2008 Toyota Tacoma steering problems

“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…”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT AND VERY STIFF. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND I SEE MANY OTHER 08 TACOMAS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY HAS THERE BEEN NO RECALL? ALSO STEERING DOES NOT RETURN TO POSITION YOU HAVE TO CONTINUOUSLY TURN IT ON YOUR OWN. I SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND THERE IS APPARENTLY NO WAY TO FIX IT. I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT ON MY WAY HOME TODAY BECAUSE I COULDN'T STEER THE TRUCK. DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS POINT TO THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT WHEN MOVING AND WHEN STATIONARY. IT DOES IT ON CITY STREETS, HIGHWAYS, ALL THE SAME. AND AT TIMES STEERING WILL BE NORMAL AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. WHEN I TRY TO TURN MY TRUCK WITH THIS PROBLEM IT DOES NOT RESPOND AND THE WHEEL DOES NOT RETURN TO POSITION.”

“STEERING IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. WHEN MAKING A TURN IT DOES NOT STRAIGHTEN ITSELF OUT IT KEEPS GOING IN THE DIRECTION THAT YOU TURNED. IT IS VERY HARD TO STRAIGHTEN OUT AND HAS BECOME VERY DANGEROUS. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS IN A STATIONARY POSITION, CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE STEERING BECOMES EASY AGAIN WHICH ONLY MAKES IT MORE DANGEROUS!”