One problem related to engine funny noise has been reported for the 1999 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Driving to my home on Thursday, August 4, I heard a rapping noise start in my engine. I had taken it to the garage (d&j auto) the following day. Upon there inspection, they found a hole in the block of my engine. After swapping engines out of my vehicle, I had further inspected the old engine. I had a certified mechanic friend helping me to tear down the engine to find what caused the problem. We had found that a connecting rod had shattered inside the engine (arm that connects piston to crank shaft). I had contacted Toyota motor corp. And a few service managers in my area to send a representative to come and inspect the damage. I was told by a certified mechanic that the metal casting of the connecting rod was faulty, I thought Toyota would want to verify this by inspecting the pieces themselves. I have not been contacted by a Toyota representative as of yet and it has been three weeks and the service managers keep saying; " the engine is out of warranty so there is nothing they can do for me". If I would have been driving this vehicle on a major highway this problem would possibly have caused a serious injury or accident to me or others. I felt since they would not acknowledge me, it should be reported to you. I have documented the damage with digital pictures and I am in the process of having the pieces analyzed by an independent mechanic to determine the exact reason for the failure.