2009 Toyota Tacoma Body & Structure Problems
40 owner-reported body & structure complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (40)
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 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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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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Significant amount of rust and rot on multiple structural points of the truck’s frame. This deterioration has advanced much quicker than anticipated, compromising the structural integrity and safety of the vehicle. The rust and rot have affected crucial components of the frame, including crossmembers and suspension mounting points. I have entered my vin # multiple times in the past years to the Toyota frame recall webpage but I am continually denied frame replacement. I feel that the extent of rust and the time frame in which it occurred should allow for a manufacturer replacement or compensation.
I purchased this vehicle on 12/16/2019 with 20,990 miles on it. Now the vehicle has 33,000 miles on it and I was told by an independent service station that I have a large hole in the frame. I brought the truck on 4/07/2023 to a Toyota dealer and they said the recall for a new frame expired 12 years after the vehicle was purchased. I called Toyota and they told me the same thing. I had know idea that these trucks had frame rust issues when I bought it. I read that Canada received a 3 year extension to 15 years on Tacoma 2009 trucks with mileage under 36,000, I have only 33,000 miles. Please help!
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that he noticed that the subframe was excessively rusted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for routine oil change and tire rotation services, and after the contact made the mechanic aware of the failure, he was informed that the vehicle could not be raised up on the lift because the subframe had excessive rust and would fracture. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The contact then made Toyota of Bedford (18151 Rockside Rd, Bedford, OH 44146) aware of the failure; however, the dealer declined to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
Went to get an undercoat application. Tech pointed out severe rust/rot on my truck frame, located on both front wheel control arm area. Vehicle was inspected by N.E. Undercoating, Plainfield Ct. No warnings. NEVER RECEIVED A FRAME RECALL NOTICE Contacted Toyota Corporation and they said "sorry, nothing we can do"
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she had received a recall in the past for the subframe however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but informed the contact that the recall had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Never received notice for XX Warranty Enhancement Program and found out in March 2022 as vehicle cannot pass inspection due to rusty on frame. BRAND ENGAGEMENT ADVOCATE March 09, 2022 at 12:18 PM Dear [XXX], Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. regarding your frame concern in your 2009 Tacoma. We are sorry to learn you're experiencing a concern with your vehicle. We were able to further look into your frame concern and have verified your vehicle is beyond the parameters of the Warranty Enhancement Program for this concern. This warranty enhancement program was an extension of the vehicle's Basic Warranty. Primary coverage for this program expired on 01/31/19 and Secondary coverage for your vehicle expired 12 years after the date of first use: 06/30/20. Once the vehicle is outside of the program parameters, the cost of repairs becomes the owner’s responsibility, as the component is now outside of all factory coverage. We have also verified that one letter was sent to you at the mailing address we have on file. The remedy letter for the XX Warranty Enhancement Program was sent on 11/08/2018. We hope this provides clarity to your inquiry. Your comment has been documented at our National Headquarters under your case number. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us. Sincerely, [XXX] Toyota Brand Engagement Center INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Severe rusting and corrosion of chassis/under body, body and frame of truck.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the tire hit the wheel well and the frame was ripped apart. The dealer sent a technician to the contact’s home to inspect the vehicle. The contact was informed that the sub frame needed to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the mechanic informed him that there was a hole in the sub-frame and that the sub-frame was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. Additionally, the extended warranty had expired. The vehicle had previously been serviced in 2017 when the dealer applied an undercoating to the subframe. The failure mileage was 65,136.
I own a '09 Toyota Tacoma (VIN: [XXX]) that I purchased 5/15/18 from Long Subaru, Webster Ma. On 9/1/21 we noticed a rot hole in the frame. We then learned there was a recall/warranty extension on rotted '09 Tacoma frames. On 9/2/21 we brought the truck to Toyota of Nashua, NH. We were told the warranty extension expired in May and the frame would not be covered. We were sent on our way as if this vehicle is safe to drive. I brought the vehicle to a mechanic to see if he could weld a plate over the hole. He said the frame was so rotted and nothing to weld it to. He also detected movement in the frame due to all the rot. He said it was unsafe to drive. On 9/23 I called Toyota corporate customer service to understand why I was never notified. They said they sent notification to the previous owner, then tried to backtrack and say they also sent it to me. Several days later we learned from a Toyota dealership employee (off the record) that the notification was never sent to us and only sent to the previous owner . Their failure to notify us of a safety recall (which some articles state was masked as a warranty extension) has put us at risk. This rot didn't happen over the summer! They need another recall to save lives before someone gets injured! 10/19/21 I called Toyota customer service again. I tried to get this issue escalated to a supervisor. They put me on hold. After 1 hour I hung up. 10/19/21 I filed a claim with the Massachusetts AG. They pointed me in your direction I am so baffled how this vehicle passed yearly inspections. During Mass inspections we don’t pass vehicles with dark tinted windows, lift kits that are too high, aftermarket headlights/brake light, yet, we pass a vehicle with a rotted frame that had a recall on it and a class action lawsuit. There are so many failure points here. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The vehicle has an excessive frame rotten. The car was inspected by Toyota dealer confirming the issue. The issue appeared the first week of August 2021.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED AT TOYOTA CITY (1305 E BOSTON POST RD, MAMARONECK, NY 10543, (914) 825-5611) UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V604000 (SUSPENSION) HE BECAME AWARE THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED HE BECAME AWARE THAT THE CHASSIS UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT CALLED BRISTOL TOYOTA LOCATED AT 2283 GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC HWY, SWANSEA, MA 02777, (401) 253-2100, AND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,458.
I HAD A RUSTY FRAME RECALL WHICH I TOOK IN ON FEB. 2018 AND HAD THEY SUPPOSEDLY REPAIRED THIS BY RUSTPROOFING. SINCE THEN ALL THE NEW RUSTPROOFING APPLIED FOR THIS FIX HAS DETERIORATED. THIS TRUCK HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN LESS THAN 10,000 MILES SINCE THAT TIME AND IS HOUSED IN A GARAGE. THIS RECALL ENDS ON JULY 28TH OF 2020 AND MY DEALER SAYS THE WILL DO NOTHING. BECAUSE NO PERFORATIONS ARE SEEN THEY WILL NOT HELP. I ASSUMED THAT THIS WAS REPAIRED CORRECTLY WHEN IT WAS DONE INITIALLY BUT HAVE FOUND THAT THE JOB DONE WAS MAINLY COSMETIC AND THE MATTER WAS NOT FIXED. I AM NOW ASKING FOR HELP TO HAVE THIS REPAIR DONE PROPERLY. *TR
THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE IS RUSTED
THE PAINT ON MY 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA STARTED TO FAIL ABOUT A YEAR AGO APPROX. MARCH 2017. IT STARTED ON THE HOOD WITH SLIGHT CRACKING THAT LED TO PEELING THAT LED TO IT'S CURRENT CONDITION WHICH IS BARE METAL IN LARGE AREAS. THE ROOF WAS THE NEXT AREA TO HAVE THE PAINT FAIL AND IT IS THE SAME SCENARIO AS THE HOOD. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS STARTING TO FAIL BUT NOT AS BAD AS THE ROOF AND HOOD. THE PAINT COLOR IS DARK CHARCOAL. RUST SPOTS HAVE ALSO STARTED TO FORM WHERE THERE IS BARE METAL. THE TRUCK HAS 66,000 MILES ON IT. THE TRUCK IS A FLORIDA VEHICLE AND HAS NEVER LEFT THE STATE.
THE FRAME HAD TO BE REPLACED BY TOYOTA DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (JOSEPH AIRPORT TOYOTA IN VANDALIA, OHIO, 937-898-8060) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN OFFERED TO SPRAYPAINT OVER THE RUST, BUT THE CONTACT DECLINED THE OFFER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO DO WHAT THE DEALER RECOMMENDED, STATING THAT IF THE FAILURE CONTINUED, THE FRAME WOULD BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.
THE FRAME IS COVERED BY A RECALL. TOYOTA IS LIMITING IT TO CERTAIN STATES. I WAS IN ONE OF THOSE STATES (MAINE). TOYOTA SAYS THE CAR MUST BE REGISTERED IN ONE OF THOSE STATES. MY REGISTRATION ENDED AT THE END OF OCTOBER. WE KNOW LIVE IN FLORIDA WHICH IS NOT COVERED. THE FRAME WAS INSPECTED BY A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN FLORIDA THAT SAID IT NEEDED TO BE TREATED FOR RUST. (RECALL). BUT BECAUSE MY REGISTRATION CHANGED THEY ARE USING IT AS A REASON NOT TO COVER VEHICLE. I BELIEVE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THAT THEY ARE USING LOOPHOLES NOT TO COVER ALL THE VEHICLES THAT SHOULD BE COVERED.
FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE RUST. VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW IN SUMMER 2008, LESS THAN 3 YEARS LATER THE SEAMS OF THE FRAME HAD SUBSTANTIAL RUST. FRAME IS NOW COVERED IN RUST . WHEN THE TOYOTA DEALER WAS CONTACTED THEIR REPLY WAS ~THERE IS NO RECALL FOR YOUR VEHICLE REGARDING THIS MATTER. I AM AWARE OF MANY OTHER MODEL YEARS OF TACOMA BEING RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR THE MODEL YEAR 2009 TACOMAS AND THAT MODEL YEAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. FORM REQUIRES A "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN" DATE, A DATE OF JUNE 2011 WAS ENTERED AS THE APPROXIMATE DATE WHEN THE EXCESSIVE RUST WAS FIRST NOTICED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V604000 (FUEL SYSTEM, BODY); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST ALL OVER THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE AND THE WELDED TOWING UNIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE CAB OF MY TACOMA, EVEN THOUGH I WASH IT FREQUENTLY AND WAX IT. IT IS FADED AND NOW STARTING TO RUST DUE TO THE PAINT PEELING AND COMING OFF THE TOP OF THE CAB. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO STOP THIS, BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK, AND SEEMS TO BE POOR QUALITY PAINT OR WORKMANSHIP. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR AS MINE WITH THE SAME ISSUES.
PURCHASE NEW A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA FROM TOYOTA OF SCRANTON-VEHICLE FINAL PAYMENT FOR OUR TRUCK WAS OCT 2012. THE TRUCK HAS NOT MISSED AN APPOINTMENT AT TOYOTA OF SCRANTON (THEY ALWAYS MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE). WE TOOK THE TRUCK FOR INSPECTION AT TOYOTA OF SCRANTON IN SEPTEMBER (YEARLY INSPECTION) THE TRUCK FAILED INSPECTION WITH REGARDS TO RUST SPOTS AT FRAME OF TRUCK. TOYOTA DID NOT PASS THE TRUCK FOR INSPECTION AND TOLD US TO GO TO A LOCAL WELDING COMPANY AND HAVE IT WELDED "SUPERIOR WELDING CO." I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH CORPORATE AND MANUFACTURE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THEY ARE WORKING ON CASE. I FEAR FOR OTHER MOTORIST WHO MAY HAVE IT WELDED BY OTHERS OR NOT WELDED AND IT BE UNSAFE ON THE HIGHWAY/ROADS. THE TRUCK WAS AT DEALERSHIP WHEN TOLD OF ISSUE. TOYOTA RECALLED 2008 TRUCKS FOR RUSTED FRAMES (DANA MANUFACTURE) - A TOYOTA TACOMA RUSTED FRAMES LAWSUIT FILED IN ARKANSAS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO 14 PEOPLE + 3 SUPERVISORS, IT IS NOW IN THE HANDS OF A "FIELD TECHNICIAN SPECIALIST". THEY TOLD ME THE DECISION WITH NOW GO OUTSIDE THE REGIONAL OFFICE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME AND CARRIAGE WERE RUSTED. IN ADDITION, THE SPARE TIRE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,062.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BUMPER WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR BUMPER WAS RUSTING PREMATURELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 12/30/14*CN UPDATED 05/27/2015 *JS
THE RUBBER STRIP RUNNING FORE - AFT ON THE CAB OF THE TRUCK CAME OFF DURING DRIVING. THE RUBBER STRIP COULD HAVE LANDED ON THE WINDSHIELD OF A FELLOW MOTORIST AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS COULD BE AN ANOMALY, HOWEVER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY SON'S TOYOTA 2005 FOUR RUNNER. I RECOMMEND AT LEAST A CURSORY INVESTIGATION. *TR