2008 Toyota TACOMA: complaints, problems and recalls

THE REAR SUSPENSION BOTTOMS OUT WHEN THERE IS A LARGE LOAD IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK (2008 TOYOTA TACOMA ACCESS CAB 4X4, NO TRD PACKAGE). JUST STANDING ON THE REAR BUMPER MAKES THE REAR END DROP CONSIDERABLY. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 3 miles reported. Look up ODI 10207975 at NHTSA ↗

FLOOR JACK, WHEN CHANGING A DAMAGED MUD FLAP FROM THE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE TRUCK, I PLACED THE FLOOR JACK WHERE THE TOYOTA MANUAL RECOMMENDS, AFTER THE WHOLE (1/4IN LESS THAN WHOLE) EXTENSION OF THE JACK WAS APPLIED THE TIRE WAS BARELY LIFTED ABOVE GROUND, THIS WAS DONE ON MY HOMES DRIVE WAY A TOTALLY FLAT AREA WITH NO INCLINATION ANYWAY AND ALL PROPER SECURITY PUT IN PLACE AND THE FLOOR JACK WAS INCLINED... NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED, BUT (BIG ONE BUT), IMAGINE UNDER ADVERSE CONDITIONS AND NOTHING ELSE TO DO AROUND TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE, W…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,550 miles reported. Look up ODI 10208896 at NHTSA ↗

SUSPENSION IS DOING A LOUD FRICTION SOUND WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, IT SOUNDS LIKE METALS ARE HAVING FRICTION ONE AGAINST THE OTHER, THIS IS HAPPENING EVERY TIME YOU DRIVES OVER A BUMP, BIGGER BUMP LOUDER SOUND. AND THERE IS NO WAY TO GO FAST OVER THESE BUMPS ALL OF THEM ARE AT SCHOOL STUDENT DROPPING AREAS AND SECURITY IS FIRST THAN EVERYTHING, BUT IS ANY PART OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION DAMAGED BECAUSE OF THIS? *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10208898 at NHTSA ↗

THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE TRUCK RESTS ON THE BUMPSTOPS WHEN HAULING LOADS IN THE BED. I HAVE A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 4X4, TRD OFF-ROAD. WHEN LOADING MY 4-WHEELER IN THE BED, THE TAILGATE BENDS SLIGHTLY & THE SUSPENSION BOTTOMS OUT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 5,198 miles reported. Look up ODI 10210394 at NHTSA ↗

ON 01/04/2008 I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN TRAFFIC. I WAS STOPPED APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET FROM THE REAR BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. WHILE STOPPED MY VEHICLE, A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB BEGAN TO ACCELERATE VIOLENTLY. I PROCEEDED TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AND IT RAMMED INTO THE STOPPED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. MY 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET. THE ACCELERATION WAS VIOLENT AND THE TRUCK WAS "FISHTAILING" FROM SIDE TO SIDE…

Owner-reported narrative. 919 miles reported. Look up ODI 10214791 at NHTSA ↗

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE PREPARING TO MAKE A TURN AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE RPM'S INCREASED. THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WOULD SURGE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHIFTED INTO PARK, AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN HE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, IT OPERATED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT HAS SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 6,900.

Owner-reported narrative. 6,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10216327 at NHTSA ↗

2008 TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP TRUCK- I WAS WEARING A PAIR OF STEEL TIP WORKBOOTS WHEN I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A CONVENIENCE STORE. I HIT THE BRAKE BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN ACTUATED IS CLOSER TO THE FLOOR THAN THE TOP PART OF THE GAS PEDAL. WITH STEEL TIP WORK BOOTS BEING WORN WHICH ARE WIDER THAN STREET SHOES I ACTUATED THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL AT THE SAME TIME. THE TRUCK SHOT FORWARD IN THE PARKING SPOT AND HIT A TUBULAR PYLON FILLED WITH CONCRETE. THIS IS THE ONLY THING THAT KEPT THE VEHICLE FROM CRASHING INTO A PERSON OR BUILDIN…

Owner-reported narrative. 5,590 miles reported. Look up ODI 10221144 at NHTSA ↗

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH THE WALL OF HER GARAGE AND INTO HER GUEST BATHROOM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT CURRENTLY REMAINS. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,100.

Owner-reported narrative. 7,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10225929 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2009-06-15 (June 15, 2009)

TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.

Reported: 2009-10-05 (October 5, 2009)

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Reported: 2010-02-03 (February 3, 2010)

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

Reported: 2010-02-03 (February 3, 2010)

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Reported: 2011-03-04 (March 4, 2011)

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.

Consequence: FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: FOR THE LAND CRUISER, SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE DEALER WILL RE-CALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON AFFECTED VEHICLES AND INSTALL AN UPDATED TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AT NO CHARGE. FOR THE FJ CRUISER VEHICLES, THE TPMS CANNOT BE RESET SO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE TPMS WILL BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPING THE REMEDY ECU. IF AN OWNER IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER HIS OR HER VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Reported: 2012-03-07 (March 7, 2012)

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TACOMA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2004, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2008. OVER TIME, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION MAY DAMAGE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING) THAT POWERS THE DRIVER’S AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER’S SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER IS EXPECTED TO BE MAILED TO OWNERS DURING APRIL 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Reported: 2013-08-07 (August 7, 2013)

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.

Consequence: If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during February 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Reported: 2014-08-04 (August 4, 2014)

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

Consequence: If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Reported: 2014-09-29 (September 29, 2014)

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Reported: 2014-11-19 (November 19, 2014)

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

Reported: 2016-06-02 (June 2, 2016)

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.