2023 Toyota Tacoma

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V152000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel was firm, the brake pedal was firm, and the vehicle was violently vibrating. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message “Pull Over – Do Not Drive” was displayed before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the battery and alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.

On February 16 I started my vehicle to drive home from work and the vehicle threw multiple error codes and shutdown while driving and would not start again. It was towed to the dealership. The dealership advised the problem was remedied. 11 days later the same problem occurred, vehicle threw multiple error codes and shutdown while driving. Vehicle needed to be towed again to the dealership.

On June 20, 2025, my 2023 Toyota Tacoma (VIN [XXX] ed a sudden loss of effective braking during normal driving conditions (dry roadway, clear weather). The vehicle was being driven by my adult son. While slowing for a turn, the instrument cluster displayed a Pre-Collision System (PCS) malfunction warning and a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) warning. The Driver applied the brake pedal continuously, but the vehicle did no decelerate as expected. ABS did not activate, and braking effectiveness was insufficient. During braking, the driver experienced reduced steering responsiveness. In order to avoid entering a busy roadway without adequate braking capability, the driver applied maximum steering input, fully loading the left side of the steering wheel with as much force as possible in an attempt to redirect the vehicle. Any reduction in speed occurred primarily due to the change in direction and tire to road friction, not effective braking. The vehicle was towed to a Toyota dealership. Dealer intake records document a PCS warning and no brakes upon arrival. Event Data Recorder (EDR/CDR) data shows continuous brake pedal application for approximately 5 seconds prior to the event, accelerator at 0%, and brake system hydraulic pressure reaching approximately 12.14 MPa (maximum recorded). Despite this, the vehicle did not stop as expected. No frontal crash pulse recorded. Toyota Motor North America later denied responsibility, asserting incorrect vehicle speed and stating that a CARFAX report indicated prior front-end damage. The CARFAX vehicle history report, dealer purchase disclosures, and service records show no reported accidents or damage. Toyota declined to provide brake system ECU logs (ABS/VSC/brake control modules). This incident raises concerns regarding a potential safety defect involving electronically controlled braking and its interaction with PCS stability control systems. Supporting documentation available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced due to an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer gauge failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the instrument panel had a factory defect. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the rack and pinion recently failed. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the right and the left independently while driving with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon refueling, the fuel gauge indicated that there was 1/8 tank full, even though the fuel tank was full. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,700.

The owner and operator of the vehicle, stated that they were driving the vehicle on the Interstate when they noticed white smoke and ashes emanating from the steering column. They pulled into the parking lot to investigate and opened the hood to see no smoke or fire. When they returned to the passenger compartment, the smoke turned black in color, and they observed fire emanating from the steering column. I am the Lead Fire Investigator on this incident for the Edmond Fire Department. The electrical components in the area observed with fire contained electrical arc sites and melting. No other accidental heat sources were present, and natural causes and human involvement were ruled out as well. Incident number is [XXX] in Edmond, OK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while reversing, the RPM and engine surged while turning the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there was no coverage for the failure of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: 0125-18. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

Wiring harness on the vehicle is being completely replaced due to "rodent damage" according to the dealer. I am not an automotive engineer but if compromised wiring finally fails while driving I suspect a number of systems could be affected. There was no indication of this problem during vehicle operations. My insurance company agreed to pay for this about $7200. I have owned the vehicle for ten months.