Frame rust / perforation — expired recall coverage
Holes forming in frame rails, some vehicles deemed unsafe to operate
Check engine light: Off
Severe frame rust perforation and corrosion, with holes forming in frame rails (particularly behind the cab and near the transmission crossmember) to the point some owners describe the truck as unsafe to operate. A frame treatment/replacement program existed (Campaigns ZH6, H0F) but expired August 21, 2019, and owners report continued denials since. In some cases, subframe corrosion has progressed far enough to prevent the recall repair itself from being performed — leaving the vehicle both unsafe and unrepairable through the official remedy. The Tacoma's frame-rust program is real and well-documented, but does not extend to the related 4Runner or FJ Cruiser platforms.
Warranty-covered where still eligible, or $3,000+ out-of-pocket
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Steering component corrosion
Intermediate shaft stiffness, U-joint deterioration, rare complete steering column failures
Check engine light: Off
Intermediate steering shaft corrosion causes stiffness, and U-joint deterioration makes steering difficult to control; complete steering column failures reported in rare cases — likely related to the same underbody corrosion vulnerability driving the frame rust described above.
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Leaf spring failures and fuel tank strap corrosion
Leaf spring failures, fuel tank strap brackets corroding and dropping
Check engine light: Off
Leaf spring failures and rust-related suspension damage; fuel tank strap brackets corroding and dropping. Addressed in part via Campaign 14V604000 (suspension/leaf springs) for some model years.
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Airbag non-deployment during accidents
Failure to deploy, with injuries resulting
Check engine light: Off
Airbag failure to deploy during actual accidents, with injuries resulting — not tied to a specific Takata campaign number in the available data.
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Paint / clear coat defects allowing corrosion underneath
Premature paint peeling, particularly on the roof
Check engine light: Off
Premature paint peeling and clear coat failure, particularly on the roof, described as a systemic defect that allows corrosion to progress underneath the failed paint layer — a possible contributing factor to the broader corrosion problems above. Other reports describe paint flaking down to bare metal on doors, hood, and fenders, and rust on bumpers and trim.
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Weather-sealing and hood issues
Windshield leaks, door seal failures, roof leaks, hood foam/latch issues
Check engine light: Off
Windshield leaks and wind noise, door seal failures (whistling/rattling), roof leaks, loose mouldings, and water intrusion in tail/fog lights and the rear sliding window. Separately: hood foam glue separation causing vibration or flex, hood latch failures, and bolt loosening.
$200 – $405 for minor repairs, up to $1,500 for significant work
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Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages
Automatic transmission does not shift correctly at high mileages
Check engine light: Off
Automatic transmission does not shift correctly at high mileages. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 255 owner reports on file.
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Amber Running/Parking Lights Melted, Cracked and Burned the Lens
Amber running/parking lights melted, cracked, and burned the lens
Check engine light: Off
Amber running/parking lights melted, cracked, and burned the lens. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 202 owner reports on file.
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Drivetrain Noise and Vibration Issues Between 25 and 70 MPH
Drivetrain noise and vibration between 25 and 70 mph, widely reported by owners
Check engine light: Off
Drivetrain noise and vibration between 25 and 70 mph, widely reported by owners. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 107 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light due to a bad air flow meter
Check engine light due to a bad air flow meter
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a bad air flow meter. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 55 owner reports on file.
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Throttle Position Sensor Out of Adjustment Due to Wear/Carbon Build-up
Throttle position sensor out of adjustment due to wear or carbon build-up
Check engine light: On
Throttle position sensor out of adjustment due to wear or carbon build-up. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 49 owner reports on file.
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Leaking Water Bypass Pipe #1 Due to Failure of Original Plastic Part
Water bypass pipe #1 leaks due to failure of the original plastic part
Check engine light: Off
Water bypass pipe #1 leaks due to failure of the original plastic part. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 33 owner reports on file.
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Vehicle Won't Crank Due to Starter
Vehicle won't crank due to the starter
Check engine light: Off
Vehicle won't crank due to the starter. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 29 owner reports on file.
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Rough idle and backfiring engine with a check engine light
Rough idle and backfiring engine with check engine light
Check engine light: On
Rough idle and backfiring engine with check engine light. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 19 owner reports on file.
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Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor May Stop Working at Higher Mileages
Engine coolant temperature sensor stops working at higher mileages
Check engine light: On
Engine coolant temperature sensor stops working at higher mileages. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.
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Crankshaft Pulley Bolt May Come Loose
Crankshaft pulley bolt comes loose
Check engine light: Off
Crankshaft pulley bolt comes loose. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 16 owner reports on file.
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Idle Air Control Motors May Become Carboned Up at 100,000 Miles
Idle air control motors become carboned up around 100,000 miles
Check engine light: Off
Idle air control motors become carboned up around 100,000 miles. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 15 owner reports on file.
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Loud Rattling or Slapping Noise From Engine
Loud rattling or slapping noise from the engine
Check engine light: Off
Loud rattling or slapping noise from the engine. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 15 owner reports on file.
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Lean Mass Air Flow Sensor Causing Code P0170
Lean mass air flow sensor causing code P0170
Check engine light: On
Lean mass air flow sensor causing code P0170. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 14 owner reports on file.
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4WD Stuck in Low Gear, Unable to Shift Out
4WD gets stuck in low gear, unable to shift out
Check engine light: Off
4WD gets stuck in low gear, unable to shift out. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 14 owner reports on file.
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This generation's frame-rust recall/replacement program is real, well-documented, and expired — and some owners report their corrosion has progressed so far that it now prevents the recall repair itself from being performed safely, leaving the truck both unsafe and unrepairable through the official remedy. The program covers the Tacoma only; it does not extend to the related Toyota 4Runner or FJ Cruiser.