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.
Power train, Jan 12, 2010
IN AUGUST OF 2009 I PURCHASED A NEW TOYOTA TACOMA. AFTER A WEEK OR SO I NOTICED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RESPONSIVE AND SLIPPED WHEN YOU DECELERATE THAN ACCELERATE. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND STALLS THE VEHICLE WHILE IT TRIES TO FIND AN APPROPRIATE GEAR TO MOVE FORWARD. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE TECH SAID THIS IS NORMAL FOR NEW TACOMA'S. THIS IS A HAZARD AND WILL GET SOMEBODY KILLED BECAUSE YOU CANNOT MERGE INTO TRAFFIC UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. *TR
Visibility, Jan 8, 2010
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON MY 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA ABRUPTLY STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN. VISIBILITY WAS SERIOUSLY LIMITED, MAKING THE SITUATION DANGEROUS TO ME AND OTHERS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE CLOSEST TOYOTA DEALER, THEY DETERMINED THE WIPER MOTOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER ONE. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS AND HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. *TR
Air bags, Jan 5, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. IN OCTOBER 2009 WHILE HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CRASH INTO A WALL AND THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. HE DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY INJURIES. THE POLICE REPORT NUMBER IS 9-13-02205886. ON DECEMBER 17, 2009 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH THE SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. HE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN COLLISION ON THAT DATE. THE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSING THE VEHICLE SINCE DECEMBER 17, 2009. THE DEALER STATED THE AIR BAG IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR REPAIR WAS $6,000. HE WILL CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 7,300. UPDATED 02/17/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/18/10
Vehicle speed control, Jan 4, 2010, crash
PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT HY-VEE GROCERY STORE IN MOUNT PLEASANT, IA AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED(<5MPH) MY 09' TOYOTA TACOMA ACCELERATED INTO A GROCERY CART STALL. I HAD APPLIED THE BRAKES WITH NO RESULTS AND AFTER A ONE SECOND LULL THE TRUCK ACCELERATED QUICKLY INTO THE MOVABLE OBSTRUCTION. I HAVE HAD PREVIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE RATE OF ACCELERATION BY THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATIOR. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHERE LIGHT PRESSURE ACCELERATES THE CAR AT A FASTER RATE AND TIMES WHERE HEAVIER PRESSURE DOESN'T GET ENOUGH RESPONSE IN ACCELERATION. FLOORMATS ARE SECURED DOWN AND NO ISSUES HAVE BEEN FOUND BY THE DEALERSHIP I HAD PURCHASED IT FROM. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 28, 2009, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING THE RADIO WILL SUDDENLY TURN OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT RADIO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 3000. UPDATED 01/26/10 *BF THE RADIO WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF VARIOUS TIMES WITH NO WARNING. THE DASH AND HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERED. UPDATED 01/26/10.*JB
Vehicle speed control, Dec 24, 2009, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING ABOVE 45 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE AND WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. AS A CONSEQUENCE SHE CRASHED AND WENT INTO A DITCH. HER FRONT FENDER, HOOD AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR WERE DAMAGED. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT AVAILABLE. THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 03/10/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD STICK SPORADICALLY AND INFREQUENTLY. UPDATED 10/12/10*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Dec 23, 2009
I NOTICE THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN BEFORE THE BRAKE FEELS THAT IS APPLIED. I'VE TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND NOTHING IN ERROR. I DISAGREE. I'VE HAD SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE DRIVE MY CAR-WITH THE SAME CONCERN. BRAKES DON'T GRAB. MY BROTHER WHO IS UPS HEAD MECHANIC SAID THE SAME, A FAULT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL. SHOULDN'T HAVE TO GO TO THE FLOOR BEFORE THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS APPLIED. JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THERE'S A PROBLEM THERE. I'M AWARE OF IT SO I DRIVE WITH CAUTION. BUT THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS. THANKS, PATTI KAY. I TOOK BACK TO DEALERSHIP OCT.22 2008 AND THEY SAID THE CAUSE WAS FROM THE FLOOR MAT---IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MANY FLOOR MATS YOU HAVE IT'S IN THE PEDAL. EITHER NEEDS ADJUSTED OR NEW PEDAL SYSTEM PUT IN. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 22, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD BECOME STIFF. THIS CONDITION CAUSED HIM TO INCREASE HIS STOPPING DISTANCES. ON ONE OCCASION THE BRAKE PEDAL FELL TO THE FLOOR, WHICH DISABLED HIM FROM PUSHING THE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY BECAUSE HE COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 55000.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 17, 2009
FIVE MONTHS OLD 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA PRERUNNER, V6 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. HAD MADE SHORT TRIP FROM HOME AND WAS RETURNING. PROCEEDING DOWN SLIGHT GRADE ABOUT THREE BLOCKS FROM HOME MANUALLY DOWNSHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO 4TH. SEEING RED SIGNAL SEVERAL BLOCKS AHEAD DOWNSHIFTED AGAIN TO 3RD, THEN 2ND, SLOWING ENOUGH SO AS TO HAVE GREEN LIGHT AT INTERSECTION. MADE BRAKING RIGHT TURN AT INTERSECTION, AWARE FROM EXPERIENCE THAT I WOULD NOW HAVE RED LIGHT AT NEXT INTERSECTION AND WOULD HAVE TO STOP. AGAIN SLIGHT DOWNGRADE AFTER MAKING TURN. TRUCK REQUIRED MORE THAN NORMAL BRAKING TO SLOW PROPERLY AFTER TURN, FINALLY USED BOTH FEET TO APPLY MAXIMUM BRAKE PRESSURE. TRUCK STOPPED, BUT AFTER STOPPING ENGINE SURGED REPEATEDLY, CAUSING REAR WHEELS TO INTERMITTENTLY SPIN UNCONTROLLABLY ON DAMP PAVEMENT. ONLY FRONT WHEEL BRAKES WERE HOLDING TRUCK FROM CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. MANAGED TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF ENGINE. WHEN RESTARTED, OPERATION WAS NORMAL. FLOOR MATS NOT INVOLVED! ENGINE WAS REPEATEDLY SURGING AND RETURNING TO NORMAL RPM. BOTH FEET WERE ON BRAKE PEDAL AND NOT ON ACCELERATOR. ODOMETER: 3850. CONDITIONS: NIGHT, HEADLIGHTS ON, HEATER BLOWER ON, A/C OFF, RADIO OFF. DUE TO SHORTNESS OF TRIP ENGINE WAS MOST LIKELY NOT FULLY WARMED UP TO NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. AFTER ARRIVING HOME TOOK TRUCK OUT FOR ANOTHER SHORT TRIP OVER SAME ROUTE. UNABLE TO REPLICATE SITUATION. AS RETIRED ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN UNDERSTAND HOW DIFFICULT THIS TYPE OF INTERMITTENT ISSUE IS FOR TOYOTA TO REPLICATE OR CONFIRM, BUT IT IS HAPPENING, AND IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, NHTSA. AND IT IS A LOT MORE THAN "FLOOR MATS". FLOOR MATS MIGHT OCCASIONALLY CATCH AN ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THEY DON'T MAKE AN ENGINE REPEATEDLY SURGE. BEEN DRIVING 50 YEARS... KNOW IT WHEN I SEE IT. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 16, 2009
1. WAS PARKING TACOMA IN GARAGE AT ABOUT 5 MPH OR LESS; WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. PUT GEAR INTO NEUTRAL TO AVOID CRASH. (SEPT 2009; ABOUT 1500 MILES ON VEHICLE) 2. WAS SLOWING DOWN; AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. PUT GEAR INTO NEUTRAL TO AVOID CRASH. (NOV 25, 2009; ABOUT 2500 MILES ON VEHICLE) ---->>> DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR MAT REMOVED ON NOV 26, 2009. <<----- 3. WAS SLOWING DOWN; AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 20 MPR I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. PUT GEAR INTO NEUTRAL TO AVOID CRASH. (DEC 2, 2009; ABOUT 3000 MILES ON VEHICLE) THIS HAPPENED EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT HAD BEEN REMOVED. ADDITIONAL INFO: RECEIVED A TELEPHONE CALL FROM JENNETTE AT (ROSVILLE, CA ??) TOYOTA ON DEC 14, 2009. I EXPLAINED THE 3 INCIDENCES TO JENNETTE. SHE GAVE ME TOYOTA CASE NUMBER 0912121226. JENNETTE TOLD ME TO TAKE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA. TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN CHICO, CA ON DECEMBER 16, 2009 AND PROVIDED EXTENSIVE DETAILS ABOUT THE PROBLEM TO SERVICE ADVISOR GARY SWIETANSKI. THEY NOW HAVE THE VEHICLE AND ARE GOING TO CHECK IT OUT. HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT TOYOTA TOLD HIM THAT THEY STILL HAVE NO "FIX" OR CAMPAIGN TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT. *TR
Equipment, Dec 11, 2009
THE SOUND SYSTEM TURNS ON -- LOUDLY -- BY ITSELF. CANNOT BE TURNED OFF UNLESS YOU TURN OFF ENGINE. I BELIEVE DEALER WAS COGNIZANT OF THIS BEFORE I WAS SOLD BRAND NEW 2009 TACOMA, AND (CALIFORNIA) TOYOTA ASSURES MY PROBLEM IS BEING RESOLVED, AND I WILL GET A NEW WORKING SOUND SYSTEM, BUT ALL I SEEM TO GET ARE PROMISES. AS I STARTLE EASILY -- THIS IS A MOST DANGEROUS PARADIGM! *TR
Equipment, Dec 6, 2009
RADIO TURNS ON AND OFF ERRATICALLY, HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND IS NOW DOING IT AGAIN,NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN UNFORTUNATELY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 4, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEAR INTO NEUTRAL AND THE RPMS SUDDENLY INCREASED TO 4500. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 8636. UPDATED 1/4/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD THE TRUCK RUNNING IN PARK WHILE HE RETRIEVED HIS MAIL. WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE TRUCK, HE PUT HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PROCEEDED TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER FROM PARK TO DRIVE IN A DOWNWARD MOTION. AS SOON AS THE SHIFT LEVER ENTERED NEUTRAL THE MOTOR BEGAN TO RACE FROM 4,500 TO 5,00 RPM'S. THERE WAS NOTHING OBSTRUCTING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE CONSUMER QUICKLY TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. UPDATED 01/06/10. *JB SEE ALOS ODI 10325627 AND 10367974. *DSY
Vehicle speed control, Nov 30, 2009
WHILE SHIFTING MY 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA FROM PARK INTO DRIVE THERE WAS A BRIEF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHICH REQUIRED ME TO APPLY MAXIMUM BRAKE PRESSURE TO KEEP THE TRUCK FROM MOVING FORWARD. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED IN A SCHOOL PARKING LOT AND THERE WERE OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 23, 2009
WHILE IN CRUISE AT 70MPH ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY,VEHICLE SHIFTS DOWN FROM DRIVE TO SECOND. THUS REDLINING THE ENGINE.BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF TOYOTA AND THEIR ANSWER WAS,"VEHICLE IS OPERATING PROPERLY AND IS DOING WHAT IT IS DESIGNED TO DO". SO THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THEY HAVE DESIGNED A VEHICLE THAT IS DESIGNED TO SHIFT DOWN TO SECOND, NOT THIRD AT 70MPH. *TR
Power train, Nov 11, 2009
2009 TOYOTA TACOMA W/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AFTER DECELERATING BELOW 20 MPH TO ACCOMMODATE TRAFFIC OR TO MAKE A TURN THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE WITH TRAFFIC OR OUT OF THE TURN. THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO SEARCH FOR THE CORRECT GEAR FOR 2 - 3 SECONDS BEFORE RESPONDING TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WILL SOMEONE NEED TO DIE AFTER BEING STRUCK BROADSIDE TRYING TO COME OUT OF A TURN BEFORE TOYOTA IS FORCED TO RESPOND TO THIS PROBLEM? *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 7, 2009
ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2009, I WAS COMING OUT OF A STOP LIGHT AND THE THROTTLE WENT TO FULL OPEN AND STUCK. (2009 TACOMA - JUST A YEAR OLD) I AM A CONSERVATIVE DRIVER AND DO NOT GUN THE ENGINE. I WAS PULLING INTO THE INTERSECTION GRADUALLY AND HADN'T EVEN LET THE CLUTCH OUT ALL THE WAY YET TO SHIFT OUT OF FIRST WHEN THE THROTTLE WHEN TO FULL. (THANK GOODNESS I HAVE A STANDARD!) I BABIED THE CLUTCH TO GIVE ME JUST ENOUGH GAS TO MOVE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND STOP ON THE OTHER SIDE. I TURNED OFF THE TRUCK AND WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON, IT WAS FINE. THE ENGINE SMELLED AWFUL! I CHECKED THE FLOOR MAT WHEN I STOPPED BECAUSE I KNOW IT CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS AND I HAD A NON-CONFORMING MAT, SO I KEEP AN EYE ON IT, BUT THE MAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM. ALSO, I NEVER HAD THE ACCELERATOR DOWN VERY FAR AT ALL WHEN THE THROTTLE OPENED UP, SO I DON'T SEE HOW THE MAT COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO OPEN FULL, STICK YES, BUT OPEN FULL BY ITSELF? I DROVE IT THE REST OF THE WAY TO WORK (LESS THAN 2 MILES) AND THE SMELL BLEW AWAY AND ALL SEEMED OK. I HAD IT IN THE SHOP TODAY AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG AND TOLD ME TO REMOVE THE MATS. FINE, I CAN DO THAT, BUT MEANWHILE IT MAKES ME NERVOUS THAT IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE AGREED WITH ME THAT HE DIDN'T SEE HOW THE MATS COULD HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS BEING A GENERAL PROBLEM AND IN THE NEWS RIGHT NOW (I DON'T WATCH TV AND IF I MISS THE NPR STORY OR IT ISN'T FRONT PAGE, I MAY NOT HEAR THINGS). WHEN I FOUND OUT OTHERS WERE HAVING THE PROBLEM, I THOUGHT I SHOULD WRITE ABOUT MINE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 6, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE CONSUMER ACCELERATED THE VEHICLE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THE ENGINE REVVED SO HE SHIFTED IT BACK INTO DRIVE. RECALLING RECENT NEWS BROADCASTS HE THEN PULLED THE FLOOR MAT AWAY FROM THE PEDALS, AND THEN THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO A NORMAL STATE. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FLOOR MATS WERE NOT HOOKED ONTO THE CLIPS. THE FLOOR MATS ARE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ALL WEATHER MATS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6700. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6680.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 5, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLECAB LG BD. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING WITHOUT INTENTION. HE HAD TO EXERT GREAT FORCE TO REMOVE THE FLOOR-MAT, BECAUSE IT WAS STUCK UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. HE WAS ABLE TO REGAIN VEHICLE CONTROL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 23,000.
Equipment, Nov 4, 2009
RADIO IN MY 2009 TOYOTA HAS TURNED ITSELF OFF THREE SEPERATE TIMES WITHOUT EXPLANATION. VEHICLE HAS 10K MILES ON IT. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 3, 2009
2009 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 CREW PICKUP TRUCK WITH AUTO TRANSMISSION AND V6 ENGINE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY TO OVER 80 MPH, THEN LATER ON THE SAME TRIP IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I WAS ON A LONG STRAIGHT STRETCH OF INTERSTATE THE SECOND TIME SO I ALLOWED THE TRUCK TO ACCELERATE TO APPROXIMATELY 95 MPH AT WHICH TIME I STOPPED THE TRUCK AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I HAD DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL DUE TO A SLOWER CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND WHEN I ENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL RESUME FEATURE THE TRUCK ACCELERATED 15 MPH PAST THE PRESET SPEED AT WHICH TIME I TURNED OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AND REGAINED CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. THE SECOND TIME THAT IT HAPPENED THE TRUCK WAS AGAIN IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE AND WAS GOING UP A LONG HILL. WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL SHIFTED THE TRANSMISSION DOWN AND ACCELERATED TO MAINTAIN SET SPEED THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE PAST 95 MPH AND WAS ONLY STOPPED BY TURNING OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN. I ALLOWED THE TRUCK TO GET TO THAT SPEED TO SEE IF IT WOULD DISCONTINUE ACCELERATING BUT CHICKENED OUT AT 95 MPH BECAUSE IT IS AFTER ALL A TRUCK. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE SELLING DEALER, HE TRIED TO MAKE IT HAPPEN AGAIN WITH NO SUCCESS (TOLD ME HE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL UNIT BUT COULD NOT DO THAT UNLESS HE COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE CHANGE OUT) AND IT HAS NOT HAPPENED BUT ONE MORE TIME. 4 THINGS SEEM TO BE COMMON: 1. THE CRUISE IS TURNED ON. 2. THE VEHICLE IS ACCELERATING WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTS. 3. THE TRANSMISSION HAS AUTOMATICALLY DOWNSHIFTED. 4. THE PROBLEM IS HALTED BY TURNING OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL. I HAD THE DEALER DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM SINCE HE WOULD NOT FIX IT. I HOPE THIS INFO HELPS IN YOUR CONTINUING INVESTIGATION OF THE PROBLEMS THAT TOYOTA SEEMS TO BE HAVING. I AM NOT A DISGRUNTLED CUSTOMER, I HAVE PURCHASED A 2010 COROLLA FROM THE SAME DEALER SINCE THE INCIDENTS. *TR
Power train, Oct 22, 2009
WHEN RE-ACCELERATING AFTER A LOW SPEED TURN MY 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA REVS HIGH BUT DOES NOT GO ANYWHERE. AFTER A SECOND OR SO IT RETURNS TO A NORMAL RPM AND THEN IS IN GEAR TO DRIVE NORMALLY. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IF CARS WERE APPROACHING IN A FAST MANNER, THE TRUCK WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. *TR
Power train, Oct 22, 2009
1. NEW VEHICLE--PROBLEM BEGAN AT APPROXIMATELY 3000 MILES. 2. TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 SECONDS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AFTER MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH--TACHOMETER INDICATES ENGINE SPEED REACHES APPROXIMATELY 3000 RPM BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION REENGAGES WITH A JERK SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE REAR WHEEL SLIP ON WET ASPHALT PAVEMENT. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AT ALMOST EVERY INSTANCE WHEN I SLOW TO APPROXIMATELY 10MPH FOR A TURN. THIS PROBLEM IS APPARENTLY VERY COMMON FOR MY VEHICLE MAKE /MODEL--THERE ARE NUMEROUS POSTS ON VARIOUS INTERNET SITES UNDER THE HEADING "2009 TOYOTA TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS". THIS PROBLEM, IF NOT RESOLVED, WILL LIKELY CAUSE MANY ACCIDENTS DURING THE APPROACHING WINTER MONTHS. 3. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AT 4018 MILES (08/12/09)--SERVICE MANAGER TEST DROVE VEHICLE, REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM AND STATED "IF CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT IS NOT ON, THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE". *TR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 16, 2009
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK IN MY NEW (3 MONTHS OLD) 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. I WAS ABOUT ONE BLOCK FROM HOME WHEN I WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. AS I WAS BRAKING FOR THE RED LIGHT AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SPED UP ON IT'S OWN. I HAD TO PRESS DOWN VERY HARD ON THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR, BUT WHEELS WERE STILL SPINNING CAUSE THE BRAKES TO SMOKE. (I COULD SEE THE SMOKE IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK TO COMPLETELY STOP THE FORWARD MOVEMENT OF THE CAR. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN AT VERY HIGH RPM. I THEN SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN IN PARK, THE ENGINE AGAIN RACED UP MUCH HIGHER THAN NORMAL. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AGAIN AND RESTARTED AND EVERY THING WAS NORMAL. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AS I FELT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. PRIOR IT BEING TOWED I CHECKED THE GAS PEDAL AND THEIR WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS AROUND IT. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY FAULT CODES OR STICKING LINKAGE ETC. THEY ALSO TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE. THE SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED I ACCIDENTALLY PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE, WHICH I TRULY BELIEVE IS NOT THE CASE HERE. I SAW OTHER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET SIMILAR TO THIS FOR THE TACOMA SO I FELT COMPELLED TO NOTIFY YOU. KINDLY REQUEST THAT YOU LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AS SOMEONE COULD EVENTUALLY GET SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. NOTE: I WAS NOT USING CRUISE CONTROL AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. *TR SEE ALSO 10329722 *DSY
Power train, Oct 16, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE FAILED. HE THEN ADDED THAT THERE WAS NOT AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE SOFTWARE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER ON 10/16/09 AND WAS TOLD THAT HE WOULD RECEIVE A RESPONSE WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,100. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000.