1997 Toyota Tacoma
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Toyota › Tacoma › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Toyota Tacoma. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1997 Toyota Tacoma. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Owner complaints
131 complaints13 involved a crash9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Power train · Suspension
When’s he start and you get gas it won turn off but don’t do it , and whend I hit a jump and I tuning he shake it wild
- Unknown or other
It appears to be the clear coat of the paint job has been coming off for a very long time. Really does not look good at all now. I reside in the state of Oregon. Although it rains a fair amount here, that should not cause this rate of decay of the paint job. It was not painted very well!!
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle shook and the subframe fractured half. The vehicle was driven to the smithtown toyota dealer located at 360 jericho turnpike, smithtown, ny 11787. Where it was stated that there was no recall on the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle shook and the subframe fractured half. The vehicle was driven to the smithtown toyota dealer located at 360 jericho turnpike, smithtown, ny 11787. Where it was stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The contact stated that the technician had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the subframe was extremely rusted, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. The contact stated that a friend told him that the frame was rusted and needed to be taken to the dealer. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 172,774.
- Suspension
My lee springs are rusted frame IS to lee's springs are broken
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the mechanic found that the driver's side frame area was corroded and had holes. The contact stated that the manufacturer performed a repair under warranty for the frame undercoating…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the mechanic found that the driver's side frame area was corroded and had holes. The contact stated that the manufacturer performed a repair under warranty for the frame undercoating for 1995 to 2005 tacoma vehicles, which did not correct the corrosion failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 105,000.*pm consumer stated frame was once coated in 2011, now peeling and corroded.*jb
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the muffler replaced. The mechanic stated that the vehicle could not be repaired due to rust on the frame. The dealer (toyota of louisville, 6514 dixie hwy, louisville, ky 40258) stated that…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the muffler replaced. The mechanic stated that the vehicle could not be repaired due to rust on the frame. The dealer (toyota of louisville, 6514 dixie hwy, louisville, ky 40258) stated that the contact needed to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the extended warranty for the frame expired on july 31, 2014. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Unknown or other
Recently purchased 97 toyota tacoma from private owner who claims he never received the notifications regarding the frame warranty extension from toyota and subsequently he never had the vehicle repaired. Now the frame on the vehicle IS unsafe and I notified toyota who claims the extension expired…
Recently purchased 97 toyota tacoma from private owner who claims he never received the notifications regarding the frame warranty extension from toyota and subsequently he never had the vehicle repaired. Now the frame on the vehicle IS unsafe and I notified toyota who claims the extension expired and they refuse to do anything to help me, hopefully something can be done by someone because they are allowing unsafe vehicles to stay on the road because they do not want to pay anymore $ then they have to. Meanwhile they acknowledge that the frame issue was clearly their fault. Please help
- Structure › Body
Took vehicle to curry honda to have part installed and they performed multi point inspection. Upon inspection found frame IS rusted out and vehicle IS unsafe to drive. have not driven it since,and am without a vehicle. Can provide photos and documentation.
- Steering
The steering wheel began making noises 7 months after it was purchased new. Dealer took the dash out, replaced something and put it back together again. 7 months later the sound began again. Three letters to toyota complaining about this problem were totally ignored. I visited the dealer in…
The steering wheel began making noises 7 months after it was purchased new. Dealer took the dash out, replaced something and put it back together again. 7 months later the sound began again. Three letters to toyota complaining about this problem were totally ignored. I visited the dealer in tucson, az about this and I wanted the problem solved at toyota expense. Again I was put off and the rattle has persisted to this day. I am tired of listening to this rattle every time I drive the truck. If there IS anything you can do to help me get the toyota folks to repair, replace or put a grease fitting on the defective parts in the column, please let me know. Thank you.
- Structure › Body
I bought this pick up from wilson toyota,(ames,ia), on jan.17,2009.in the walk around/inspection of the vehicle, while talking with the salesman I layed on the ground,and crawled under the pick up looking for any signs of trouble. Noting the frame problems I'D had with another toyota(1984) asked if…
I bought this pick up from wilson toyota,(ames,ia), on jan.17,2009.in the walk around/inspection of the vehicle, while talking with the salesman I layed on the ground,and crawled under the pick up looking for any signs of trouble. Noting the frame problems I'D had with another toyota(1984) asked if toyota had "cleaned" up their act and made the under carriage any better? Was assured "that those problems were all behind them".fast forward ^ years I'm paying a local body shop to replace the rear 60% of the frame @ a cost of $1800.00.now I find I'm having to fix/replace parts of the front end frame.
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for an alignment. The technician stated that a part of the frame was missing due to extreme rust. The vehicle was serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 07v013000 (suspension) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle.…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for an alignment. The technician stated that a part of the frame was missing due to extreme rust. The vehicle was serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 07v013000 (suspension) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000. updated 06/02/17*lj *as
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle structure was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage and vin were unknown.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
The truck had been riding rougher on the roads when family following one day noticed the truck leaning left. It was brought to the repair shop thinking it was a suspension problem. it ended up being major rust and corrosion to the frame that was so bad there was no structural support of the struts…
The truck had been riding rougher on the roads when family following one day noticed the truck leaning left. It was brought to the repair shop thinking it was a suspension problem. it ended up being major rust and corrosion to the frame that was so bad there was no structural support of the struts and springs. Owner of the auto shop as well as a body repair shop it was taken to said I was extremely lucky there was no wreck or injury. The problems are so extensive that it IS not safe to drive. Now I am stuck with a toyota truck that should have lasted easily another 100,000 miles. the frame was expected to last longer then the truck when purchased as toyota used to be a good company and product. My first truck was a toyota back in 1976. there was a recall that I was never notified of regarding this problem. The personal and financial impact this has caused IS significant. Toyota needs to make restitution as evidence indicates it has been a long standing problem with cheaper/inferior frames used by toyota going back several years. The current mileage IS 188,000, but the problems has existed for awhile based on the amount of damage.
- Suspension
I have rusty holes in my frame and toyota wont fix something that IS so dangerous and now my tacoma IS unsafe to drive, what am I suppose to do now?!
- Seat belts · Structure › Body
1997 tacoma frame rust at leading edge of rear axle leaf springs allowed the leaf springs to become detached from the vehicle rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. the shoulder lap seat belts do not recoil.
- Suspension
Recently purchase 1997 tacoma took it to replace rear tires shop informed me the frame had major rot and IS not safe for highway. contacted local toyota dealer they preformed a free inspection on 08-29-16 upon completion of this inspection dealership informed me both in writing and verbally that…
Recently purchase 1997 tacoma took it to replace rear tires shop informed me the frame had major rot and IS not safe for highway. contacted local toyota dealer they preformed a free inspection on 08-29-16 upon completion of this inspection dealership informed me both in writing and verbally that this vehicle IS not safe for highway use. multiple rust perforations through out frame of this truck. dealership informed me that the recall on the frame had expired however they stated that if we file a formal complaint with toyota through your organization that we could possiblily get a cash settlement for this tacoma.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the technician informed that the sub frame, the left rear wheel, the leaf springs and the chassis were severely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to be…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the technician informed that the sub frame, the left rear wheel, the leaf springs and the chassis were severely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to be driven. The manufacturer was notified and informed that the corrosion buy back program was no longer valid. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 189,000.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the frame of the vehicle was rusted, which made the vehicle unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 160,000.
- Suspension
Frame rust. Not made aware of recall or extended warranty. Frame IS severely corroded and has a hole where the shock absorber use to mount. It literally fell off due to rust. Several other areas showing signs of corrosion as well. Seems this IS not an uncommon problem. Not sure it IS safe to drive. Toyota dealership says there IS nothing they can do.
- Unknown or other
Frame rot.had a recal, in 05 23 2011 and was done at gateway toyota nj. Applied corrosion preventative compound and now frame IS rotted badly and not safe
- Unknown or other
My 1997 toyota tacoma has severe frame rust. The tech at hudson toyota in new jersey wouldn't even take for a test drive. I noticed the rust forming in 2010 but was unaware of the extended warranty placed by toyota until 2014, after it had expired. Very frustrating. Mileage as of 9/11/15 IS 190K.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the frame of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 223,000. updated 09/10/15*lj ma 10/22/2015 updated 10/31/2017*cn
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1997 toyota tacoma. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,000.
- Air bags
Driving south on macintosh rd. Tried to avoid hitting a car that made an illegal u-turn in front of me. I ran into the wall hard enough to knock the wall (cement) down. The air bag did not deploy. I received a concussion, and am still having problems with side effects a year later. Accident happened may 12, 2014.
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.
- 10214323TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 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
- 10190453TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 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.
- 10187241TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 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.
- 10142568Provides instructions for returning Walker Exhaust Systems' BM Premium Pipe (P/N 55096). Because the part did not have the oxygen sensor fitting drilled out, it will not allow the sensor to be installed.
- 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.
- 10042927Toyota: information pertaining to reissuance of follow up notification letter to customers for certain vehicles for the phase 2 corrosion resistant compound to frame of trucks.
- 10038974Toyota service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. A service campaign to apply anti-corrosion materials for vehicles in cold states. 1996-2004 tacomas.
- 10030357Toyota service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. A number of vehicles operating in severe cold climate areas with high road salt used exhibited excessive rust corrosion to the frame, causing perforation of the metal. The frames in this small number of vehicles may not have adequate corrosion resistant protection for use in this environment. Updated /25/11
- 10024521Toyota service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Customer support program - warranty coverage extension for frame rust corrosion perforation on certain 1995 through 2000 my tacoma vehicles.
- 10011514Water leak field fix repair instructions.
Every Toyota Tacoma model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.