Problems · NHTSA complaints

2006 Toyota Tacoma problems

Owners filed 782 complaints about the 2006 Toyota Tacoma with NHTSA between Dec 2005 and Apr 2026. The most-cited component is structure (242).

Complaints
782
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
66
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
31
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Structure242
  2. Suspension154
  3. Vehicle speed control147
  4. Air bags76
  5. Power train56
  6. Steering40
  7. Engine and engine cooling27
  8. Service brakes, hydraulic26
  9. Electrical system25
  10. Service brakes19
  11. Engine18
  12. Tires15
  13. Wheels13
  14. Seat belts9

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20051
200638
200741
200830
200942
2010105
201153
201235
201350
201473
201569
201699
201729
201822
201920
202023
202121
20229
20238
20245
20257
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Structure

242 reports3 crashes1 fire
“I received a Toyota recall notification in Dec 2015 for a frame rust inspection, RO Number 307016. I have since noticed fairly major frame rust, with a long 2-inch by 7-inch opening on the inside of the frame below the driver-side seat. I took the vehicle to Toyota on 20 APR 2026 for a leaf spring recall #302870. I asked them to take a look and was told the recall 307016 had expired. The original recall inspection for rust either failed to identify it or the inspector was inadequate at identifying it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 22, 2026StructureODI 11732953

Suspension

154 reports1 crash1 related recall
“Voss Toyota would not perform the recall of new leaf springs that has not been completed on my truck. The frame is rusty and they will not touch my truck. There should be an existing recall or customer satisfaction program on the frame of this truck that needs done as well.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 22, 2026SuspensionODI 11719698

Vehicle speed control

147 reports45 crashes1 related recall
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND 14V604000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT CALLED AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE ARLINGTON TOYOTA LOCATED AT 10939 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225, AND AFTER TWO WEEKS, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIRS BEING PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,100.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2020Suspension, Structure, Vehicle speed controlODI 11362256

Air bags

76 reports7 crashes2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V092000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 220,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 20, 2025Air bagsODI 11649601

Power train

56 reports2 crashes
“I was driving and all of the sudden I felt a vibration when I let off the gas...I checked under and saw that the drive shaft/yoke was separated a little, so I decided not to drive it anymore and to disassemble it and found out that the lock nut is missing and more likely it came off. I've noticed that no sign that the lock been staked to lock in position (picture attached)...this is a near miss and could possibly there are more like this on the road that could lead to a very serious accident if this comes off while running in high speed. I bought this car in 2005 brand new, and I know for sure that this never been work on...I am a mechanic myself so I does the Maintenace to all my cars...I just want to make the company aware to prevent any possible serious accident...I owe 5 Toyota cars and I know one of the best and safest vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 11, 2023Power trainODI 11516515

Steering

40 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 9, 2025Steering, Suspension, StructureODI 11660044
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.