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2001 Toyota Tacoma

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Toyota Tacoma do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 228.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

295 reports with mileage · 101 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 228 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 81 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

40 crash reports4 fire reports25 injury reports

What owners actually said

396 reports
180,000 miles · Apr 17, 2014
SuspensionUnknown Or Other

I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS ALERTED TO THE FRAME CORROSION. I CAN ACTUALLY PUSH MY FINGER THROUGH THE RUST AND FRAME, HOLES ARE VISIBLE IN THE FRAME. THE TRUCK IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND I FEAR OF SAFETY FOR MY FAMILY. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE VOLUNTARY BUYBACK PROGRAM FOR FIXING T…

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I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND WAS ALERTED TO THE FRAME CORROSION. I CAN ACTUALLY PUSH MY FINGER THROUGH THE RUST AND FRAME, HOLES ARE VISIBLE IN THE FRAME. THE TRUCK IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND I FEAR OF SAFETY FOR MY FAMILY. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE VOLUNTARY BUYBACK PROGRAM FOR FIXING THIS WAS EXPIRED. I AM NOW LEFT WITH AN IMMACULATELY CLEAN CAR IN PRISTINE SHAPE THAT CANNOT BE DRIVEN AND I AM LEERY OF EVEN SELLING TO SOMEONE ELSE REGARDLESS OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE FRAME. REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM ARE POPPING UP ALL OVER AND IT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH AS A SERIOUS MATTER AND SUBJECT TO SAFETY RECALL. LESSER ISSUES HAVE HAD RECALLS AND IT HAS BEEN LEFT UP TO TOYOTA TO PROVIDE VOLUNTARY BUYBACK PROGRAMS INSTEAD OF BEING MANDATED FOR PUBLIC SAFETY.

NHTSA ODI #10583268

157,000 miles · Apr 16, 2014
Structure

IN REVIEWING YOUR WEBSITE FOR RECALLS ON THE TOYOTA TACOMA, IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS ONE MISSING THAT CAME BEFORE THE RECALL FOR THE SPARE TIRES. THE ONE I SPEAK OF IS THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR FRAME PERFORATIONS OF WHICH MY VECHICLE NOW HAS AND HAS DEEMED UNSAFE FOR DRIVING. I BELIEVE THIS RECALL SHOULD BE ENFORCED BY…

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IN REVIEWING YOUR WEBSITE FOR RECALLS ON THE TOYOTA TACOMA, IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS ONE MISSING THAT CAME BEFORE THE RECALL FOR THE SPARE TIRES. THE ONE I SPEAK OF IS THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR FRAME PERFORATIONS OF WHICH MY VECHICLE NOW HAS AND HAS DEEMED UNSAFE FOR DRIVING. I BELIEVE THIS RECALL SHOULD BE ENFORCED BY TOYOTA AS MYSELF AND NUMEROUS OTHERS HAVE VEHICLES THAT CAUSE SAFETY HAZARDS FOR NOT ONLY OURSELVES BUT INJURIES TO OTHERS. THESE VEHICLES ARE STILL ON THE ROAD, AS OTHERS LIKE MY SELF WERE NOT AWARE OF THE DANGEROUS SITUATIN TOYOTA HAS PLACED US IN BECAUSE THEY ARE DOING NOTHING TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION, I'D LIKE TO TAKE M VEHICLE IN FOR THE TIRE RECALL HOWEVER I WILL NOT RISK MY LIFE IN ORDER TO GET THIS REPAIR DONE. AS AN AGENCY TO IS ESTABLISHED TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM HAZARDS, I AND MANY OTHERS (VISIT FACEBOOK PAGE TOYOTA TACOMA FRAME DEFECTS) FEEL THAT YOUR AGENCY SHOULD STEP-UP AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10583084

Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2014
Structure

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION RECALL. *SMD A LOCAL MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF CORROSION AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE SPARE LIFT TIRE PLATE UNDER THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THEY STATED THE RECALL FOR THE FRAME HAD EXPIRED…

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2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION RECALL. *SMD A LOCAL MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF CORROSION AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE SPARE LIFT TIRE PLATE UNDER THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THEY STATED THE RECALL FOR THE FRAME HAD EXPIRED AND THEY WOULD NOT DO THE REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI #10578726

179,673 miles · Apr 3, 2014
StructureSuspension

FOLLOWING ROUTINE SERVICE INSPECTION ON 4/2/2014, SIGNIFICANT PERFORATION OF MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 TRUCK FRAME WAS IDENTIFIED, DUE TO CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH RUSTING. ACCORDING TO A 2012 TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTIC, NO INDICATION OF RUST WAS NOTED DURING THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE INSPECTION. ALSO, NO HARD COPY DOCUMENTATI…

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FOLLOWING ROUTINE SERVICE INSPECTION ON 4/2/2014, SIGNIFICANT PERFORATION OF MY 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 TRUCK FRAME WAS IDENTIFIED, DUE TO CONDITIONS CONSISTENT WITH RUSTING. ACCORDING TO A 2012 TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTIC, NO INDICATION OF RUST WAS NOTED DURING THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE INSPECTION. ALSO, NO HARD COPY DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY TOYOTA CORPORATION REGARDING AN ALLEGED VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS CORROSION OF FRAME. ACCORDING TO THE TOYOTA CORPORATION CASE WORKER ASSIGNED, HE WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY HARD COPY DOCUMENTATION OF SAID VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN NOTICE REGARDING CORROSION OF TRUCK FRAME; IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE CASE WORKER DID SAY HE COULD PROVIDE 'VERBAL' CONFIRMATION THAT NOTIFICATION WAS SENT TO MY RESIDENCE AT THE TIME. AT THIS TIME, I AM CURRENTLY CONSIDERING LEGAL ACTION, PENDING FURTHER REVIEW OF CASE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10577072

95,000 miles · Mar 27, 2014
SeatsCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR REAR END CRASH WHERE THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER'S HEAD REST BECAME FRACTURED UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE HEAD REST FRACTURING WITH SUCH A SLIGHT IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPOR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR REAR END CRASH WHERE THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER'S HEAD REST BECAME FRACTURED UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE HEAD REST FRACTURING WITH SUCH A SLIGHT IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA ODI #10575228

160,000 miles · Mar 12, 2014
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ENTIRE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ENTIRE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE EXTENDED SERVICE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 4/29/14*CN *TR THE CONSUMER STATED DECLINED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BUT WILL HOWEVER REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER DUE TO CORROSION BUT NOT THE FRAME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10568811

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury

ON 5/7/13 MY TOYOTA TACOMA AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, WAS INJURED, AND WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENT. UN-INSURED DRIVER, 2008 TOYOTA SCION, WAS CAUSE OF ACCIDENT, AND SCION'S AIRBAG WORKED. 2008 TOYOTA SCION WAS RECEIVED BY MF AUTO ON 4/4/13, PURCHASED BY YUKA OKUNA, INSURED BY GEICO ON APRIL 9, 2013 & RE-INSURED ON APRIL 10, 20…

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ON 5/7/13 MY TOYOTA TACOMA AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, WAS INJURED, AND WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENT. UN-INSURED DRIVER, 2008 TOYOTA SCION, WAS CAUSE OF ACCIDENT, AND SCION'S AIRBAG WORKED. 2008 TOYOTA SCION WAS RECEIVED BY MF AUTO ON 4/4/13, PURCHASED BY YUKA OKUNA, INSURED BY GEICO ON APRIL 9, 2013 & RE-INSURED ON APRIL 10, 2013 W/ALL STATE INSURANCE (POLICY 4/10 TO 10/10?), AND POLICE REPORT STATED AMANDA LONGLEY OWNED CAR & INSURED BY SAFE AUTO. YET INSURANCE COMPANIES CLAIM IT IS 'PHANTOM OR GHOST DRIVER' AND NOT INSURED AT ALL- NOT LAWFUL IN STATE OF INDIANA AS PROOF OF INSURANCE IS REQUIRED? IT APPEARS BMV RECORDS MAYBE ALTERED AFTER POLICE REPORT- POLICE VERIFIED INFORMATION AT SCENE OF ACCIDENT? ADDITIONALLY, NOTICED POLICE REPORT STATED "SAFETY EQUIPMENT EFFECTIVE" WAS NOTED "YES" FOR SCION & TACOMA BUT MY TOYOTA TACOMA AIRBAG DID NOT WORK PROPERLY- PERCEIVED UNSAFE PRODUCT. LASTLY, TACOMA TOYOTA WAS IN A SEPARATE ACCIDENT IN 2004, NOT MY FAULT (REAR ENDED AT AROUND 35-40 MPH), AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY- CAUSED A LOT OF DAMAGES AND INJURY. TOYOTA FAILED TO PROVIDE A SAFE PRODUCT AND IS A CAUSE OF LOSS IN MANY WAYS- TOO MANY LOSSES TO DETAIL. TOYOTA WAS INFORMED IN WRITING BUT FAILED TO ADDRESS PRODUCT SAFETY CONCERNS ADEQUATELY AND APPEARED MORE CONCERNED ABOUT BRAND REPUTATION THAN SAFETY OF PEOPLE? (SEE PHI MATRIX FOR SOME REASONS- LINKED TO STOCK PRICES/BRAND/ DESIGN /BEAUTY ANALYTICS).

NHTSA ODI #10568407

120,000 miles · Feb 10, 2014
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES NEAR THE SHACKLES. THE FRAME WAS WELDED BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE I…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES NEAR THE SHACKLES. THE FRAME WAS WELDED BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10563732

168,000 miles · Jan 28, 2014
Structure

THE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE IS RUSTING. I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT TACOMA'S HAD RUSTY FRAME ISSUES UNTIL AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS FRAME WILL CAUSE UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS IF SOMETHING GIVES OUT WHILE DRIVING. I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE RESALE VALUE OF A YEAR CLASS OF VEHICLES THAT ARE KNOWN TO HAVE …

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THE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE IS RUSTING. I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT TACOMA'S HAD RUSTY FRAME ISSUES UNTIL AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS FRAME WILL CAUSE UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS IF SOMETHING GIVES OUT WHILE DRIVING. I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE RESALE VALUE OF A YEAR CLASS OF VEHICLES THAT ARE KNOWN TO HAVE RUSTY FRAMES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561789

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2013
Seats

THE FOAM IN THE HEADREST OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT THE METAL BAR UNDERNEATH IS EXPOSED. NEITHER SEATS HAVE HAD SEAT COVERS, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY WRECKS, AND THE HEADRESTS HAVE BEEN USED NORMALLY. I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR A FIX TO THIS PROBLEM AND THIS LOOKS TO BE COMMO…

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THE FOAM IN THE HEADREST OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT THE METAL BAR UNDERNEATH IS EXPOSED. NEITHER SEATS HAVE HAD SEAT COVERS, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY WRECKS, AND THE HEADRESTS HAVE BEEN USED NORMALLY. I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR A FIX TO THIS PROBLEM AND THIS LOOKS TO BE COMMON FOR THIS GENERATION OF TOYOTA TRUCKS. THIS SHOULDN'T BE AN ISSUE FOR A VEHICLE OF THIS AGE AND IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM FOR SUCH AN IMPORTANT PIECE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10555255

Official recalls

4

12V542000 · Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

Nov 23, 2012

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

05V225000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

May 17, 2005

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

03V189000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

May 19, 2003

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, DURING SIDE IMPACT NCAP TEST (I.E. LINCAP TEST), A FLANGE AT THE REAR END OF THE DOUBLE CAB BODY DEFORMED AND INTERFERED WITH THE FUEL INLET HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL INLET HOSE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL HOSE PROTECTOR ON THE BODY FLANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2003. 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.

01V186000 · Tires:sidewall

Jun 7, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4X2 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TU4 WHITE LETTER TIRE UPGRADE OPTION AND DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. TIRE DAMAGE MAY HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE TIRE TO DEFLATE OR A BULGE APPEARING IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY INFLATED TIRE COULD RESULT IN VEHICLE HANDLING PROBLEMS OR A BLOW OUT OF AN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK ALL FOUR TIRES, REBALANCE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ANY DAMAGED TIRE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 3, 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 SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.