Steering Problems of Toyota Tacoma - part 1

Turning a corner heard a loud clunk and steering went out in the middle of the street. I could of got hit.

Turning a corner my left axle broke and I only have 3100 miles on this vehicle. Still is not fixed because of warranty issues. When I do get it back I don’t know how I’m suppose to feel safe driving it. Upon checking on youtube and internet I see there is a problem with this happing to others. Thank you for your time.

The vehicle is unstable and easy to lose control! the vehicle height is asymmetrical! the vehicle body shakes! the tires are abnormally worn! the geometry deviation of the vehicle's rear axle is too large.

Vehicle inadvertently in 4 wheel drive mode. When turning steering wheel, in drive or reverse mode, the brakes locked up and froze vehicle in place. Barely able to maneuver vehicle by straightening steering wheel as best I could to get it to park. As I accelerated to get it to move, brakes activated against it. No alarm/notice appeared on dashboard to switch to 2-wheel mode. Tow truck driver arrived, identified problem, but was unable to get it to 2-wheel mode. Towed to santa maria CA Toyota service center. They corrected to 2-wheel mode, checked to confirm no damage, and wrote it off as driver error/lack of general knowledge.

See all problems of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

Toyota has had a long history of excessive frame rust. This truck has excessive frame rust. There was a recall to fix this frame rust and my truck has not been fixed. Toyota will not fix the current recall for the spring replacement because of the frame rust. My life and my children’s lives are in danger due to the possible leaf suspension failure that may puncture the gas tank.

See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

During a safety inspection, it was found out that the steering rack was leaking. In a quick research on google, it appears that many people that own this particular year and Tacomas are experiencing the same issue. It is the first time for any car that we own and we keep our cars for more than 10 years. To us, this could be a manufacturing defect that should be investigated and a recall issue. We had it fixed so it can pass inspection, but something just doesn't make sense.

See all problems of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

I purchased a brand-new 2025 Toyota Tacoma trd off-road. From the first day, the steering wheel was off-center and the vehicle vibrated while driving. At around 500 miles, I noticed severe instability and abnormal tire wear. A wheel alignment report showed: thrust angle: +0. 15° (spec: 0° ± 0. 05°) rear toe: left 0. 23°, right -0. 10° (difference: 0. 33°, spec ? 0. 15°) front caster: both sides out of specification (shown in red on report) driving symptoms include: cannot maintain straight-line driving; requires constant steering correction. Excessive body roll during lane changes or turns. Continuous vibration of the vehicle and steering wheel on smooth roads. Vehicle bounces and momentarily loses control on uneven surfaces. Steering wheel rotation does not match front wheel steering angle. When stationary, turning the steering to full lock causes the body to rise; releasing it causes it to drop. Attempts to repair at Toyota of manhattan (June 2025 – August 2025) were unsuccessful. The dealership repeatedly refused to perform proper inspections, provide reports, or acknowledge the defect, despite multiple appointments and a case opened with Toyota corporate. The defect presents a serious safety risk: reduced vehicle stability, increased stopping distance, loss of steering control during maneuvers, excessive and uneven tire wear, and abnormal fuel consumption (13. 5 mpg with no load). The problem exists from new and has not been corrected.

When you are driving down the road and get in a curve the wheels lock up like you are on ice or hydroplaining and have no control of vehicle. Only happens in curves and I know of multiple trucks doing this - if another car is coming from other direction you will hit them as you cant control truck.

See all problems of the 2014 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

While driving on the road truck locks up occassionally in a curve. I know of mulitple trucks its happening to and only in curves- will end up hurting someone if a fix for it isnt found - no one seems to know what is going on.

See all problems of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

The frame of my 2006 Toyota Tacoma (VIN: [xxx] ) is severely corroded and compromised. I recently acquired the vehicle and discovered that it was part of a past Toyota recall/program for frame corrosion inspection and replacement. However, it appears the previous owner did not take the vehicle in for the service. The frame now shows advanced rust and structural weakness, which puts my safety and the safety of others at risk. I am concerned that the recall program was not adequately communicated or tracked, and I am requesting that the NHTSA review this issue for potential reopening or expansion of coverage for affected vehicles like mine. The vehicle is available for inspection if needed. Thanks. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown 35,000.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

The vehicle lane departure will regularly steer the vehicle across lane dividing lines and leave the lane of travel. In one instance the truck continued to attempt to steer right even after crossing the white line. This complaint and specific instances were confirmed by the manufacturer however the manufacturer claims the vehicle is behaving as expected due to “limitations”. As such Toyota is saying the vehicle is going to regularly depart the lane automatically and they do not intend to perform nor pursue any fix.

Lane keeping will kamikaze the vehicle on to exit ramps or exit only lanes when engaged at a highway speed. This seems most common when the truncated lane markers, usually used on exit-only lanes, and not the full length lane markers (the center line markings). Example: vehicle is traveling at a static heading, freeway speed, two lane limited access freeway, driver in control, all lane keeping and adaptive features engaged. When an exit lane approaches on right, vehicle abruptly deviates to the exit lane with zero driver intent or inputs. Once vehicle system realizes the error, system alerts, notifies of a lane departure, and disables the lane keeping. Particularly problematic is that vehicle actively fights driver inputs to restore the intended course as it appears to believe the driver is in error. This is not a one-off occurrence. It is very consistent. To the point when I can anticipate, disable the system or counter steer to keep the vehicle course straight. It seems the vehicle cannot properly identify the shortened / truncated pavement markings correctly, leading to this undesirable course adjustment.

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently drifted to the left and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the instrument panel was not functioning properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the long block and torque converter had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.

Tried to avoid a deer and the frame of truck felt unstable and felt like it was folding. I looked at the frame there are rust holes through out the whole frame. How could they design this and not back it up.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the steering wheel failed to move as intended and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the pinion steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving 40 mph, there was an abnormal revving sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine was leaking oil and the entire braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Steering rack was found to be leaking fluid onto the rubber boot during the 52,000 mile oil change and general maintenance by the Toyota dealership. This leak requires the complete steering rack to be replaced for approximately $2,100.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was driven to the destination. The contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir and discovered that the power steering fluid reservoir was empty. In addition, the contact became aware that the rubber boots on each side of the power steering rack were soaked with power steering fluid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering rack failure. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving maintenance by a local dealer, the technician became aware of a leak coming from the steering wheel. The technician stated that he needed to verify the vehicle a second time to confirm if the failure was a manufacturer’s defect. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Steering shaft u- joint seizure causing loss of vehicle steering. Very dangerous.

See all problems of the 2011 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

The vehicle since approximately 45,000 miles had exhibited occasional steering wheel jitter that would go away when traveling at high speeds. In addition to the steering wheel jitter, the vehicle would pull to the right when traveling and required continued contact with the steering wheel. Dealerships had indicated the vehicle needed an alignment since approximately 30,000 miles. Wheel balancing performed at discount tire acceptably reduced the amount that the vehicle pulls towards the right when traveling at highway speeds. At 78k miles when visiting an alignment service center the technician indicated that the wheel bearing on the front passenger side required replacement and then demonstrated lateral play in the wheel that permitted a quarter inch to 3/8th inches of play. The bearing had been wobbling for a prolonged period of time.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

Horn will honk when steering wheel was turned to the right or left but could not get it to honk when the steering wheel was in the straight or normal position. Took to local Toyota dealer and it was found that the spiral cable in the steering wheel was the cause and needed replaced so I had the dealer replace this spiral cable in the steering wheel which then fixed this issue. I found online that there were recalls and service bulletins on this issue, but it was for prior years and did not include my vehicle. I noticed that there are a lot of discussions and complaints online about this issue, so it seems that this is an ongoing problem.

Power steering pump was replaced at 33000 miles 12-7-23. Timing chain seal leak, engine was pulled at 37700 miles 6-19-24. Power steering pump leaking again at 45500 miles 1-3-25. White paint peeling at 45500 miles 1-3-25. Toyota said $1100 for new power steering pump that is 12500 miles old. They will not cover white paint peeling in 3 areas.

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v480000 (steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

About 70,000 miles, bearings on the idler pulley and tensioner on serpentine belt failed. These have been replaced. About 75,000 miles, the rack and pinion began leaking from one end. I'm watching power steering fluid levels and expect to replace the rack and pinion soon. Note: I'm being told the design of this vehicle requires that the engine be partially pulled to replace the rack and pinion.

When starting the truck and warming up a minute or so and then putting in reverse to back out or forward to pull into a carport, idling in gear with your foot only on the brake, the engines surges/revs up with just the slight turn of the steering wheel causing an unintended speed increase. I believe that this could cause a minor accident. It does not appear to be caused by the engine having a fast idle when cold as the idle drops when you shift into a gear. What appears to be happening is the ecu over compensates for the slight strain caused by the power steering pump when you turn the wheel. My carport is narrow and does not align exactly with the driveway, you have to jog left a foot or two and then right to pull in or back out. At the second service visit on 12/12/23 the dealer then checked and observed this behavior and reported "this is normal operation and directly related to power steering pump activation when wheel is turned in any direction" the vehicle was purchased new last may and currently has 3,995 miles on it. I think it probably had this problem from new but I had mostly just pulled straight in and out of the driveway until the fall when it was mostly parked in the carport as it was not being driven as regularly. I don't think it does it as bad when fully warmed up which takes quite a while for this engine.

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle for repair, the contact was made aware of rust on the steering shaft and the support arms and the front end of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was no fix for the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

Sudden and total loss of power steering while backing up to park. There were/are no warning lights or messages displayed on the dashboard. With great difficulty, I was able to drive the car to my local mechanic. Steering was extremely difficult. The power steering unit has been ordered by my mechanic.

Odi #11516361 I bought this 2009 Toyota Tacoma with 20,990 miles on it on 11/22/2019. Then the pandemic hit the USA and the truck sat for many months. Then in April 2023 I brought the truck in for repairs and the mechanic told me the frame was rusted real bad and that the recall was past the deadline. I brought it to Toyota of watertown dealership on 4/07/2023 with 33,348 miles on it and they said there was nothing they could do because the truck was over the 12 years of manufacturing recall date. My truck was manufactured on 8/20/2009, so my recall ended on 8/20/2021. I owned the truck for 19 months during the recall and I never received a recall notice from Toyota. If I had known I would have had it inspected before the 12 years were up and Toyota would have been responsible for the rusted out frame. Toyota is negligent and liable for not informing me of the recall. Now I am stuck with a rusted out dangerous vehicle.

See all problems of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

The power steering fluid, when cold , is below the “low” line. Upon looking at the steering boots I noticed that both have fluid on them indicating a leak. I have searched Toyota Tacoma forums online and the 2019 Tacoma seems to be the only one with this problem. If the power steering all of a sudden stops working due to fluid leaking I put myself and all of those around me in and outside of my truck at risk of injury or death especially at highway speeds. Thank you very much for looking into this.

I was driving home on March 10 2023 well out of no where my Toyota Tacoma something on the front end suspension broke it looks to me the recal that Toyota fixed before I even got the truck well sent me into 3 trees head on 55mph no airbag deployed I didn't have a chance to try and stop the vehicle I thought I was going to die I know the road I was on isn't the best shape I need help.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

Hello, my name is andrew I have a 2019 Tacoma trd sport 4wd. I have roughly 78,000 miles on my truck as it is still fairly new and has never been in a wreck. I have so rattling noises coming from my front end, and I have taken it to Toyota and other shops to figure out if something was loose, and the response is my steering is about to go out, at first, I am like what its still a new truck never seen the dirt and never has pulled a camper or trailer in its life. So my question is why is my steering rack, and or the rack and pinion going out so early on a truck that is treated like a child? I haven't had insurance involved because I am hoping this is a defect and it can be fixed or resolved as it is a part that should be replaced in its safety. I just had a recall on my 3rd brake, that doesn't concern me as much as this. Knocking, and grinding when turning going forward, and in reverse. I at first thought it was my lower control arms, and they are saying steering and the truck is not even 3 years old. Please help me and others get this issue resolved as the part is going out sooner than I would think a new truck steering component should.

The frame is rusted so bad. The dealer wouldn’t replace due to the vehicle being registered in florida as it’s not one of the states affected. But my Toyota came from a pennsylvania dealer first then shipped to florida after years of being in pennsylvania and not having an issue up there. Now I’m stuck with a truck I can’t sell or fix. It’s not right. Where is the quality control on this.

During a repair for a tire pressure warning light the service technician noticed that my steering rack was leaking and needed to be replaced. My vehicle has 34,651 miles on it. Repair cost $1700.