Three problems related to steering failed have been reported for the 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma based on all problems reported for the 2009 Tacoma.
Steering shaft joint failed (pn 45203-04021), causing loss of control of steering/ binding steering.
Power steering assist seemed intermittent. The power steering lower shaft at the universal joint has become corroded making steering difficult (to overcome the corrosion) as well as dangerous when further corrosion leads to steering failure. Many on-line forums make note of this problem. It appears to be a systematic design flaw that can lead to dangerous consequences. Imagine losing steering control at high speed. Since Toyota is addressing frame rust for the same year, with either a replacement frame or a protective coating, why isn't this of equal concern on some kind of recall. It looks like I've addressed the issue with a $600 repair to protect my safety, however as this is a known problem, why is it not a voluntary or mandatory recall to address this dangerous condition. This condition started the day after the truck was returned to me after getting the frame undercoating. This condition happens at any speed, left or right turns, when cold or warmed up. It is most notable when cold at slow speed (first started up, turning around in the driveway).
Vehicle steering is unsafe, the steering wheel sometimes doesn't return back to center on turns and steers very hard . When I inspected the vehicle the universal joint on the steering shaft is binding. The part is called intermediate steering shaft #2. This is very dangerous due to unpredictable steering and also if it fails at a high rate of speed. There should be a safety recall.