Research · Small Pickup Trucks 2WD

2008 Toyota TacomaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls and 449 owner complaints for the 2008 Toyota Tacoma. Most complaints involve suspension (125) and vehicle speed control (85). The EPA rates it 16–22 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
16–22mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
11campaigns
Latest Jun 2016
Owner complaints
449
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$2,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

11 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seats: seat heater

Free remedy

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

SeatsReported Jun 2, 2016NHTSA 16V396000

Seats: seat heater

Free remedy

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

SeatsReported Nov 19, 2014NHTSA 14V743000

Suspension: leaf

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.

SuspensionReported Sep 29, 2014NHTSA 14V604000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

449 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2007 – Oct 2026
  1. Suspension125
  2. Vehicle speed control85
  3. Structure79
  4. Steering41
  5. Air bags29
  6. Electrical system27
  7. Power train22
  8. Service brakes, hydraulic17
  9. Exterior lighting15

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

By model year

Complaints for each Tacoma model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996257
1997134
1998310
1999251
2000221
2001401
2002360
2003372
2004414
2005707
2006782
2007541
2008449
2009519
2010294
2011186
2012295
2013125
201493
2015102
2016324
2017244
2018209
2019219
202090
202181
202259
202354
2024155
2025116
Crashes reported
48
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
27
Deaths reported
4
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

125 reports1 crash1 fire
“Toyota Corporation refuses to replace the frame and other essential parts on our 2008 Toyota Tacoma, which has had 2 previous recalls for frame replacement. We were never made aware of the previous recalls by Toyota or it's dealer who sold us the truck. We were made aware of the serious condition of the frame when our mechanic personally inspected the vehicle and notified us that the frame needed replacement. Toyota refuses to inspect or acknowledge the unsafe condition of our truck frame. Photos supplied speak for themselves. Our Toyota Case # is XXX has resulted with no benefit or consideration from Toyota. Therefore we request #XXX Request for NEW recall. Our mechanic [XXX] informed us the local Toyota dealer (Lithia Toyota Missoula) and it's parent company are notorious for not informing owners about recalls. We were never told when we bought the vehicle used that there was a previous recall. Also, two years after our purchase we just learned there was a follow-up frame recall, which nobody informed us of it's existence. We are sure the NHTSA does not want this vehicle in service on the road. So, again, please issue another follow-up recall for full frame…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Steering, Suspension, Unknown or otherODI 11772177

Vehicle speed control

85 reports29 crashes1 fire
“RUNAWAY VEHICLE REPORTED FRIDAY, 04/24/2020. HAPPENED AGAIN FRIDAY 05/01/2020, AND TODAY 05/04/2020. SIX TIMES NOW I HAVE REPORTED. FRIDAY AND TODAY I WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. STARTED UP, HAD FOOT ON BRAKE, PUT IN REVERSE, AND THROTTLE WENT WIDE OPEN. TURNED SWITCH OFF, PUT IN PARK, AND STARTED UP. ALL OK.THOUGHT A/C COMPRESSOR MIGHT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH ELECTRONICS, BUT A/C WAS OFF ON 05/01/20. I HAVE A ELECTRO / MECHANICS TECH DEGREE AND HAVE WORKED IN APPLIANCE SHOP OVER 15 YEARS. WORKED IN VEHICLE SHOPS OVER 25 YEARS. CURRENTLY SCHOOL BUS PARTS SPECIALIST FOR GWINNETT BOE. I KNOW FROM INTERNET THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT NOBODY WANTS TO FIX. I HAVE WRITTEN TO SENATOR, CONGRESSMAN, TOYOTA CORP AMERICA. THEY WANT TO BLAME PROBLEM ON FLOOR MATS. AT TIMES I DID NOT HAVE ANY MATS IN. LAST TWO TIME I HAD WEATHER TECH CUSTOM FIT HARD PLASTIC MATS IN VEHICLE. I CAN'T SELL AS-IS, AS I DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO GET KILLED IN IT.SO AS A TAX PAYING AMERICAN, I AM STUCK WITH WHAT EVERYONE KNOWS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT HAS KILLED HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE AND NO ONE CARES. MY WIFE HAS INFO ON REPORT FROM ELECTRONIC ENGINEER FIRM THAT WON CASES IN COURT. I TOLD…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 4, 2020Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11323198

Structure

79 reports4 crashes
“The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent shop for new tires, a certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the subframe was severely rusted and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The mechanic advised that the subframe required replacement. The contact learned of a manufacturer program offering to replace or coat the subframe due to insufficient coating. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the coverage had expired. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the program coverage had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026StructureODI 11771303
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD, Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
2.7L 4-cyl · 4.0L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd · Automatic 5-spd · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tacoma 2WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202522$2,900404
Tacoma 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192521$3,050423
Tacoma 4WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
172219$3,400468
Tacoma 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162018$3,550494
Tacoma 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
162018$3,550494
Tacoma 2WD
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
151917$3,800523
Tacoma 4WD
Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
151816$4,000555
  • Tacoma 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L
    20 city · 25 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L
    19 city · 25 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 4WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L
    17 city · 22 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 2WD
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L
    16 city · 20 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L
    16 city · 20 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 2WD
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L
    15 city · 19 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Tacoma 4WD
    Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L
    15 city · 18 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

3 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Toyota Tacoma as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 2506Vehicle 2505Vehicle 2504
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2008 Tacoma questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Toyota Tacoma have?

11 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2008 Toyota Tacoma problems?

Owners filed 449 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (125), vehicle speed control (85), structure (79). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2008 Toyota Tacoma get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Toyota Tacoma at 16–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026