Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2009 Toyota Tacoma — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2013 to Dec 2020
The most reported issue is suspension problems (101 complaints). 25 complaints involved crashes. 18 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (13)
NHTSA Campaign: 14V743000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
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.
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V604000
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF
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.
Risk: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V168000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
Risk: If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Fix: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V475000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk: If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V396000
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
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.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
NHTSA Campaign: 11V148000
Component: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.
Risk: FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: FOR THE LAND CRUISER, SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE DEALER WILL RE-CALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON AFFECTED VEHICLES AND INSTALL AN UPDATED TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AT NO CHARGE. FOR THE FJ CRUISER VEHICLES, THE TPMS CANNOT BE RESET SO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE TPMS WILL BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPING THE REMEDY ECU. IF AN OWNER IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER HIS OR HER VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V337000
Component: SEAT BELTS
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.
Risk: If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during February 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign: 12V092000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TACOMA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2004, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2008. OVER TIME, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION MAY DAMAGE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING) THAT POWERS THE DRIVERS AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER IS EXPECTED TO BE MAILED TO OWNERS DURING APRIL 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign: 13V014000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
NHTSA Campaign: 09V388000
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Risk: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
NHTSA Campaign: 09V223000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Risk: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V035000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V036000
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 515)
Structure →12 issues
Your truck's frame has developed rust with holes that you're concerned about for safety reasons. You're worried this could put you and other drivers at risk on the road. The dealership refused to repair it, though you note that rust issues and frame replacements have affected other model years of this truck. Addressing this will likely require professional frame inspection and rust repair or frame replacement.
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Your truck's front subframe was found to be severely corroded and has completely failed at around 85,000 miles. Both an independent mechanic and the Toyota dealer confirmed the entire subframe needs to be replaced. Fixing this will require replacing the entire front subframe assembly, which is a major structural repair.
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You noticed an unusual noise coming from underneath your Tacoma while driving. When you inspected it, you found a branch stuck under the vehicle and discovered corrosion with a hole in the front passenger side of the subframe. The subframe provides structural support for your truck, so this corrosion issue should be inspected and repaired to maintain vehicle integrity.
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Your truck's frame has developed significant corrosion that was not present during a Toyota inspection in June 2020, despite the vehicle passing that inspection at the time. In the 4.5 years since that inspection, with only 6,000 additional miles driven, the corrosion has progressed substantially on a vehicle with 72,900 total miles. Addressing frame corrosion typically requires professional rust treatment, protective coatings, or in severe cases, structural repair or replacement of affected frame sections.
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Your truck's frame is developing rust and has developed holes in some areas. This is a structural integrity concern that should be inspected by a mechanic to determine the extent of damage and whether it affects the safety of the vehicle.
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Your Tacoma's frame has developed significant rust in the middle section toward the back left, creating a large hole. This type of rust damage to the frame can affect the structural integrity of your vehicle and should be inspected by a mechanic. Repair will likely require rust treatment, welding, or frame reinforcement depending on the severity.
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Your Tacoma's frame has significant rust that a tire technician discovered during a tire installation and refused to proceed until it's repaired. Toyota's warranty extension for this issue has expired, and the dealer hasn't followed up on photos they took of the rust despite your multiple requests. A rusted frame can be a safety concern, and you're unable to get new tires installed until the frame is addressed.
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Your 2009 Tacoma's frame has developed significant corrosion and a Toyota dealer has recommended replacing the frame or the entire vehicle. Even though you had the frame treated with CRC spray during a recall service in December 2017 when it was deemed acceptable, the corrosion has worsened considerably in the years since. Fixing this issue will likely require complete frame replacement or replacement of the entire vehicle.
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Your truck's frame is showing rust that's flaking off and creating a small hole. This is a structural issue that should be inspected to determine if it affects the frame's integrity. The repair will likely involve removing the rusted section and either patching or replacing the affected frame metal.
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Your truck's chassis has developed rust, which you discovered during an inspection. When you contacted the dealership, you learned that a Toyota recall related to this issue had expired and warranty coverage is no longer available. The rust was noticed at around 110,000 miles on your vehicle.
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The owner has submitted a detailed letter regarding a structural issue with their 2009 Toyota Tacoma, but the specific problem is not described in this summary. Without the attached letter, the exact nature of the structural concern cannot be determined.
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The owner filed a complaint about a structural issue with their 2009 Toyota Tacoma but did not provide specific details in the summary. To understand what problem they're experiencing, you would need to review the attached document they referenced.
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Service Brakes →2 issues
Your brake lines have developed rust, which can lead to brake failure. This is a serious safety issue that requires immediate inspection and repair. You'll need to have your brake lines replaced or repaired to restore proper braking function.
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Your brake lines have rusted, which has caused your brakes to fail. You didn't receive any warning lights or alerts before this happened. The vehicle hasn't been inspected by Toyota or authorities yet.
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Suspension →2 issues
Your truck's frame has developed rust underneath the engine, above the axle housing. This is a structural integrity concern that should be inspected by a mechanic to determine how severe the rust damage is. The repair will likely involve removing rust, applying rust treatment, and possibly reinforcing or replacing the affected frame section.
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Your 2009 Tacoma's frame has developed significant rust, which is a known issue that Toyota settled a class action lawsuit over. You weren't notified of the recall and missed the 12-year replacement window Toyota offered. You're looking for options to have the frame replaced or repaired now that you're outside the original recall period.
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Structure,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your 2009 Tacoma's frame has developed severe rust holes that make it unsafe to drive, with corrosion around critical areas like brake lines and exhaust mounts. A Toyota dealership confirmed the frame is extensively corroded and needs replacement, even though the same truck was inspected by Toyota in 2018 and cleared. The rapid deterioration from no rust holes in 2018 to severe perforation now suggests the 2018 inspection may have missed the problem. Fixing this will require complete frame replacement, which is a major structural repair.
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Electrical System →1 issue
You discovered that your 2009 Toyota Tacoma's odometer reading doesn't match the mileage recorded on the vehicle's title. When you bought the truck, the odometer showed 127,619 miles, but Carfax records indicate the title shows 297,651 miles. This suggests the mileage may have been altered or rolled back before you purchased the vehicle. Resolving this may require contacting your state's DMV and potentially working with a lawyer, as this involves title documentation and possible odometer fraud.
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Exterior Lighting →1 issue
Your headlight amber lenses on both sides are melting and burning through, which is discoloring the clear lens and preventing the amber lights from working properly. This reduces visibility and creates a safety hazard for both front headlights. The fix will likely involve replacing the affected headlight assemblies or the damaged lens components.
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your truck's frame has developed rust and corrosion damage from salt exposure, including holes forming in the frame itself. This is a structural integrity issue that can affect your vehicle's safety and longevity. Addressing this will likely require rust removal, repair of the affected frame areas, and protective coating to prevent further corrosion.
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