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Toyota Tacoma

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Toyota Tacoma • Consumer complaints • Transmission failure • Safety interlock failure • Spontaneous starting • Misc. failings --- News • NHTSA Ends Toyota Tacoma Investigation • Toyota Resists Possible Tacoma Recall

The Tacoma is putting a big dent in American automakers' truck sales but it's also putting a big ugly dent in Toyota's reputation for quality, reliability and service. The trucks are plagued by engine and transmission problems as well as an assortment of defects and quirks that we don't usually associate with Japanese cars and trucks.

Here are some of the more recent complaints:

Terry of Arthurdale, WV November 14, 2009

Not that it matters to you; but, I will never buy another Toyota. And, I will be certain to inform everyone who asks me about my Tacoma about your dishonesty and shoddy product. I mentioned the problem within 10,000 miles. Your service departments NEVER documented my complaints--just as it did not do at my last visit to University Motors (Toyota Dealership) in Morgantown, WV. Although I mentioned it BEFORE and AFTER service--your service department made no documentation of my complaint. If you had even looked at my wheels, it would have been obvious to you that the problem was there from 10,000 mile--or less. Again, you have lost a customer.

Don of West Point, GA November 8, 2009

Toyota 2006 Tacoma Truck Vin #5TEUU42NX6Z294800. Case #0910109970. Actual Mileage 10/16/09 - 4880. Problem: Rapid unexpected acceleration. Reported to Toyota 10/7/09.

I was making an exit off US Hwy 29 in West Point GA into a business parking lot. I slowed down to about 5 MPH as I had to wait for oncoming traffic to clear. Just as I was easing off the road the truck rapidly accelerated to a high rate of speed. I swerved to miss the building to avoid hitting the building head on and then had to swerve 2 more times to miss a telephone pole and a business sign in the lot. The truck ran over some concrete blocks and into a residential yard, plowing up the ground, then caused damage to the resident's landscape and mailbox. The truck finally stopped in the resident's ditch. It was headed back up onto the highway when the engine stopped, causing traffic (including a dump truck) to come to a screeching halt. Other than being nervous and shook up I only suffered a few minor bruises from being bounced around in the cab of the truck.

EVENTS: 10/8 took truck to dealer was told to contact Toyota direct. 10/8 talked with Mike, Don & Vonda W. (800 331-4331). 10/8 Don assigned Case #0910109970 to the claim. 10/8 Vonda W. said someone would be contacting me within 4 working days. 10/14 no response so I followed up with Armon. Was promised someone would contact me the following work day. 10/15 no response. Followed up with Emilly. Was promised someone would contact me the next work day.

10/16 no response. Followed up. Spoke with Timiesha. She said someone would contact me the next working day. (lost my notes with details, but spoke with Elaine M. who probably told me the same lie as the others). 10/19 no reponse. Followed up. Spoke with Dani. She said someone would contact me the next day. 10/20 Barbara H. calls and could only say they have now turned the case over to their attorneys. 10/22 I called for Barbara H. twice and had to leave message.

10/26 Received call from Kristen C. Appointment made for me and LaGrange Toyota (LaGrange GA) 9:00am 11/3/09. (that date was repeated at least 3 times during conversation). I asked what day that was on and was told me Tuesday. 11/3 I drove to LaGrange to keep the appointment. Was told that the appointment is for 11/4 (Wednesday). I had the dealer CALL Kristen to verify.. She THOUGHT she had made it for the 4th.

11/4 I made another trip to LaGrange and waited while my vehicle was checked over, pics made, etc. by someone from Atlanta. (I think the name is Tim C.). After the vehicle was inspected and report made up I was told that someone would be in touch with me later.. (No one asked ANY details at all as to HOW the accident happened). 11/7 Received letter from Kristen C. (Southeast Toyota Distributors, Deerfield Beach, FL) stating: "Based on our findings provided above, we respectfully decline any further assistance in this matter."

Meanwhile, I am without a spare tire and wheel and MAY still be driving an unsafe vehicle, afraid that a life could be lost; mine and someone else's. One expensive wheel & tire (rear) was totally destroyed. Front bumper scratched-up. Underneath skid pan bent. I am totally UN-satisfied with the poor service I have received from Toyota. Because of all the mental anguish I've endured through all this I am in hopes a class action lawsuit can help to reimburse me for at least the property damage to my truck.

Kevin of New Bedford, MA October 27, 2009

I own a 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD xtra cab. I purchased it new. The frame is rotting terribly and I have had to replace the muffler due to it splitting at the seams with corrosion and rust flakes falling off. I am afraid my Tacoma is unsafe to operate on the highway. I know some Tacomas have been recalled due to frame problems but the 2004 is not part of the recall. Is the 2004 Tacoma going to be recalled? An earlier recall of Tacomas was due to ball joint problems - is that right? Thanks for your help in this matter.

Joe of Pawling, NY October 25, 2009

I have owned many Toyota trucks since my first in 1987. Usually the body would rot right off the chassis. Now the chassis rots right out from under the body! Highlights:I purchased a 1984 truck in 1989 it had a rusty bed and I fixed it up. I puchased a new 1997 Tacoma in September of 1996, the truck had frame rot in March of 2004, I documented my complaint with Toyota in March of 2005 with Toyota Motor Corp.The told me "there is no known flaw with Tacoma frames. I disagreed with them.I sold the truck in May of 2005 with 218000 miles on it with a rotton frame for only 2000, had the chassis held up I should have gotten some where around 7000 for the truck considering it should go over 300,000 miles and it started out as a 22,000 truck. Now I have a 2000 Tundra with the same problem and just as before Toyota Motor Corp. tells me the have " no known problem ".

Elbert of Fair Play, SC October 1, 2009

Bought a 2009 Tacoma and at 3500 miles , there is a puff of blue smoke on start up. They say they do not know cause and to wait until 10k miles so the engine is broken in. I suspect it is valve seals

William of Salem, VA September 22, 2009

I have a 2006 Toyota Tacoma that has problems. The engine will rapidly accelerate on its own, the vehicle will lurch, and the brakes will not stop it. Toyota representatives have performed technical inspection and "have found no indication that the accident was caused by a manufacturing or design defect" following the incident that resulted in a property damaging incident. Today's incident did not result in an accident, but this is the third such unsettling incident with this vehicle. The accident and this incident were reported to Toyota.

Terry of Woolwich, ME September 21, 2009

Took my 2006 Toyota Tacoma that is still under warranty to Lee Toyota in Topsham, ME to complain about blistering of the surface on all four of my factory 16" alloy wheels. The service advisor, Paul, informed me that another employee there, Dan, had looked at the rims and said that corrosion was the culprit and that they could not cover the rims under warranty. The warranty clearly states that corrosion is a warranty problem if within 3 yrs/36 month period.

I called the Toyota Customer Experience Center and was told that the dealer was the deciding factor whether or not the issue would be covered, they also told me to take my vehicle to another Toyota dealership for a second opinion. This really blew my mind! Another dealership may warranty the rims? At this point I was rather infuriated. I ended up with a case number and nothing else. I have made another appointment with the dealership I bought my truck from in Portland, ME. Will let you know what happens there.

John of Leesburg, VA September 11, 2009

My 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 has only 10,007 miles and has been garaged since purchase. I've already changed the oil 3 times with Mobil 1 and waxed the engine compartment twice--I'm that kind of person. I noticed rust on the frame this past weekend. I looked more closely and found it to be prevalent: at all the joints and all the ends and all the attachments--it's pervasive. At this point it is surface rust.

I took it to the dealer today and they confirmed it to be "bad" but they don't have the equipment or treatment Toyota has been promising to send them for months. I called Toyota Corporate a few hours ago and they assigned me a case number. At 63 I intended this to be my last truck. I have had two Prius and an 86 Toyota truck--none with any problems so I'm very dismayed about the rust!

Ken of Chetek, WI September 1, 2009

2006 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport - Alloy Wheels at painted insets are blistering and some blisters are popping. 2 dealers confirm this a problem and I noticed this at my spring/summer clean/polish between 75 and 80K service interval (reported). I bought the truck new in FL and it has seen one winter in MN/WI. I keep this truck meticulously clean in and out.

These past 2 months of lengthy communication with Toyota customer service (dealer will only reply as per Totyota) was quite disapointing. It simply is not their problem, warranty is over and it does not matter what level I was able to reach at customer service, plus Totyota will not provide a written statement regarding our communications.

Another know problem is the front brake caliper clips do not hold placement and vehicle movement from forward to reverse and vice-versa present a clicking sound, clips have been replaced but only corrects temporarily. Toyota has lost a customer.

Thomas of Ronkonkoma, NY August 21, 2009

You Post my comment on June 7 2009. This is to add to it,That it cost me 2300. to fix the Transmission. Then 2 weeks later when i took the truck in for a check up on the Transmission the shop owner put the truck on the lift to show me that the frame is rusting out and that I should call Toyota.

I called Toyota and the made up a case number, and said that I will get a letter when they come up with a plan. I use my truck to tow my 30' camper, This makes me worried. The Frame is the main part that hole it. The Tacoma have this going on and they are buying them back at 1 1/2 the value.

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