLY WHICH IS ALREADY KNOWN TO HAVE A DEFECT OR PURCHASE AND AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND HOPE THE IT IS ENGINEERED BETTER THAN THE TOYOTA ONE, OR I FIGURE OUT A WAY TO DISABLE THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS TO CUT BACK ON THE HEAD THAT BUILDS UP WITH THEM CONSTANTLY BEING ON. I WOULD RATHER NOT DISABLE THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT THEY DO PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT SAFETY VALUE. I AM NOT SURE WHAT I AM GOING TO DO AT THIS POINT BUT CLEARLY ACTION IS NEEDED. I WOULD LIKE TOYOTA TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE POTENTIALLY HARMFUL HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Oct 3, 2012
WE HAVE NOTICED THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS LENS ARE MELTING AND CRACKING ON BOTH SIDES. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE,POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2012
THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL'S) ON MY 2009 TACOMA HAVE BUBBLED UP AND CRACKED THE LENS/PLASTIC. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS BECAUSE THE BULB IS TOO CLOSE TO THE PLASTIC OR THE WATTAGE IS TOO HIGH FOR THE PLASTIC. THE DRL'S ARE ALSO USED AS FRONT END TURN SIGNALS. IF THESE FAIL, IT COULD BE A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. DEALERSHIP DENIED TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT FOR IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE AGREEMENTS OF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 30, 2012, fire
THE RUNNING / PARKING LIGHTS ARE BURNING THROUGH AND MELTING THE LENS COVERS ON BOTH SIDES OF HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. THERE ARE VISIBLE BURN MARKS AND CRACKS ON THE LENS FOR BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 29, 2012
THE PLASTIC LENS COVERING THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS/BLINKERS ARE MELTING AND CRACKED. THE CAUSE APPEARS TO BE FROM THE LIGHTS WHICH ARE ON WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON. LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE LENS ARE MELTED. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 15, 2012
ON THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY OF MY VEHICLE BOTH OF THE RUNNING LIGHT LENSES ARE MELTING. THEY FIRST STARTED TO BUBBLE AND I NOTICED IT AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY SAID THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT AND OFFERED NO FIX. RECENTLY, I LOOKED AT THE LENSES AGAIN AND THEY ARE NOW CRACKED AND BURNT. THE PLUGS THAT THE BULBS ARE IN ARE BURNT AS WELL. TOYOTA TOLD ME THEY WOULD PAY HALF OF THE DAMAGES, BUT NOT THE WHOLE THING. IN TOYOTA'S SERVICE BULLETIN THAT THEY PUBLISHED IN 2011, IT STATES THAT THE 2005-2011 VEHICLES HAVE DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHTS AND CAME OUT WITH A NEW DESIGNED HEADLIGHT FOR THEM. WITH THAT SAID, MY TACOMA IS A 2009 MODEL. ONE OF MY BIGGEST WORRIES REGARDING THIS DEFECT IS THE FACT THAT I LIKE TO GO ON ROAD-TRIPS IN MY VEHICLE WHICH SOMETIMES REQUIRES ME TO DRIVE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. I AM CONCERNED THAT OVER TIME THE LENSES WILL MELT COMPLETELY AND CAUSE A FIRE OR SHORT IN THE WIRES. I HAVE THREE SMALL CHILDREN AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT DEFECTED HEADLIGHTS CATCHING FIRE AND ENDANGERING THEM. THE LAST TIME I WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, I WALKED AROUND AND LOOKED AT THE USED TACOMA'S AND FOUND THE SAME ISSUES ON ALMOST ALL OF VEHICLES. LIKE I SAID MY BIGGEST THING IS MY SAFETY AND TOYOTA KNOWS THAT THEY MANUFACTURED A DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT AND REFUSE COMPLETE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 9, 2012
BOTH FRONT AMBER DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT LENSES MELTING, BUBBLING AND CRACKING FROM BULB HEAT. ACTIVE TSB BUT NOT VALID AFTER 36,000. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 7, 2012
RUNNING LIGHTS MELTING, POSSIBLE FIRE THREAT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 27, 2012
THE DRLS/TURN SIGNALS OF THE 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA HAVE A FAULTY DESIGN RESULTING WITH THE LENS MELTING (TOYOTA CALLS IT BUBBLING) AND CRACKING. TOYOTA DID ISSUE A RECENT TSB (T-SB-0129-11) TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES ON IMPACTED TRUCKS. SEVERAL MODEL YEARS WERE INCLUDED. THE TSB IS WORDED THAT ONLY TRUCKS WITH LESS THAN 36K MILES AND LESS THAN 36 MONTHS OLD WILL BE REPAIRED. MY TRUCK HAD ABOUT 40K MILES AND WAS ABOUT 34 MONTHS OLD WHEN I FINALLY TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER. I DIDN'T BRING IT IN WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE DEFECT BECAUSE I DIDN'T THINK TOYOTA WOULD EVEN CONSIDER NOT REPLACING THE LIGHTS BECAUSE IT'S AN OBVIOUS DESIGN DEFECT. SOME OF THE OLDER MODELS MENTIONED IN THE TSB WOULD HAVE BEEN OLDER THAN 36 MONTHS WHEN THE TSB WAS RELEASED. DRLS WERE DEVELOPED SO OTHER DRIVERS CAN BETTER SEE YOU. A MELTED DRL LENS WILL DIM THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LIGHT TO OTHER DRIVERS. TOYOTA SHOULD BE REPAIRING ALL THE DAMAGED HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 13, 2012
THE LENS ON MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE MELTING, AND I'M WORRIED ABOUT IT MIGHT CAUSING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OR EVEN CAUSING A FIRE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 8, 2012
I NOTICED THAT THE DTRL HAD STARTED TO MELT THE AMBER LENSES AND BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF MY LOCAL DEALER. ALTHOUGH I WAS STILL WITHIN THE WARRANTY MILEAGE, I WAS OVER BY A FEW MONTHS ON THE 36-MONTH WARRANTY (I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED IN DEC-2011.) I JUST HEARD FROM MY LOCAL DEALER THAT I'VE BEEN TRYING TO WORK WITH CONCERNING THE MELTING LENSES IN MY '09 TACOMA TRD. I TRIED TO GET TOYOTA TO REPLACE THE LAMP ASSEMBLY AND THEY WOULD ONLY COVER HALF OF THE REPLACEMENT AND SUBSEQUENT RE-AIMING OF THE HEAD LIGHTS. I THEN PRINTED OUT SOME INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTALL A TOYOTA RELAY AND JUMPER WIRES TO TURN THE DTRL FUNCTION OFF, LEAVING THE TURN SIGNAL FUNCTION ALONE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, TOYOTA WILL NOT SIGN OFF ON, NOR ALLOW THEIR DEALERS TO MAKE THIS MODIFICATION, EVEN THOUGH THE PARTS ARE ALL TOYOTA OEM PARTS. I WOULD ALSO STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT EVERY OWNER OF A TACOMA THAT IS HAVING ANY ISSUE (MELTING, BUBBLING, CRACKING ETC.) WITH THE DTRL'S WRITE TOYOTA CORPORATE EXPRESSING THEIR DEEP DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE QUALITY OF TOYOTA PRODUCTS AND THE CORPORATIONS LACK OF CONCERN FOR THE CUSTOMERS SAFETY BUYING THE PRODUCT. WITH ALL THE NEGATIVE THAT TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS OVER SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, YOU WOULD THINK THAT TOYOTA WOULD BE FALLING ALL OVER THEMSELVES TO CORRECT A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE IN A REQUIRED SYSTEM, INSTEAD OF TAP DANCING AROUND LIKE THEY ARE DOING. AS A RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, I FIND THAT THE RESPONSE I'VE BEEN RECEIVING FROM TOYOTA TO BE PARTICULARLY DISAPPOINTING, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE INVOLVING A MANDATED LIGHTING SYSTEM. THE STAFF AT NHTSA IS WELCOME TO CONTACT ME AT ANY TIME TO DISCUSS THIS. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 6, 2012
IN SEPTEMBER 2011, I NOTICED THE DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHTS HAD AN ORANGE/BROWN SPOT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LENS. EIGHTS MONTHS LATER, THE DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE MELTED AND CRACKED THE PLASTIC LENS. THE PASSENGER SIDE LENS HAS COMPLETELY MELTED IN HALF. THE BULB APPEARS TO SIT TOO CLOSE TO THE LENS IN THE HOUSING UNIT. FIRE RISK. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 3, 2012
MY TRUCKS HEADLIGHT UNIT HAS DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS "AMBER TURN SIGNAL LIGHTING" AND ITS CONTINUED TO CAUSE MELTING AROUND THE HOUSING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR NOW AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN INFORMED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AND THEY REFUSE REPLACEMENT BECAUSE ITS NOT A DECLARED RECALL FROM TOYOTA. THE LIGHT ISSUE CONTINUES TO GET WORSE AND IS ALMOST COMPLETELY MELTED AROUND THE TURN AREA. *TR
Exterior lighting, May 29, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL BULBS HAD BURNED THROUGH THE TURN SIGNAL COVERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL BULBS WERE POSITIONED TOO CLOSELY TO THE CASING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,250. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. ..UPDATED 11/29/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER EFFECTIVE
Exterior lighting, May 17, 2012
I NOTICED THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT LENS HAD CRACKED & MELTED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF HEAT THE BULB IS PUTTING OUT. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT A COMPANY SUCH AS TOYOTA WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO WHAT I HAVE READ THE FIX IS OVER $700 TO FIX. IT MAKES YOU WONDER IF GREED IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 26, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE BEGINNING TO MELT THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 16, 2012
THE HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE MELTING IN THE FRONT OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS/TURN SIGNAL. BOTH SIDES HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THEY BOTH HAVE A HORIZONTAL CRACK AND A MELTED BLOB OF PLASTIC THAT WILL LIKELY KEEP GETTING BIGGER. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD. WHILE AT LOWES YESTERDAY, I CHECKED THE HEADLIGHTS OF ONE OTHER TACOMA, AND HE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN I GOT HOME, I PERFORMED A GOOGLE SEARCH AND FOUND SEVERAL FORUMS WHERE OWNERS WERE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. MOST SAID THAT WHEN THEY MENTIONED IT TO THEIR TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, THE DEALERSHIP ACTED LIKE NO ONE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. SOME CUSTOMERS WERE ABLE TO GET THE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED AND SOME WERE NOT. I'D BE CONCERNED THAT THE REPLACEMENT WILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE A COUPLE OF YEARS FROM NOW. *JS
Exterior lighting, Mar 23, 2012
THE HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE MELTING IN FRONT OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT BULBS/TURN SIGNALS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA. I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT MY TOYOTA EXTENDED PLATNIUM WARRENTEE WILL NOT COVER THIS PART AND THEY WILL NOT AUTHORIZE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE HEADLIGHTS. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Mar 8, 2012
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE TO CLOSE TO THE PLASTIC IN FRONT OF THE BULB, WHICH HAS CRACKED AND MELTED THE PLASTIC LENS, WHICH IS A FIRE HAZARD. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 14, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FRONT TURN SIGNAL LENSES BURNED OUT. THE CONTACT NOTICED VISIBLE BURN MARKS ON BOTH LENSES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 25, 2011, fire
DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHTS BURN /MELT THE LENS DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, IN LESS THEN 30K MILES. I BELIEVE TOYOTA HAS A DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THE DRLS. EVERY TACOMA WITH THE DRL OPTION WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THE COMPARTMENT THAT HOLDS THE DLR LIGHT IS SMALL, WITH NO VENTILATION, AND THE LAMP DISSIPATES APPROXIMATELY 28 WATTS OF HEAT, WHICH IS FOCUSED TOWARD THE LENS (ALONG WITH THE LIGHT). IT IS SIMPLY TOO MUCH HEAT IN TOO SMALL AN AREA, AND THE HEAT IS SUFFICIENT TO MELT THE PLASTIC LENS IN FRONT OF THE LAMP. SINCE THE DRL IS PART OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, THE COST OF PARTS IS REPORTED TO BE AROUND $700 PLUS LABOR. I BELIEVE THAT LENSES (WITH PROPER LAMPS) SHOULD NEVER MELT. ASKING TACOMA OWNERS TO PAY $700 +, EVERY 30K MILES IS OUTRAGEOUS! MY HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THEY ARE SURE TO FAIL AGAIN IF SOMETHING IS NOT DONE TO CORRECT THE DESIGN OF THE DLRS. IT APPEARS THAT TOYOTA IS IGNORING THE PROBLEM AND HOPING MOST PEOPLE WON'T RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM UNTIL AFTER THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. NOW I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS CONDITION WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. *TT