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, Oct 2, 2009
THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION IS WHEN I SLOW DOWN TO GO AROUND A CURVE OR DECELERATE FOR ANY REASON IT DOES A HARD DOWN SHIFT AND THEN WHEN I PROCEED TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR THE TRUCK ACTS LIKE IT IS SEARCHING FOR WHAT GEAR IT SHOULD BE IN, AT THE SAME TIME THE RPM IS INCREASING (ENGINE STARTS TO RACE) AND FINALLY THE TRANSMISSION LURCHES FORWARD AND GOES INTO GEAR. IF YOU ARE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR CROSSING A BUSY HIGHWAY THIS IS VERY UNNERVING AND IN MY OPINION A SAFETY ISSUE AND AN ACCIDENT JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN. I HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK TO THE DEALER TWICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NEW TECHNOLOGY AND THAT I HAD TO GET USED TO IT. *TR
Equipment, Oct 2, 2009
AUDIO SYSTEM ACTIVATES UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE DRIVING. UNPREDICTABLE ACTIVATION. INABILITY TO CONTROL DEVICE, DISTRACTING DRIVERS OR SURPRISING OPERATORS WITHOUT WARNING. VOLUME UNCONTROLLABLE. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 1, 2009
ON THREE OCCASIONS MY 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED. *TR
Power train, Oct 1, 2009
I PURCHASED A 2009 TACOMA DOUBLE CAB SR5 4X4 AUTO IN JUNE OF 2009. IT NOW HAS 9000KMS. EVER SINCE NEW I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS STRANGELY AND SOMEWHAT UNPREDICTABLY. WHEN I AM DRIVING AT APPROX 18KM/H AND PRESS THE ACCELERATOR (TO ACCELERATE OR CONTINUE SAME SPEED) THE TRUCK USUALLY DROPS INTO 1ST GEAR AND STAYS THERE FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE GOING BACK INTO SECOND GEAR. THIS CAUSES A "LURCHING" AS IT SHOULD NOT BE JUMPING TO 1ST. IT IS VERY NOTICEABLE AND I HAVE DRIVEN MANY, MANY AUTOMATICS, INCLUDING TOYOTAS, AND THEY DO NOT DO THIS. I HAD A 2001 TACOMA BEFORE PURCHASING THIS NEW ONE AND IT DID NOT DO THIS. ALSO, WHEN YOU SHIFT THE TRUCK FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE, AND IMMEDIATELY PRESS THE GAS, IT IS ALMOST LIKE THE TRUCK HESITATES, THEN LURCHES FORWARD VIOLENTLY. SOMETIMES CAUSING WHEELSPIN. IT SEEMS LIKE WHEN SHIFTING TO DRIVE THERE IS NO POWER FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS THEN IT SUDDENLY HITS. THESE PROBLEMS ARE DANGEROUS AS THEY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD WHEN IN TRAFFIC THIS IS NOT SAFE. *TR
Power train, Sep 29, 2009
2009 TACOMA, 5 SPD. AUTO TRANSMISSION. SINCE THE FIRST DAY OF OWNING THIS CAR (NOW AT 2400 MILES) THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN YOU ACCELERATE AFTER SLOWING PROBABLY BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR (10-15MPH). THE TACH WILL GO UP BUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE AND YOU JUST END UP COASTING INTO A TURN OR MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. THIS POSES A DANGEROUS CONDITION DUE TO THE HESITATION AND SHOULD NOT BE AN ACCEPTABLE CONDITION. *TR
Power train, Sep 24, 2009
2009 TOYOTA TACOMA; BE AFRAID, DO NOT BUY IT AS IT HAS TRANSMISSION TROUBLES THAT TOYOTA WILL NOT LIVE UP TO. TOYOTA IS IGNORING THE ISSUE!!!! I PULLED OUT FROM A STOP WHEN THE TRANSMISSION HESITATED THEN CAUGHT JUST IN TIME FOR ME TO GET THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. I THOUGHT FOR SURE I WAS GOING TO BE T-BONED. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND HAVE YET TO HEAR ANYTHING BACK. I HAVE THIS TRUCK 6 MONTHS. I WAS SO EXCITED TO FINALLY OWN A HIGH END TOYOTA. SINCE TOYOTA "HAD" SUCH A GOOD NAME. I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THERE ARE NO GOOD VEHICLES OUT THERE TO BUY........ HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0DE869 HERE ARE MORE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS THAT HAVE BEEN RIPPED OFF BY TOYOTA. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE BEFORE THERE IS A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR A DEATH DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Sep 21, 2009
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2010 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN I SLOW DOWN FOR A RIGHT TURN (OR BRAKE FOR ANY OTHER REASON) AND THEN ACCELERATE, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO SLIP INTO NEUTRAL AND FAILS TO RESPOND FOR A SECOND OR TWO. THIS PROBLEM MAKES MERGING INTO MOVING TRAFFIC VERY HAZARDOUS. WHEN I WENT TO MY TOYOTA DEALER TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS "NORMAL" FOR THE 2009 AND 2010 TACOMA AND NO REPAIR WAS AVAILABLE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 16, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 95 MPH WITHOUT INTENTION. HE HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL TO DECELERATE. HE THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. A TECHNICIAN SPECULATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS EITHER A COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM RESET OR A FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 3,100. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. BL
Power train, Sep 14, 2009
TRANSMISSION SLIPS GOING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, THIS PROBLEM OCCURS EVERYTIME I ACCELERATE. *TR
Power train, Sep 11, 2009
I HAVE A NEW 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCK WHICH HAS EXHIBITED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS SINCE I PURCHASED IT. THIS IS NOT A QUALITY ISSUE AS MUCH AS IT IS A DESIGN ISSUE SINCE THE PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING IS WELL DOCUMENTED AND OCCURS WITH ALL THE TACOMAS USING THEIR NEW 5 SPEED ECT-I AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. HERE ARE SOME WEB SITES REFERENCING THE PROBLEM HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2009/TOYOTA/TACOMA HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0DE869 WHEN SLOWING DOWN AROUND TURNS OR DECELERATING FOR OTHER REASONS, THE CAR WILL DOWNSHIFT INTO A NON-RESPONSIVE MODE AND THERE IS AN EXTREME LAG FOLLOWED BY A LURCH FORWARD AS THE TRANSMISSION DESPERATELY SINKS WHICH GEAR TO GO INTO. I HAVE DISCUSSED IT WITH MY DEALER TO NO AVAIL. THEY RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM BUT CAN NOT DO ANYTHING TO RESOLVE IT. THIS SITUATION IS OF GREAT SAFETY IMPORTANCE SINCE THE TRUCK FAILS TO RESPOND FOR SAFETY AND AVOIDANCE MEASURES. *TR
Power train, Sep 10, 2009
2009 TOYOTA TACOMA,5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN AND THEN RESUMING SPEED, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE IN NEUTRAL OR SEVERELY SLIPPING. TOYOTA SERVICE STATES THIS IS NORMAL ! MAKES TURNING WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC IS VERY HAZARDOUS AS YOU DON'T KNOW IF THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE PROPERLY ENGAGED IN GEAR. ALWAYS HAPPENS AT 20 MPH OR LESS WHEN IN DRIVE. I HAVE ALSO HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM WHEN IN LOCAL STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, NO TURNING INVOLVED. *TR
Power train, Sep 7, 2009
WHILE USUALLY MAKING LEFT TURN, COMING OUT OF THE TURN, PUTTING ON THE GAS, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE BUT WILL REV UP TO APPROX. 2500 RPM'S AND THEN SUDDENLY ENGAGE AND LURCH FORWARD IN FIRST GEAR. THERE IS A DELAY IN POWER WHICH IS DANGEROUS IF CROSSTRAFFIC IS COMING. SAME SLOWING DOWN THROUGH INTERSECTION, THEN PUTTING GAS DOWN. *TR
Power train, Sep 4, 2009
PURCHASED 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA CREWCAB IN JULY 2009. I IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO NOTICE WHEN DRIVING THAT THE TRANSMISSION GEARING WAS NOT CORRECT. WHEN DECELERATING TO MAKE A TURN OR AFTER COMING TO COMPLETE STOP FOLLOWED BY ACCELERATION, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND STRUGGLES TO FIND THE CORRECT GEAR FOR THE SPEED THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING. *TR
Power train, Sep 2, 2009
I PURCHASED A NEW 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA IN MAY OF 2009. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION 'SLIPS' AND DOES NOT ENGAGE AT LOW SPEEDS AFTER SLOWING TO AROUND 10 MPH AND THEN ACCELERATING WITHOUT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I HAVE HAD SOME CLOSE CALLS WHEN TURNING LEFT AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT. I HAVE CARRIED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THEY SAY THAT TOYOTA HAS RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM AND IS WORKING ON A COMPUTER 'PATCH' TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I WAS GIVEN NO TIME FRAME TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I "GOOGLED" TOYOTA TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE SO PREVALENT THAT THERE IS A PRIVATE WEB SITE DEVOTED TO THIS PROBLEM. I AM WONDERING WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL? THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Power train, Sep 2, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR AND ALSO LUNGED FORWARD AT TIMES. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND ALMOST CAUSED HER TO HIT PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO DO. THE MANUFACTURER BACKED UP THE DEALER'S EXPLANATION. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,600. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161. BL
Power train, Sep 1, 2009
TRANSMISSION DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN YOU ACCELERATE AFTER SLOWING PROBABLY BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR. THE TACH WILL GO UP BUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE AND YOU JUST END UP COASTING INTO A TURN OR MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. BUT FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS I SEE THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH SOME 09 TACOMAS. YOU CANNOT PULL INTO TRAFFIC FROM A ROLLING START SAFELY. *TR
Power train, Sep 1, 2009
I DRIVE A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES/STICKS WHEN THE DRIVER ACCELERATES AFTER DE-ACCELERATING. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE TRUCK SLOWS TO A SPEED BELOW 15-20 MPH, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING A CORNER OR YIELDING. THE DRIVER IS PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR, TRYING TO GET OUT OF HARMS WAY OF OTHER TRAFFIC AND THE TRANSMISSION IS STICKING AND REVVING UP; NOT WANTING TO KICK IN AND GO. TOYOTA CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL - IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Power train, Aug 26, 2009
MY NEW 2009 TOYOTA PRERUNNER TRANSMISSION RANDOMLY SLIPS (DELAYS) WHEN GOING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. I FIRST NOTICED IT AT 150 MILES. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO ESTABLISH A DEFINITE PATTERN, EXCEPT IT HAPPENS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM SPEEDS BELOW 10MPH. I NOW HAVE 1500 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND IT STILL SLIPS RANDOMLY AND CONTINUOUSLY. I'M AFRAID THAT ONE DAY I'M GOING TO TRY TO ENTER TRAFFIC AND MY TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO SLIP AND I'M GOING TO HAVE SOMEONE RUN INTO ME OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. TOYOTA HAS TOLD ME THIS IS A "NORMAL" THING. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT. I WAS TOLD IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE COMPUTER/EMISSIONS/AND OTHER COMPONENTS, WORKING TOGETHER FOR BETTER GAS MILEAGE (WHICH BY THE WAY IS NOT ALL THAT GREAT) AND IT IS NORMAL. IN OTHER WORDS, NOTHING IS WRONG AND NOTHING NEEDS TO BE FIXED, IT'S SUPPOSED TO THAT. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION RANDOMLY SLIPPING IS NOT SOMETHING THAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 15, 2009
LIKE A GREAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE, I AM EXPERIENCING MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE RADIO IN MY 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE RADIO TURNS ON AND OFF RANDOMLY WITH NO INPUT FROM ME. IT ALSO SWITCHES BANDS (FM1 TO FM2, ETC.) OF ITS OWN VOLITION. SOMETIMES IT REFUSES TO TURN ON AT ALL. JUDGING FROM THE OTHER COMPLAINTS SCATTERED AROUND VARIOUS FORUM SITES ON THE INTERNET, THIS PROBLEM SEEMS PARTICULARLY PREVALENT IN THE "ACCESS CAB," WHICH IS THE MODEL I RECENTLY PURCHASED. THIS BIZARRE BEHAVIOR HAS BEEN HAPPENING FROM THE DAY I DROVE THE CAR OFF THE DEALERS LOT: THE RADIO--WHICH I THOUGHT WAS OFF-- SUDDENLY BEGAN BLARING AT HIGH VOLUME. AFTER ABOUT ONE SECOND, IT. TURNED ITSELF OFF AGAIN. IT WAS STARTLING TO SAY THE LEAST, AND I'M GLAD IT DIDN'T HAPPEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE RADIO EXHIBITS SOME KIND OF "POLTERGEIST" MANIFESTATION ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE. SO FAR TOYOTA'S RESPONSE TO MY PROBLEM ALSO SEEMS TYPICAL OF WHAT OTHERS ARE REPORTING. THE COMPANY (AND THE DEALER) APPEAR TO BE STONEWALLING AND STALLING. THE INTERNET IS RIFE WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE RADIO YET THERE IS NO SERVICE BULLETIN (PRESUMABLY BECAUSE THERE IS ONLY AN INDIRECT CONNECTION TO SAFETY ISSUES AND THE LAWSUITS THEY CAN BRING). THE SERVICE WRITER AT MY DEALERSHIP STOUTLY MAINTAINED THAT HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT I HAD FOUND COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE INTERNET, HE ATTEMPTED TO CONVINCE ME THAT I WAS THE VICTIM OF INTERNET HYSTERIA--AS IF I COULDN'T TELL WHEN MY RADIO WAS TURNING ON AND OFF WITHOUT HUMAN INPUT. IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT TOYOTA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM FOR THE BETTER PART OF A YEAR, THE SERVICE WRITER TELLS ME THAT "A TECHNICIAN WILL HAVE TO EXAMINE THE RADIO FOR DEFECTS AND GET PART NUMBERS AND SO FORTH BEFORE HE CAN MAKE REPAIRS." IN OTHER WORDS, I HAVE TO MAKE AT LEAST TWO TRIPS TO THE DEALER (25 MILES AWAY) TO SOLVE WHAT SHOULD BE A SIMPLE RECALL ISSUE, AND I HAVE TO HOPE AN ELECTRICAL GREMLIN APPEARS ON DEMAND WHEN THE TECHNICIAN CHECKS IT. *TR
Power train, Aug 12, 2009
IN DECEMBER OF 2008, I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA FROM HARR TOYOTA FOR ABOUT $30,000. THIS TRUCK WAS A 4X4 OFF ROAD, AND CAME WITH ALL OF THE EXTRA OPTIONS THAT COULD BE OFFERED. THE TRUCK INCLUDED A 36,000 MILE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY AND A LIFETIME POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. SINCE I TRAVEL OFTEN FOR WORK, THE TRUCK WOULD REMAIN GARAGED FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, AWAY FROM THE ELEMENTS OF THE WINTER. IN JULY, AFTER RETURNING FROM A BUSINESS TRIP, I STARTED TO NOTICE THAT ON THE HIGHWAY, THE TRUCK HAD AN UNUSUAL ODOR, AND WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THE SMELL WOULD GET WORSE. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN TO BE LOOKED AT BY HARR TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT, WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS IMMEDIATELY REFUSED TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO 'CORROSION.' HISTORICALLY, TOYOTA HAS HAD MANY ISSUES WITH CORROSION AND THE IMMEDIATE REFUSAL FOR COVERAGE SHOCKED ME. THEY CLAIMED THAT THE TRUCK APPEARED TO 'HAVE BEEN DRIVEN THROUGH A BODY OF SALT WATER' ' COINCIDENTALLY ON THE TRANSMISSION ONLY. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET TOYOTA CORPORATE TO REVIEW MY CASE, THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY CAME TO SEE THE TRUCK, AND DENIED COVERAGE. AS MY RESEARCH SHOWED, THEY HAD NOT ACTUALLY COME DOWN, AND HAD JUST SPOKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THE PHONE. ON THE NEXT ATTEMPT AT A TOYOTA INSPECTION FOR COVERAGE, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT I HAD TO PAY $441.00 FOR THEM TO TAKE THE TRANSMISSION DOWN, AND THEN COVERAGE WAS ONCE AGAIN DENIED. . AFTER NUMEROUS CALLS, AND INSULTING CONVERSATIONS WITH DEMEANING AND SARCASTIC CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVES, I HAVE GIVEN UP AND FEEL THAT TOYOTA MAY HAVE GOTTEN THE BEST OF ME. *TR
Power train, Aug 11, 2009
THE TRANSMISSION IN 2009 TACOMA 4WD V6 DOES NOT SHIFT DOWN SMOOTHLY AS THE TRUCK SLOWS DOWN INTO A TURN AND BEGINS TO ACCELERATE OUT OF A TURN OR IN A STRAIGHT AWAY. THE ISSUE IS PRONOUNCED IN SPEEDS OF 35 MPH AND LESS . THERE SEEM TO BE A DELAY IN RESPONSE WHEN ACCELERATING,. UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION RESPONDS AND THE TRUCK LURKS FORWARD . I CHECKED WITH THE TOYOTA DEALER , AND THE DEALER DOES NOT THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM . I CHECKED TOYOTA FORUMS AND FOUND OUT NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE THAT I HAVE . THERE IS FOR SURE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR THE SOFTWARE. MY TRUCK HAS ONLY 2700 MILES ON IT . ALL THE COMPLAINTS I READ REGARDING THIS ISSUE ARE LOW MILEAGE TRUCKS AND IT SEEMS TO BE AFFECTING THE 2009 MODEL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 21, 2009
WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND CROSSWALK WAITING FOR TWO PEDESTRIANS TO CROSS MY 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA SPORT BEGAN TO ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT WAS TO PUT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL - WITH THE ENGINE RACING OUT OF CONTROL UNTIL I MANAGED TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY OFF. MY VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 10K MILES ON IT. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE BRAKE ON HARD ENOUGH TO PREVENT HITTING THE PEDESTRIANS WHILE MY TIRES WERE SMOKING BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE REVVING. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 15, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT TURNS THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE REVS VERY LOUDLY. HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT A CRASH COULD OCCUR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO COMPUTER FAILURE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED A REMEDY. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY AND THEY SENT A TECHNICIAN TO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THIS WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,100. UPDATED 8/18/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO BE MISSING 1ST GEAR FOR A FEW SECONDS. UPDATED 08/21/09
Power train, Jun 30, 2009
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE 2ND GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING INTO A TURN OR COASTING DOWN A HILL. THE RPMS INCREASES BUT TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE. ISSUE OCCURS AROUND 10-12 MPG. DRIVELINE RUMBLES FROM 25-10MPH DECELERATING. DEALER SAYS TRUCK IS NORMAL. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment, Jun 15, 2009
THE RADIO ON MY 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA ACCESS CAB 4 CYL PICK UP RANDOMLY TURNS OFF AND BACK ON. IT ALSO RANDOMLY CHANGES CHANNEL FREQUENCY FROM SET POSITION, AND THE LCD DISPLAY SCREEN IS FILLED WITH UNREADABLE CHARACTERS.I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ON ALL TOYOTA MODELS AND TOYOTA DOES NOT HAVE ANY FIX AS OF YET. I WANTED THEM TO INSTALL A NEW UNIT AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED, STATING THAT ALL OF THE RADIOS WERE DEFECTIVE AND I WOULD JUST BE INSTALLING ANOTHER DEFECTIVE UNIT. THEY ADVISED ME TO CALL THEM BACK 4 WEEKS LATER TO SEE IF TOYOTA HAD A FIX YET. IT HAS BEEN 3 MONTHS NOW AND NO FIX. *TR