2006 Toyota Tacoma steering problems

“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.”

“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.”

“The universal joint on the intermediate steering shaft corrodes and seizes causing a potential problem steering. It is a serious safety issue in my opinion. It is an on-going issue.”

“THIS VEHICLE IS COVERED IN THE TOYOTA RUSTY FRAME LAWSUIT. AS SUCH, IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND DEEMED NOT TO NEED A FRAME REPLACEMENT BOTH TIMES. IT WAS TREATED WITH CRC. ITS LAST INSPECTION WAS IN NOVEMBER OF 2018. ON SUNDAY, MAY 17TH, 2020, THE FRAME BROKE AT THE FRONT CROSS-MEMBER CAUSING THE LEFT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM TO SEPARATE AND STEERING THE VEHICLE/CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE BECAME NEAR IMPOSSIBLE. FORTUNATELY FOR ME, THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND TURNING LEFT (IN REVERSE AT LOW SPEED) AFTER A FULL 2 WEEKS OF DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS OF WEST VIRGINIA. I QUESTION ALL INSPECTIONS OF FRAMES BEING PERFORMED WITHIN THE TOYOTA DEALER NETWORK AND HOPE THAT NOBODY HAS THIS FAILURE WHILE THEY ARE DRIVING AT SPEED AS THE RESULTS WILL BE CATASTROPHIC. *TR”

“STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN YESTERDAY. UPON MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT A FAMILIAR INTERSECTION, IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MAKE THE TURN DUE TO VERY STIFF STEERING. THE FRONT END OF MY TRUCK CAME VERY CLOSE TO A VEHICLE COMING INTO THE INTERSECTION FROM THE STREET I WAS TURNING INTO, AND THEN THE USUAL RETURN OF MY WHEELS TO STRAIGHT AHEAD DID NOT OCCUR AS EXPECTED, AND I HAD TO QUICKLY FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK BEFORE I RAN UP OVER THE CURB ON MY RIGHT. LUCKILY THE CAR COMING INTO THE INTERSECTION HAD BEEN FAR ENOUGH BACK FROM THE INTERSECTION THAT WE DID NOT COLLIDE, AND IF I HAD NOT FORCED THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AT THE END OF THE TURN I MAY HAVE HIT PEDESTRIANS ON THE SIDEWALK. UPON INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM WITH A MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT (YESTERDAY AFTERNOON) AND AT ONLINE FORUMS, THE MOST LIKELY CAUSE SEEMED TO BE THE U-JOINT ON THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OF THE STEERING COLUMN DOWN JUST BEFORE THE STEERING GEAR, JUST INSIDE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL. PER SOME ONLINE FORUM ADVICE, I USED PENETRATING OIL ON THAT U-JOINT TO LOOSEN IT, WITH GOOD RESULTS (STIFFNESS IS NOW GONE). BUT THIS SEEMS MOST LIKELY TO BE A TEMPORARY FIX.…”

“STIFF STEERING WHILE STATIONARY. DIFFICULT TURNING WHILE MOVING AFTER NOT USING THE VEHICLE FOR A TIME. THIS OCCURRED AFTER LEAVING THE VEHICLE FOR 6 MONTHS OR SO AT THE DEALER FOR A RECALL IN 2012 OR SO. WHEN I GOT THE VEHICLE BACK IT WAS OK BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY DID TO IT. THIS PROBLEM JUST REOCCURRED LAST WEEK AFTER I DID NOT USE THE VEHICLE FOR A WHILE.”