How many problems does the 2004 TOYOTA Tacoma have?

The 2004 TOYOTA Tacoma currently has 412 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2004 TOYOTA Tacoma?

The most common problems reported for the 2004 TOYOTA Tacoma are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2004 TOYOTA Tacoma problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2004 TOYOTA Tacoma comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2004 TOYOTA Tacoma Problems

STRUCTURE

146 complaints

The frame broke

Sep 18, 2025

Vehicle was taken to dealer with frame rust, crack and holes. Toyota refused to fix , repair or offer parts to repair.

Jan 30, 2024

Bought the vehicle in May 2022 from a dealer. By November of 2022 it was discovered that the frame was totally rusted. The dealer won't help so I paid $10,000 for a truck that lasted 6 months. I then found out this was a common problem that Toyota knew about so I called them for assistance. They would not help. I have been renting a vehicle at a cost of $800 a month because I don't have the money to buy another vehicle.

Mar 12, 2023

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The whole frame, the chassis, it is rusty specially in the front How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? when the rusty becomes worse, it will compromise the entire vehicle estructure, even the suspension and wheel parts. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, I can see Toyota run a recall process until 2019 Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, just regular shop service, on which they reported high damage for the suspension and frame parts. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?. It is making bad noises and suspension parts are difficult to replace

Feb 16, 2023

Frame is badly rusted as a result truck is not driveable..

Dec 06, 2022

+ 141 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

34 complaints

Lower ball joint detached, nearly caused major problems for me on the road

Apr 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the passenger’s side axle fractured and the wheel detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the ball joints. The local dealer was not contacted. On another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side axle fractured and the wheel detached. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the ball joints however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

Sep 16, 2022

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and making a right turn, the front passenger’s side tire and wheel inadvertently detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road, where he noticed that the lower control arm had detached from the subframe and was resting on the floor. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension) because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 250,000.

Oct 08, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE INITIALLY NOTICED THAT THE REAR BUMPER WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT BUMPER AND TOOK THE PART TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE THE BUMPER REPLACED. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED SEVERE CORROSION AROUND THE FRONT PART OF THE LEAF SPRINGS ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH MIKE ERDMAN TOYOTA (4650 FL-520, COCOA, FL 32926) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE PERFORMED OUT OF POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,000.

Feb 25, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 -40 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BALL JOINT FAILED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL LOWER BALL JOINTS, CONTROL ARM, BALL JOINT AND THE INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRUT ASSEMBLY, UPPER BALL JOINT, ABS SENSOR, AND PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE HOSE WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,201.

Oct 30, 2020

+ 29 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

23 complaints

The vehicle has an open recall (NHTSA Recall #12V542) for the spare tire carrier lift plate. I brought the vehicle to a Toyota dealership to have the recall addressed, but the dealership refused to perform the repair, stating that the frame is too rusted to proceed safely. They recommended a full frame replacement due to severe rust damage, which includes holes and significant structural weakening. Toyota has refused to provide a replacement frame under any existing recall or warranty program. This means the recall cannot be completed, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive. Additionally, I cannot locate a replacement frame for this vehicle through Toyota or the aftermarket, leaving no practical solution to address the safety risks. The refusal to honor the recall and the lack of available replacement parts put me and others at significant risk. The problem has been confirmed by the Toyota dealership during inspection, and the rust damage makes the vehicle structurally unsound. The unresolved recall, combined with the excessive frame rust, has created a double safety hazard that needs urgent resolution

Dec 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact had taken the vehicle to Kolosso Toyota (3000 W Wisconsin Ave, Appleton, WI 54914) to have his exhaust replaced. While there, he was informed that the entire sub frame was corroded with several cracks and holes had formed around both front leaf springs. The mechanic informed him that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the failure. Prior to the failure, the contact took the vehicle to another local dealer where the vehicle was inspected under NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension). The contact was informed that a special coating was sprayed onto the sub frame to prevent corrosion; however, the recall remedy failed to prevent the corrosion. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 51,641.

Mar 23, 2023

This vehicles frame has rusted and broken. I feel lucky to have made it home just as the frame cracked wide open on one side making the truck un-drivable. Had this happened on the freeway or somewhere out in a rural setting I may have been killed, caused a problem for other drivers or been stranded away from any help. I have sent a photo of the damage to a frame shop but an independent inspection is not, in my opinion, needed since the rusted, broken member is clearly visible to any lay person. There were no warning lights or anything associated with this problem. What I did feel was some serious shaking and bumping as I moved down the road toward my house.

Nov 24, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE SHOWED EXTENSIVE CORROSION TO THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PRIOR OWNER DECLINED TO HAVE THE CORROSION REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

Feb 07, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000(SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CUMBERLAND TOYOTA (1540 INTERSTATE DR, COOKEVILLE, TN 38501, (931) 272-3719) AND WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE DID NOT NEED A REMEDY AND WAS SAFE TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALER A FEW YEARS LATER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE SERVICED DUE TO THE CORROSION THAT HAD ACCUMULATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *PM*JB

Oct 16, 2019

+ 18 more complaints for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

22 complaints

WHILE IN REVERSE, IDLING SLOWLY TO A STOP TO PICK UP A HOT WATER HEATER, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PLUMBING SUPPLY WAREHOUSE, SENDING THE VEHICLE THROUGH AN OVERHEAD DOOR AND THROUGH EXPENSIVE HOT WATER HEATERS AND SPAS. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED INTO THE WAREHOUSE UNTIL IT HIT AN IMMOVABLE OBJECT AND STOPPED. THE THROTTLE CONTINUED TO HIGHLY REV THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE TO GET OUT OF THE WAREHOUSE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED AT HIGH SPEED ON THE WAY OUT, AND ONTO THE STREET. BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE THROTTLE RESUMED NORMAL SPEED OPERATION. NEXT DAY, TOYOTA DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE THROTTLE PROBLEM BECAUSE, BEING A 2004, IT DID NOT THROW COMPUTER FAILURE CODES. INDEPENDENT GARAGE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. EARLIER IN THE SAME WEEK, THE THROTTLE STUCK OPEN WHEN BACKING UP AT LOW SPEED, BUT I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING ABOUT IT OR THE SERIOUSNESS OF A FAILING THROTTLE. THE TRUCK IS NOW OPERATING AFTER REPAIRS.

Jun 20, 2018

Crash: 1

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE THROTTLE SUDDENLY STOPS RESPONDING FOR ABOUT 3-5 SECONDS, THEN RETURNS. WHILE IT IS UNRESPONSIVE, IT SEEMS TO RETURN TO A FULLY CLOSED POSITION AS THE VEHICLE STARTS SLOWING, THEN SUDDENLY REOPENS TO WHERE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS BEING DEPRESSED, AND QUICKLY STARTS ACCELERATING. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER WHAT TYPE OF ROAD I AM DRIVING ON OR AT WHAT SPEED. IT DOESN'T DO IT UNDER HARD ACCELERATION, ONLY NORMAL DRIVING. I SUSPECT IT IS THE THROTTLE BODY ITSELF THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM AS INVESTIGATING HAS TOLD ME THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE, ALL WITH A 2003 OR 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH A 3.4L V6. I HAVE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THESE TWO YEARS A NEWER DRIVE BY WIRE THROTTLE BODY WAS USED, AND WAS CHANGED TO A DIFFERENT DESIGN IN 2005 AND NEWER TACOMAS.

Oct 26, 2015

2004 TOYOTA TACOMA V6 3.4L 5VZ-FE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TOYOTA ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED THIS VEHICLE WITH A THROTTLE BY WIRE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION. TOYOTA ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DOES NOT DETECT FAULT THUS DOES NOT LOG ANY ERROR CODES OR ILLUMINATE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. OCCURRENCE RATE AND DURATION OF EVENTS IS INTERMITTENT AND INCONSISTENT. VELOCITY OF THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY DECREASES UNEXPECTEDLY AND MOMENTARILY AS IF FOOT WAS TEMPORARILY REMOVED FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. VEHICLE ALSO UNEXPECTEDLY AND MOMENTARILY DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED TO BEGIN MOVING OR SUDDENLY DECREASES SPEED WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD IN SITUATIONS SUCH AS CRUISING IN TRAFFIC, CLEARING AN INTERSECTION, CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS, ETC... OCCURRENCE RATE AND DURATION OF PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WORSENING OVER TIME OR WITH INCREASED AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *TR

Jul 25, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A TRAFFIC STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPED RESPONDING AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Jan 07, 2013

WITH STEADY PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY HICCUPS (AS IF FOOT WAS TAKEN OFF THE PEDAL) AND VEHICLE CHANGES SPEED AND THEN SURGES BACK TO ACCELERATE. I BELIEVE IT TO BE THE THROTTLE BY WIRE THROTTLE BODIES WHICH WAS PLACED IN THE TACOMA MODEL FOR 2003-2004 AND THEN LATER REVISED IN 2005-PRESENT. *TR

Sep 27, 2012

+ 17 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

20 complaints

I am writing to report a safety related issue with a 2004 Toyota Tacoma that I purchased from an auction on 12/21/2022. The vehicle has an expired recall that I believe has not been properly addressed, potentially affecting the safety of the vehicle. I have attempted to resolve this issue through Toyota's customer service and local dealership, but I have been informed that the recall is no longer active and will not be addressed. It has a Virginia rebuilt title. It failed inspection due to rust on the frame.

Apr 22, 2025

Bringing to your urgent attention a significant safety concern regarding a 2004 Toyota Tacoma owned by my brother, [XXX] , bought in 2004, which has severe frame rust affecting the vehicle’s structural integrity and safety. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this matter directly with Toyota, we have been unable to obtain assistance, as Toyota states the Customer Support Notice for this issue has expired. Given the potential risk this poses to both the driver and other motorists, we are seeking your intervention to address this pressing matter. In September 2024, while retrieving an item from under the truck, my brother discovered extensive rust damage on the vehicle’s frame. We promptly took the truck to Antwerpen Toyota on September 4, 2024, where a technician confirmed the severe rust corrosion and deemed the truck unsafe to drive. The dealership informed us that Toyota had previously issued a Customer Support Notice addressing rust issues on this model but explained that the program had expired. They recommended we contact Toyota directly for potential support or compensation to help acquire a safe vehicle. We reported the case to Toyota (Case No. [XXX]) on September 4, 2024, and have since been in regular contact, yet have only been met with repeated delays and dismissals. Toyota representatives acknowledged that a notice had been issued for this problem, but despite knowing the serious nature of the rust and its impact on the vehicle’s safety, they have not provided us with any solution. We have requested escalation to senior management, but those requests have not been honored. Toyota’s refusal to address this safety defect, even with our willingness to discuss options, has left us with no alternative but to turn to your agency for help. We understand that the notice has expired and that my brother was not the vehicle’s original owner. However, this issue goes beyond a typical warranty claim, as it concerns the fundamental safety and road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Nov 09, 2024

Took Toyota Tacoma (2004) to have loud sound coming from under truck checked by a reputable mechanic. Told that the frame was rusted beyond repair & leaf springs were about to fall out. Mechanic said vehicle was not drivable. The recall (which ended in 2019) was never received even though we bought vehicle new & have not changed address since 1998. Recall should be extended. Toyota should be forced to fix the problem and not on their timeline. The noise became evident approx. 5 months ago & got louder. The truck is sitting in our garage & could be taken to any interested party for inspection. Thank you

Sep 30, 2022

My frame is rusting out where rear springs connect to the frame. Truck is non inspectable for Maine. There was a recall at some point and I never got recall paperwork.

Jun 29, 2021

The entire frame has rusted from front to rear. Gas and brake lines have also rusted out along with many other parts. Can not find where to find a recall notice.

Jun 05, 2021

+ 15 more complaints for this component

STEERING

16 complaints

2004 Toyota Tacoma - 61K miles. Has had its Rack & Pinion replaced 3 times. Sounds like this is a common issue from Google searches but Toyota does nothing about it...

Oct 04, 2021

LOOSE STEERING. LOTS OF PLAY IN THE WHEEL, HAD TO HAVE THE STEERING RACK BUSHINGS REPLACED AT 48K MILES BECAUSE THE RACK WOULD JUST MOVE AROUND AND THE TRUCK WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. AFTER REPLACING THE RACK, SWAY BAR BUSHINGS, AND STRUTS @ 48000 MILE WITH NO OFFROAD DRIVING THE STEERING IS STILL EXTREMELY LOOSE. IS YOU HIT A BUMP WHILE IN A CURVE ON THE FREEWAY YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE JUST ALONG FOR THE RIDE WITH ALMOST NO CONTROL. DEALERSHIP ADVISED NO RECALLS AND TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THEY COULD NOT PINPOINT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS BUT STATED IT COULD THE RACK, THE STEERING SHAFT, OR BAD BALL JOINTS. I HAD AN 88 TOYOTA 4X4 THAT I JUST SOLD TO A FRIEND THIS YEAR, I DROVE THAT TRUCK AS HARD AS POSSIBLE OFFROAD AND NEVER HAD ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS REPLACE BUSHINGS AND SHOCKS WHEN NEEDED BUT NEVER FELT OUT OF CONTROL. TOYOTA NEED TO FIX THESE TACOMA STEERING ISSUES. *TR

May 05, 2015

POWER RACK AND PINION SYSTEM FAILURE, BAD SEALS IN UNIT, UNIT REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, FAILED AGAIN, AT 10K MILES ON JANUARY 14, 2014. *TR

Jan 15, 2014

LOOSE STEERING ON 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4. ISOLATED LOOSENESS TO UPPER STEERING SHAFT SPLINE CONNECTION. TACK WELDED SPLINE TO FIX PLAY IN STEERING SHAFT. MY STEERING HAD GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE SO AFTER A LOT OF EXAMINATION I FOUND WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE TOYOTA TO COME OUT WITH A REDESIGNED STEERING COLUMN. I HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ABOUT THIS WITH NO RESOLUTION FROM THEM. *TR

Mar 10, 2011

MY 2004 TACOMA HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE (AROUND 64,000 MILES). THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS VERY LOOSE AND HAS ALOT OF ABNORMAL PLAY. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES, VIBRATES, AND RATTLES AROUND ALL THE TIME AND BECOMES REALLY BAD ON ROUGH ROADS. WHEN THERE IS A SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROAD, TURNING A CORNER, BEING BLOWN AROUND IN A LITTLE WIND, OR TRYING TO AVOID OTHER CARS, THE TRUCKS STEERING IS SO LOOSE THAT I CONSIDER IT A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. I'VE DONE MY RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND NO RECALLS OR TSB'S FOR THIS PROBLEM FROM TOYOTA, BUT I HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM WHICH ALL RELATE TO A POORLY DESIGNED STEERING SHAFT ON THE COLUMN WHICH WEARS OUT AND RESULTS IN LOOSE STEERING. WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO RESORT TO THE ONLY KNOWN FIX OF WELDING THE TWO PARTS OF THE SHAFT TOGETHER. SOMEONE SHOULD REALLY BE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AS IT'S A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

Aug 20, 2010

+ 11 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

12 complaints

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact called on behalf of her mother who was driving approximately 45 mph when she lost control of the vehicle which resulted in crashing into a power pole. None of the air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to an insurance lot and currently was at a storage yard. A police report was taken and the driver sustained injuries to her face, and her dentures shattered but did not seek medical treatment at the time of the crash. The driver attempted to go to the hospital later but there was a 5-hour wait and was not seen. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

Jan 10, 2022

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHILE IN MOTION MORE NOTICEABLE ON ANY UNEVEN ROAD.

Oct 29, 2020

VEHICLE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON. AND IS STILL ON .TOOK THE TOYOTA TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST ON IT. SOMEONE CAME BACK TO INFORM I NEEDED NEW AIRBAGS. THEY SAID MOISTURE ENTERED THE AIRBAGS .MAY CAUSE THE AIR BAG TO MALFUNCTION. THEY NEW ABOUT THE TAKATA AIRBAGS RECALL .SO I ASSUMED IT WOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE.NO I HAD TO PAY THE BILL. SO I DIDN'T. WHAT CAN I DO?

Oct 22, 2020

TAKATA RECALL? I HAVE A 2004 TACOMA PRE-RUNNER 4DR. V-6. MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON APPROX. OCT. 2014 (50,000 MILES). ALL THAT I HAVE READ SO FAR IS THAT IT MIGHT BE A BROKEN "SPIRAL CABLE" WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL. ALL AIRBAG PROBLEMS I'VE SEEN ARE WITH 2005 & NEWER VEHICLES? AS OF DEC. 2015 (60,K MILES),I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT YET VISITED A DEALERSHIP TO IDENTIFY THE FAULT. *JS

Dec 30, 2015

I WANT TO CHECK MY VIN # TO SEE IF IT IS ONE OF THE VEHICLES AFFECTED BY TOYOTA'S DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS. *TR

Oct 20, 2014

+ 7 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

10 complaints

My 2004 Toyota Tacoma was part of the frame replacement back in the fall of 2018 when Bobby Rahal Toyota in Mechanicsburg, PA has by truck for over 6 months while they replaced my frame. It has been determined that my rear differential is rusted and is now to the point of needing replaced. For over the last year I have tried working with Bobby Rahal to come to and understanding on having this repaired due to the fact that my mechanic believes that this rust is in fact the same issue as the frame and should have been replaced when the frame was. All they will tell me is that the recall is closed and there is nothing they can do. Very disappointed in the fact that this was handled when it should have been. Now I am stuck trying to figure out how to pay for this myself. I have taken very good care of my truck for over 21 years and there is no reason for me to have to pay out of pocket for something that they should have taken care of during the recall. I don't have a lift to check the underneath of my truck, I trust when there is a recall that the dealership will do its job and fix everything safely and not put an unsafe vehicle back on the road and wait until a vehicle rusts completely through. Bobby Rahal was also inspecting the truck at this time so they knew the rear differential was rusted. My current mechanic said the Rear differential has been rusted since the time they replaced the frame and and has been for many years. It is irresponsible for Bobby Rahal Toyota to have not replaced the Rear differential axel knowing it was rusted and unsafe.

Nov 01, 2025

OIL CHANGED AT TOYOTA DEALER, MECHANIC DISCOVERED REAR DIFFERENTIAL LEAK. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PRIVATE MECHANIC AND DISCOVERED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL LEAK WAS CAUSED BY RUST TO THE BODY. THE 2004 TACOMA HAD ONLY 27,000 ORIGINAL MILES WHICH WAS BROUGHT NEW. WEB SEARCH DISCOVERED 20 COMPLAINTS AT LEAST ON THE DIFFERENTIAL RUSTING THRU. TALKING TO THE MECHANIC REVEAL THIS CAN BE A CATASTROPHIC EVENT ON A HIGHWAY WITH THE WHEELS LOCKING UP CAUSING FATALITIES. TOYOTA DEALERS CONTACTED PROVIDED NO HELP OR DID NOT RETURN PHONE CALLS. *TR

Mar 22, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 TO 60 MPH, THE FIFTH GEAR DISENGAGED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,000. UPDATED 04/02/13*LJ

Feb 26, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING 50 MPH OR MORE IN FIFTH GEAR, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY ENGAGE IN NEUTRAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CONSISTENTLY RECURRED IN COLDER WEATHER. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO DECELERATE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD ENGAGE BACK INTO FIFTH GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

Jan 23, 2013

EXTREMLY LOUD LIFTERS(VALVE NOISE). *TR

Jul 12, 2010

+ 5 more complaints for this component

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 complaints

FUEL TANK STRAP FAILED TANK DROPPED PUSHING SHIELD INTO DRIVESHAFT CAUSING METAL TO METAL GRINDING. THIS HAPPENED AFTER FILLING TANK AND DRIVING.

Jan 20, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK ONTO THE DRIVEWAY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ASHLAND HONDA TOYOTA (2301 LAKE SHORE DR E, ASHLAND, WI 54806, (715) 682-5252). THE DEALER ORDERED THE FUEL TANK AND SENT IT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME AFTER ONE YEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.

Aug 23, 2019

DRIVING AT 35 MPH, HEAR A DRAGGING NOISE AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR A SAW THAT THE METAL STRAPS HOLDING THE GAS TANK TO THE CAR HAD RUSTED THRU, ALLOWING THE TANK TO DROP DOWN TO ABOUT 3 INCHES ABOVE THE ROADWAY, CAUSING THE TANK TO DRAG THE GROUND

Sep 21, 2015

WHILE ON A SHORT SHOPPING TRIP I SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD RATTLING/BUZZING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. I DROVE TO MY LOCAL CAR REPAIR WHERE THEY NOTICED WHILE I WAS PULLING INTO THEIR DRIVEWAY THAT THE TRUCK FUEL TANK WAS BOUNCING DANGEROUSLY AND WAS ON THE VERGE OF FALLING OFF. BOTH THE FUEL TANK HOLDER ( A LARGE STEEL PLATE ) AND THE FUEL TANK STRAP HAD RUSTED THRU AND WERE NO LONGER SUPPORTING THE TANK. I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED IF THE TANK HAD FALLEN. ADDING INSULT TO INJURY, THIS VEHICLE WAS IN FOR A RECALL ON 2/13/12 FOR REPAIR OF RUST ON THE FRAME AT MILES 52449 ). ON 6/18/13 IT WAS IN FOR ANOTHER RECALL TO FIX RUST ON THE REAR TIRE CARRIER WHICH WAS REPLACED ( AT MILES 61103 ). AT NEITHER OF THESE RECALLS WAS I TOLD OF EXCESS RUST ON THE TANK HOLDER AND YET WITH ADDITIONAL MILEAGE OF 8612 MILES BOTH THE FUEL TANK STRAP AND HOLDER FAILED. THIS MISHAP COULD HAVE CAUSED A DISASTER. *TR

Mar 23, 2015

WHILE DRIVING ALONG I WOULD SOMETIMES HEAR AN UNUSUAL SOUND, A SLIGHT RINGING SOUND. WHEN I RETURNED HOME AND INSPECTED MY TRUCK I SAW THAT ONE OF THE METAL STRAPS THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK IN PLACE HAD RUSTED APART, AND THE BRACKET WOULD RUB AGAINST THE DRIVE SHAFT, CREATING THE SOUND. THIS IS ONE OF THE TACOMA'S THAT WAS RE-FRAMED AS PART OF A RECALL. IT APPEARS THE SAME DEFECTIVE METAL USED IN THE FRAME THAT WAS REPLACED WAS ALSO USED IN OTHER COMPONENTS. THE GAS TANK COULD HAVE FALLEN, DROPPED ON TO THE ROAD, OR SIMPLY EXPLODED, NO DOUBT KILLING MYSELF AND MY WIFE. I HAD THE GAS TANK STRAPS REPLACED AT A LOCAL GARAGE. I ALSO HAVE PICTURES OF THE BROKEN STRAP IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM. *TR

Aug 31, 2014

+ 4 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 complaints

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE TRUCK INSTANTLY BEGAN DECELERATING EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED. THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED AFTER TURNING THE TRUCK OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. THE PROBLEM RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE STOPPED AND WHILE DRIVING OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT MONTH. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE. UPON READING, AND INSPECTION BY A MECHANIC I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE THROTTLE SENSOR HAD FAILED, AND THE ENTIRE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS A RESULT. UPON RESEARCHING THIS I DID DISCOVER THAT THIS IS THE CASE THE '03-'04 TACOMA (I HAVE AN 04), FOR WHICH A THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR IS NOT AVAILABLE, AT LEAST IN THE U.S. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT WITH '03-'04 TACOMA TRUCKS. REPLACING THE ENTIRE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY IS AN OBNOXIOUS AND EXPENSIVE CONSEQUENCE FOR A FAULTY ELECTRONIC PART THAT PUTS VEHICLE OWNERS' LIVES AT RISK. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER!

Feb 25, 2016

2004 TOYOTA TACOMA V6 3.4L 5VZ-FE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TOYOTA ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED THIS VEHICLE WITH A THROTTLE BY WIRE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION. TOYOTA ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DOES NOT DETECT FAULT THUS DOES NOT LOG ANY ERROR CODES OR ILLUMINATE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. OCCURRENCE RATE AND DURATION OF EVENTS IS INTERMITTENT AND INCONSISTENT. VELOCITY OF THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY DECREASES UNEXPECTEDLY AND MOMENTARILY AS IF FOOT WAS TEMPORARILY REMOVED FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. VEHICLE ALSO UNEXPECTEDLY AND MOMENTARILY DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED TO BEGIN MOVING OR SUDDENLY DECREASES SPEED WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD IN SITUATIONS SUCH AS CRUISING IN TRAFFIC, CLEARING AN INTERSECTION, CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS, ETC... OCCURRENCE RATE AND DURATION OF PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WORSENING OVER TIME OR WITH INCREASED AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *TR

Oct 09, 2015

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, EXPERIENCED A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. THE STEREO, CLOCK, AND AUTO ALARM CEASED WORKING. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE DOME FUSE WAS THE WRONG SIZE AND REPLACED IT WITH THE CORRECT SIZE. FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT NOW THE STEREO NO LONGER WORKS. THE FUSE IN QUESTION WAS FROM THE FACTORY. *TR

Feb 18, 2008

HAVE A 2004, TOYOTA TACOMA, V6, 4X4. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND EVERY NOW AND THEN IT IS LIKE I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS BUT I DIDN'T! IF I STEP ON IT, IT IS FINE. *JB THE PROBLEM: IS THROTTLE BY WIRE THROTTLE BODIES ON 03 AND 04 TACOMAS. THE ACCELERATOR PETAL POSITION SENSOR ASSEMBLY HAS A SHAFT ONTO WHICH THE LEVER FOR THE ACCELERATOR CABLE IS MOUNTED WITH SOME RETURN SPRINGS. THIS SHAFT ALSO TURNS THE POTENTIOMETER. THIS LEVER (A PLASTIC PIECE) LIMITS THE TRAVEL OF THE ASSEMBLY, SO THE HIGHEST AND LOWEST RESISTANCES OF THE POTENTIOMETER ARE NOT ENCOUNTERED IN THE POTENTIOMETER. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE POTENTIOMETER CAN ALSO TURN IN THE ASSEMBLY, LOOSING ITS REFERENCE TO THE ARM AND LEVER. THEN THE RANGE OF RESISTANCE THAT IS POSSIBLE CAN BE CHANGED. IF IT TURNS TOO FAR ONE WAY, THE HIGHER RESISTANCE WILL BE SUCH THAT THERE IS NOT SUFFICIENT VOLTAGE SENT TO THE ECU TO INDICATE THAT THE PEDAL HAS BEEN DEPRESSED. CONVERSELY, THERE IS A POINT AT THE OTHER END OF THE PETITIONER WHERE THE FULL VOLTAGE IS APPLIED AND THE ECU SEES THIS AS A FAILURE AND CLOSES THE THROTTLE BY RELEASING THE THROTTLE CONTROL MOTOR'S CLUTCH. NOTHING HAS BEEN TO DONE TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE WITH TOYOTA OR DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC CAN NOT REPLICATED PROBLEM. SUGGESTED I REPLACE BRAND NEW THROTTLE BODY WHICH IS ABOUT $600. *NM

Nov 26, 2005

ALARM AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB PRERUNNER SR5 PICKUP. ALARM SYSTEM ACTIVATED ON ITS OWN AT 5:30 AM SEP 18-05 AND COULD NOT DISENGAGE IT. LOUD ELECTRICAL CLICKING NOISES EMITTED FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD AROUND THE ASHTRAY THAT COULD BE HEARD FROM OVER 100 FEET AWAY, EVEN THROUGH WALLS INSIDE A HOUSE (CLICKING/POPPING NOISE) LIGHTS FLICKERING INSIDE TRUCK. LEFT TRUCK WITH TOYOTA IN SAVANNAH ALL DAY MONDAY. (THEY HAD TOLD ME WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF THAT THEY WOULD CHECK THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR SHORTS OR FAULTS.) WHEN I PICKED IT UP I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK, AND NOTHING HAPPENED ALL DAY WHILE IT WAS THERE. WHEN I WENT TO GET INTO THE TRUCK, AND PUSHED THE BUTTON TO DISENGAGE THE ALARM AND UNLOCK THE TRUCK, THE HORN BEEPED 4 TIMES (INSTEAD OF THE NORMAL 2 TIMES) SO I WENT BACK IN AND TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER. HE REASSURED ME IT WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT, AND SAID SOMETIMES THESE THINGS HAPPEN, AND IT DOESN'T MATTER WHETHER THE HORN BEEPS TWICE, OR 4 TIMES, THAT AGAIN, THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I DROVE THE TRUCK BACK HOME TO CHARLESTON,SC AND 30 MINUTES AFTER I PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE ALARM WENT OFF ON IT'S OWN AGAIN, EVERY 6 MINUTES THE ALARM WENT OFF ON ITS OWN AGAIN SO I NEEDED TO DISCONNECT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AGAIN, IT WAS MAKING THE LOUD CLICKING ELECTRICAL SHORT NOISES AGAIN. CALLED TOYOTA HQ TO SEE WHAT WOULD BE DONE, AS THIS VEHICLE IS ALSO UNDER A MAJOR RECALL FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THEM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, EXPLAINED THAT I HAVE TRIED REPEATEDLY AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THEIR HANDS ARE TIED UNLESS I HAVE THE RECALL LETTER FROM HQ IN HAND. AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS LEMON AS IT IS OBVIOUSLY UNSAFE WITH THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT PROBLEM ESPECIALLY, AND NOW WITH THIS POSSIBLE MAJOR ELECTRICAL FAULT, DON'T WANT THE TRUCK TO CATCH FIRE AND BURN UP.

Oct 08, 2005

+ 3 more complaints for this component

TIRES

7 complaints

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma equipped with Toyo Tires, Tire Line: Open Country HT, Tire Size: 265/70/R16, DOT Number: CXLJA881918. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was taken to Walmart for the tires to be balanced and the wheels rotated. The mechanic informed the contact that the service could not be performed because the front tires were out of round, the tires belts were separated, and the tire beads were fractured. The tires were not replaced. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the tire warranties were not transferable from the previous owner. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 144,549. The tires failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.

Jun 18, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA EQUIPPED WITH BLACKLION TIRES, TIRE LINE: CILERRO, TIRE SIZE: 205/70/R15, DOT NUMBER: 5417. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE DRY ROTTED AND CRACKING ON THE TREAD AND SIDEWALLS CAUSING AIR TO LEAK FROM THE TIRES. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE AND THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE. THE LOCAL MR. TIRE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Dec 11, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES).THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NOURSE TOYOTA LOCATED AT 423 N BRIDGE ST, CHILLICOTHE, OH 45601 WHERE DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED AND WOULD CRUMBLE IF THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY DID NOT WANT TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES TO VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED CASE 1803261619 BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

Mar 26, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT WAS A FRIEND TO THE DRIVER OF A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA EQUIPPED WITH TOYO OPEN COUNTRY TIRES H/T/ TUFF DUTY TIRES, SIZE: 265/70/R16 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE AIR TO THE TIRE, BUT THE TIRE WOULD NOT REMAIN INFLATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER HAD TO CONSTANTLY REFILL THE AIR IN THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TREAD WAS SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A PIN HOLE IN THE TIRE THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000. THE VIN AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT PROVIDED.

Mar 13, 2017

I WAS INFORMED IN DECEMBER OF 2012 OF A RECALL ON MY 2004 TACOMA WHERE THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER COULD RUST AND FALL OFF. AS OF 4/24/2013 I STILL HAVEN'T BEEN NOTIFIED OF WHAT TOYOTA,S PLAN TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS. WHAT CAN I DO? *TR

Apr 24, 2013

+ 2 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 complaints

2004 TOYOTA TACOMA FRAME RUSTED THROUGH, HOLE YOU CAN PUT HAND THROUGH. TOYOTA NEVER ISSUED RECALL, CLAIMS CORROSION CAMPAIGN WAS OVER. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE, I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. TOYOTA SAYS I AM ON MY OWN FOR REPLACEMENT. FOUND ISSUE AT MY BROTHER'S HAD TO LEAVE TRUCK UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WILL ADD PHOTOS AFTER I GET BACK TO VEHICLE.

Jun 07, 2019

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA AND TOOK IT IN FOR AN INSPECTION OF THE FRAME FOR UNDERCOATING. THE BODY SHOP NOTED SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FRAME WITH SUSPENSION PARTS THAT ARE ALSO FULL OF CORROSION. I WAS TOLD THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THIS RUST ISSUE. I WAS TOLD IF THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH BECAUSE OF THIS RUST/CORROSION. I NEED THE MANUFACTURER TO TAKE CARE OF THIS FOR SOME REASON THIS VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS NOT RECALLED BUT THE BODY SHOP STATED THIS SHOULD HAVE HAD A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS FRAME DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF RUST THAT IS NOTED UNDER THE VEHICLE ON THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION PARTS.

Nov 14, 2018

PURCHASED 04 TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 4X4 ONLYNTO LATER FIND FRAME ROT BY THE SHOCKS AND WHEELS. I DIDN'T SEE THIS INITIALLY UPON INSPECTION. I THOUGHT THERE WAS ONLY SURFACE RUST UNTIL I HAD THE TRUCK ON A LIFT FOR INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED OF PERFORATIONS. NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WON'T PASS INSPECTION. DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT TOYOTA'S CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT ONLY INCLUDED 05-10 TACOMA'S. ALSO FOUND THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A WARRANTY EXTENSION BUT ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THAT EXPIRED. TOYOTA WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME SO NOW IT'S UP TO ME TO REPAIR THE FRAME, IF IT'S EVEN REPAIRABLE. HOW COULD TOYOTA PUT OUT A PRODUCT AND NOT STAND BY IT, OR AT LEAST COVER THE FRAME REPLACEMENT? TOYOTA REALLY NEEDS TO COVER ALL VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM REGARDLESS OF AGE OF VEHICLE AND THIS SHOULD NEVER EXPIRE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE COST OF A NEW FRAME IS ABOUT $5000, AND WITH LABOR, RUNS UP TO ABOUT $15K. TOYOTA NEEDS ANOTHER CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED AGAINST THEM ASAP!!!

Mar 27, 2018

THERE IS FRAME ROT ON THE VEHICLE WEAKENING THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. THE WORST AREA OF ROT IS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE REAR LEAF SPRING ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. THIS AREA ALSO HAS THE GAS TANK AND FUEL LINES AND REAR BRAKING LINES. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL. UPON DISCOVERY OF THIS HAZARD I NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLES RECALL HAD ENDED. I ALSO NOTIFIED TOYOTA CORPORATE AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. TOYOTA TACOMAS HAVE HAD FRAME ROT ISSUES WITH RECALLS THAT HAVE AFFECTED THE REAR BRAKES FUEL LINES AND TANK. I FEEL IT IS UNFAIR OF TOYOTA TO ADMIT AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND REPLACE FRAMES ON TRUCKS WITH THIS ISSUE, YET DENY ME BECAUSE I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF IT. HAVING A WINDOW OF TIME ON A RECALL THAT IS A HUGE ISSUE IS NOT FAIR. NOW I HAVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, THAT I AM AFRAID TO PUT MY CHILDREN IN, AND NO WHERE TO TURN.

Sep 24, 2015

UPON INSPECTION FROM TOYOTA ,FROM THE DEALER BERT WOLFE TOYOTA IN CHARLESTON, WV, THE FRAME ON MY TACOMA WAS FAILED. THE RESULT WAS PERFORATIONS FROM RUST. I HAD PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THE THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY TRUCK. THE LETTER STATED THAT IT NECESSARY TO BE INSPECTED FOR FRAME CORROSION, AND THAT THREE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES WOULD ARISE: 1) UPON THE PASSING OF THE CORROSION TEST AN ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT WOULD BE APPLIED AND A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE WOULD BE EXTENDED UNTIL THE TREATMENT WAS COMPLETE. 2) UPON THE FAILURE OF THE TEST (MEANING THE FRAME HAD CORROSION) THE FRAME WOULD BE REPLACED, AND A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE WOULD BE RENDERED. 3) UPON FAILURE OF THE TEST TOYOTA MAY REPURCHASE MY VEHICLE AT A PRICE OF 150% OF THE KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE. NONE OF THESE OUTCOMES WERE INSTITUTED UPON FAILURE OF MY FRAME CORROSION TEST. BERT WOLFE TOYOTA FAILED THE FRAME, STATED THEY WOULD REPLACE THE FRAME , BUT IT WOULD TAKE SIX MONTHS. THEY PLACED ME BACK IN MY TRUCK WHICH FAILED THE TEST, WITHOUT A TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT A) MY TRUCK WILL NEVER BE THE EQUIVALENT, ALL OF THE PARTS THAT WILL BE TAKEN OFF AND/OR REPLACED AND THEN REINSTALLED ON THE NEW FRAME, CAUSES FOR SAFETY CONCERNS. THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT SOMETHING WILL BE OVERLOOKED IN THE PROCESS OF REINSTALLATION. B) THAT THE PARTS THAT CONNECT TO THE FRAME OR LOCATED IN IT'S VICINITY WILL CORRODE EVENTUALLY CAUSING SAFETY CONCERNS. C) MY VEHICLE FAILED A TEST IN WHICH THE FRAME IS CONSIDERED UNSAFE, AND I WAS SENT OFF IN THAT SAME VEHICLE WITHOUT A PROVISIONAL REPLACEMENT.

Mar 28, 2011

ENGINE

5 complaints

I HAVE READ MANY, MANY OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE ARE HAVING THIS IDENTICAL ISSUE AND IS CAUSING CARS TO STALL OUT AND HAVE TO NEARLY REBUILD THE ENGINE. CYLINDER NUMBER 6 IS MISFIRING CONSISTENTLY AFTER 175,000 MILES AND TO FIX IT, THE HEADS HAVE TO BE SHAVED AND IS COSTING THE CONSUMER AROUND $4500 MINIMUM TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE STALLING OF THE ENGINE PUT MYSELF IN DANGER ON A PUBLIC ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENED.

Apr 08, 2017

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT 55MPH MY TRUCK STALLED ON ME TWICE DOE A SECOND. ALSO PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVE I HAD A HESITATION IN ACCELERATION AND ALMOST GOT HIT FROM A ONCOMING VEHICLE. THEY ARE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT COMES ON. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY COULDN'T FIN A ISSUE. *TR

Oct 27, 2014

CRANKSHAFT PULLEY THAT DRIVES ALTERNATOR HAS BECOME LOOSE AND MAKES SQUEAKING SOUNDS.. CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY COULDN'T HELP....WHAT SHOULD I DO SINCE A RECALL OF 4000+ HAS BEEN INITIATED FOR THIS FAILURE AND MY VIN NUMBER ISN'T INCLUDED?? *TR

Sep 30, 2013

LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE (V6 3.4) LEFT BANK HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING AND REQUIRES A REPLACEMENT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET, WITH A VALVE RECONFIGURATION, AT THE ESTIMATED COST OF $2,762.00. SINCE TOYOTA HAS HAD PREVIOUS VEHICLE RECALLS FOR V6 SERIES ENGINE/GASKET RELIABILITY ISSUES AND THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION ONLY HAS 51,559 MILES, WITH EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE, THAT THE CYLINDER GASKET HEAD LEAK MAY BE A PRODUCTION DEFECT AND OTHER OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR

Aug 01, 2013

AFTER THE TRUCK HAS REACHED OPERATING TEMPERATURE, OR AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AFTER IT HAS BEEN PARKED AND THE ENGINE IS STILL WARM, THE ENGINE LOSES POWER RANDOMLY WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. IT HAPPENS EITHER FROM A STANDSTILL, IN TRAFFIC, OR REACCELERATING AFTER CRUISING. MOST PREVALENT IN 4TH AND 5TH GEAR. NEED TO JOCKEY THE THROTTLE TO GET IT MOVING AGAIN. FLOORING WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO "BUCK" WHEN ENGINE REGAINS POWER. IT'S NOT DRIVABLE FOR ANYONE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THIS ISSUE AND I'M THEREFORE THE ONLY DRIVER OF THE TRUCK. I'M ATTEMPTING A REPAIR AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR THE SECOND TIME SINCE I COULDN'T RECREATE THE FIRST TIME. I SUSPECT WE TEST DROVE IT AND ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS WERE PERFORMED WITH A COLD ENGINE AND IT DOESN'T DO IT THEN. THE CONDITION IS GETTING WORSE SINCE IT STARTED DISPLAYING THESE SYMPTOMS TODAY WITH A COLD ENGINE FOR THE FIRST TIME. I CAN NO LONGER SIMPLY PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC LIKE I USED TO AND CONSTANTLY HAVE TO JOCKEY THE THROTTLE TO NOT GET REAR ENDED, SINCE THE SPEED DECREASE IS SIGNIFICANT WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IT SEEMS CURIOUS TO ME THAT THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS NOT TO HAVE HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE, YET IT SEEMS PRETTY COMMON SEARCHING FOR "TACOMA THROTTLE PROBLEMS." *TR

Jul 09, 2013

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

5 complaints

2004 TRD TACOMA TRUCK BRAKES NOT GOOD I HAVE PROBLEM WITH BRAKES SINCE I PURCHASE TRUCK. *TR

Oct 01, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FELT ROUGH AND WAS VIBRATING. THE CONTACT HEARD METAL RUBBING AGAINST METAL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND A BRAKE INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND THE REAR BRAKES FAILED BECAUSE THEY WERE IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED. THE CONTACT LATER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA AND THEY COULD NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE CONTACT INFORMED TOYOTA THAT THE REPAIR WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,500. UPDATED 01-11-08. *KB UPDATED 12/12/07

Nov 26, 2007

DECEMBER 16, 2006 - CLEAR SUNNY DAY, GREAT ROAD CONDITIONS. I WAS 40 FEET BEHIND A VEHICLE GOING 35 MPH WHEN A SUV SLAMMED ON BRAKES. MY 2004 TOYOTA PRERUNNER BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR AND MY TRUCK WOULD NOT STOP. AFTER HITTING THE SUV AND COMING TO A STOP, I RELEASED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL WENT BACK TO IT'S NORMAL POSITION. *NM

Dec 22, 2006

Crash: 1

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP COMPLETELY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER. *JB *ER

Feb 16, 2005

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED HESITATION WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AND WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL SUNK TO THE FLOOR. SHE THEN HAD VEHICLE SERVICED, AND WAS TOLD THAT WHAT SHE WAS EXPERIENCING WAS NORMAL.*AK

Dec 10, 2004

STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

4 complaints

Excessive Corrison through out the frame.Was informed bu certified mechanic really it is unsafe to drive. What can I do I still owe money on this vehicle.

Sep 19, 2022

FRAME IS RUSTY BEYOND USAGE. AS I ACCELERATE THE BED OF THE TRUCK FLEXES SO I CAN SEE IT IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR

Jul 18, 2019

MY 2004 TACOMA HAS ~127,500 MILES AND HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO FRAME CORROSION AND SPARE TIRE RETAINER CORROSION RECALLS. MY DEALER RECENTLY ADVISED THAT THE LEFT REAR LEAF SPRING IS BROKEN WHICH IS RESULTING IN AN UNPREDICTABLE RESPONSE WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IN 4WD IN SNOWY WEATHER. THIS LACK OF STEERING CONTROL IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I BELIEVE THIS FRACTURE IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE CORROSION ISSUES IN THE TACOMA FRAME AND SUSPENSION DESIGN ON THE TACOMA. TOYOTA USA HAS REVIEWED THE CASE AND IS UNWILLING TO COVER THE COST OF THE LEAF SPRING REPAIRS. THIS IS DESPITE AN EXTENSIVE RECALL ON 2005+UP TACOMA'S FOR DISTRESSED LEAF SPRINGS. *TR

Mar 29, 2015

I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP TRUCK. THIS HAS HAD A VERY BAD FOR A YEAR. THE OTHER DAY THE MOUNT FOR THE RIGHT REAR BROKE AND THE FRONT END OF THE REAR SPRING WAS RUSTED AWAY FROM THE FRAME. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM MY 1996 TOYOTA PICKUP HAD. THAT ONE THE BOUGHT BACK AND I NOW HAVE THIS ONE. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS PRETTY GOOD. THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ALSO RUSTED AWAY AND STARTED TO LEAK FLUID. THIS LEAK WAS UNDER THE RIGHT MOUNT OF THE RACK. THIS WAS ALSO FIXED BY ME. THIS IS MY WORK TRUCK AND PERSONAL WAY OF GETTING AROUND. THESE ARE BOTH VERY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEMS !!! I CONTACTED THE CEO OF TOYOTA, TOYOTA SALES IN CALIFORINA AND GIRARD TOYOTA. THEY SAID I SLIPPED THROUGH THE CRACKS AND I DID NOT GET ANY NOTICES !!! THEY ARE PUTTING TONS OF FRAMES ON FOR OTHER PEOPLES BUT I HAVE BEEN SINGLED OUT SOME HOW AND I CANNOT GET ONE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 20 YEARS !!! THIS WITH OUT QUESTION SHOULD BE A RECALL AND ALL ITEMS CONCERNED SHOULD BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR

Feb 26, 2014

WHEELS

4 complaints

While driving down the highway my front passenger wheel completely disconnected from the ball joint. There was nothing indicating that the wheel was even loose; no wobbling or shaking or grinding. Luckily the wheel itself slid under the frame of the vehicle and I was able to maneuver the truck off of the highway; a very serious crash could have occurred. Since that incident I have been witness to two other Toyota trucks suffering from the same sudden issue. One was a Toyota Forerunner of a similar year where its wheel had completely fallen off at the ball joint. Another was a 2004 or earlier model Toyota Tacoma. I was merely driving past these vehicles as they were off to the side of the road and saw that their respective front passenger-side wheels had fallen off in the exact same manner as mine had, with the wheels being dragged under the body / frames of the vehicles. I don't know if this amounts to some sort of defect in these model Toyotas but I find it highly suspicious that the front wheels are suddenly falling off of these vehicles while they are being driven.

Feb 01, 2022

IT'S THE TIRES I BOUGHT. THEY BFGOODRICH P255 70R 16 RUGGED TA. I EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THEM FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE. SAM'S CLUB MOVED THE BAD TIRES FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK. I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED,UNTIL THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AT THE SCHEDULED INTERVAL. THE PROBLEM WAS BACK. THE TIRES ARE STILL UNDER WARRANTY,BUT I'M GETTING THE RUNAROUND FROM BFGOODRICH ON REPLACEMENT. THE TIRES ARE CAUSING VIBRATIONS ABOVE 50MPH. MY VEHICLE'S STEERING AND RELATED COMPONENTS CHECKED OUT OK,RIMS HAVE SWITCHED,TIRES BALANCED MORE THAN 10 TIMES, WITH THE SAME VIBRATING RESULTS. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN CHECKED OUT AS FAULTY BY A FACILITY BFGOODRICH SENT ME TO. I'M GETTING THE RUNAROUND FROM BFGOODRICH ABOUT ACTUALLY GETTING THEM REPLACED STILL.

Oct 05, 2017

YOKAHAMA GEOLANDER HT GO65 275 70R16 TIRE (4ULJ) DEVELOPED A BULGE AFTER APPROXIMATELY 10K MILES

Sep 16, 2017

CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE TIRES ROTATED, AND DEALER HAD PROBLEMS GETTING LEFT FRONT TIRE ROTATED. DEALER STATED THAT WHILE THEY WERE WORKING ON LEFT FRONT WHEEL THE WHEEL BOLTS BROKE. *AK

Apr 29, 2004

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 complaints

MY PICKUP WAS JUST REFRAMED UNDER TOYOTA RECALL AT TOYOTA OF BEDFORD,OHIO. BUT,, THEY OMITTED THE SAFETY SHIELD UNDER THE FUEL TANK.. AKA ..GRAVEL SHIELD.. FIRST SAYING IT NEVER HAD ONE, THEN IT WAS MISSING, THEN IT DIDN'T COME IN THE KIT, I FILED A CASE WITH TOYOTA USA, CORPORATION # 1701033889 AS PER ALL SAFETY ITEMS WERE TO BE MAINTAINED OR REPLACED !! BUT I WAS DENIED BY TOYOTA CORP. SO I WILL HAVE TO PICK UP MY TRUCK UNDER PROTEST AS TOYOTA OF BEDFORD IS THREATENING ME WITH CALLING THE LOANER CAR IN AS STOLEN IF I DON'T TODAY ! SAID SHIELD WAS "RUSTY" BUT MOST WAS ON THE TRUCK WHEN IT WENT IN THERE, AND IM ON SOCIAL SECURITY (SMALL CHECK) WHICH OUR GREAT OBAMA CARE TAKES ALMOST FIVE EIGHTS OF & I REALLY CANT AFFORD THE $ 640.- THEY ARE ASKING JUST FOR THE PART ! I REALLY DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THE TRUCK WITHOUT THE SHIELD , SO IT WILL PROBABLY SIT TILL BETTER WEATHER & I CAN MAKE A SHIELD FOR IT..AND IT WILL BE STRONGER & LAST MUCH LONGER THAN THE PIECE OF "RUSTY TIN, " THAT THEY SAY FELL AWAY. SO AGAIN , IM PICKING IT UP UNDER PROTEST & WILL WRITE THAT ON THE BILLING STATEMENT TODAY 1/52017... [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Jan 05, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK AND SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 111,000.

Apr 18, 2012

SMALL ROCK WAS HIT ON A DIRT ROAD. IT PUNCTURED THE GAS TAKE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. GAS TANK WAS REPLACED. *NM

Nov 29, 2005

DT:THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL LINE CAUGHT ON FIRE O. WHILE STOPPING AT A RED-LIGHT HE NOTICED THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM BETWEEN THE CAB AND BED OF THE PICKUP TRUCK. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP HAD THE VEHICLE FOR NINE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED, AND IS READY TO BE PICKED UP. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS FROM THE FUEL LINE AND THE SEAL OF THE FUEL TANK.*AK

Nov 10, 2005

Fire: 1

SEAT BELTS

4 complaints

THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATBELTS HAVE LOST ITS TENSION TO RETRACT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT RELEASE.

Sep 07, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAL BELT RETRACTORS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Sep 17, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WAS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE HE WAS UNABLE TO LATCH THE BELT. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO WARRANTIES ON THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 22,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Feb 14, 2011

THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JB WHEN ATTEMPTING TO LATCH THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SHOULDER SEAT BELT, THE SEAT BELTS WOULD HAVE TO BE CROSSED OVER THE CENTER SEAT BELT TO BE USED. THIS APPLIED TO ALL OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS. IN ORDER TO USE THE LEFT REAR SHOULDER BELT, IT WOULD HAVE TO GO OVER OR UNDER THE CENTER BELT TO BE USED. *SC *JB

Aug 12, 2004

STEERING,SUSPENSION

3 complaints

I was driving home from a neighboring city after picking up a friend and on my way there on the interstate I noticed the back end of the vehicle was very loose. Upon arriving at my apartment and parking the vehicle I contacted a friend who was a prior state safety inspector, he looked under the vehicle and said the frame right where the shackle for the leaf spring on the driver's side had completely blown out and was no longer connected. Checked the passenger side and said it was connected by maybe 1/4 of an inch of frame. I was made aware of a safety recall that expired back in 2019 by Hailey Toyota and was informed they would not fix it for free. Neither myself or the original owner had every received documentation regarding this issue and was never informed that the entire frame had to be replaced under the recall/extended warranty. I have shelled out well over $600 in materials and labor to have my frame welded and patched with a kit specifically made for these vehicles and this issue and I'm still having problems out of it.

Oct 25, 2022

PURCHASED 2004 TACOMA FOR $18,000, FROM RIGHT TOYOTA IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ IN JUNE 2006, RECEIVED BILL FOR $25,000+!! SO MUCH FOR AGREEING ON A PRICE! I ALSO PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR $2200 (INCLUDED IN THE $25,000). WEEKS AFTER GETTING THE TRUCK I NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEEMED TO GIVE WHEN TURNING CORNERS. I ASSUMED I NEEDED TO ADJUST TO DRIVING A TRUCK WITH HARD SUSPENSION. UNFORTUNATELY IT PERSISTED SO I TOOK IT INTO CAMELBACK TOYOTA AND HAD THEM CHECK IT OUT. THEY ASSURED ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS IN TIP TOP SHAPE, I GOT THE FEELING THEY NEVER REALLY CHECKED ANYTHING OUT. THEY JUST ASSUMED THAT IT WOULD BE UNUSUAL TO SEE THIS STUFF BREAKDOWN, A VALID THOUGHT, BUT THEY WERE OF NO HELP. HERE IT IS NOW, A YEAR AND A HALF LATER, AND ITS JUST GETTING WORSE! SO I TOOK IT INTO EARNHARDT TOYOTA AND THE FIRST 2 VISITS THEY PERFORMED NEEDED FRONT END ALIGNMENTS AND TIRE BALANCING. THEY LOOKED AT IT RECENTLY AFTER ME YELLING AT THEM, AND TOLD ME THAT MY ENTIRE SUSPENSION SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. APPARENTLY MY LEAF SPRINGS ARE BAD ($1700 PURCHASE AND INSTALL), AND FRONT STRUTS ($650), AND REAR SHOCKS ($450) AS WELL! SO $2800 TO REPAIR A TRUCK THAT I PURCHASED DIRECTLY FROM TOYOTA NOT 1.5 YEARS AGO, AND EVEN PURCHASED A WARRANTY. THEY ASSURED ME THAT EVERYTHING WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THEY LIED. NOW I OWE $18000 ON A $14000 TRUCK! STEER CLEAR OF RIGHT TOYOTA, THEY TOTALLY SCAMMED ME. *TR

Jan 31, 2008

2004 TOYOTA TACOMA WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO WORN STEERING RACK BUSHINGS. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC (AND CONFIRMED AS PLAUSIBLE BY DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT), THIS WAS CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE LOWER BALL JOINTS. ALSO, THERE IS A CURRENT SERVICE/RECALL BULLETIN FOR JUST THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVES BOTH INSIST THE BULLETIN DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. THIS MAKES NO SENSE AS THE PROBLEM EXISTS. THE BUMPER TO BUMPER DOES NOT APPLY AS THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY 2K OVER. *JB

Apr 20, 2006

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

ABS ACTUATOR ASSY FELL OFF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS MOUNTED ON RIGHT REAR AXLE HOUSING, AND BANGED AROUND VEHICLE AND GROUND. VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE OK AND ASSY IS HELD IN PLACE BY WIRE. IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE? *TR

Nov 05, 2014

PARKING BRAKE SEIZED AT WHEEL HUB. *TR

Jul 17, 2013

LEVER ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE DRUM FOR REAL WHEEL EMERGENCY BRAKES RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS INOPERABLE (SEIZED). CONDITION HAS CAUSED REAR BRAKE TO BE PARTIALLY ENGAGED WHETHER PARKING BRAKE IS PULLED OR NOT. THIS WEARS OUT THE REAR BRAKE PADS VERY FAST, AND MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AN INCLINE. WILL NOT PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING DOWN HILL, NOR WILL IT STOP THE VEHICLE DURING AN EMERGENCY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE. IT IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING AS AN EMERGENCY BRAKE. *TR

Jul 07, 2013

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 complaints

MY 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA HAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH A LOSS OF POWER, I.E. WHEN I STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR, IT FAILS TO RESPOND FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME. IT IS A PROBLEM WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC, AS THE LOSS OF POWER HAS LED TO SEVERAL NEAR COLLISIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, WITHOUT A CLEAR CAUSE, ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. RESEARCH THROUGH AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE SHOP POINTS TO A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR. RESEARCH ON TOYOTA TACOMA FORUMS ONLINE ALSO SEEM TO SUPPORT THIS. THE ONLY VIABLE FIX SEEMS TO BE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE THROTTLE BODY, SINCE THE SENSORS ARE NOT AVAILABLE SEPARATELY. THIS COST IS OVER $1200, AS OPPOSED TO A $70 SENSOR. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, AND CAN HAPPEN MANY TIMES A DAY, OR BE ABSENT FOR WEEKS AT A TIME. THREE TIMES IT HAS RESULTED IN A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, WITH A TPS FAULT RECORDED (THE TPS AND APPS ARE READ AS A UNIT BY THE ECU). THE PROBLEM HAS NOT YET BEEN ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED. *TR

Jan 02, 2010

I PURCHASED MY TACOMA IN 2004 WITH 6000 MILES ON IT. EVERY SINCE I BOUGHT IT, IT HAS BEEN EXTREMELY HIGH ON GAS, ONLY GETTING BETWEEN 240-260 MILES ON A TANK. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. IT FEELS AS IF IT HAS A SKIP IN IT. I NOW HAVE 20,789 MILES ON IT AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY RECOMMENDED A FUEL INJECTION FLUSH SO I HAD THAT DONE BUT IT STILL FEELS AS THOUGH IT STILL HAS A SKIP. THIS IS ONLY A 4 CYLINDER MOTOR SHOULDN'T I BE GETTING BETTER GAS MILEAGE? *NM

May 30, 2006

HARD START WITH 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN THE DAY I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE STARTS RIGHT UP AND OTHER TIMES IT TAKES 3-5 ATTEMPTS AT STARTING. THIS NONCONFORMITY USUALLY HAPPENS AFTER ITS BEEN DRIVEN AND SITS FOR 1-2 HOURS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN FOR THIS INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEM 5 TIMES. WITH 870 MILES ON THE VEHICLE I BROUGHT IT IN AND TOYOTA SAID THE SPARK PLUGS WERE FOULED AND CHANGED THEM. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK. WITH 1500 MILES WE BROUGHT IT IN AGAIN AND TOYOTA SAID THE PROBLEM WAS THE ELECTRO MAGNETIC CURRENT INTERFERING WITH THE INJECTOR CIRCUIT. THEY REMOVED THE GROUND WIRE CABLE OUT OF THE WIRE HARNESS AND SAID THE ENGINE STARTED JUST FINE. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE THIRD TIME I BROUGHT IT IN WITH 9087 MILES. THEY PERFORMED A TSB EG042-04 FPN-8122-04052, 0P EG4016. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FOURTH TIME I BROUGHT IT IN WITH 9901 MILES THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS IN SPECIFICATIONS. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FIFTH TIME I BROUGHT IT IN IT HAD 11.700 MILES. TOYOTA REPLACED THE UBE SUB-ASSMBLY E. THE ENGINE STILL HAS PROBLEMS STARTING.*AK

Mar 23, 2005

STEERING,STRUCTURE

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION PERTAINING TO THE FRAME, WHICH AFFECTED THE RACK AND PINION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION AND THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.

Nov 02, 2018

WE ARE THE SECOND OWNERS OF A 2004 TACOMA, PURCHASED 4 YEARS AGO. IT CURRENTLY HAS 104,000 MILES ON IT. THE UNDERSIDE IS RUSTED OUT! WE JUST GOT THE LIST OF THINGS TO FIX THIS MORNING (RUSTY MUFFLER AND STEERING COMPONENTS NEEDING REPLACEMENT) AND ARE DEVASTATED. MY HUSBAND WAS TOLD HE COULD LOSE CONTROL OF STEERING AT ANY MOMENT IF WE DON'T MAKE THE REPAIRS OF $4000+. THE STEERING IS VERY LOOSE AND NOT STEADY. I OPENED A CASE THIS MORNING, BUT FEAR BECAUSE IT'S A 2004, THEY WON'T HOLD THEMSELVES ACCOUNTABLE. WHY WOULD THEY DESIGN A TRUCK THAT LOOKS GREAT ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT BECOMES A RUST BUCKET ON THE INSIDE? AREN'T THEY WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR TOYOTA DRIVERS AND OTHERS?

May 22, 2017

STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

WHILE DRIVING I HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. UPON SELF INSPECTION I DISCOVERED THE FUEL TANK STRAP HAD BROKE. I NOTICED ALSO THAT THE FUEL TANK SHIELD LOOKED LIKE SWISS CHEESE FROM CORROSION. I HAD A TIE DOWN STRAP THAT I WAS ABLE TO USE TO STRAP THE SHIELD AND TANK UP WITH. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF LOOKING TO REPAIR IT. I FEEL SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE TOYOTA SHOULD FIX IT FREE OF CHARGE. A FUEL TANK STRAP SHOULD NEVER FAIL LIKE THIS.

Jan 16, 2018

GAS TANK, TANK SHEID BRACKET HOLDING TANK UP ALMOST COMPLETLY RUSTED OFF WITH HARDLY HOLDING GAS TANK ON! MAJOR ISSUE!

Feb 10, 2017

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

9/8/2017, WHILE WORKING ON MY 2004 TACOMA I FOUND A 3 INCH AND A 1 INCH RUST HOLES IN THE FRAME NEAR THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. NEAR THE RIGHT WHEEL I FOUND A 1 INCH HOLE. ALL IT TOOK WAS A TAP WITH A HAMMER. HOW SAFE IS THAT?

Sep 08, 2017

I PURCHASED A USED 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 4 YEARS AGO IN NY. I MOVED TO MA 2 YEARS AGO AND TOOK TRUCK TO A CAPE COD TOYOTA DEALER AND ASKED THEM TO CHANGE OIL AND TELL ME IF THERE WERE ANY ISSUES I NEEDED TO DEAL WITH. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT THEY TOLD ME ABOUT THE SPARE TIRE RUST RECALL AND MADE THE REPAIR. WHEN WE PICKED UP THE TRUCK THEY GAVE IT A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH. THEY THEN SAID "BY THE WAY, YOU HAVE A TINY HOLE IN FRAME THAT MAY NEED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF AT SOME POINT-NOT URGENT." FAST FORWARD 2 YEARS- A GARAGED TRUCK THAT ONLY HAD AN ADDITIONAL 7,000 MILES. WE TOOK IT FOR THE MA STATE INSPECTION AND IT FAILED. THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NEW MUFFLER. WE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL CAPE COD MECHANIC WHO CALLED AND SAID THE PROBLEM WAS MUCH BIGGER- THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. WE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING. THE DEALER CALLED TO SAY COME PICK IT UP EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. HOW MUCH IS A LIFE WORTH? OBVIOUSLY TOYOTA DOESN'T CARE. HELP PLEASE!!!

Jun 10, 2015

STRUCTURE,TIRES

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS NOT OFFERED ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Apr 07, 2017

VEHICLE FRAME RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE IT WILL BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE SOON. VEHICLE IS FROM A "HEAVY ROAD SALT USE" STATE, BUT HAS HAD VERY LIMITED EXPOSURE TO SALT DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. MOST TIMES THE FRAME HAS BEEN RINSED WITH CLEAN WATER AFTER EXPOSURE TO SALT. TOYOTA'S VOLUNTARY REPAIR PERIOD HAS EXPIRED, YET THEY ACKNOWLEDGE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. IN ADDITION THERE IS A RECALL FOR A SIMILAR ITEM RELATED TO THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER ON THE SAME VEHICLE. *JS

Sep 26, 2013

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS

2 complaints

WHEN DRIVING HOME FROM HAVING THE TRUCK SERVICED, THE FRONT DRIVERS WHEEL BROKE AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. AFTER TAKING IT TO TOYOTA AND CALLING THERE HELP DESK, THEYE CONFIRMED IT HAD A LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE. AT THIS TIME TOYOTA WILL NOT HONOR THIS RECALL AND WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS.

Feb 10, 2016

Crash: 1

ON JANUARY 19, 2011 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:15 AM, I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ON A DIRT ROAD, CAME AROUND AN APPROXIMATE 90 DEGREE RIGHT HAND TURN HEADING DOWN HILL, SLID ON MUD OR ICE AND HIT A RUT. AFTER ALL WHEELS HAD PASSED THROUGH THE RUT THE VEHICLE DROVE UP AND OVER A SMALL RISE (BUMP) IN THE ROAD. AFTER COMING OVER THE RISE, THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DOVE INTO THE DIRT AND THE TRUCK CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. I TURNED OFF THE TRUCK AND GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO INSPECT THE FRONT END. THE RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM ... ??? ... WHAT EVER IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ATTACHED TO. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS PERPENDICULAR TO THE WHEEL WELL WITH THE INSIDE LEANING TOWARD THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE SEVERAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE VEHICLE TAKEN MOMENTS AFTER THE EQUIPMENT FAILURE. I'M GLAD THIS HAPPENED WHERE IT DID BECAUSE ONLY A FEW MILES FURTHER INTO MY TRIP TO WORK, I WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAVELING 75 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. AMEN! I HAD NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM TOYOTA CONCERNING RECALL NO. 50J. I ONLY ACCIDENTALLY CAME ACROSS THE INFORMATION WHILE SURFING THE WEB WITHIN THE PAST WEEK. *TR

Mar 15, 2012

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS CORRODED AND LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID WHILE THE LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORMED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. UPDATED 7/14/15*CN

May 18, 2015

MY 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA WAS RECALLED IN 2012. THE RECALL LETTER STATED THAT IN CERTAIN STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED TO MANAGE WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE POTENTIAL EXISTED FOR PREMATURE RUST/CORROSION OF THE FRAME. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS THEN DETERMINED THAT THE FRAME SHOULD BE REPLACED. SIX MONTHS LATER I NOTICED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING WAS LEAKING. WHY DIDN'T THE RECALL COVER THESE COMPONENTS, WHICH ARE LOCATED IN THE SAME GENERAL AREA AND SUBJECT TO THE SAME CORROSIVE CONDITIONS AS THE FRAME, LEAF SPRINGS, CONTROL ARMS, ETC., ALL OF WHICH WERE REPLACED? IF THE FLUID DRAINS FROM THE HOUSING AS A RESULT OF RUST/CORROSION, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE DRIVETRAIN TO LOCK UP, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, RESULTING IN AN OBVIOUSLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. NO REAL OPTIONS EXIST TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE ASIDE FROM REPLACING THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING, A REPAIR THAT COSTS SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT TOYOTA CHOSE NOT TO COVER THE REPLACEMENT OF ALL PARTS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO INSURE THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE IN LIGHT OF THE PREMATURE RUST/CORROSION ISSUE, NOR DID THEY RAISE THE ISSUE IN ANY WAY. I CANNOT IMAGINE HOW TOYOTA COULD BE UNAWARE OF THIS CONDITION. *TR

Apr 29, 2013

STRUCTURE,TIRES,WHEELS

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES). THE DEALER ADVISED THAT CONTACT THAT THE REPAIR COULD NOT BE PERFORMED DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUSTING OF THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. UPDATED 08/11/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. UPDATED 8/13/2014 *JS

May 16, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR WHEN THEY NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO BECOME SLIGHTLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STRAPPED THE FUEL TANK BACK ONTO THE VEHICLE AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY. THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER RELATED TO THE FRAME, HOWEVER THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THERE WAS ALSO A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V542000 (TIRES) BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S VOLUNTARY RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL, INVOLVING FRAME RUST. UPDATED 01/08/14 INVOICE RECEIVED 01/28/14

Sep 16, 2013

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS DRIVING 20 MPH AND COMPLETING A RIGHT TURN WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL ABNORMALLY WENT DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT TWO BRAKES LINES WERE FRACTURED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MECHANIC THEN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR FRAME CORROSION, AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM FRAME CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 12/4/13*CN

Sep 30, 2013

2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE LINE RUPTURE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE BRAKE LINE UNDER WARRANTY, BECAUSE THE FRAME CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO RUPTURE. TOYOTA INFORMED THE CONSUMER, A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2010, WHERE THE FRAME WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SPRAYED AND TREATED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. *JB

Dec 06, 2012

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES IN A HEAVY, WET SNOW, SHIFTER ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COULD NOT BE MOVED PAST REVERSE INTO PARK. PARKING BRAKE COULD NOT BE PULLED. BLOCKAGE OF BOTH COMPONENTS FELT QUITE SOLID. BECAUSE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE PUT INTO PARK, IGNITION COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF AND KEY REMOVED. VEHICLE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN LEFT ON A SLOPE WITHOUT A CHOCK BLOCK. AFTER SNOW FELL OUT/MELTED ALL SYSTEMS RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. *TR

Oct 30, 2011

#1. 2004 TACOMA DBL CAB TRD: I'M ON MY 3RD SET OF ROTORS AND DRUMS AT JUST 40,000 MILES. EACH SET OF ROTORS WARPED AT JUST OVER 10,000 MILES CAUSING THE EXPECTED PULSING AND BOUNCING. I'M EXPECTING THE 3RD SET TO DO THE SAME. #2. SINCE ABOUT 10,000 MILES, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A "THUMPING" WITH A CORRESPONDING JOLT OF THE GEAR SHIFT UPON FINISHING A BREAKING CYCLE. THIS ALSO HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY WHEN RELEASING THE FOOT BRAKE. SOMETIMES IT IS QUITE LOUD AND VIOLENT. I AM AWARE THAT ALL THE LATE MODEL AUTOMATICS DO THIS. THE FACTORY HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM BECAUSE THEIR "FIX" WAS TO DRILL A HOLE IN THE TWO-PIECE DRIVE SHAFT TO "VENT" THE TRAPPED AIR. THIS VERY TEMPORARILY SOLVED THE PROBLEM. AGAIN TODAY, THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THE "THUMP" AND TOLD ME THAT THIS IS "THE WAY THE TRUCK IS SUPPOSED TO OPERATE" AND THAT I SHOULD "CHANGE MY BRAKING HABITS". ON A 15 MINUTE TEST DRIVE IT PROBABLY DOESN'T SEEM TOO BAD. BUT I HAVE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ALL THE TIME AND IT IS VERY ANNOYING (AND THIS WAS NOT HAPPENING WHEN I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BEFORE I PURCHASED IT). PERHAPS THIS IS NOT A "SAFETY" ISSUE, BUT IT IS INSULTING TO BE TOLD THAT THIS IS "NORMAL". THEY MUST THINK I'M AN IDIOT OR SOMETHING. JUST BECAUSE ALL THE LATE MODEL TACOMAS DO IT, DOES NOT MAKE IT RIGHT! IT'S SO ARROGANT FOR THEM TO EXPECT US TO LIVE WITH THIS DEFECT IN DESIGN. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM IS RELATED TO THE SOMETIMES VIOLENT SHIFTS ESPECIALLY FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. #3. THERE IS ALSO A VIBRATION THAT COMES UP THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AT ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR. IT IS THE FREQUENCY OF THE DRIVE SHAFT, NOT THE TIRES. I CAN ALWAYS TELL WHEN I'M AT 40 MPH WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT THE SPEEDOMETER. *JB

Dec 21, 2005

PARKING BRAKE

2 complaints

PARKING BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON. VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH. BRAKES ARE SQUEALING. *TR

Mar 11, 2008

IT'S THE 5TH TACOMA I'VE OWNED. THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER IN EACH OF THE OTHER TRUCKS ALWAYS CAME OUT 4 INCHES FROM THE DASH. THE "ON" LIGHT CAME ON WHEN AT THE 3" MARK. THIS NEW TRUCK COMES OUT 11.5 INCHES, HITS ME IN THE KNEE, MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET IN AND OUT, ALMOST COLLIDES WITH THE STICK SHIFT WHEN ITS IN 1ST GEAR. THE "ON" LIGHT COMES ON BEFORE ITS PULLED A QUARTER OF AN INCH. THE MANUAL DIRECTS THE OPERATOR, WHEN IN STOPPED ON AN INCLINE, NOT TO USE THE CLUTCH TO HOLD THE CAR BUT RATHER PLACE THE CAR IN NUETRAL AND USE THE PARKING BRAKE. AFTER 26 HOURS OWNING THE CAR, IT ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY. AT THE TIME, THE CAR WAS IN NUETRAL WITH THE BRAKE ON TO THE EXTENT ALL MY OTHER ( 4) TACOMAS WOULD HAVE BEEN. THE "ON" LIGHT WAS ON. I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR FOR JUST A SECOND AND IT ROLLED AWAY. THE INSURANCE MAN RENACTED THE INCIDENT .HE AGREED SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT. AS THE CAR BEGAN TO ROLL DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, HE GOT BEHIND IT AND BEGAN TRYING TO STOP IT. I WAS ABLE TO JUMP IN AND STOP IT. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT. BEFORE I APPROACH TOYOTA, I WANTED HIS REPORT DETAILING HOW THE BRAKE FAILED. I'VE YET TO SEE IT. I 'M NOT COMFORTABLE APPROACHING THE DEALER, NOR TOYOTA, WITHOUT SOME AUTHORITATIVE BACKING. THE BRAKE NEEDS TO BE FIXED. THE BUMPER AND SLIGHT BODY DAMAGE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED . I WAS NEVER "WALKED THROUGH" IT AT THE DEALER. NOR DO I HAVE ANYTHING THAT SAYS THE PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED. I DON'T KNOW IF THE DEALER IS MANDATED TO WALK ONE THROUGH THE CAR OR WHAT IF ANY, INSPECTION IS SUPPOSED TO BE PERFORMED AND DOCUMENTED FOR THE CUSTOMER. WHAT IS IN PLACE TO ENSURE A NEW CAR IS NOT UNSAFE? I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE ANY RESPONSE YOU MAY DEEM APPROPRIATE. I HAVE E-MAILED THE TOYOTA WEB SITE TWICE IN AN ATTEMPT TO GATHER SOME INFORMATIONABOUT THE VERY QUESTIONS I RAISE HERE. THEY DO NOT APPEAR TO BE RESPONDING. THANKS AGAIN, I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. *AK

Jul 16, 2004

Crash: 1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

AT A STOP, VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE AFTER DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. 2 OCCASIONS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, AT CRUISING SPEEDS (60-70 MPH) VEHICLE WILL DECELERATE WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN PRESSURE TO THE GAS PEDAL. *NM

Mar 23, 2006

2004 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 WITH 3.4L ENGINE AND MANUAL TRANS. HAVING THROTTLE BODY ISSUES. THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR IS FAILING CAUSING THE TRUCK TO STALL FOR A SECOND AND THEN PICK BACK UP. TRUCK DOES NOT THROW A CHECK ENGINE CODE WHEN THIS OCCURS, SO DEALER HAS INFORMED ME ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THAT NOTHING IS WRONG. I WAS ALMOST RAN OVER THE OTHER DAY TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC WHEN THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!! WHAT'S IT GOING TO TAKE, SOMEONE GETTING SERIOUSLY INJURED OR A HEALTHY LOW SUIT FOR TOYOTA TO TAKE ACTION? *JB

Jan 01, 2006

SEATS

2 complaints

DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WITH A REAR FACING INFANT SEAT LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN THE CAB THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WILL NOT LOCK BECAUSE THE CHILD SEAT WAS PUSHING IT FORWARD. THE CHILD SEAT INSTALLATION STATION STATED THEY WERE NOT HAPPY WITH THE WAY THE FRONT SEAT WOULD NOT LOCK. THE CHILD SEAT COULD NOT GO BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT BECAUSE THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH ROOM. *AK

Aug 04, 2005

THE SEATS OF THE 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA HAVE HARD, PROJECTING LUMBER SUPPORTS WHICH ARE NOT ADJUSTIBLE. THESE PERMANENT LUMBER SUPPORTS PLACE ABNORMAL PRESSURE ON THE LOWER BACK OF THE DRIVER. AFTER HAVING THIS VEHICLE FOR A PERIOD OF SEVERAL MONTHS, I FELT LOW BACK PAIN WHEN DRIVING. REDUCING THE PROMINENCE OF THESE LUMBAR SUPPORTS AT A LOCAL UPHOLSTERY SHOP HAS RELIEVED THE PROBLEM. THE COST WAS $50 PER SEAT, BUT TOYOTA REFUSES TO REIMBURSE THIS COST UNDER THE WARRANTY OF THE NEW TRUCK. I AM AN ABIH-CERTIFIED INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST AND A BCPE- CERTIFIED ERGONOMIST ASSOCIATE. I BELIEVE THAT THESE NON-ADJUSTIBLE LUMBER SUPPORTS IN THE TOYOTA TACOMA CAN CAUSE PERMANENT INJURY AND PAIN TO THE LOWER BACK OF DRIVERS, BECAUSE THEY ARE SO PROMINENT AND NOT ADJUSTIBLE. NO OTHER TYPE OF VEHICLE HAS SUCH PROMINENT LUMBER SUPPORTS. I BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE ONLY BEEN INSTALLED IN THE 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA AND NOT IN PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THIS TRUCK. DRIVERS OF THE 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA MAY NOT REALIZE THE CAUSE OF THEIR LOWER BACK PAIN UNTIL IT CAUSES PERMANENT DAMAGE AND PAIN TO THEIR BACKS.

Feb 12, 2004

Injuries: 1

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

2011- check engine light was illuminated. Toyota dealership attempted repairs 11 times but could not find a cause. They replaced 7 different sensors, replaced gas cap, charcoal filter.. still could not get light to go off. refused to continue servicing same issue with no fault. Since 2011, I have had to run diagnostics on a regular basis to ensure there are no other mechanical issues. 2022- gas tank fell off of truck while driving. The straps snapped off due to rust and tank fell to the ground. This issue could have caused GREAT bodily injury or DEATH. 2023-lost brakes while driving. TOTAL brake failure. local mechanic stated it was a proportioning valve failure. The housing for it was rusted through and cannot be removed safely. After multiple days of research, a replacement could not be located. Even contacting Toyota, part is unavailable so vehicle CANNOT be fixed. Total brake failure could have led to GREAT bodily injury or DEATH. ONGOING-- vehicle frame is extremely rusted. bumper has fallen off, spare tire fell off, brush guard rusted and fell off. The frame under cab near bed of truck is rusted through. gas tank straps rusted through and tank fell off. You can literally push fingers/hand through the flaking metal. ALL previous recalls were completed including undercoating but the rust has gotten so bad the vehicle is not safe to drive.

Jun 15, 2023

WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

I was driving on a highway at the posted speed and suddenly the front right wheel broke off the vehicle and caused me to roll 6 times on the highway and I was wrongly accused of being at fault.

Mar 16, 2023

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) main fuse had blown due to a short circuit. The dealer replaced the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) main fuse; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded, including transmission components and fuel system components. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as unknown recalls had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Jan 13, 2023

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

2004 TACOMA FRAME SO ROTTED THAT UPON HITTING A LARGE HOLE WOULD FINISH OFF THE RUSTED FRAME. THIS TYPE OF RUST AND EROSION IS NOT FROM NORMAL WEAR.. THIS IS DUE TO THE MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE. THEY SAY THEY ARE AWARE OF IT.. BUT TIME LAPSED TO GET IT FIXED?? SO WHAT NOW I AM OUT $15K ON A 16 YEAR OLD TRUCK. SINCE WHEN DID RECALLS HAVE AN EXPERATION DATE??

Nov 27, 2020

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

PURCHASED 2004 TACOMA IN 2016. DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE SAID VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY FRAME RECALL AND DID NOT INFORM ME THAT IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY FOR FRAME RELATED ISSUES. SINCE PURCHASING VEHICLE I'VE ENCOUNTERED COUNTLESS FRAME RELATED ISSUES AND HAVE PUT THOUSANDS INTO FRAME RELATED REPAIRS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA IN 2018 ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO ASK ABOUT FRAME WARRANTY. TOYOTA SAID VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED. DID NOT LOOK UP VIN OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO VEHICLE. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AGAIN THIS YEAR TO SEE IF THERE'S ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE AS FRAME ISSUES WERE BECOMING SIGNIFICANT AND BEYOND MY FINANCIAL MEANS TO KEEP FIXING. TOYOTA NOTIFIED ME AT THIS TIME THAT THE VEHICLE HAD IN FACT BEEN UNDER WARRANTY BUT THAT NOW THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED 6 MONTHS PRIOR (WHICH WAS WITHIN THE TIMEFRAME THAT I HAD INITIALLY CONTACTED TOYOTA). TOYOTA TOLD ME THAT FRAME HAD BEEN UNDERCOATED WITH CORROSION RESISTANCE TREATMENT IN 2010 AND WARRANTY WAS GOOD FOR 10 YEARS (UNTIL 2020). BECAUSE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE FAILED TO COMPLY WITH A WARRANTY LETTER AND TOYOTA ALSO FAILED TO NOTIFY ME AS I WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER, I WAS NOT AWARE THAT I COULD HAVE HAD THE FRAME FIXED. WHICH I WOULD HAVE IF I HAD KNOWN. NOW BECAUSE OF NO FAULT OF MY OWN, THE WARRANTY WINDOW HAS CLOSED AND TOYOTA IS NOT WILLING TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. I STILL OWE OVER $3K ON A VEHICLE I PAID OVER $11K FOR AND HAVE PUT $4K-$8K INTO FOR REPAIRS. FRAME IS ROTTING FASTER THAN I CAN FIX IT AND IS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND INELIGIBLE FOR TRADE-IN OR SALE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS ESSENTIALLY WORTHLESS AT THIS POINT. FRAME BOLTS ARE NOW ROTTED, TAILPIPE AND EXHAUST FELL OFF JUST THIS MORNING DUE TO CORROSION, SUSPENSION IS CORRODED, BRACKETS ARE ROTTING OFF FRAME, FLAKES OF CORRODED METAL ARE IN PILES BENEATH VEHICLE- AND THESE ARE JUST THE MOST RECENT ISSUES.

Oct 19, 2020

STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TAKATA RECALL, I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA . ON NOVEMBER 2ND I WAS DRIVING HOME , WAS AT A 4WAY STOP, ONCE IT WAS MY TURN TO GO I ACCELERATED AS USUAL AND HAD MY TIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DETACH COMPLETELY FROM THE BALL JOINT CAUSING ME TO NEARLY WRECK MY TRUCK, IF I HAD BEEN GOING FASTER I WOULD HAVE, THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST SCARIEST EXPERIENCES I HAVE EVER HAD DRIVING! IT COST ME NEARLY 1000.00 DOLLARS TO FIX AND NOW I AM HAVING TO HAVE THE OTHER PASSENGER SIDE FIXED BECAUSE THE MECHANIC SAYS IT'S HAMMERED...I NOTICED THAT OVER 150,000 TACOMA'S WERE RECALLED DUE TO THIS EXACT PROBLEM, WHEN I ENTERED MY VIN IT SAYS I HAVE NO I REPAIRED RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE! WHICH OBVIOUSLY IS NOT TRUE, OR MY BALK JOINTS WOULD BE GOOD TO GO, I HAVE NEVER TAKEN MY TRUCK OFF ROAD OR EVEN HAD IT IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE, I HAVE NOT BEAT ON MY TRUCK I TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF MY VEHICLE, I FEEL THIS BALL JOINT PROBLEM SHOULD OF BEEN PART OF YOUR RECALL , I COULD OF BEEN SEVERELY HURT OR EVEN DIED AS WELL AS MY SON WHO WAS RIDING WITH ME, THANK GOD WE WEREN'T...I AM PREPARED TO TURN YOU INTO THE BBB IF I DONT GET A REASONABLE RESPONSE

Aug 15, 2019

SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 55 MPH, THE AXLE AND BALL JOINTS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S SON LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A DIRT DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY HI TOYOTA (14612 VALLEY CENTER DRIVE, VICTORVILLE, CA 92395, 866-405-5098), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,468.

Aug 13, 2018

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE FELL OFF, WHILE STATIONARY. I GRABBED HANDLE TO OPEN DOOR LIKE NORMAL, AND PART OF IT CRUMBLED IM MY HAND AND THEN FELL TO THE GROUND. IT COULD NOT BE PUT BACK ON DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THIS IS A HUGE SAFTY RISK OF SOMEONE GETTING TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE IF SOMETHING HAPPENED AND THE HANDLE FELL OFF AT THE MOST IMPORTUNED TIME, IT COULD EASILY CAUSE FATALITIES. WHILE SEARCHING FOR A REPLACEMET PART I MET SEVERAL OTHERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE FACT THAT TOYOTA IS CHARGING AND EXUBERANT ABOUT FOR THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY'S ($4251

Mar 14, 2018

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

VEHICLE HAS 113,000 MILES ON IT BUT IS UNDRIVEABLE BECAUSE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH.

Mar 13, 2018

STEERING,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN TONKO ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE INSPECTED DUE TO FRAME RUST. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF ALL RECALLS. THE LAST RECALL EXPIRED; THEREFORE, THE CONSUMER WAS INELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE.

May 17, 2017

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL ON ACCELERATION, THE THROTTLE DROPS OFF LIKE I LET MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL, THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY PER CUSTOMER REQUEST (ME) AND IT FIXED THE PROBLEM, ONLY TO HAPPEN AGAIN SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THIS HAPPENED ONE TIME AGAIN, A TOTAL OF 2 NEW THROTTLE BODYS WERE REPLACED, NOW A FEW YEARS LATER IT FAILED AGAIN TRYING TO PASS A CAR AND I ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE THROTTLE FAILED.

May 23, 2016

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

BOTH REAR AXEL SEALS LEAK GEAR OIL ONTO AND INTO THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS WHICH SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REAR BRAKES. THIS CONDITION BEGAN AROUND THE 60,000 MILE MARK AND WILL CONTINUE INDEFINITELY UNTIL THE GEAR LUBE IS ALL DRAINED OFF, WHICH THEN WILL MOST CERTAINLY CAUSE SEVERE POWER TRAIN DAMAGE.

Apr 15, 2016

STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE PARKED, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A HOLE ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE LEAF SPRING AND IT WAS NOT CONNECTED TO THE FRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME HAD RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.

Oct 16, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR'S ELECTRONIC LOCK SYSTEM FAILED. THE DOOR LOCKED ON ITS OWN AND DID NOT UNLOCK WITH THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS USED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, WHICH WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 1/19/16 LN; UPDATED4/16/18*JB *TR

Oct 01, 2015

STRUCTURE,WHEELS

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER REFUSED TO REMEDY THE RECALL DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECEIVED AN ANTI-CORROSION COATING TREATMENT PRIOR TO THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT WAS PERFORMED OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL; THEREFORE, NULLIFYING THE RECALL REMEDY TO THE LIFT PLATE FOR THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,876.

Sep 21, 2015

SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

THE OWNER FOUND A RECALL ON 2004 TOYOTA TACOMAS ON THE INTERNET. THIS RECALL SPECIFIED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE FORMULATION OF THE UNDERCOATING. THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT RESULTED IN THE RUSTING OF THE SUSPENSION, AND TIRE PLATE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY A TOYOTA DEALER, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE A-FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH, THE LEAF SPRINGS ARE FAILING AND ARE BOWED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, GAS TANK MOUNTS ARE RUSTED AND THE UNDER BODY OF THE GAS TANK HOUSING IS RUSTING THROUGH. TOYOTA DEEMED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE BUT REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE OWNER NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE BY MAIL DURING THE RECALL PERIOD. IF THE OWNER WOULD HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE HE WOULD HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR. THIS VEHICLE HAS LOW MILEAGE AND IF IT WERE NOT FOR THESE MANUFACTURING DEFECTS, COULD BE DRIVEN FOR ANOTHER 10 YEARS. CONTACT WITH ANY COMMON ROAD HAZARD SUCH AS A BUMP OR POT HOLE COULD CAUSE THE BOW SPRINGS TO FAIL, AND THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF GAS TANK RUPTURE, EXPLOSION AND DEATH.

Aug 14, 2015

SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

GOING 35 MILES AN HOUR THE VEHICLE WILL START TO PULL TO THE SIDE AND THE BALL JOINT WILL COME OUT ALSO THE ABS SENSOR CABLE WILL BRAKE AND YOU WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT A $2500 DOLLAR SPENCE FOR A TOYOTA MALFUNCTION IN THE SUSPENSION I HAVE A FRIEND IN CALIFORNIA THAT HAS ONE A YEAR EARLY MODEL THAN MINE A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA AND HE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS PROBLEM HAD HAPPEN TO HIM IN THE FREEWAY ABOUT 60 MPH TO HIM A HAD TO LEARN THE HARD WAY IF YOU HAVE A TOYOTA TACOMA PLEASE I AM WARNING YOU TO HAVE THE BALL JOINT REPLACE BEFORE ITS TO LATE THE NEW BALL JOINTS ARE WARRANTY FOR LIFE BUT I WILL CHECK IN TO THAT IF I STILL HAVE THE PICK UP IN FOUR YEARS

Jul 09, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

FROM A DEAD STOP TO ANY SPEED, IT FELT LIKE I NO ACCERATION. I WOULD HAVE TO FEATHER THE GAS PEDAL TO GET UP TO SPEED. I'VE REPLACED FUEL FILTER, 02 SENDER ( FRONT), MAF SENDER ,FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR ,CLEANED ALL GROUNDS, HAD FUEL PUMP TESTED , HAD HEAD GASKET CHECKED ,CHANGED SPARK PLUGS AND WIRE'S, CLEANED THROTTLE BODY AND PRESSURE CLEANED FUEL SYSTEM. EVERY TIME I CHANGE A PART OR DO ANY CLEANING , THE TRUCK WILL RUN FINE, FOR AWHILE , BUT THE PROBLEM RETURNS. I NOW HAVE 150K ON TRUCK ,AND I WANT TO GET 150 K MORE. I FELL THIS IS A EXTREMELY HAZARDS SITUATION. ALL I'M LOOKING FOR IS A ANSWER TO WHAT'S WRONG!!!! TOYOTA IS AWARE OF WHAT'S WRONG ,BUT THE DEALERS ONLY TO KEEP REPLACING PARTS ($) . THE TOYOTA FORUM S ON WEB HAVE 1000S OF ANSWER S, BUT, NOTHING DEFINITE. PLEASE HELP!!!!

Jun 05, 2015

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS

1 complaint

I WAS AT THE LOCAL TIRE SHOP GETTING TWO TIRES INSTALLED AND I NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT REAR OF MY VEHICLE WAS NOT LEVEL WITH THE LEFT. I ASKED THAT THEY DO AN ALIGNMENT TO EVEN THE VEHICLE OUT AND THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERLY RUSTED. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A CAMPAIN RECALL ON THI SAME ISSUE AND MY VIN WAS IN RANGE. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER PART OF THIS RECALL, THAT THEY DID NOT DO, SO MY FRAME WAS NOT COVERED. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE OF EITHER RECALL. I SENT A EMAIL TO TOYOTA AND THEY CALLED BACK WITH THE SAME RESPONCE "YOU NEVER DID THE ANI-CORROSION PART OF THE RECALL SO YOU DO NOT QUALIFY". I HAVE HEARD OF COUNTLESS PERSONS IN MY AREA THAT HAVE JUST PURCHASED THE SAME AGE VEHICLE AND HAD FRAME RUST THAT GOT THERE VEHICLES REPAIRED. IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH OR WITHOUT THIS CORROSION SPRAY WHY ARE ONLY CERTAIN VEHICLES COVERED. THIS SPRAY DOES NOT WORK AND THIS SEEMS LIKE A WAY TO GET AROUND REPAIRING VEHICLES. NOT TO MENTION I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES AND THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF WHAT ADRESS THE RECALL WAS EVEN SENT TO.

May 27, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOSES PEDAL RESPONSE DUE TO THE THROTTLE CONTROL MOTOR SHUTTING DOWN AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. THE ENGINE EITHER SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY OR THE BECOMES VERY JERKY AND CANNOT SUSTAIN AN IDLE. INCIDENTS BEGAN TO OCCUR AROUND 95,000 MILES ODO BUT STOPPED FOR SEVERAL YEARS AFTER A MECHANIC WORKED ON THE VEHICLE AND SAID THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. MORE RECENTLY THE TRUCK HAS AGAIN BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE: LOSS OF PEDAL RESPONSE, AND IN ADDITION IT NOW SHUTS THE ENGINE DOWN AND THE GAUGES SHOOT UP TO THE TOP OF THE CHARTS AND TICK UNRESPONSIVELY UNTIL THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES NOW IN TRAFFIC AND ALONG THE ROADWAY WHERE THE TRUCK BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE AND IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE SAFELY OFF OF THE ROADWAY. *TR

Jan 27, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING AT A NORMAL SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY. THE GAS PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. I HAD TO PUSH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER TO GET UP TO SPEED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD TROUBLE SWITCHING BETWEEN GEARS. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. THE CODE THAT HAS COME UP IS TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH I HAVE TWO SEPARATE TIMES, BUT AGAIN THE NEW REPLACEMENT PART IS QUOTED AT $1000. *TR

Jan 05, 2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WAS IN PARKING LOT OF STORE. STARTED ENGINE AND PUT IN GEAR AND VEHICLE SHOT FORWARD AND IT SEEMED AS IF I HAD NO CONTROL OF IT SIDESWIPING ANOTHER VEHICLE AND HEADED FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT I WAS ABOUT TO BROADSIDE WHEN I WAS ABLE TO STOP MY VEHICLE. WAS ABLE TO GET VEHICLE HOME WHICH WAS A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY BUT AM NOW TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT. NOTIFIED INSURANCE COMPANY. I CALLED DEALERSHIP WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BUT UNABLE TO SPEAK TO ANYONE. LEFT MESSAGE BUT NO ONE HAS RETURNED MY CALL. *TR

Dec 23, 2014

Crash: 1

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE IDLING AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,200. UPDATED 12/30/14*LJ UPDATED 05/26/2015 *JS

Nov 12, 2014

Crash: 1

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

2004 TOYOTA TACOMA V6 3.4L 5VZ-FE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. TOYOTA ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED THIS VEHICLE WITH A THROTTLE BY WIRE SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY DOES NOT RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION. TOYOTA ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DOES NOT DETECT FAULT THUS DOES NOT LOG ANY ERROR CODES OR ILLUMINATE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. OCCURRENCE RATE AND DURATION OF EVENTS IS INTERMITTENT AND INCONSISTENT. VELOCITY OF THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY DECREASES UNEXPECTEDLY AND MOMENTARILY AS IF FOOT WAS TEMPORARILY REMOVED FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. VEHICLE ALSO UNEXPECTEDLY AND MOMENTARILY DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED TO BEGIN MOVING OR SUDDENLY DECREASES SPEED WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD IN SITUATIONS SUCH AS CRUISING IN TRAFFIC, CLEARING AN INTERSECTION, CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS, ETC... OCCURRENCE RATE AND DURATION OF PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WORSENING OVER TIME OR WITH INCREASED AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *TR

Sep 02, 2014

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, I WAS REAR-ENDED BY A VEHICLE. I HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AND THAT VEHICLE HIT THE ONE IN FRONT OF IT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY PASSENGER'S HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD EVEN THOUGH SHE WAS WEARING A SEATBELT (THE INTERIOR DESIGN REQUIRED ME TO HAVE THE SEAT POSITIONED QUITE CLOSE TO THE WINDSHIELD). *TR

May 13, 2014

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

FRAME IS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST JUST IN FRONT OF REAR AXLE ON BOTH SIDES OF VEHICLE. ABOUT A 1.5" X 6" HOLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE WITH A FRACTURE OF ABOUT 12" GOING TOWARD REAR AXLE. PASSENGER SIDE HAS A FRACTURE ABOUT 18" LONG IN SAME AREA. REAR SUSPENSION MOUNTS AND SPRINGS ARE COMPROMISED. TOYOTA HAD A PROGRAM TO DEAL WITH ISSUE BUT DEADLINE HAD PASSED BY THE TIME I PURCHASED VEHICLE. DEALER TOLD ME TOYOTA HAD CHECKED OUT FRAME ISSUE AND IT PASSED. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA I WAS MISINFORMED. TOYOTA WILL NOT FIX WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT I NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEAL WITH PROPERLY. BODY AND BED ARE RUST FREE AND IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I PAID 11,700 FOR THE TRUCK WITH 88,000 MI., HAVE OWNED IT FOR ONE YEAR AND PUT APPROX. 9,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES TOTALED. *TR

May 07, 2014

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY TRUCK HAS COMPLETELY LOST POWER. A FEW TIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC RESULTING IN ME ALMOST BEING HUNG OUT IN A BUSY INTERSECTION. WHEN I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL, IT STARTS TO MOVE FORWARD, THEN SUDDENLY LOSES POWER. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS SOMEWHERE IN THE THROTTLE BODY. I ALSO GET SOME HESITATION WHEN LIGHTLY HITTING THE ACCELERATOR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *JB

Sep 04, 2013

SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

DECEMBER 26, 2013- GOING EAST ON WARNER RD. AT 45 MILES PER HOUR FROM KYRENE AND WARNER. MINIMAL TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD. AT WARNER AND BULLMOOSE A CAR DID NOT STOP AT THE STOP SIGN AT BULLMOOSE TO PULL OUT ONTO WARNER. I HIT THE CAMARO, T-BONED HIM. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF, MY SEAT BELT TIGHTENED, THEN POPPED OFF OF ME AT SOME POINT DURING THE CRASH. I JUST KNOW THAT WHEN I STOPPED AND PULLED OVER MY SEAT BELT WAS OFF. THAT CONCERNED ME A LOT. THAT WAS THE FIRST THING I NOTICED WHEN I CAME TO A STOP! THE GENTLEMAN THAT I HIT SAID IT WAS HIS FAULT AND HE HAD A BROKEN RIB, BUT OTHER THAN THAT SAID HE WAS OKAY. I HURT AND WAS BRUISED ACROSS MY SHOULDER BLADE, AND CHEST. I HAD MY TOYOTA TACOMA TOWED TO POWER COLLISION CENTER THAT TOYOTA USES. I WENT INTO TO THEM AND TOLD THEM MY CONCERNS ABOUT THE SEAT BELT POPPING. THEY SAID THEY DID NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, THAT MAYBE MY SWEATER WAS CAUGHT UP IN IT. FIRST OF ALL, I WAS NOT WEARING A SWEATER! AND I AM VERY STRICT ABOUT MY SEAT BELT AND OTHERS IN MY VEHICLE THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY SEAT BELTED! AT TIMES THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I THINK JUST TO HUMOR ME THEY REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT. THEN HE SAID THEY GET WORN WITH BEING CONNECTED AND UNCONNECTED MANY TIMES. MY QUESTION IS WHY DO WE NOT KNOW THAT WE SHOULD REPLACE OUR SEAT BELTS, LIKE WE DO OUR TIRES. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY SEAT BELTS IN MY TOYOTA TACOMA. *TR

Aug 08, 2013

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE FRAME. AFTER HAVING THE REPAIRS COMPLETED, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. *TR UPDATED 6/17/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE 02 SENSOR WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS ALSO REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE SHROUD THAT COVERED THE GAS TANK, ROTTED AND FELL OF THE TRUCK, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. UPDATED 06/25/13

Mar 19, 2013

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

FRAME: I HAD MY TACOMA IN FOR WORK (THE CLUTCH WOULD NOT RETURN FULLY TO THE UP POSITION) AND THE DEALER (TJ TOYOTA, POTSDAM, NY) SAID THERE WERE HOLES IN THE FRAME. THERE WAS ONE ON THE LEFT SIDE NEAR THERE SWAY BAR AND TWO ON THE RIGHT SIDE JUST IN FRONT OF THE PASSENGER DOOR. THE DEALER CALLED TOYOTA AND TOYOTA SAID THE PROGRAM FOR UNDERCOATING THE FRAME ENDED IN DECEMBER AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN JANUARY 2011 FROM THE DEALER (TJ TOYOTA, POTSDAM NY) AND THEY DID NOT UNDERCOAT THE FRAME BEFORE THEY SOLD THE TRUCK TO ME (WITH 77,500 MI). I AM CURRENTLY FIGHTING WITH TOYOTA AND BECAUSE MY TRUCK CANT PASS INSPECTION (WHICH EXPIRES TODAY) I CAN NOT LEGALLY DRIVE MY TRUCK TO WORK AND THERE FOR CANT WORK BECAUSE I AM A MECHANIC AND WORK OUT OF MY TRUCK. *TR

Jan 31, 2013

STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

THERE WAS NOTHING THAT LED UP TO THIS EVENT. I WAS JUST DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES THE FRONT AXEL OF MY TRUCK TO THE FRAME JUST SNAPPED OFF. THIS IS A RELATIVELY NEW VEHICLE AND HAS NOT SEEN TOO ROUGH A ROAD! IT IS QUITE PAMPERED AND WELL MAINTAINED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT DUE TO THE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT THING HAPPENING. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS EVENT AS IT SEEMS TO BE IT OCCURS QUITE FREQUENTLY TO (FROM WHAT I HEAR), 2 WHEEL DRIVE TOYOTA TACOMA'S, THAT HAVE INSTALLED A LIFT. I CANNOT IMAGINE HOW MANY LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST LET ALONE HOW MANY ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES THIS HAS RESULTED IN AS YOU LOOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OF WHERE THE VEHICLE GOES. AND IN SOME INSTANCES IT ALSO SEVERS THE BRAKE LINE LEAVING THE VEHICLE OUT OF CONTROL WITH NO BRAKES. I IMAGINE THAT MOST CRASHES ARE NOT BLAMED ON THIS DUE TO THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCING A LARGE ACCIDENT WITH IMPACT TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AND THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE FRONT AXEL TO FRAME IS MANGLED. THEREFORE, LEAVING ONE TO BELIEVE THAT THE ACCIDENT CAUSED THE DAMAGE. WHEN THE FACT IS THAT THE DAMAGE OR DEFECT IF YOU WILL IS WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT WHICH IN TURN DAMAGED THE VEHICLE, DRIVER, PASSENGER(S). NOT TO MENTION THAT ACCIDENTS OFTEN INVOLVE OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL. IT SEEMS TO BE MORE PREVALENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SO THAT USUALLY MEANS THAT THE VEHICLE TRAVELS INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC! IE: HEAD ON COLLISIONS! HOW MANY SURVIVE A HEADON COLLISION IN A LIGHT DUTY TRUCK? FEW I WOULD IMAGINE. WELL IT ALMOST BECAME A REALITY FOR ME AS WELL AS MY PASSENGER. WE WERE JUST LUCKY THAT WE LIVE WHERE WE DO AND THERE WAS LIGHT TRAFFIC COMING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OTHERS IN THE AREA AND TOYOTA TELLS THEM TO GO TO "ROCKY'S OFFROAD", TO GET IT FIXED. NO OFFER OF EXPLANATION OR REASON WHY BUT THAT IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN ALOT?! DOESN'T THAT SCREAM "MANUFACTURER DEFECT!" IT'S A *TR

Jan 09, 2011

Injuries: 2

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCK ( NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECENT TOYOTA RECALL) THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN RECALLED BEFORE FOR A FRONT AXLE BALL BEARING DEFECTS ,TOYOTA CHANGED THE BALL BEARINGS WHICH I THOUGHT WOULD FIXED THE PROBLEM . BUT JUST LAST WEEK I DROVE INTO A BUMPY ROAD AND I NOTICED THAT WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKES WHILE ON A BUMPY ROAD THE BRAKES WOULD DUD AND SEEMS THE MID AXLES WILL BREAKDOWN ,IT MAKE WEIRD NOISE . *TR

Feb 21, 2010

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK TO A WORK LOCATION AND STOPPED AT A T-INTERSECTION TO YIELD TO THE NORMAL TRAFFIC FLOW. WHILE STOPPED, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UP FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I WAS NOT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT HAD MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE. AT FIRST, I HEARD THE ENGINE NOISE BUT DID NOT REALIZE THAT IT WAS MY VEHICLE MAKING THE NOISE. THEN WHEN I LOOKED DOWN AT MY INSTRUMENTS, I SAW THAT MY ENGINE RPM'S WERE ABOVE 1800 AND STAYING STEADY. THERE WAS AN AUDIBLE CLUNK NOISE AND THE TRUCK SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD (TRANSMISSION ENGAGING I WOULD GUESS) AND I PRESSED THE BRAKE WITH INCREASED FORCE TO KEEP FROM ROLLING FORWARD. THEN THE ENGINE RPM'S RETURNED TO A NORMAL IDLE JUST AS SUDDENLY. THIS OCCURRED WITH A WARM ENGINE AFTER SEVERAL MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING. WHILE THE SAME EXACT THING HAS NOT OCCURRED SINCE THIS INCIDENT, I HAVE HAD AT LEAST ONE OTHER EPISODE WHERE THE TRUCK'S ENGINE RPM'S INCREASED FOR NO REASON WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE LATTER OCCURRENCE WAS NOT AS SEVERE AS THE FIRST INCIDENT AND HAPPENED WITHIN THE LAST MONTH OR SO. I WANTED TO REPORT THIS BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS A TOYOTA BRAND AND I HAVE READ ABOUT THE RECENT RECALLS RELATED TO ACCELERATOR ISSUES ON SOME OF THE SMALLER TOYOTA PASSENGER CARS, BUT NEVER SAW ANY MENTION OF THIS INVOLVING THEIR TRUCK PRODUCTS. AS AN ENGINEER MYSELF, I STRONGLY SUSPECT THAT THIS PHENOMENON IS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL AND/OR COMPUTER MALFUNCTION AND NOT SOME SORT OF MECHANICAL OR PHYSICAL INTERFERENCE ISSUE. I SAY THIS BECAUSE OF MY OWN EXPERIENCE WHEN I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING INTERFERING WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND IT WAS NOT STUCK MECHANICALLY. *TR

Jan 22, 2010

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

EMERGENCY FLASHERS COME ON BY THEMSELVES. UNABLE TO DISENGAGE SWITCH AND TURN SIGNALS WILL NOT WORK. *TR

Apr 20, 2009

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

DURING A 23000 MILE SERVICING, CAMELBACK TOYOTA INFORMED ME I WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE BRAKES SERVICED, BECAUSE 95% OF THE PADS HAVE WORN DOWN. I AM AWARE OF A RECALL ON THESE TRUCKS LOWER BALL JOINT, BUT THE SERVICE AGENT DID NOT TELL ME THAT AT THE TIME I BROUGHT IT IN. I WAS NEVER INFORMED BY THE DEALER OF THIS RECALL. NOW, I AM BEING CHARGED FOR REPAIRS, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, FOR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE (EXCESSIVE/PREMATURE PAD WEAR), AND I BELIEVE THIS DAMAGE IS BECAUSE OF THE RECALL SUSPENSION ISSUE. *JB

Nov 09, 2006

SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD IN MY 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA WHEN I SAW MY TIRE GO ROLLING AHEAD OF MY VEHICLE, THE TRUCK LEANED OVER TO THE LEFT, SKIDDED SIDEWAYS AND THEN STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK AND MY TIRE WAS IN THE DITCH AND MY CHASSIS WAS ON THE GROUND ON THE LEFT SIDE. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND THEY SAID IT LOOKED LIKE MY BALL JOINTS JUST SEPARATED. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE BALL JOINTS LOOKED LIKE THEY GAVE WAY AND THIS ALLOWED THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. I HAVE MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY GIEICO AND THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO GET A LETTER FROM TOYOTA STATING IF IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY FROM OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA LEGACY AND SPOKE WITH A SERVICE MEMBER (ROBB) HE TOLD MY THAT THERE WASN'T A RECALL ON 2004 TOYOTA TACOMAS AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT TOWED IN TO CHECK AND SEE IF IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THIS OCCURRED ON 12/13/05 AND AS OF 12/15/2005 THERE STILL WASN'T A DETERMINATION WHETHER OR NOT IT IS UNDER WARRANTY. MY CONCERN IS AFTER READING ABOUT A RECALL ON THE INTERNET STATING THAT THE BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE, THAT MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE A PART OF THE RECALL AND THE WHEEL FALLING OFF COULD BE A RESULT FROM A DEFECT. THE DEALERSHIP ISN'T ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RECALL OR EVEN LOOKING AT THE VEHICLE IN THIS REGARDS. IF THEY DON'T WARRANTY THE BALL JOINTS, THEN MY MECHANIC WILL FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT I WILL KEEP ALL OF THE OLD PARTS IN CASE THEY NEED TO BE EXAMINED. *JB

Dec 16, 2005

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,TIRES

1 complaint

PURCHASED NEW 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA ON 1/24/05. AT 1,577.8 MILES, RIGHT REAR BRAKE DRUM AND WHEEL COVERED WITH GEAR OIL. REPAIRED AT TOYOTA OF GREENFIELD, MA. 01302, PHONE 413-772-0231 2/17/05. BEGAN LEAKING AGAIN ON 2/21/05, AT 1844.6 MILES. RETURNED TO GREENFIELD ON 2/28/05 AT 2284 MILES. CONTACTED DEALER AGAIN ON 4/8/05 AT 67345.9 MILES BRAKE DRUM AND TIRE STILL COVERED WITH OIL. DEALER SAID KEEP DRIVING IT AND THE LEAK WILL GO AWAY. CONTACTED TOYOTA CONSUMER SERVICE ON 4/14/05 CASE #[XXX]. RECEIVED NO FOLLOW UP CORRESPONDENCE FORM FABIOLA. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LEAK GEAR OIL AND HANDLE POORLY WHEN BRAKING. CONTACTED NEW DEALER(TOYOTA OF COLCHESTER, CT.) ON 5/27/05. VEHICLE REPAIRED ON 6/2/05 AT 8,188 MILES. CONTACTED DEALER AGAIN ON 6/29/05 AT 9085.1 MILES. VEHICLES WAS PICKED UP ON 7/11/05. TRIES ROTATED ON VEHICLE ON 9/26/05 AT 17,266.4 MILES. FOUND OIL ON BRAKE SHOES AND INSIDE OF BRAKE DRUM SEVERELY GLAZED. NEW CASE FILED ON 7/28/05 CASE # [XXX] WITH SALVADORE. I AM STILL DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH THE INTEGRITY OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS COMPROMISED. AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REASONABLE RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM FROM TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY. IS IT A COMMON PRACTICE FOR AN AUTO MAKER TO LET A CONSUMER KNOWINGLY DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. UNFORTUNATELY I AM STILL PAYING ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE THAT I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING. THE REGIONAL FIELD SERVICE TECHNICIAN, JOE LACEFIELD FROM TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY HAS BEEN UNAVAILABLE BY PHONE FOR THE LAST WEEK 1-973-464-0938. I WOULD LIKE MY MONEY RETURNED FOR THIS VEHICLE IN FULL. I FEEL THAT I HAVE BEEN MORE THAN PATIENT IN TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER WITH TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY. V.I.N. # [XXX]. *JB UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 11, 2005

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

MY 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB PRERUNNER V6 SR5 HAS 18,000MILES AND HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM FOR A WHILE. I DID NOT NOTICE IT UNTIL ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. WHICH TELLS ME THAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE A PROGRESSIVE ISSUE. THE TRUCK CONTINUES TO SHOW AN INCREASE IN THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: WHEN DRIVING THE TACOMA DOWN THE ROAD THE TACOMA DRIVES FINE. BUT WHEN APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WHERE THE VEHICLE IS BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE STOP IS WHEN THE FOLLOWING OCCURS. THE VEHICLE WILL SHIFT TO THE REAR AND A JERK SOUND IS HEARD AND FELT. WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE ON THE VEHICLE YOU WILL FEEL AND HEAR ANOTHER MORE INTENSE JERK. WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE THROTTLE PEDAL TO MOVE FORWARD FROM AN INTERSECTION THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS YET ANOTHER JERK. ALL OF THESE FEELS AS IF IT IS COMING FROM THE REAR. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR IT'S REGULAR MAINTENCE AND QUESTIONED THE SERVICE ADVISOR ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I WAS TOLD IN A VERY "I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR YOU MANNER" IT'S A TACOMA IT WILL ALWAYS DO THAT. I CAN'T NOR WILL I ACCEPT THAT ANSWER.

Jul 27, 2005

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING AND AFTER STRIKING A BUMP IN THE ROAD VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO CONTAIN, CAUSING IT TO GO INTO ANOTHER LANE.*AK

Feb 07, 2005

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

AFTER RUNNING THE VEHICLE AND SHUTTING IT OFF FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO START, THERE WAS ONLY ABOUT 2,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. THE STARTER IS CRANKING THE ENGINE, BUT THE ENGINE IS NOT STARTING UP. I TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE SAME THING HAPPEND SEVERL TIMES AFTER I HAD TAKEN IT TO TOYOTA. THE ONLY WAY TO START THE VEHICLE WOULD BE TO CRANK IT UP FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES, THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN ROUGH FOR ABOUT A MINUTE. I TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT AGAIN AND THIS TIME THEY WORKED ON IT. THEY SAID THEY HAD TO CHANGE THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS, AND THE FUEL INJECTORS. NO OLD PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. PROBLEM HAS STILL NOT BEEN CORRECTED. VEHICLE NOW HAS ABOUT 6,000 MILES AND EVERY 3-4 DAYS IT STILL DOESN'T WANT TO START UP. *AK

Jan 11, 2005

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN ON MY 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB V6, 4X4 TRUCK. THE EXTERIOR MIRRORS ON BOTH SIDES FOG UP SO BAD IN COLD WEATHER THEY BECOME VIRTUALLY USELESS. TOYOTA DOES NOT OFFER A HEATED MIRROR OPTION ON THE TRUCK. AT SEVERAL TIMES DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER I'VE BEEN FORCED TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO TRY TO CLEAR THE MIRRORS, TO NO AVAIL. THEY WOULD JUST FOG UP AGAIN, ONCE I GOT UNDERWAY. THE CONDITION IS DIFFERENT THEN STARTING OUT AFTER THE TRUCK HAS SAT OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT IN THE COLD. THE MIRRORS MIGHT CLEAR FOR A WHILE THEN, WHILE UNDERWAY, FOG UP FOR NO APPARENT REASON. TOYOTA SAYS DON'T DRIVE IN THAT KIND OF WEATHER. NOT A GOOD REMEDY. THE TRUCK IS BRAND NEW AND TOYOTA SAYS I HAVE NO RECOURSE, THAT IT HAS MET ALL OF THE SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT. DRIVING BLIND AT NIGHT, TO ME, IS NOT AN OPTION. I DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES PER YEAR AND HAVE NEVER DRIVEN AN AUTOMOBILE WITH A MIRROR PROBLEM LIKE THIS. IT'S A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN IN MY OPINION AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA. I REGISTERED MY COMPLAINT WITH THE COMPANY BY PHONE AND BY EMAIL. I HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE FROM MY LOCAL DEALER OR TOYOTA TO ANY OF MY EMAIL COMPLAINTS.

Dec 23, 2003

2004 TOYOTA Tacoma Problems & Complaints

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