2004 Toyota Tacoma Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Toyota Tacoma, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure20340.4%
- Suspension8416.7%
- Driver assistance326.4%
- Steering295.8%
- Brakes244.8%
- Fuel system244.8%
- Powertrain (other)183.6%
- Electrical173.4%
- Engine163.2%
- Airbags153.0%
- Other / unspecified132.6%
- Tires & wheels132.6%
- Seat belts61.2%
- Interior & seats30.6%
- Transmission30.6%
- Visibility10.2%
- Exterior lighting10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Immediately after the manufacturer recall requiring full frame replacement (completed November 2017 by the same dealership referenced below), the vehicle developed abnormal handling not present before the repair, including improper tracking and rear end instability. No warning lights/diagnostic messages were present. These issues were reported to the servicing dealership within weeks and repeatedly over the following years. Despite multiple short initial inspections and two extended service periods—totaling approximately fourteen months in the dealership’s possession—the dealership repeatedly reported no defect found and continued to advise that the vehicle was safe to operate. Due to ongoing safety concerns, an independent inspection was recently obtained. It confirmed measurable rear axle offset and a thrust angle deviation outside acceptable tolerances. The defect is visually apparent: the rear wheels are not symmetrically aligned, and the vehicle exhibits a noticeable “crab walking” effect when viewed from behind. The root cause remains undetermined and would require further diagnostic work and significant disassembly. All documentation and inspection findings are available upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle does not track correctly and shows instability, especially in low traction conditions such as rain or snow, increasing the risk of loss of control. The manufacturer has been formally notified through repeated outreach, including ongoing contact with the Brand Engagement Center since December 2025 and multiple certified letters to Toyota North America Legal/Consumer Affairs between January and March 2026. The only response received was a generic statement from the Brand Engagement Center indicating that the vehicle is out of warranty and an offer to return it to the same dealership that performed the frame replacement and failed to identify the defect. No other response, investigation, or resolution has been provided by Toyota North America.
The frame broke
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was turning into a gas station and all the sudden the vehicle came to a complete stop i was unable to move the vehicle and sat there until the tow truck was able to show up. Looked under the vehicle and on the passenger side front suspension the lower ball joint was no longer where it belongs.
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
VEHICLE HAS 113,000 MILES ON IT BUT IS UNDRIVEABLE BECAUSE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE HAS 113,000 MILES ON IT BUT IS UNDRIVEABLE BECAUSE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAG MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHILE IN MOTION MORE NOTICEABLE ON ANY UNEVEN ROAD.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATBELTS HAVE LOST ITS TENSION TO RETRACT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT IS LOCKED AND WILL NOT RELEASE.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
AFTER DRIVING IN WET/HEAVY SNOW I CANNOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR PARK. WITHOUT SHIFTING INTO PARK THE IGNITION KEY CANNOT BE TURNED ALL THE WAY OFF OR REMOVED. I HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE TO PREVENT THE BATTERY FROM DYING WHILE THE SNOW MELTED. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
EMERGENCY FLASHERS COME ON BY THEMSELVES. UNABLE TO DISENGAGE SWITCH AND TURN SIGNALS WILL NOT WORK. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .