2009 Toyota Tacoma Complaint Log

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,619. It was later discovered through Carfax in August 2025 that the mileage on the Title was 297,651.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after maintenance service on the vehicle, it was discovered that the front subframe of the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was inspected, and determined that the entire subframe had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same diagnostic result was provide,d and the contact was informed that the entire subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a branch lodged beneath the vehicle and the corroded subframe with a hole in the front passenger’s side subframe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the chassis was rusted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that an unknown Toyota recall for warranty coverage had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Brake failure resulting from rusted brake lines. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer police or any other entity. No warning lamps or other indicators that detected brake failure.

Brake failure because of rusted brake lines.

I just learned from my Mechanic that the Frame Corrosion is bad. The frame was inspected by Vanderstyne (now West Herr) Toyota on 06/20/2020. It passed the Inspection at that time, so they did not do anything. But within 4.5 years and only a little more than 6,000 miles driving since then - this corrosion shows up. I think the Toyota Specs for the Corrosion Inspection were not sufficient. Toyota should be held accountable for their negligence. I only have 72,900 miles on this Tacoma. I would have liked to keep it for another 5 years or so, but now I cannot and Toyota washed their hand when I contacted them.

See Attached Letter

THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AND HOLES ARE UNSAFE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING MY VEHICLE. THE SAFETY OF ME AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD I AM TRAVELING ARE AT RISK. I WENT TO LIBERTY TOYOTA IN BURLINGTON, NJ AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR. THE RUST IS UNUSUAL AND THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER YEARS AFFECTED AND FRAMES REPLACED. MY WIFE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK FROM LIBERTY TOYOTA

My frame is rusting and has holes in places. Is there a recall for that?

Chassis in the middle frame back left too much rust and big hole due to rust

Vehicle: 2009 Toyota Tacoma VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 128,400 Owner: Jacob Grove, Anderson, SC Summary of Issue: The frame of this 2009 Toyota Tacoma has developed severe rust perforation that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. My independent mechanic has refused to work on it due to safety concerns, and Toyota of Greenville (SC) has confirmed that the frame is extensively corroded and requires replacement. Background: Toyota previously issued a Customer Support Program (CSP) for frame corrosion affecting 2005–2009 Tacomas in northern states, including Ohio, where this truck was purchased and operated. In June 2018, the vehicle was inspected at Don Wood Toyota in Athens, OH (91,600 miles). The dealership recorded “no perforation” and did not apply the protective coating or replace the frame. The truck has been minimally driven since (an average of 6,000 miles per year). In May 2024, at 128,400 miles, a mechanic and dealership confirmed the frame has multiple areas of severe perforation, including around brake lines and exhaust mounts. Concern: It is unreasonable that a vehicle frame could go from “no perforation” to “severe perforation” in only 36,000 miles and six years of light use. This indicates either: The 2018 inspection under Toyota’s CSP was inadequate, or The frame was already compromised but not properly addressed at the time. Safety Risk: The vehicle cannot be safely lifted, worked on, or driven in its current condition. The rapid deterioration presents a risk of frame failure while driving, endangering occupants and others on the road. Request: I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA is aware of ongoing frame corrosion failures in 2005–2009 Toyota Tacomas, even in cases where Toyota previously inspected and declined to repair during the CSP period. This case demonstrates that the problem may not have been properly identified or corrected during program inspections, leaving unsafe vehicles on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

We recently went to have new tires put on the Tacoma at Costco. The Costco technician said that the frame was rusted and he had a similar problem with his Tacoma and Toyota repaired it. He told us that he couldn't install the new tires with the rusted frame and suggested that we go to our Toyota Dealer. We went to Toyota Direct in Columbus, Ohio (where we have had the vehicle serviced every time) and they took pictures of the rust and told us they would call us back. Although we have inquired several times, they had not called us back so we reached out to Toyota Corporate and they said that the recall/warranty extension had expired and there was nothing they could do. Costco has refused to install the new tires until the frame is repaired. (our problem is not with Costco.) The Costco tech did tell us that he was surprised that the rust had not been noticed before by the Dealer during regular service as it would not have appeared so quickly. So the complaint goes against Toyota Corporate and Toyota Direct... why did they not notice any rust while the warranty/recall was in effect or any of the service visits if this is a standard problem with 2009 Toyotas. If the vehicle has a rusted frame, that could be dangerous to whoever is driving the vehicle. In addition, without being able to have new tires installed due to the frame issue, that creates another safety concern with winter weather approaching and tires that need replaced.

Frame is rusted out under engine above axle housing.

Just learned from CT Toyota dealer that my 2009 Toyota Tacoma frame has significant corrosion and that it's time to replace frame or vehicle. Very disappointed. Vehicle did go in for recall service on 12/7/17 and CRC spray was applied as frame was determined ok at that time. Looks like that didn't help much to prevent further corrosion less than 6 years later. Voicing my frustration over those that got new frames are still driving on road, while I have to retire my truck. Extending warranty to 12 years from date of first use clearly did me no help. Do I and others like this have any options?

Frame rotten from salt corrosion. Rust holes in frame.

Rust flaking frame small hole

We took the Toyota Tacoma VIN [XXX] , is be service oil change , clear out lights on dash board repair tires. the mechanic put the truck on the lift and had to drop it down due to the massive amount of rust on the frame, that they were concerned it would brake in half. We are the original owner of this 2009 Tacoma and never received any information about the recall. My address has never changed since the purchase. Please contact us to help get this corrected ... The engine and transmission. are in good condition. It's the frame that force it undriveable. blue book on the car is @ $8900. it only has @ 87,000 miles. [XXX] [XXX] or [XXX] Email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I have a 2009 Toyota Tacoma that has a significant amount of frame rust. I have recently learned that Toyota lost a class action lawsuit on this model of Tacoma because the frames would rot quickly. I was not aware of this recall, nor was I notified and because of that I missed the 12-year windows for Toyota to replace the frame. Toyota's Owner app made no mention of this either. The only recall that I received was an issue with leaf springs which I had corrected when the parts came in. I'd like to know what I can do to have my truck's frame replaced, or something comparable.

My 2009 Toyota Tacoma is experiencing the same technical problems as recall 14V168000 and 12V092000. I call Toyota headquarters and they refused to examine my vehicle without paying the diagnostic fee even though my vehicle is exhibiting the exact same issue Toyota is recalling the truck. A mechanic examined the truck and stated the airbag is not active and will not deploy and advised to reach out to Toyota to have them examine it. Even though my truck is not on the recall list however it is exhibiting exactly what the recall is calling for and Toyota is failing to acknowledge it.

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!

ODI #11516361 I bought this 2009 Toyota Tacoma with 20,990 miles on it on 11/22/2019. Then the pandemic hit the USA and the truck sat for many months. Then in April 2023 I brought the truck in for repairs and the mechanic told me the frame was rusted real bad and that the recall was past the deadline. I brought it to Toyota of Watertown Dealership on 4/07/2023 with 33,348 miles on it and they said there was nothing they could do because the truck was over the 12 years of manufacturing recall date. My truck was manufactured on 8/20/2009, so my recall ended on 8/20/2021. I owned the truck for 19 months during the recall and I never received a recall notice from Toyota. If I had known I would have had it inspected before the 12 years were up and Toyota would have been responsible for the rusted out frame. Toyota is negligent and liable for not informing me of the recall. Now I am stuck with a rusted out dangerous vehicle.

Went for an inspection and entire frame is completely rotting out. Could have ben killed. Truck only has 65,000 miles on it because it was previously owned by my 80 year old grandfather. Toyota should have to fix everyone of these issues not just a certain time frame.

In 2017, I participated in Toyotas frame recall where they determined that the frame didn’t need to be replaced and the dealership applied corrosion resistant undercoating. The frame has now developed a large 11inch visible crack and holes that will prevent it from passing state safety inspection. I contacted Toyota about the failure but they said they were unable to address it as this time due to the recall no longer being active and encouraged me to file a report with NHTSA

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.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that she received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V388000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the floor mats were replaced; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and after the accelerator pedal was released, the brake pedal was depressed, and the accelerator pedal became stuck. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact was able to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and no further assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Headlight shows visible signs of over heating of the amber lenses on both driver and passenger side. Amber lenses are melted, obscured, burned through and causing additional discoloration to the clear lens of the headlight itself. This creates a safety issue for both driver and passenger side headlights and amber lights not illuminating properly but also reducing the reliability and longevity of the lighting systems themselves.

I went to get my Tacoma inspected and it failed so to rust and corrosion of the frame. I was unaware that the frame recall was time sensitive and now my truck is in safe to drive because of the bad frame.

excessive play in steering wheel

Vehicle was involved in an accident while starting to turn left onto a side street. The Tacoma was struck in both driver side doors by a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado K3000 driven by an 85 year old who either ran the stop sign or did not see her even though she was signaling and the truck had the option driving lights that are on all the time. The Tacomas doors were pushing in almost a foot and the truck was pushed sideways several feet. Tacoma driver injured her side and has a probable concussion. This Tacoma is equipped with side seat and side curtain airbags but neither deployed. The insurance claims adjuster stated that based on the damage, the airbags should have deployed.

frame and leaf spring rusting badly. if the frame or leaf spring brakes while driving will cause accident and possible fire from hitting by fuel tank putting my life and the lives of others in truck as well as persons near truck. I had truck in for tire rotation in 8/2022 problem was reported. frame starting to rust badly will not be able to lift vehicle from the frame soon. no warning has been reported. vehicle has been recalled. No recall was sent to me about problem now the company will not fix

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"

I brought in my 2009 Tacoma for a muffler replacement. The mechanic showed me the front right passenger side frame of the vehicle is rotting out.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, the transmission suddenly disengaged causing the vehicle to stall. The contact turned off the vehicle and noticed that transmission fluid was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission line had rusted through causing the transmission failure. The transmission line was replaced; however, the forward gears remained inoperable. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

See attached document for complaint

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 chassis of my truck is rusting through. I took it to the dealership and was told that the recall for the vehicle chassis expired in 2019. I told them I was not aware of the recall. They then told me the recall was extended until 2021. I told them I brought the vehicle in for a recall repair in 2020 and asked that they check for all recalled repairs. They said they couldn't help me and directed me to the manufacturer. I called Toyota and they claimed that I was ineligible for a recall. Every repair shop I've gone to told me that this is a very common defect with Toyota and everyone gets it resolved through recall. Please assist me.

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.

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.

I had my mechanic take the passenger door panel off to investigate a rattle in the door. What he found was the seat belt anchor bolt for the front passenger had come loose and was rattling around inside the access door ( a rear door where the front passenger seatbelt is mounted). This is a serious safety problem as the seatbelt would not have worked properly in an accident, not being properly bolted/anchored to the vehicle. My mechanic stated he has never seen a bolt like this come loose before, usually they are so tight they are very difficult to remove. I have never received a recall notice for this problem and have always taken this vehicle in for all recalls. I am really upset as I now see Toyota has an informal recall for this problem, yet I had to pay a mechanic to fix it. The consumer did have the recall repair performed.

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.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a local dealer they informed the contact that their vehicle frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V604000 (SUSPENSION) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

The daytime driving lights are too hot causing the plastic housing to melt, crack and, in some cases, break. My research has found that this is a common problem in Toyota Tacoma trucks from 2005-11. In April 2015, Toyota replaced the headlight assemblies with a supposed "redesigned" assembly to address this issue. However, now in April 2021, the "redesigned" assemblies have again melted, cracked and broken due to the daytime driving lights being too hot and too close to the light assembly. Nothing was redesigned in 2015. Whatever safety or fire hazard in the owner or operator that caused Toyota to replace the headlight assemblies in 2015 still exists today. I have contacted Toyota and my dealer and they have offered no assistance or remedy.

FRAME HAS BEEN EXCESSIVELY ROTTED LIKE MANY OTHER TACOMAS IN THIS YEAR. THERE IS NO REMEDY BEING GIVEN BY A TOYOTA REP.

TOOK VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THEY WERE INFORMED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ALL THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ON THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *DT *DT *JB*JB

CRUISE CONTROL BECAME FINICKY SPRING/SUMMER 2019. I FOUND ARTICLES STATING THAT IT COULD BE THE CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CABLE. I REPLACED THE CLOCKSPRING AND THAT FIXED THE CRUISE CONTROL ISSUE, BUT IT CAUSED MY AIRBAG LIGHT TO TURN ON. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AROUND WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF. OVER THAT TIME, THE RADIO CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAVE QUIT WORKING (FIRST THE VOLUME, THEN THE CHANNEL, AND THE MODE BUTTONS). THESE HAVEN'T BEEN WORKING FOR AT LEAST 3 MONTHS NOW. JUST YESTERDAY, THE CRUISE CONTROL WENT OUT COMPLETELY. NO WARNING SIGNS OR ACTING UP. IT JUST QUIT. FROM WHAT RESEARCH I HAVE DONE, THIS ISSUE WAS HANDLED UNDER A RECALL, BUT THE RECALL ONLY APPLIES TO THE TACOMA MODELS WITHOUT AUDIO CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. HAS THAT CHANGED AT ALL? WHY WERE NOT ALL VERSIONS/CONFIGURATIONS COVERED?