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2004 Toyota Tacoma

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Toyota Tacoma do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 228.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

315 reports with mileage · 99 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 203 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports3 fire reports15 injury reports

Suspension complaints

84 reports
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136,000 miles · Feb 25, 2021
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE INITIALLY NOTICED THAT THE REAR BUMPER WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT BUMPER AND TOOK THE PART TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE THE BUMPER REPLACED. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED SEVERE CORROSION AROUND THE FRONT PART O…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE INITIALLY NOTICED THAT THE REAR BUMPER WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT BUMPER AND TOOK THE PART TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE THE BUMPER REPLACED. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED SEVERE CORROSION AROUND THE FRONT PART OF THE LEAF SPRINGS ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH MIKE ERDMAN TOYOTA (4650 FL-520, COCOA, FL 32926) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE PERFORMED OUT OF POCKET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,000.

NHTSA ODI #11397876

156,201 miles · Oct 30, 2020
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 -40 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BALL JOINT FAILED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL LOWER BALL JOINTS, CONTROL ARM, BALL JOINT AN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 -40 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BALL JOINT FAILED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL LOWER BALL JOINTS, CONTROL ARM, BALL JOINT AND THE INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STRUT ASSEMBLY, UPPER BALL JOINT, ABS SENSOR, AND PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE HOSE WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,201.

NHTSA ODI #11372453

175,124 miles · Oct 19, 2020
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. RILEY TOYOTA LOCATED AT 2105 CHRISTY DR, JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65101, (573) 893-3100, WAS MADE AWARE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED. RILEY TOYOTA LOCATED AT 2105 CHRISTY DR, JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65101, (573) 893-3100, WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,124.

NHTSA ODI #11365235

119,000 miles · Oct 19, 2020
Service BrakesStructureSuspension

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 S…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11365078

100,000 miles · Apr 7, 2020
Suspension

WHEN CHANGING THE OIL IN THE VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST TIME, IT WAS UP ON A LIFT AND IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THE TRUCK FRAME WAS RUSTING THROUGH. THE BAD PART IS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED LAST YEAR TOYOTA CHARGED US A $200 FOR CHECKING THE VEHICLE OUT, BUT EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS DIDN'T BOTHER TO TELL US THAT THE …

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WHEN CHANGING THE OIL IN THE VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST TIME, IT WAS UP ON A LIFT AND IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THE TRUCK FRAME WAS RUSTING THROUGH. THE BAD PART IS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED LAST YEAR TOYOTA CHARGED US A $200 FOR CHECKING THE VEHICLE OUT, BUT EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS DIDN'T BOTHER TO TELL US THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. I HAVEN'T REPORTED IT TO THEM YET I WONDER IF THEY WILL STAND BEHIND THEIR INSPECTION. SO MUCH FOR GETTING A VEHICLE CHECKED OUT BEFORE YOU BUY.

NHTSA ODI #11320406

122,000 miles · Mar 11, 2020
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION SPRING HANGERS WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS ALSO CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED A WARRANTY WHICH WAS EXCEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KOONS TYSON TOYOTA LOCATED AT (8610 LEESBURG PIK…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION SPRING HANGERS WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS ALSO CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED A WARRANTY WHICH WAS EXCEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KOONS TYSON TOYOTA LOCATED AT (8610 LEESBURG PIKE, VIENNA, VA 22182 (703) 790-5920) TWICE BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND RUST INHIBITOR WAS APPLIED TO THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE WARRANTY PERIOD WAS EXCEEDED. NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

NHTSA ODI #11317464

141,000 miles · Feb 7, 2020
StructureSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE SHOWED EXTENSIVE CORROSION TO THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE SHOWED EXTENSIVE CORROSION TO THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PRIOR OWNER DECLINED TO HAVE THE CORROSION REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

NHTSA ODI #11307691

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2019
StructureSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000(SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CUMBERLAND TOYOTA (1540 INTERSTATE DR, COOKEVILLE, TN 38501, (931) 272-3719) AND WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE DID NOT NEED A REMEDY AND WAS SAFE TO OPERATE. THE CONTAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000(SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CUMBERLAND TOYOTA (1540 INTERSTATE DR, COOKEVILLE, TN 38501, (931) 272-3719) AND WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE DID NOT NEED A REMEDY AND WAS SAFE TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALER A FEW YEARS LATER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE SERVICED DUE TO THE CORROSION THAT HAD ACCUMULATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *PM*JB

NHTSA ODI #11269043

198,726 miles · Sep 4, 2019
Suspension

SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY TACOMA'S FRONT END WOULD FEEL LIKE IT WOULD FLOAT OFF THE GROUND OR LIFT UP OFF THE INTERSTATE. I MADE IT BACK TO THE TOWN I LIVE IN AND STOPPED AT A GAS STATION FOR SOME GAS. AS I LEFT, TO GO PICK UP MY FIANC AND OUR 2 GIRLS TO GET BACK ON THE INTERSTATE AND DRIVE BACK WIT…

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SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY TACOMA'S FRONT END WOULD FEEL LIKE IT WOULD FLOAT OFF THE GROUND OR LIFT UP OFF THE INTERSTATE. I MADE IT BACK TO THE TOWN I LIVE IN AND STOPPED AT A GAS STATION FOR SOME GAS. AS I LEFT, TO GO PICK UP MY FIANC AND OUR 2 GIRLS TO GET BACK ON THE INTERSTATE AND DRIVE BACK WITH THEM TO WHERE I JUST WAS. I GOT ABOUT 3 BLOCKS FROM THE GAS STATION AS I WAS GOING 30 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY RIGHT FRONT END GOES DOWN AS IF A TIRE BLEW. WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AND WENT TO LOOK WHAT HAPPEN. I FOUND THAT I DON'T HAVE A FLAT TIRE BUT THAT MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE IS LYING ON ITS SIDE UNDER THE REAR OF THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER. THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT EACH SNAPPED IN HALF WHICH CAUSED MY TIRE TO BREAK LOOSE AND CAUSED ME TO SKID DOWN THE ROAD. THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE SHAFT, OUTER TIE ROD, STABILIZER BAR LINKS, SPINDLE KNUCKLE WERE ALL DESTROYED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. SO WHEN I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE HEADING HOME TO GET MY FAMILY AND KEPT FEELING LIKE THE FRONT OF MY TRUCK WOULD RANDOMLY FLOAT UP WAS MORE THAN LIKELY BECAUSE MY LOWER BALL JOINT WAS ALREADY BROKEN APART. WHICH DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE PUT ENOUGH STRESS ON THE UPPER BALL JOINT. THAT CAUSED THE UPPER BALL JOINT TO BREAK WHEN IT DID. TO THINK IF IT THE TIRE STAYED ON TILL I PICKED UP MY FAMILY AND GOT BACK ON THE INTERSTATE WITH MY 3 GIRLS AND THAT TIRE BROKE OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11253104

269,000 miles · Aug 15, 2019
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension

TAKATA RECALL, I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA . ON NOVEMBER 2ND I WAS DRIVING HOME , WAS AT A 4WAY STOP, ONCE IT WAS MY TURN TO GO I ACCELERATED AS USUAL AND HAD MY TIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DETACH COMPLETELY FROM THE BALL JOINT CAUSING ME TO NEARLY WRECK MY TRUCK, IF I HAD BEEN GOING FASTER I WOU…

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TAKATA RECALL, I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I OWN A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA . ON NOVEMBER 2ND I WAS DRIVING HOME , WAS AT A 4WAY STOP, ONCE IT WAS MY TURN TO GO I ACCELERATED AS USUAL AND HAD MY TIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DETACH COMPLETELY FROM THE BALL JOINT CAUSING ME TO NEARLY WRECK MY TRUCK, IF I HAD BEEN GOING FASTER I WOULD HAVE, THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST SCARIEST EXPERIENCES I HAVE EVER HAD DRIVING! IT COST ME NEARLY 1000.00 DOLLARS TO FIX AND NOW I AM HAVING TO HAVE THE OTHER PASSENGER SIDE FIXED BECAUSE THE MECHANIC SAYS IT'S HAMMERED...I NOTICED THAT OVER 150,000 TACOMA'S WERE RECALLED DUE TO THIS EXACT PROBLEM, WHEN I ENTERED MY VIN IT SAYS I HAVE NO I REPAIRED RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE! WHICH OBVIOUSLY IS NOT TRUE, OR MY BALK JOINTS WOULD BE GOOD TO GO, I HAVE NEVER TAKEN MY TRUCK OFF ROAD OR EVEN HAD IT IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE, I HAVE NOT BEAT ON MY TRUCK I TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF MY VEHICLE, I FEEL THIS BALL JOINT PROBLEM SHOULD OF BEEN PART OF YOUR RECALL , I COULD OF BEEN SEVERELY HURT OR EVEN DIED AS WELL AS MY SON WHO WAS RIDING WITH ME, THANK GOD WE WEREN'T...I AM PREPARED TO TURN YOU INTO THE BBB IF I DONT GET A REASONABLE RESPONSE

NHTSA ODI #11244235

Official recalls

3

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.

04V214000 · Seat Belts:front

May 5, 2004

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, 'SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.' THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAS INCORRECT MARKINGS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD.

Remedy: DEALERS HAVE REPLACED THE SEAT BELTS. NO VEHICLES WERE SOLD TO CONSUMERS.

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.