Problems · NHTSA complaints
2008 Toyota Tacoma problems
Owners filed 450 complaints about the 2008 Toyota Tacoma with NHTSA between Nov 2007 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is suspension (125).
Complaints
450
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
48
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
27
People reported injured
Deaths
4
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Suspension125
- Vehicle speed control85
- Structure79
- Steering41
- Air bags29
- Electrical system27
- Power train23
- Service brakes, hydraulic17
- Exterior lighting15
- Fuel/propulsion system12
- Service brakes12
- Engine and engine cooling11
- Tires8
- Engine8
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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
20
26
62
22
15
15
32
67
44
29
17
5
15
12
19
20
7
11
8
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 20 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2010 | 62 |
| 2011 | 22 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2014 | 32 |
| 2015 | 67 |
| 2016 | 44 |
| 2017 | 29 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 8 |
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.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Suspension
125 reports1 crash1 fire1 related recall
“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…”
Vehicle speed control
85 reports29 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“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…”
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.”
Steering
41 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Air bags
29 reports7 crashes1 related recall
“First notices that volume control on steering wheel and temp and directional display stopped working about a year ago. Now air bag light stays on when car is started and alarm for seat belts quit working.”
Electrical system
27 reports1 crash2 fires
“Odometer Fraud. The contact was previously interested in a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy before the purchase was made, and the vehicle was not purchased. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 114,000. It was later discovered, upon checking with the local DMV, that the mileage was 196,000.”
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.