Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
420–25K
2625–50K
3250–75K
3975–100K
100100–150K
76150K+
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
What owners actually said
414 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2013
Power TrainStructure
MY 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA WAS RECALLED IN 2012. THE RECALL LETTER STATED THAT IN CERTAIN STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED TO MANAGE WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE POTENTIAL EXISTED FOR PREMATURE RUST/CORROSION OF THE FRAME. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS THEN DETERMINED THAT THE FRAME SHOULD BE REPLACED. SIX …
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MY 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA WAS RECALLED IN 2012. THE RECALL LETTER STATED THAT IN CERTAIN STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED TO MANAGE WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE POTENTIAL EXISTED FOR PREMATURE RUST/CORROSION OF THE FRAME. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS THEN DETERMINED THAT THE FRAME SHOULD BE REPLACED. SIX MONTHS LATER I NOTICED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING WAS LEAKING. WHY DIDN'T THE RECALL COVER THESE COMPONENTS, WHICH ARE LOCATED IN THE SAME GENERAL AREA AND SUBJECT TO THE SAME CORROSIVE CONDITIONS AS THE FRAME, LEAF SPRINGS, CONTROL ARMS, ETC., ALL OF WHICH WERE REPLACED? IF THE FLUID DRAINS FROM THE HOUSING AS A RESULT OF RUST/CORROSION, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE DRIVETRAIN TO LOCK UP, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, RESULTING IN AN OBVIOUSLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. NO REAL OPTIONS EXIST TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE ASIDE FROM REPLACING THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING, A REPAIR THAT COSTS SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT TOYOTA CHOSE NOT TO COVER THE REPLACEMENT OF ALL PARTS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO INSURE THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE IN LIGHT OF THE PREMATURE RUST/CORROSION ISSUE, NOR DID THEY RAISE THE ISSUE IN ANY WAY. I CANNOT IMAGINE HOW TOYOTA COULD BE UNAWARE OF THIS CONDITION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510003
Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2013
StructureSuspension
EXCESSIVE RUST. RECALL TWICE.
NHTSA ODI #10512139
98,000 miles · Apr 25, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, SHE NOTICED SOMETHING HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK PROTECTOR WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, SHE NOTICED SOMETHING HAD BECOME DETACHED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK PROTECTOR WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK PROTECTOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10509585
92,000 miles · Apr 25, 2013
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THEY DETECTED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME EXHIBITED RUST. THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER RELATED TO THE FRAME; HOWEVER, THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THEY DETECTED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME EXHIBITED RUST. THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER RELATED TO THE FRAME; HOWEVER, THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #10509531
Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2013
Tires
I WAS INFORMED IN DECEMBER OF 2012 OF A RECALL ON MY 2004 TACOMA WHERE THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER COULD RUST AND FALL OFF. AS OF 4/24/2013 I STILL HAVEN'T BEEN NOTIFIED OF WHAT TOYOTA,S PLAN TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS. WHAT CAN I DO? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10509460
Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2013
Structure
I TOOK MY TRUCK IN FOR THE YEARLY INSPECTION AND IT FAILED FOR A HOLE IN THE FRAME. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS INFORMED THAT I MISSED A CUSTOMER CARE SERVICE TO INSPECT THE FRAME AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY WOULD DO FOR ME. I REPAIRED THE HOLE AND THE VEHICLES PASSED INSPECTION FOR THE FRAME THE PAST TWO YEARS.I WAS DRIVING …
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I TOOK MY TRUCK IN FOR THE YEARLY INSPECTION AND IT FAILED FOR A HOLE IN THE FRAME. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS INFORMED THAT I MISSED A CUSTOMER CARE SERVICE TO INSPECT THE FRAME AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY WOULD DO FOR ME. I REPAIRED THE HOLE AND THE VEHICLES PASSED INSPECTION FOR THE FRAME THE PAST TWO YEARS.I WAS DRIVING TODAY AND FOUND THAT THE BED OF MY TRUCK CROOKED. I CHECKED THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FRAME TO FIND THAT IT IS COMPLETELY ROTTED AND THE TRUCK IS NOW UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WILL THIS FRAME RUST ISSUE EVER BECOME A RECALL? ITS A SHAME THAT A PERFECTLY GOOD RUNNING TRUCK IS NOW GARBAGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10509425
40,000 miles · Mar 19, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE FRAME. AFTER HAVING THE REPAIRS COMPLETED, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE FRAME. AFTER HAVING THE REPAIRS COMPLETED, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. *TR UPDATED 6/17/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE 02 SENSOR WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS ALSO REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE SHROUD THAT COVERED THE GAS TANK, ROTTED AND FELL OF THE TRUCK, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. UPDATED 06/25/13
NHTSA ODI #10503554
109,400 miles · Mar 8, 2013
Structure
3 YEARS AGO TOYOTA SENT US A NOTICED AND CALLED .. ASKING US TO HAVE OUR FRAME INSPECTED DUE TO FRAME FAILURES AND RUST. WE COMPLIED AND HAD THE UNDERCOATING AND FRAME INSPECTED FOR 3 YEARS WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS WOULD PROTECT US IF FUTURE FRAME PROBLEMS WERE IDENTIFIED. THIS YEAR 2012 WE WERE TOLD WE DIDN'T NEED TO …
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3 YEARS AGO TOYOTA SENT US A NOTICED AND CALLED .. ASKING US TO HAVE OUR FRAME INSPECTED DUE TO FRAME FAILURES AND RUST. WE COMPLIED AND HAD THE UNDERCOATING AND FRAME INSPECTED FOR 3 YEARS WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS WOULD PROTECT US IF FUTURE FRAME PROBLEMS WERE IDENTIFIED. THIS YEAR 2012 WE WERE TOLD WE DIDN'T NEED TO HAVE THE FRAME INSPECTED, HOWEVER WHEN WE WERE REPLACING THE BRAKES WE NOTICED SIGNIFICANT RUST ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. WE IMMEDIATELY CALLED OUR DEALER FOR A FRAME INSPECTION AND WAS TOLD THE FRAME HAD FAILED AND THAT WE SHOULDN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE. FOR SAFETY REASONS. I CALLED THE TOYOTA HOTLINE AND RECEIVED A CLAIM NUMBER WAS TOLD WE WERE ELIGIBLE FOR THE A FRAME REPLACEMENT BECAUSE WE HAD RECEIVED THE UNDERCOATING . THEY SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE TOYOTA REP TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE TODAY MARCH 8TH.. THE REP NEVER SHOWED UP. WE WEREN'T PROVIDED WITH A RENTAL VEHICLE AND THUS HAVING TROUBLE MEETING OUR WORK COMMITMENTS.. AND THEY EXPECT US TO PUT OUR CHILDREN BACK IN A VEHICLE WHICH WE WERE TOLD IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT HOW MANY OTHER TOYOTA DRIVERS ARE DRIVING UNSAFE VEHICLES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10502145
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2013
Structure
ACCORDING TO RECORDS, [XXX], TOYOTA EXTENDED THE CORROSION-RESISTANT TREATMENT (CRT) BEYOND 2010.THE DOCUMENT READS ADDITIONAL 15 YEARS. CURRENTLY I VISITED A TOYATO DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED TOYOTA ENDED THE AGGREEMENT DEC. 2012. NO NOTICE WAS RECIEVED OF CHANGE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A…
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ACCORDING TO RECORDS, [XXX], TOYOTA EXTENDED THE CORROSION-RESISTANT TREATMENT (CRT) BEYOND 2010.THE DOCUMENT READS ADDITIONAL 15 YEARS. CURRENTLY I VISITED A TOYATO DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED TOYOTA ENDED THE AGGREEMENT DEC. 2012. NO NOTICE WAS RECIEVED OF CHANGE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10500954
10 miles · Feb 26, 2013
Power Train
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 FAILUR…
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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
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.
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.
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.
2004 Toyota Tacoma Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year