Steering Problems of Toyota Tacoma - part 1

Vehicle cannot be safely driven – structural / suspension defect suspected – dealer claims “repair completed” despite unequal wheelbase my vehicle is currently unsafe to operate, due to the following critical issues: ? 1. Left–right wheelbase inconsistency the front and rear wheelbase measurements are not equal side-to-side. This is a strong indicator of structural deviation, such •subframe misalignment •control arm mounting point displacement •deformed suspension components •manufacturing or assembly error in chassis geometry ? 2. Front caster angles remain abnormal •left caster: 3. 9° •right caster: 4. 9° •cross-caster difference: 1. 0° a 1° difference exceeds manufacturer tolerances and causes: •vehicle drifting •poor straight-line stability •uneven steering return •potential instability during emergency braking this is a safety-related steering geometry defect. ? 3. Real-world driving confirms unsafe behavior the vehicle cannot maintain straight-line travel, the steering wheel is off-center, and the car exhibits instability at normal speeds. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. ? 4. Despite these unresolved issues, the dealership insists the vehicle is “repaired” and demands that I pick it up. They refused to provide frame measurement reports or explanation for the unequal wheelbase. Returning a vehicle with unresolved steering and chassis geometry defects constitutes unsafe vehicle delivery. ? conclusion based on unequal wheelbase, abnormal caster geometry, and inability to drive safely, this vehicle likely contains a structural or assembly defect. I formally request investigation, suspension geometry verification, and required action from the manufacturer, as this is a matter of public road safety.

Clunky sounds from the drive shaft it's hard to steer while in 4x4.

Lower ball joint separated from knuckle and it says 0 recalls repaired I want it replaced because there oem they were never replaced when recalled.

See all problems of the 2001 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

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.

While having routine maintenance performed on 8/5/2025, I was advised that the steering rack must be replaced at an approximate cost of $2,200. I was told this should be done as soon as possible because it poses a safety issue. The vehicle only has 29,000 miles and has not been driven off road or in extreme conditions. I researched the issue and it seems that a number of complaints have been filed for the same concern, specifically because this is happening at such low mileage. If Toyota does not come up with a resolution and recall for faulty equipment, will I be doing this repair again in another 29,000 miles?.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma 🔎.

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 🔎.

Supplemental safety description I am submitting this supplemental statement to provide a complete and consolidated description of the ongoing safety concern affecting my vehicle. Vehicle behavior and safety symptoms during normal driving conditions, the vehicle consistently exhibits directional instability, including pulling to one side and difficulty maintaining straight-line tracking. Steering control feels unstable, and the vehicle experiences abnormal harshness and vertical movement over the road surface. The vehicle often feels difficult to control and demonstrates behavior consistent with lateral misalignment, including a crab-walking sensation. During rapid left and right steering inputs, the vehicle exhibits abnormal and asymmetric body movement. One side of the vehicle body rises excessively while the opposite side compresses, resulting in excessive body roll and uneven suspension response. This abnormal dynamic behavior creates a strong perception of instability and increases the risk of loss of control or rollover during steering maneuvers. Additionally, overall traction appears reduced. Under wet or slippery road conditions, the wheels are more prone to slipping, further compromising vehicle stability and steering control. Repair history and dealer involvement the vehicle has been presented to four different Toyota authorized dealerships for the same steering and suspension-related concerns. Multiple wheel alignments, steering calibrations, inspections, and road tests were performed. Despite these repeated repair attempts, the condition persists. Each dealership reported that no abnormal condition was found and stated that the vehicle was operating normally. In at least one instance, a dealership declined to continue further repair attempts while the safety-related condition remained unresolved. Independent review and technical findings after repeated unsuccessful repair attempts, I conducted an independent review to better understand the cause of the on.

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.

On June 20, 2025, my 2023 Toyota Tacoma (VIN [xxx] ed a sudden loss of effective braking during normal driving conditions (dry roadway, clear weather). The vehicle was being driven by my adult son. While slowing for a turn, the instrument cluster displayed a pre-collision system (pcs) malfunction warning and a vehicle stability control (vsc) warning. The driver applied the brake pedal continuously, but the vehicle did no decelerate as expected. Abs did not activate, and braking effectiveness was insufficient. During braking, the driver experienced reduced steering responsiveness. In order to avoid entering a busy roadway without adequate braking capability, the driver applied maximum steering input, fully loading the left side of the steering wheel with as much force as possible in an attempt to redirect the vehicle. Any reduction in speed occurred primarily due to the change in direction and tire to road friction, not effective braking. The vehicle was towed to a Toyota dealership. Dealer intake records document a pcs warning and no brakes upon arrival. Event data recorder (edr/cdr) data shows continuous brake pedal application for approximately 5 seconds prior to the event, accelerator at 0%, and brake system hydraulic pressure reaching approximately 12. 14 mpa (maximum recorded). Despite this, the vehicle did not stop as expected. No frontal crash pulse recorded. Toyota motor north America later denied responsibility, asserting incorrect vehicle speed and stating that a carfax report indicated prior front-end damage. The carfax vehicle history report, dealer purchase disclosures, and service records show no reported accidents or damage. Toyota declined to provide brake system ecu logs (abs/vsc/brake control modules). This incident raises concerns regarding a potential safety defect involving electronically controlled braking and its interaction with pcs stability control systems. Supporting documentation available. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5.

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.

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.