1997 Toyota T100
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Toyota › T100 › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Toyota T100. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1997 Toyota T100. Newest first.
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the steering wheel IS repeatedly turned under certain conditions where high steering effort and power assist are required, for instance, when fully turning the wheel while the vehicle IS stopped, a fatigue crack may develop in the steering relay rod.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the vehicle IS continued to be operated in this condition, the relay rod may fracture, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering relay rod. the recall began october 5, 2005. owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Owner complaints
71 complaints3 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
The contact owns a 1997 Toyota T100. The contact stated that while performing an oil change on the vehicle, he noticed the sub-frame was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota T100. The contact, a mechanic, noticed that the frame had extensive rust corrosion, and fractured without warning. The vehicle was to be repaired by the mechanic the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 201,000. updated 03/16/17*lj updated 09/07/2017*js
- Unknown or other
Cruise control accelerates when engaged (65mph up to 90 mph). had to hit brakes really hard to completely a near stop. did various times and now not using it. I understanding this was an issue on 1996 T100 and there was a recall. bought this as certified preowned toyota in 1999. only 120,000 miles at time of incidents.
- Structure › Body
Severly bad frame rot holes! By the control arms and was told that the frame can snap at any given moment I cant tow anything with the truck anymore for the fact that the back half the frame IS also rotted away to wear if I put a trailer on it the frame will probably snap no were on the frame IS…
Severly bad frame rot holes! By the control arms and was told that the frame can snap at any given moment I cant tow anything with the truck anymore for the fact that the back half the frame IS also rotted away to wear if I put a trailer on it the frame will probably snap no were on the frame IS solid its a shame the truck runs and drives fantastic but I will no longer drive it for the fact of having a rotted out frame and will snap soon
- Power train · Service brakes · Suspension
Took truck to repair shop for exhaust repair. Technician found the frame to be rusted badly with holes through the frame. Told me that I need to have this looked at by a toyota dealer because there should be a recall because it could get dangerous. He also pointed out rust on brake lines and other suspension parts that needed replaced soon. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota T-100 truck. The contact stated that the frame of the floorboard was severely covered with rust and cracked. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage were unknown.
- Power train · Structure › Body · Suspension
I have read several of the descriptions on the site and am afraid I'm driving an unsafe vehicle now because of the underlying rust issues which could be at the root of shifter issues, as in a previous complaint and the dangerous frame rust issue. I am not a mechanic, but I recognize many of the…
I have read several of the descriptions on the site and am afraid I'm driving an unsafe vehicle now because of the underlying rust issues which could be at the root of shifter issues, as in a previous complaint and the dangerous frame rust issue. I am not a mechanic, but I recognize many of the rust issues described here on my T100. Nhtsa should re-examine the decision to give toyota a break by not requiring that they buy back vehicles as done with similar models in their family with the frame rust issues. The allowance to continue t100s be driven puts passengers and other motorists at risk. I purchased this vehicle used, and the mechanicals and appearance belies the significant safety issues beneath.the nhtsa IS remiss to not put pressure on toyota to include these vehicles in their recall as a good faith and safety measure... As the owner of newer, allegedly safe, toyota products, I am also concerned by their lack of response... Does someone have to lose their life before a suitable response IS mandated? After all, this vehicle could be behind you on the drive home tonight. This ignores how this vehicle would likely just crumble in an accident. I plan to bring this vehicle in for a comprehensive check now, but in the interim, worry about its safe use. The fact that my kids are even near it when it IS parked gives me pause now. Please use you influence to impress upon toyota that what IS right for the safety of their customers IS right for them. Thanks for reading my thoughts and for you consideration in working towards a resolution. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Rusting frame bumper fuel lines brake lines. *tr
- Steering
While making a left turn the steering wheel won't return to center upon completion of the turn. I understand there was a major safety vehicle recall for this truck however two dealers in merced and modesto, california have told me there IS no safety recall. the 1995 to 1998 recall was for total…
While making a left turn the steering wheel won't return to center upon completion of the turn. I understand there was a major safety vehicle recall for this truck however two dealers in merced and modesto, california have told me there IS no safety recall. the 1995 to 1998 recall was for total loss of steering due to a broken steering rod. I bought this truck in california one year ago and we know for certain that it was originally sold in texas. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota T100. The contact stated that the sub frame was severely corroded and spread to the rear bumper, causing the bumper to fracture. the contact's personal mechanic advised that the vehicle should not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 160,000.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Frame IS rusting out. will not pass inspection. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota T100. The contact stated that while washing the vehicle, he noticed that the frame was corroded and holes had rusted through the frame. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 196,000. *tr
- Structure · Suspension
Renewed my registration sept 18 2012, but the frame didn't pass inspection, too many holes and thin walls on the frame. All of the framework just falling apart, rest of the truck, drive train just fine. If the clothe seat, which has never been covered had to pass inspection, it would easily! Dirty…
Renewed my registration sept 18 2012, but the frame didn't pass inspection, too many holes and thin walls on the frame. All of the framework just falling apart, rest of the truck, drive train just fine. If the clothe seat, which has never been covered had to pass inspection, it would easily! Dirty, but no holes or rips. How utterly ridiculous IS that? Tried 3 times to get someone from toyota to talk about it, but they just play real stupid and say they don,t know anything about the frames rotting on the t100's and can't help me. Can and will take pictures. *Tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota T100. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph the front lower control arm broke in half. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who stated it was rusty and corroded and the vehicle was inoperable. They will not repair the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 173,818.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota T100 SR5. The contact stated that the frame, rear wheel wells and rocker panels were corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 165,000.
- Seat belts
Well on my 1997 toyota T-100 extended cab the rear seat belt to hold the child seat in place keeps coming loose and I have not other option that place the child seat on the rt or LT rear seats and this will or might risk my kid in a dangerous situation in case of a collision, also the drivers seat…
Well on my 1997 toyota T-100 extended cab the rear seat belt to hold the child seat in place keeps coming loose and I have not other option that place the child seat on the rt or LT rear seats and this will or might risk my kid in a dangerous situation in case of a collision, also the drivers seat come loose super loose it wont restrain and in going to have to get one soon. So I ask to the nsths to contact toyota's manufacturer and have them handle this problem. I did include my truck information and hope to hear from toyota's manufactures soon, thanks again and have a wonderful day. *tr
- Service brakes · Steering · Structure › Body · Suspension
Mechanically this truck IS very sound, but the frame and many parts are rusting excessively. when I first bought the truck I had it undercoated. this didn't last long and I've had to replace the control arms, the load sensing proportioning valve and was recently told that I am at risk of not…
Mechanically this truck IS very sound, but the frame and many parts are rusting excessively. when I first bought the truck I had it undercoated. this didn't last long and I've had to replace the control arms, the load sensing proportioning valve and was recently told that I am at risk of not being inspected in july due to the rust on the frame. the vehicle only has 153,000 miles on it and it should still run strong, but the frame may make it impossible to get my value out of the vehicle. I feel like I wasted my money on a toyota product that used to have a good reputation. *tr
- Power train · Structure › Body
Additional information regarding claim no. 10451047. In reviewing claim I realized the safety issues not fully covered. A serious incident occurred while using this vehicle. While bringing bagged leaves to town recycling area, a bag fell from the truck. My son and I stopped in the road to retrieve…
Additional information regarding claim no. 10451047. In reviewing claim I realized the safety issues not fully covered. A serious incident occurred while using this vehicle. While bringing bagged leaves to town recycling area, a bag fell from the truck. My son and I stopped in the road to retrieve the debris behind the truck. While retrieving the debris the vehicle began backing up and almost struck us. I had to run to the drivers door and enter the moving vehicle to apply the brake to prevent a crash. It became apparent that when placed in park the shifter may in fact be in reverse. This allows the vehicle to move unexpectedly. Unfortunately this can not be easily repaired as failure of the frame was identified as the cause for loss of the shifter support. This serious defect can be expected to produce this type of dangerous situation of the vehicle being inadvertently in reverse instead of in park! *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Power train · Structure › Body
Vehicle developed fuel leak discovered during inspection due to severe corrosion. Toyota failed to make repairs despite being covered by a federal emissions warranty enhancement. Severe rust of frame identified. Now shifter not working due to further corrosion. Letters to toyota have been…
Vehicle developed fuel leak discovered during inspection due to severe corrosion. Toyota failed to make repairs despite being covered by a federal emissions warranty enhancement. Severe rust of frame identified. Now shifter not working due to further corrosion. Letters to toyota have been fruitless. Internet full of similar problems with these vehicles. Similar age tundra and tachomas recalled for the same problem. the t-100's are a serious threat to public safety and problem should be addressed by nhtsa as toyota IS not taking appropriate actions despite numerous complaints. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota T100. While parked, the contact noticed that the frame was completely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic stated to the contact that he could weld the frame but was not sure that the vehicle could be repaired…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota T100. While parked, the contact noticed that the frame was completely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic stated to the contact that he could weld the frame but was not sure that the vehicle could be repaired due to the poor condition and severity of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
- Structure › Body
The frame has rusted and has become unsafe, just like the tacoma and tundra. I had the frame inspected by toyota, they agreed "frame perch IS rotted". *tr
- Seat belts
1997 toyota T-100, seat belts fail to perform properly since originally purchased in 1997. seat belts fail to retract and are constantly hanging outside the truck through the bottom of the truck door whether in use or not. seat belts have been wet hundreds of times, have been exposed to…
1997 toyota T-100, seat belts fail to perform properly since originally purchased in 1997. seat belts fail to retract and are constantly hanging outside the truck through the bottom of the truck door whether in use or not. seat belts have been wet hundreds of times, have been exposed to road salt for every winter since 1997. since the problem was discovered in 1997 soon after the truck was purchased it was brought to the attention of the dealership several times who quickly dismissed the problem by informing me "what do you want us to do, these belts conform to all federal requirements...there IS nothing we can do...even if we were to install new belts they would be just like what IS on the vehicle now". I guess the question I have IS, are these seat belts as safe today as they should be? if the answer IS no, then my next question IS, why not? *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota T100. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed that the vehicle had a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the garage where it was diagnosed that there was excessive corrosion at the fuel lines, brake lines, the frame, front bumper, the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota T100. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed that the vehicle had a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the garage where it was diagnosed that there was excessive corrosion at the fuel lines, brake lines, the frame, front bumper, the a-frames, bed-holder and rear axle housing. The fuel lines were replaced by an independent mechanic. The failure and current mileage was 135,000. The vin was unavailable. updated 02/18/11 *bf updated 12/01/2011 *ln
- Structure › Frame and members
1997 toyota T-100 has frame rust rot and IS not drivable any more. The brakes do not work. The frame IS in incredibly terrible shape. Very unsafe and IS in fact not drivable any more. The body and the rest of the truck are in very good shape with no rust and the motor IS in excellent condition. I…
1997 toyota T-100 has frame rust rot and IS not drivable any more. The brakes do not work. The frame IS in incredibly terrible shape. Very unsafe and IS in fact not drivable any more. The body and the rest of the truck are in very good shape with no rust and the motor IS in excellent condition. I have had the truck for almost two years but have only put 5,000 miles on it. The truck now has 65,000 miles on it. I purchased it from a dealer in pennsylvania. I think toyota should honor their commitment to T-100 owners just as they have tacoma and tundra owners. I backed the truck out of my driveway recently and found that the brakes didn't work as I rolled out of control down a hill. Luckily there were no other vehicles coming and I was able to get the truck stopped by turning the ignition off. The repair shop near my house informed me that the frame was so bad that it was not fixable. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 toyota T100. The contact noticed that the frame was covered with rust. The dealer had not been notified. the manufacturer offered no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the current and failure mileages were 46,600.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Clutch pedal bracket/firewall
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10244113TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10207946POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Toyota.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10197476Replacement vin plates.
- 10197473Product general information.
- 10190460Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10188913TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10174891TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174890TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10152205TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10145776Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
- 10145749Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10145748Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10143953TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Replacement Certification Label and VIN Plate Criteria A replacement certification label and/or VIN plate may be requested if: ? The vehicle was in an accident and the label and/or plate is damaged or attached to a part that will be replaced during the repair. ? The label and/or plate was stolen.
- 10133915Toyota vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not perform as expected, please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
- 10133649TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10132812Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
- 10132295This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
- 10132287California (CA), Federal (FED), and 50 State Certified emission control underhood labels (emission labels) may be obtained through your dealership?s Parts Department utilizing standard replacement parts ordering procedures. Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to ensure proper label application.
- 10132136The appearance of spots in tempered glass (when viewed at certain angles) is the result of the heat treating and quick quenching process during manufacturing.
- 10132084The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly
- 10131993This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
- 10131988The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10131984A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
- 10131961Toyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
- 10131713TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. REVISION NOTICE January 11, 2018 ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10123420TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10111390TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10111197TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10109492TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
- 10109404TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing washers can cause damage to the torque converter assembly.
- 10010021Engine bank 1 and bank 2 a/f and 02 identification. Various toyota models.
- 627389Subject regarding head gasket replacement.
- 622728Information regarding shoulder belt anchor tape set.
- 605423Parts information for vehicles equipped with exhaust gas recirculation (egr).
- 604869Special service campaign X01 involving replacement of the cylinder head gaskets installed on certain vehicles equipped with the 3.4 liter V6 engine.
- 604667Subject regarding toyota dinghy towing guide.
- 600349Some automatic transmissions may produce a chatter noise when shifted out ot reverse into either neutral or park.
- 54417Information regarding a/c refrigerant charge correction.
- 52148Door mirror glass replacement procedure.
- 52117Door mirror glass replacement.
Every Toyota T100 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.