2006 Toyota Tacoma Owner Complaints

I received a Toyota recall notification in Dec 2015 for a frame rust inspection, RO Number 307016. I have since noticed fairly major frame rust, with a long 2-inch by 7-inch opening on the inside of the frame below the driver-side seat. I took the vehicle to Toyota on 20 APR 2026 for a leaf spring recall #302870. I asked them to take a look and was told the recall 307016 had expired. The original recall inspection for rust either failed to identify it or the inspector was inadequate at identifying it.

NHTSA ID

11732953

Incident

Dec 8, 2015

Voss Toyota would not perform the recall of new leaf springs that has not been completed on my truck. The frame is rusty and they will not touch my truck. There should be an existing recall or customer satisfaction program on the frame of this truck that needs done as well.

NHTSA ID

11719698

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

I took my 2006 Toyota Tacoma ext cab 4x4 v6 to have diagnostic run on it . "EXACT PERFORMANCE " Johnson drive . KCK The differential was shot . However , that was not the final . They did not do full diagnostic . They informed me that my frame was rotted and rusted through and would not last till spring and was a safety hazard. That was Dec. 2024 . The truck has been parked since . Ive had no transportation and can not run right out and buy another truck . I am also not willing to give up the truck either . I have put a lot of hard earned money into this truck believing it to last forever . The motor and train are sound . I do not want to junk the truck . Please , tell me what I can do . Yes . My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11701881

Incident

Dec 17, 2024

The frame of my 2006 Toyota Tacoma (VIN: [XXX] ) is severely corroded and compromised. I recently acquired the vehicle and discovered that it was part of a past Toyota recall/program for frame corrosion inspection and replacement. However, it appears the previous owner did not take the vehicle in for the service. The frame now shows advanced rust and structural weakness, which puts my safety and the safety of others at risk. I am concerned that the recall program was not adequately communicated or tracked, and I am requesting that the NHTSA review this issue for potential reopening or expansion of coverage for affected vehicles like mine. The vehicle is available for inspection if needed. Thanks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11660044

Incident

May 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear subframe of the vehicle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe of the vehicle failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

NHTSA ID

11654146

Incident

Apr 11, 2025

Mileage

230,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V092000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 220,000.

NHTSA ID

11649601

Incident

Mar 20, 2025

Mileage

220,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle failed the State Inspection because there was a hole approximately 3 inches wide on the driver's side of the vehicle near the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the hole was caused by extensive rust and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall issued twice; however, the recall had expired. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11640578

Incident

Jan 16, 2025

Mileage

130,000 mi

The truck's frame has severely rusted. The frame has deteriorated. It is unsafe to drive as the frame is breaking in half. According to Toyota, this was a huge problem with the 2006 Tacoma. They will not fix the frame or offer any solution. My son can not safely drive this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11639471

Incident

Jan 19, 2025

I went in to get my truck worked on & was told it was not safe. The frame is rusted and cracked. I did not receive a recall notification. Now, I have a broken truck and cannot afford to buy another vehicle or pay to repair this one. This is a safety hazard for the other people on the road and a death trap for the owners with vehicles that Toyota will not stand behind.

NHTSA ID

11638619

Incident

Jan 2, 2024

Toyota Tacoma 2006 TRD, This vehicle was recalled for rust to the frame on 10/03/2018. The frame was replaced by Sheehy Toyota of Fredericksburg, Virginia. The work was done and completed con 02/07/2019. The vehicle supposedly was thoroughly inspected for any problems by the dealership. Then released to me after the work was done. Then in November of 2019 I moved from Virginia to Nebraska. Used this truck to move with and pulled a trailer over 2,000 miles with it. Little did I know my life was in danger due to negligence by the dealers service department. Recently I replaced the rear bumper on this truck. By doing this it fully exposed the trailer hitch system on the truck. This is when I clearly seen that a part of the trailer hitch was completely rusted through. When replacing the frame on this truck the dealership had to notice this severely damaged part. Yet they did not inform me of this situation. If they had, I would have had the part replaced, due to the chance of it breaking which could have caused an accident. This is nothing short of pure negligence on the part of this dealership. People could have been severely injured or killed due to this negligence. I have pictures of this part just the way they left it.

NHTSA ID

11611136

Incident

Feb 7, 2024

Frame and others components are very rusted

NHTSA ID

11588532

Incident

May 13, 2024

Hi My name is [XXX] I currently own a toyota 2006 tacoma for which the frame broke this week and now not drivable. I learned when I took my car to a local dealer for a recall seat belts and other issues in 2021, the Dealer told me that the frame was very rust and that I needed to contact Toyota USA as there was a recall to rusted frames that involved my vehicle year make. I called Toyota back then and they told me there was nothing they can do as that safety recall was expired. We cannot afford to pay oop for the fix of the frame and plus I emphasized to Toyota that I had never been notified at least I never got a notice. At this point I'm very concerned for my husband safeness that is the car he uses for work, we have been a very loyal customer to Toyota and now I'm very disappointed and more so concerned about my husband safety as Toyota seems not able to fix it I had filed a claim and they did not resolve in our favor. This is a formal complaint in regards to safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11585287

Incident

Nov 11, 2021

There are holes in the frame and the frame mounts. Sold with a clean title

NHTSA ID

11573405

Incident

Dec 18, 2023

This truck is for sale in Oregon with HOLES/RUST on the frame and the frame mount. It is being sold with a clean title which clearly with the frame damage it is considered a branded title. The car lot that is selling the truck will no disclose the frame issue when asked about the structure damage on the truck. BUYERS BEWARE!!!

NHTSA ID

11572412

Incident

Nov 21, 2023

Im writing on a recall inspection on my 2006 Toyota Tacoma did it at a dealer They told me there was some rust and they would do a underlinement but never contacted me back to have it done .now i have a crack in my frame which im worried ! So im hoping there is or you would issue a recall to have this done since i think the dealer should have replaced it in the first place please help me and respond [XXX] my email is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11559616

Incident

Dec 11, 2023

Brought vehicle to garage for maintenance and mechanic told me the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to rotted frame should have been recalled but I never received a recall notice

NHTSA ID

11542126

Incident

Aug 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for unrelated repairs, the mechanic determined that the rear subframe needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V604000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11517499

Incident

Apr 17, 2023

Mileage

178,000 mi

I was driving and all of the sudden I felt a vibration when I let off the gas...I checked under and saw that the drive shaft/yoke was separated a little, so I decided not to drive it anymore and to disassemble it and found out that the lock nut is missing and more likely it came off. I've noticed that no sign that the lock been staked to lock in position (picture attached)...this is a near miss and could possibly there are more like this on the road that could lead to a very serious accident if this comes off while running in high speed. I bought this car in 2005 brand new, and I know for sure that this never been work on...I am a mechanic myself so I does the Maintenace to all my cars...I just want to make the company aware to prevent any possible serious accident...I owe 5 Toyota cars and I know one of the best and safest vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11516515

Incident

Apr 2, 2023

I will try to give you as concise statement of my complaint as possible, however, I have copies I sent to the manufacturer and others that I'm willing to furnish you if requested. On 3/18/21, I wrote to Toyota's Executive VP , Chief Quality Officer, [XXX], stating my compliance with their notice of 7/9/15, requiring frame inspection, significant perforation not found, therefore they applied CRC corrosion resistant compound to my frame. As NO critical problem was noted, I felt I was good until during a later inspection was performed and rated more attention. On 3/29/21 during my next oil change I noted on a notation on an unusual service bill, typewritten not the usual custom printed type, a notation that I have 2 holes, approx. 3.5" on my frame, use caution if driving". At this time I found there was an open class action suit against Toyota. Toyota advised me that since I had not responded to more than one notification I was not included in the suit. I replied that "I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY SUCH NOTATION". As they did not send receipt requested or certified, I neither could prove sent or not received. I asked for consideration based on that to which, was denied. I have written also to CT Attorney General, CT US Senator, [XXX], with only the Attorney General's office stating Toyota's response was negative. I realize this is a late request, I was not aware of his avenue. I have Certified copies of each request for help, which I am more than happy to copy and send to you if you will try to help me right Toyota's wrong. I'm an 89 year old male just trying to right a wrong I believe done to me. I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION FROM TOYOTA! , If I had, I would not be so persistent. I send my letters CERTIFIED, they should have had to also, could have solved this problem earlier. Please help me, thank you. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). The contact has noted that they still have yet to receive any compensation or resolution to this issue.

NHTSA ID

11512636

Incident

Mar 18, 2021

My frame is rusting with parts falling off in my drive. Toyota told me in 2017 the frame did not warrant repair.

NHTSA ID

11510327

Incident

Feb 15, 2023

the frame is rusting out over the right rear wheel. it had the frame spary ,but iti is still rusting out

NHTSA ID

11510176

Incident

Mar 4, 2023

The frame is rusted so bad. The dealer wouldn’t replace due to the vehicle being registered in Florida as it’s not one of the states affected. But my Toyota came from a Pennsylvania dealer first then shipped to Florida after years of being in Pennsylvania and not having an issue up there. Now I’m stuck with a truck I can’t sell or fix. It’s not right. Where is the quality control on this.

NHTSA ID

11509219

Incident

Feb 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while having the vehicle repaired under recall, the mechanic stated that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11497244

Incident

Dec 6, 2022

Mileage

50,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for front brake repair, she was informed that the front side of the subframe and the passenger's side and the driver's side subframe were severely corroded. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would need to pay for the repair because an unknown Extended Warranty related to the failure had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11493826

Incident

Aug 16, 2022

Mileage

70,000 mi

The frame of the vechile completely rusted, not normally rusted, its obvious that cheap or bad quality material. If it goes like this will break soon.

NHTSA ID

11488631

Incident

Oct 10, 2020