2008 Toyota Tacoma

While the vehicle was in park outside running after a diagnostic was completed to determine the reverse gear was no longer working while the vehicle was in park sitting outside it started to drive forward by itself until it drove it self into a parked car in the parking lot , currently with the vehicle in the park gear it is still driving forward , this could have killed someone , this is a defect that Toyota needs to make people aware of

NHTSA ID

11774354

Incident

Oct 28, 2026

Toyota Corporation refuses to replace the frame and other essential parts on our 2008 Toyota Tacoma, which has had 2 previous recalls for frame replacement. We were never made aware of the previous recalls by Toyota or it's dealer who sold us the truck. We were made aware of the serious condition of the frame when our mechanic personally inspected the vehicle and notified us that the frame needed replacement. Toyota refuses to inspect or acknowledge the unsafe condition of our truck frame. Photos supplied speak for themselves. Our Toyota Case # is XXX has resulted with no benefit or consideration from Toyota. Therefore we request #XXX Request for NEW recall. Our mechanic [XXX] informed us the local Toyota dealer (Lithia Toyota Missoula) and it's parent company are notorious for not informing owners about recalls. We were never told when we bought the vehicle used that there was a previous recall. Also, two years after our purchase we just learned there was a follow-up frame recall, which nobody informed us of it's existence. We are sure the NHTSA does not want this vehicle in service on the road. So, again, please issue another follow-up recall for full frame replacement to match the 2018 recall. We offered to Toyota to pay for the removal and installation costs if they would supply all parts (defined in the original recall). However, Toyota ignored our offer to share replacement costs. So please issue an enforceable recall for 2008 Toyota Tacoma total frame replacement. The vehicle is available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11772177

Incident

Aug 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent shop for new tires, a certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the subframe was severely rusted and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The mechanic advised that the subframe required replacement. The contact learned of a manufacturer program offering to replace or coat the subframe due to insufficient coating. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the coverage had expired. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the program coverage had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID

11771303

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

Mileage

170,000 mi

Significant rusting of frame noted on safety inspection.

NHTSA ID

11770583

Incident

Oct 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle to a service center for a tire replacement, the contact was informed that the entire rear sub frame was extremely rusted. The mechanic informed the contact that the tires could not be replaced because the vehicle was unsafe to drive and stated that the VIN might be associated with a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

NHTSA ID

11766391

Incident

Sep 23, 2026

Mileage

165,000 mi

I have major rust on the frame of the truck and I was told by Toyota the warranty period is over. I just gave Toyota the Vin number and was told it was not covered. The rust is major and a safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11748891

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

Got oil changed and they found frame is rusted out. Called Toyota corp and they said they sent a notice to have it looked at on 04/12/2020 but we never received anything. This truck has always been garaged and we bought it new and has only 78148 miles. They refused to do anything.

NHTSA ID

11739231

Incident

May 21, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact was previously interested in a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy before the purchase was made, and the vehicle was not purchased. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 114,000. It was later discovered, upon checking with the local DMV, that the mileage was 196,000.

NHTSA ID

11734605

Incident

Apr 29, 2026

Mileage

196,000 mi

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.