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
519 reports, newest first.
Engine, Jun 12, 2012
FUEL RATIO SENSOR LIGHT DISPLAYED AT 34,000 MILE AND 39 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. TOYOTA WILL NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR. *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.
Steering, Apr 20, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING HIM TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF BEFORE THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEAD INJURIES AND WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE. HE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY ANOTHER PERSON. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A REPORT WAS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
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
Suspension, Mar 16, 2012
I BEGAN TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE TODAY AND HEARD A STRANGE CLANKING NOISE. I PULLED OVER AND UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THAT ONE OF THE RIGHT REAR LEAF SPRINGS WAS BROKEN. I HAVE NEVER HAD A LOAD IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK OVER 500LBS. I SEE THAT PRIOR MODEL YEAR TACOMAS HAD A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE TRUCK HAD THE SAME PART BUT THE RECALL DOES NOT EXTEND TO 2009. *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
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2012
IGNITION COIL FAILED CAUSING ROUGH ENGINE. *TR
Steering, Jan 19, 2012
STEERING GEARBOX SEAL FAILURE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE RACK AND PINION. *TT
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Dec 14, 2011
MY TACOMA HAS A CONSTANT SHIMMY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. MY MECHANIC AND TOYOTA SERVICE HAVE TRIED BALANCING, ALIGNMENTS AND ROAD-FORCE TESTING, BUT NOTHING WORKS TO ELIMINATE THE SHAKE. IT IS AT IT'S WORST WHEN I FIRST ACCELERATE TO CRUISING SPEED AFTER THE TRUCK HAS SAT FOR EIGHT HOURS. AT THESE TIMES IT IS AN APPROXIMATELY A 1/4 INCH SHIMMY IN THE WHEEL, AND IS QUITE A VIOLENT SHAKE. IT SEEMS TO DISSIPATE AFTER A WHILE, BUT THE SHIMMY NEVER GOES AWAY COMPLETELY. IT EXISTS WITH BOTH MY ALL-SEASON TIRES, AND MY SNOW TIRES. *TR
Power train, Dec 12, 2011
MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH DIFFICULT ENGAGING. SLIPPING FEELING IN FORWARD GEARS AND REVERSE. THE CENTER SECTION OF THE CLUTCH DISK HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE FRICTION MATERIAL SECTION OF THE CLUTCH DISK. DEFECTIVE CLUTCH. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED AN ABNORMAL ACCELERATION WHILE SHIFTING INTO DRIVE WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION FAILURE BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE DEALER ADVISED THAT HE WOULD BE SENDING FOR AN INVESTIGATOR TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 15,322.
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
Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2011, fire
MY 09 TOYOTA TACOMA DRL (DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHT/TURN SIGNAL) LENS BURNED/MELTED/BROKE. I HAVE EXCEEDED MY WARRANTY BUT I FEEL TOYOTA SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND REPLACE MY LIGHT LENS. MY LOCAL DEALER DID DO A 50/50 SPLIT ON THE COST OF REPLACEMENT, BUT THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. LIGHT LENS SHOULD NEVER BURN/MELT/BREAK REGARDLESS OF HOW OLD OR HOW MANY MILES THE VEHICLE HAS ON IT. NOT ALL TACOMA'S HAVE DRL , THIS IS AN OPTION, MY LOCAL DEALER DID NOT KNOW THIS BUT I POINTED THIS OUT TO HIM. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH SAME PROBLEM BUT HIS TACOMA IS STILL IN WARRANTY AND THE DEALER DID A 100% REPLACEMENT. I CONTACTED TOYOTA WITH A LETTER AND PICTURES AND WAS TOLD TOYOTA WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT BECAUSE I HAD EXCEEDED MY WARRANTY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE MADE WITH DOUBLE CONTACT BULBS. THE HEAT FROM THE LIGHT WAS BURNING THROUGH THE LENSES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE LENSES REPLACED BUT THE DEALER DID NOT CHANGE THE BULBS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR BECAUSE THE BULBS WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS EXTREMELY RARE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BULB BURNED THROUGH THE LENS WITHIN TWO YEARS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,600.
Exterior lighting, Aug 24, 2011
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE MELTING THE PLASTIC LAMP HOUSING. ALL COMPONENTS ARE FACTORY STOCK: BULBS, HOUSINGS, WIRING, ETC. MELTED PLASTIC HOUSING HAS CHANGED THE TURN SIGNAL BEAM GEOMETRY RESULTING IN REDUCED VISIBILITY AND RISK OF ACCIDENT. ALSO, MELTED MATERIAL INDICATES A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. *TR
Equipment, Aug 5, 2011
I ALWAYS WANTED A TOYOTA TRUCK EVER SINCE I WAS 16. NOW AT 38 I DECIDED TO PURCHASE A 2009 TACOMA BRAND NEW AND I CURRENTLY HAVE 30,000 MILES ON IT AND I BEGAN NOTICING AN ANNOYING WHINING SOUND FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AT 65 - 70 MPH. I BROUGHT IN IN TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. I WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR THIS SINCE I HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS NOISE FROM ANY OF THE TRUCKS I HAVE OWNED PREVIOSULY AND I CHECKED ONLINE AND THIER IS A TSB FOR THE DIFFERENTIAL FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM IN 2008 MODELS. I TOLD TOYOTA THIS AND THEY SAID A REP WOULD BE COMING OUT. A WEEK OR SO LATER THE REP CAME OUT AND I RECIEVIED A CALL STATING THAT THE VEHICLE IS NORMAL AND THE NOISE CAN BE HEARD IN OTHER TOCAMAS AS WELL. THE REP SAID TO WAIT AND A TSB MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT BE RELEASED. I WAS VERY UPSET AT THIS ESPECIALLY WHEN I READ ONLINE THAT TOYOTA FIXED THIS PROBLEM FOR OTHER PEOPLE. I OPENED A CASE UP WITH TOYOTA AND THEY DID NOT EVEN CARE ONE BIT. NOW LAST WEEK AS I WENT TO PARK MY TRUCK IN THE GARAGE AND I SHIFTED IT IN DRIVE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE (NOT THE GAS PEDAL)THE VEHICLE'S RPM RACED UP AND THE VEHICLE TRIED TO LURCH FORWARD. SHOCKED TO SAY THE LEAST I THEN SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL WAITED A FEW MOMENTS AS THE VEHICLE KEPT RACING UP I THEN SHUT IT DOWN. I STARTED IT BACK UP AND IT IDLED NORMALLY. THE NEXT DAY I CALLED TOYOTA TO STATE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. TOYOTA WANTED ME TO BRING IT IN RIGHT AWAY. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY HAD A LONG LISTED FORM OF QUESTIONS LIKE WHERE WAS THE FLOOR MAT, WAS CRUISE CONTROL ON, DO I USE BOTH FEET TO DRIVE ONE FOR BRAKE AND ONE FOR THE GAS PEDAL. I TOLD THEM NOTHING WAS ON THE PEDAL, I DID NOT HAVE CRUISE CONTROL ON, AND I USE ONE FOOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE ONLY. MY FOOT CANNOT EVEN HIT THE GAS WHEN ITS ON THE BRAKE. THEY THINK IT IS ME. THIS IS A SAFTY ISSUE AND THEY TREAT IT LIKE IT'S NOTHING. TOYOTA.BAD CUSTOMER WARRANTY SERVICE. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE. *TT
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 20, 2011
I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED FOR EXAMPLE AT A RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE RPM WILL INCREASE AND THE VEHICLE WILL THEN LURCH FORWARD. FORTUNATELY MY FOOT IN ON THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS A WHINING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY TOYOTA REGIONAL REPS AS A WHINING NOISE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL AT 50 TO 70 MPH. TAKEN BACK 3 TIMES TO DEALER THEY SAY ITS NORMAL BUT I KNOW IT IS NOT. THESE MAY BE 2 SEPARATE ISSUES BUT IT IS CLEAR THAT TOYOTA MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR IT'S CUSTOMERS TO GET WARRANTY REPAIRS AND IN ACKNOWLEDGING A PROBLEM. TOYOTA SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR ITS LACK OF CUSTOMER SERVICE IN FIXING ITS VEHICLES UNTIL PEOPLE GET INJURED. *KB
Exterior lighting, Jul 14, 2011
THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO USE THE COMPLAINT THAT WAS SENT VIA EMAIL. JO. NOT SURE WHO TO CONTACT BUT I AM A SAFETY PROFESSIONAL FOR MANY YEARS AND AN INCIDENT LAST NIGHT CONFIRMED AN OBVIOUS DANGER TO DRIVERS BASED ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DASHBOARD LIGHTING AND HEADLAMP ACTIVATION. A NEAR MISS LAST NIGHT REMINDED ME OF THE SAME CONDITION I NOTED LAST YEAR IN A SIMILAR INCIDENT. I BELIEVE A SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO DRIVERS EXISTS, IT IS AN UNRECOGNIZED THREAT, A SIMPLE REMEDY WOULD CORRECT AND I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THAT CONCERN.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 8, 2011
BRAKING INCONSISTENCY, USUALLY IN STOP AND GO OR UNEXPECTED TRAFFIC STOPS, SAY AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND INTERSECTIONS. OCCASIONALLY THE EFFICIENCY OF THE BRAKES VARIES, USUALLY CAUSING CONCERN THAT ONE MIGHT / WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP SHORT OF A COLLISION. IE NEAR MISSES. THIS CONDITION IS EXPERIENCED EVEN ON DRY EXCELLENT ROAD SURFACES IN NORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS. SURPRISE, LONGER THAN EXPECTED STOPPING DISTANCES, QUESTIONING IF ALL THE BRAKES ARE FUNCTIONING OR IF ABS IS CUTTING IN PREMATURELY. OCCASIONAL LONG ROLLOUTS STOPS AND A COUPLE OF EXPERIENCES WHERE I HAD TO ALTER HEADING TO ALMOST PASS UP ALONG SIDE THE VEHICLE AHEAD, DURING A FREEWAY STOP AND GO, PANIC STOP HAS MADE ME SUSPECT THAT THERE MIGHT BE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AXLE-WRAP (TACOMA) PHENOMENON. COULD THE EXCESSIVE BRAKE BIAS CAUSED ROTATION OF THE REAR AXLE HOUSING AND ABS SENSORS BE IMPARTING A PREMATURE FALSE, IMPENDING WHEEL LOCKUP SIGNAL, TO THE ABS COMPUTER TO UNNECESSARILY BYPASS FLUID UNDER PRESSURE BACK TO THE RESERVOIR AND THUS NOT MAINTAIN FULL BRAKE PRESSURE TO ALL FOUR BRAKES/WHEELS DURING MEDIUM TO HEAVY BRAKING ON GOOD ROAD CONDITIONS? NOT ALL STOPS PRODUCE BUMPING (AXLEWRAP) AND ONLY ON OCCASION IS REDUCED BRAKING A MAJOR FACTOR, HOWEVER THEY DO OCCUR AND USUALLY WHEN YOU ARE NOT EXPECTING IT. TOYOTA DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE A SOLUTION TO THE AXLE-WRAP RECURRING DISCREPANCY. DEALERSHIPS SEEM TO BELIEVE THAT IF THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THEN TOYOTA WOULD TELL THEM ABOUT IT? UNUSUAL BRAKE SHOE WEAR PATTERNS EXIST. ON SUBJECT VEHICLE THE REAR SHOES AT LAST INSPECTION APPEARED TO BE ABOUT HALF WORN AWAY AND THE FRONT DISC PADS WERE RELATIVELY LITTLE WORN AND ONE COULD EXPECT THAT THE BACKS WOULD NEED CHANGING TWO TO THREE TIMES RELATIVE TO THE FRONT DISCS ONCE. THIS MAY SUPPORT THE THEORY THAT A SEVERE BRAKE BIAS EXISTS AND COULD BE DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING ABS SYSTEM? TECHNICIANS FROM TOYOTA HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE AND HAVE NOT RECOMMENDED ANY SOLUTIONS OR CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE. 5/10 - 5/11. *TR