Owners filed 210 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the structure › body. It has been recalled 5 times.
When it fails
130300130,300 milesMedian miles at failure
102 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Structure › Body
40
1
0
0
Suspension
21
1
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal
15
13
0
8
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
14
0
0
0
Structure › Frame and Members
14
0
0
0
Tires
13
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
11
0
0
0
Air Bags
7
5
0
5
Tires › Tread/Belt
4
0
0
0
Structure
4
0
0
0
5 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.
Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Trailer Hitches01E041000
Filed Aug 1, 200170,717 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.
Defect. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: THIS RECALL IS FOR TRAILER TOWING WIRE HARNESS CONVERTERS INSTALLED BY DEALERS OR FOR INSTALLATION ON 1999-2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA AND TACOMA VEHICLES. THE CONNECTORS INTEGRATE THE VEHICLE'S TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WITH THOSE EQUIPPED ON THE TRAILER, ARE DEFECTIVE. AFFECTED PART NUMBERS ARE: PT207-34000, PT207-34002, PT207-04981, AND PT214-04985. IN THE TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE CIRCUITRY UTILIZED IN THE CONVERTER WAS INADEQUATE TO PROPERLY MANAGE VEHICLE AND/OR TRAILER-SIDE VOLTAGE SPIKES. IF THE CONVERTER IS EXPOSED TO A VOLTAGE SPIKE, IT MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT WITHIN THE CONVERTER. IN THE TACOMA VEHICLES, DUE TO DEFICIENT WATERPROOFING AND IMPROPER INSTALLATION LOCATION OF THE CONVERTER, WHICH IS MOUNTED IN THE LOWER PORTION OF THE TAILGATE CAVITY OF THE VEHICLE, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT WILL OCCUR IF WATER ENTERS THE CONVERTER HOUSING.
Risk. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE A FAULT IN THE CONVERTER AND A NON-OPERATIONAL CONDITION OF THE TRAILER LIGHTS. IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN WITHOUT TRAILER LIGHTS, IT MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO SEE THE TRAILER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS AND INSTALL A REDESIGNED TRAILER TOWING WIRE HARNESS CONVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Suspension
Filed May 19, 2026ID
My son was driving the 2000 Toyota Tacoma across very smooth transition railroad tracks at about 25 mph and the right front ball joint failed, collapsing the suspension. He lost all control and the vehicle skidded to a stop. Had he been going any faster, the vehicle could have rolled over. I have reviewed the recalls for Toyota ball joints and found the there is a 50J recall for 2001-2005 Tacomas. Interestingly enough, the trucks/Tacomas from 1995-2000 have the same ball joint but were not included in the recall. I have tried to work with Toyota directly on this matter and they don't seem to want to help me. This is a safety issue and should be elevated to recall levels for all vehicles with this ball joint.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 9, 2026KY
Broken frame due to rust
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 19, 2026VA
Vehicle will not pass safety inspection due to severe deterioration of the frame. The rest of the vehicle is still intact and operable.
Electrical System
Filed May 6, 2024MD
The frame is rusted and I don't feel safe driving it at highway speeds. The electrical system The horn, air bags and radio don't work. Toyota said they had a program to repair the frame but they no longer honor it
Suspension
Filed Jan 3, 2023VA
The Frame of the truck in the back above the rear tire has rusted out and the Frame has broke.
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 10, 2022NC
I was recently told my a service center that the frame has great corrosion and is unsafe to drive. I am now aware of past warranty extensions for this matter but Toyota will offer nothing because for my year, this warranty coverage extension is expired. My year was also not part of the recent class action settlement with Toyota vehicles having rusted frames for later models (2004+). I'm left with a decent truck that is useless now. I don't understand why a rusted frame that could crack or break would not constitute a safety recall, which I understand does not expire like their well played warranty extension. It is evident my problem is what has been experienced by many others and just because their extended warranty has expired, does not mean the issue was not caused by their defective manufacturing. It is a matter of timing, and our safety. We had taken the truck for service as a Toyota dealer in late 2008, when the program was active, and they did not mention it and maybe there was no rust. Between 2008 and 2015 when it expired, service was not performed at a dealership and still nobody mentioned it. The truck has lived in NC until 2011 and Ohio (snow) from 2011 - 2018 and now back in NC. We had it at a Toyota dealership in 2019 and nothing mentioned. My husband was driving this truck on the freeway every week day for 50 miles round trip to work until last year. I was driving this truck within the past few weeks and was having service performed when my service center mentio
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 29, 2022MA
Frame badly Rotted Purchased used, previous owner stated Frame recall/inspection was preformed Advertised on CL as NO ROT Frame is so bad it can not be safely driven
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 28, 2022IN
Owned Toyota Tacoma since 2005...recently took vehicle for muffler repair and discovered my frame was rusted out and in an unsafe condition, when I contacted Toyota @ customer assistance center they advised me that jy vehicle was too old to be covered by ant warranty...they also stated that they had contacted me about the defective steel used on these trucks....I have no proof of any notification, nor any recall of such notice Trucks like mine are still on the road with no problems, NOT MINE.....defective steel, improper rust prevention and lack of notification has left me with a vehicle I cannot drive, sell or repair... My safety and others on the road have been put at risk I would like my truck to get fixed and or compensated for the loss Toyota should stand by my vehicle ( in which they used substandard defective steel) regardless of any time factor. Courts have already determined their negligence....my vehicle should be included in this settlement
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 29, 2021100,000 milesVA
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that he received a recall notification for an unknown safety recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle did not need the recall repair at the time. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the independent mechanic for a repair, he was informed that the entire subframe was corroded. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was not included in a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 24, 2021WI
RUSTED FRAME WITH HOLES THROUGHOUT THE FRAME. NOT DEEMED SAFE TO DRIVE. DEALER WILL NOT EVEN DO AN OIL CHANGE. ALREADY CONTACTED TOYOTA. THEY WILL NOT DENY THE CLAIM IN WRITING (ONLY BY PHONE) BECAUSE THEY SAID THERE'S NOTHING TO DENY. ONLY SENT A CASE NUMBER
Electrical System
Filed Mar 5, 2021163,362 milesCA
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE A FAULT IN THE GENUINE TOYOTA TRAILER TOWING WIRE HARNESS CONVERTER WHICH CAN CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE CONVERTER, AND IF A TRAILER IS BEING TOWED AT THE TIME, NON OPERATION OF THE TRAILER LIGHTS, IN LIMITED CASES, THE CONVERTER HOUSING COULD BECOME HEAT DEFORMED,,,, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THIS FAULT MAY CAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ACTIVATE,,,,, THIS SITUATION USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS ,HIGHWAY TURNING ETC, ,E.J.
Suspension
Filed Nov 16, 2020140,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS SON WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE PAVEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO VANN YORK TOYOTA (500 EASTCHESTER DR, HIGH POINT, NC 27262) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO A LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 21, 2020150,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL REPAIR FOR VERIFYING IF THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE REPAIR WAS DONE BETWEEN 2010 AND 2013. THE UNKNOWN DEALER SPRAYED THE FRAME WITH AN UNDERCOAT AFTER INSURING THAT IT WAS NOT RUSTED. THE UNDERCOAT WAS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT FRAME FROM ANY FUTURE RUSTING. THE FRAME WAS NOT RUSTED PRIOR TO THE COATING BEING APPLIED. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE FRAME STARTED TO RUST WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE AT UNDER THE REAR FENDER WELLS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE SUBFRAME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.*DT*JB
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 16, 2020256,000 milesNY
FRAME CRACKED ON DRIVER SIDE OF TRUCK. UPON INSPECTION THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 27, 2019180,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS GETTING THE TIRES CHANGED, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A BODY SHOP AND WAS INFORMED OF AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE RUST ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MIKE JOHNSON'S HICKORY TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 435 US HIGHWAY 70 SE, HICKORY, NC 28602, 828-330-9538) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR WAS ONCE COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM THAT ADVISED DEALERS TO COAT THE FRAME WITH A RUST COATING TO PREVENT RUST FROM FORMING. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED WHAT THE DEALER STATED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. *LN*JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed Aug 28, 2019136,000 milesMO
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTO ZONE WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE O2 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT'S FRIEND WAS REPAIRING THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED RUST ON THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S FRIEND WAS UNABLE TO TIGHTEN THE SENSOR COMPLETELY, WHICH CAUSED FUMES TO ENTER THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING. THE CONTACT CALLED LOU FUSZ TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 10725 MANCHESTER RD, KIRKWOOD, MO 63122, (314) 966-5404). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 11, 201967,590 milesNY
HORN NOT FUNCTIONING AND FUSES ARE ALL GOOD ! AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE 2006 WILL NOT GO OFF !
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed May 10, 2019123,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE CHASSIS WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 28, 2019200,000 milesOH
I HAVE A 2000 TOYOTA TACOMA, FRAME IS SO RUSTED ITS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA SAYS THEY CANT DO ANYTHING TO RESOLVE ISSUE. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE!!! TOYOTA NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THERE MISTAKES, AND FIX THESE RECALL ISSUES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT!! I HAVE BOUGHT TOYOTA'S ALL MY LIFE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES UNTIL NOW, THESE RUSTY FRAMES ARE UNACCEPTABLE!!!
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 27, 2018175,000 milesWI
I BROUGHT MY TACOMA TO MY MECHANIC FOR A POWER STEERING LEAK. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT WHILE TRYING TO LIFT THE VEHICLE, THE FRAME STARTED TO CRUMBLE AS IT WAS COMPROMISED BY CORROSION. HE IMMEDIATELY LOWERED THE TRUCK AND DEEMED IT UNSAFE TO OPERATE. HE MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND A RECALL ON THE FRAMES AS THEY WERE PRONE TO CORROSION AND FAILURE. I THEN CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED AND THEY WOULD DO NOTHING FOR MY VEHICLE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE POTENTIAL RISK OF FRAME FAILURE, NOR WAS I AWARE OF THE RECALL AND IT'S EXPIRATION. I NOW HAVE A TRUCK WITH ONLY 175K MILES THAT WAS WELL MAINTAINED, AND DUE TO TOYOTA'S POOR QUALITY STEEL IS NOW WORTHLESS. HOW TOYOTA CAN PLACE A LIMITATION ON A SERIOUS SAFETY RECALL IS BEYOND ME, BUT THAT IS WHAT THEY HAVE DONE.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.