Toyota Prerunner problems
The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first-generation Tacoma (model years 1995 through 2004) was classified as a compact pickup. The second generation (model years 2005 through 2015) and third generation (in production since 2015) models are classified as mid-sized pickups. The Tacoma was Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 2005.
As of 2015, the Tacoma was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Bermuda, and the French overseas collectivity of New Caledonia. Most markets across the world receive the Toyota Hilux in lieu of the Tacoma.
The name "Tacoma" was derived from the Coast Salish peoples' name for Mount Rainier in the U.S. state of Washington.
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Toyota Prerunner model years
Common Toyota Prerunner problems
The Toyota Tacoma is a popular and reliable vehicle, but like any car, it can have issues. Here are some common problems with Toyota Tacomas based on complaints from owners:
- Premature Ball Joint Wear: Another commonly reported issue is the premature wear on the lower ball joints, which can make steering more difficult and reduce the car's ability to self-center. In some cases, these worn and loose ball joints can detach from the suspension altogether, causing a loss of control of the vehicle.
- Faulty Starter: If the engine isn't turning over, it's likely due to a faulty starter rather than an engine problem. Symptoms of a bad starter include grinding noises when trying to start the engine, taking several tries to get the engine to turn over, and the engine not starting at all.
- Failed Airflow Sensor: A failed airflow sensor can cause issues with the engine's performance, including stalling, rough idling, and poor fuel efficiency.
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Some Tacoma owners have reported that their vehicles consume more oil than expected, which can lead to increased maintenance costs and potential engine damage if not addressed.
- Rust Issues: Rust can be a problem for Tacomas, particularly in areas where salt is used on the roads during the winter months. Rust can cause cosmetic issues, but it can also lead to more serious problems with the vehicle's structure and safety.
It's important to note that while these issues are common, they do not affect all Tacomas, and many owners report having few or no problems with their vehicles. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address potential issues before they become serious problems.
What is the most common problem with the Toyota Tacoma?
Problems many owners report is that the transmission in the Tacoma doesn't shift smoothly. And it tends to hunt for Gears. While this is more just an annoying characteristic.
What years to avoid for a Toyota Tacoma?
A: The years to avoid, specifically 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017, have reported significant issues such as body and paint problems, engine mishaps, faulty interior accessories, drivetrain and engine defects, and problematic transmissions.
What are the best years for a Toyota Tacoma?
Best Toyota Tacoma Trucks to Buy Used
- 2015 Toyota Tacoma. This model year scored a 5 out of 5 for reliability, a 4 on safety with the NHTSA, and an 8.4 out of 10 for its front, rear, and side-impact safety features. ...
- 2019 Toyota Tacoma. ...
- 2006 Toyota Tacoma. ...
- 2005 Toyota Tacoma. ...
- 2020 Toyota Tacoma.
Did Toyota fix Tacoma transmission problems?
Also, if you do end up experiencing this issue, you luckily won't need to completely replace the automatic transmission to fix this problem. It's also important to note that Toyota has made the necessary adjustments to address this issue, so now-a-days, it's really only common in Tacomas built before 2015.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Prerunner years
We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Prerunner cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Toyota Prerunner model years:
- Toyota Prerunner 1999
- Toyota Prerunner 2001
- Toyota Prerunner 2002
- Toyota Prerunner 1997
- Toyota Prerunner 1998
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Prerunner model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Prerunner years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Toyota Prerunner car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Prerunner , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Prerunner vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Prerunner model years
A total of 3 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Prerunner model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Prerunner . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Prerunner vehicles.
List of Toyota Prerunner complaints
Toyota Prerunner 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-04
- Date Complaint: 2017-06-03
- VIN: 5TEU62N49Z6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PURCHASED SECOND SET OF TIRES FOR MY TRUCK FROM DEALERSHIP. MICHLIN LXT M/S2 TYPE. HAVE 81,000 MILES ON MY TOYOTA PRERUNNER PICKUP AT THIS TIME. HAVE HAD THE TIRES ROTATED AND BALANCED AT DEALERSHIP ON TIMELY BASES. LAST TIME IN FOR MAINTENANCE THE SERVICE REP POINTED OUT THAT THE TIRES HAD "DRY ROTTED". TREAD THICKNESS IS VERY ACCEPTABLE. PHOTOS ATTACHED.
Toyota Prerunner 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2016-11-27
- VIN: 4TANM92N4XZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I PURCHASED TRUCK USED 2012. THE AIRBAG FAULT LIGHT WAS ON MOST OF THE TIME. I TOOK IT TO AURORA COLLISION IN SEATTLE , WA. THEY COULDNT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG SO THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE AIRBAG UNIT. WITHIN 1 YEAR THE AIRBAG FAULT LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AGAIN. I CALLED THEM TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID A NEW COMPANY BOUGHT THE BUSINESS SAME PHONE NUMBER 206 522-0493 AND THEY DO NOT HAVE MY RECORDS. TOYOTA OF SEATTLE TOLD ME THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO KEEP CUSTOMERS RECORDS FOR 10 YEARS AND PASS THEM ON TO THE NEW OWNER. NEW BUSINESS OWNER SAYS HE DOES NOT HAVE THEM. TOYOTA OF SEATTLE SAYS THEY CANNOT DETERMINE WHAT AIRBAG I HAVE WITH OUT TAKING THE TRUCK APART. WHAT CAN I DO?
Toyota Prerunner 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-11
- Date Complaint: 2016-03-11
- VIN: 4TASM92N8XZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: FRAME HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS PA INSPECTION AND IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. RECEIVED "PROGRAM NOTICE" FROM TOYOTA AND TOOK TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION IN 2008 AND VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE NO RUST IN FRAME. NEVER RECEIVE ANY SUBSEQUENT NOTICE FROM TOYOTA REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF A RUST "SPRAY". VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 90K MILES.
Toyota Prerunner 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-05
- Date Complaint: 2016-02-18
- VIN: 5TEGN92N91Z
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY DAUGHTER WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE BALL JOINT BROKE AWAY, THE LEFT SIDE TIRE SNAPPED OFF. IT WAS STILL STUCK TO THE BRAKE ROTOR AND SUSPENSION. IT RUINED THE BRAKE ALSO. THE TOW TRUCK EVEN HAD PROBLEMS PICKING IT UP.2ND THE REAR END SEAL HAS BROKE AWAY AND LEAKED ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE BRAKE. THE TIRES NOW LOCK UP WHEN TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD.
Toyota Prerunner 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-29
- Date Complaint: 2015-06-29
- VIN: 5TEGN92N41Z
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TOOK MY TACOMA IN TODAY FOR SPARE TIRE RECALL. WORK WAS DENIED DUE TO FRAME RUST. I DID NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICES BEFOREHAND UNTIL THIS ONE. I FEEL MY VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE OWNED MY TACOMA SINCE 2003.
Toyota Prerunner 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2014-08-21
- VIN: 5TEGM92N71Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRAME IS RUSTED AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR 15 YEAR FRAME WARRANTY AND EVEN BOUGHT BACK TRUCKS FOR THIS ISSUE BUT THE WARRANTY DID NOT GET EXTENDED BECAUSE THE TRUCK WAS NOT UNDERCOATED IN 2011 TO EXTEND THIS 15 YEAR WARRANTY. TOYOTA OWNERS BEWARE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS HORRIBLE THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME ANYTHING IN WRITING TO SUPPORT THIS. THEY DO NOT WANT ME TO USE AGAINST THEM. UNSAFE AND THEY ARE NOT WANTING TO HELP. *TR
Toyota Prerunner 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-26
- Date Complaint: 2013-12-30
- VIN: 5TESN92N91Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRERUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME HAD DETERIORATED, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Toyota Prerunner 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-30
- Date Complaint: 2013-10-06
- VIN: 5TESM92N22Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ON 30 SEPTEMBER 2013 AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE FRAME WAS INSPECTED AND DETERMINED TO HAVE PERFORATIONS DUE TO RUST. TOYOTA INFORMED ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR/REPLACE THE FRAME BECAUSE I HAD NOT HAD RUST PROOFING APPLIED DURING A CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM THAT BEGAN IN LATE 2008 AND ENDED SEPTEMBER 2011. THE PURPOSE OF THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM WAS TO INSPECT THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK AND REPLACE IT IF RUST CAUSED PERFORATIONS OR TO APPLY RUST COATING IF IT PASSED INSPECTION. I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. HOWEVER, BY CHANCE, I DID HAVE THE FRAME INSPECTED BY TOYOTA ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009 AT WHICH TIME THE FRAME PASSED INSPECTION, BUT TOYOTA FAILED TO APPLY THE REQUIRED RUST PROOF COATING OR TO INFORM ME OF THE ONGOING CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM, I WOULD HAVE DEMANDED TOYOTA APPLY THE COATING. SUBSEQUENTLY, I HAD MY TRUCK IN FOR MAINTENANCE AT TOYOTA ON APRIL 7, 2010 AND MAY 24, 2010 AT WHICH TIME THEY ONCE AGAIN DID NOT INFORM ME OF THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. TOYOTA HAD THREE CHANCES TO INFORM ME OF THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM WHILE I HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR MAINTENANCE AND THEY DID NOT DO SO. NOW I HAVE A TRUCK THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THAT I CAN'T GET REPAIRED BECAUSE TOYOTA BLAMES ME FOR NOT ADHERING TO THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM RULES OF WHICH I NEVER HAD ANY KNOWLEDGE. TOYOTA HAD MY CURRENT ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER DURING THE ENTIRE PERIOD OF THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM AND NEVER BOTHERED TO NOTIFY ME. IN MY OPINION, THEY DID NOT DO THEIR DUE DILIGENCE IN INFORMING CUSTOMERS OF THE PROGRAM AND SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO REPLACE THE FRAME ON THE TRUCKS. I DID FILE A CUSTOMER COMPLAINT WITH TOYOTA BUT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRING MY TRUCK. *TR
Toyota Prerunner 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-02
- Date Complaint: 2013-09-14
- VIN: 5TESN92N32Z
- Components: SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I RECEIVED NOTICE FROM TOYOTA OF POSSIBLE EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST YEARS AGO . (ABOUT 2007) I DID THE INSPECTION MYSELF AND THOUGHT FRAME WAS GOOD. DID NOT TAKE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION . IN SEPTEMBER OF 2013 I FIND OUT THAT TOYOTA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE AND I MISSED THE DEADLINE. I THINK I UNDERSTAND THAT SINCE IT WAS NOT A NHTSA ISSUED RECALL, THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO PUT A EXPIRATION DATE ON THE RECALL . THE BOTTOM LINE IS I GOOFED UP . BUT THERE STILL EXISTED THOUSANDS OF TACOMAS AND TUNDRAS ON THE ROADS TODAY THAT ARE A HAZARD TO THE DRIVER AND ALL OTHERS AROUND THEM . WHY DIDN'T THE NHTSA ISSUE A MANDATORY RECALL ? *TR
Toyota Prerunner 1998
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2009-11-06
- VIN: 5TEJU62N38Z
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WE HAVE A 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA. SOON AFTER PURCHASING THE TRUCK WE NOTICED THAT IT WOULD SURGE WHEN AT A STOP. IN OTHER WORDS, THE ENGINE WILL REV UP EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T HAVE OUR FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. WE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE AGENCY WHERE WE PURCHASED THE TRUCK AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO TOYOTA. THEY REPORTED BACK TO US THAT THEY AND TOYOTA HAD NEVER HAD ANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS OF THIS KIND AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING THE PROBLEM. WE WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM WHEN TEST DRIVING WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE AGENCY. WE NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. WHEN MY WIFE TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, HE TRIED TO CONVINCE HER THAT IT WAS HER FAULT AND IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE WAY SHE DROVE THE TRUCK. HE SAID THAT SHE SHOULD CONTINUED DRIVING UNTIL THE TRUCK GOT USED TO HER DRIVING STYLE. WHAT A CROCK OF CRAP. AFTER THE PROBLEM AROSE AND WE GOT ALL THIS '!@#$%' FROM THE AGENCY, I LOOKED AROUND THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN FATAL ACCIDENTS. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED. I FILLED IN A DATE BELOW, BUT REALLY DON'T KNOW WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. IT WAS AT VARIOUS TIME SINCE WE PURCHASED THE TRUCK. *TR
Toyota Prerunner 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-04
- Date Complaint: 2009-06-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT4VN13G7K5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRERUNNER. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 10 MPH, A VEHICLE TRAVELING 80 MPH CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NOT THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 6/29/09 *CN UPDATED 06/30/09.*JB
Toyota Prerunner 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2008-08-24
- VIN: 5TESN92NX1Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRAME IS HEAVILY CORRODED , SOME RUST PERFORATION EXISTS. TOYOTA HAS EXTENDED FRAME RUST COVERAGE FOR '95 TO '00. I DRIVE AN '01.*TR
Toyota Prerunner 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-25
- Date Complaint: 2007-06-25
- VIN: JT3GN87R4V0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE WRANGLER AT/D2 I PURCHASED YESTERDAY AT SAMS CLUB MAY HAVE A FACTORY DEFECT. I BOUGHT A PAIR OF LT265/75/R16. IT ALREADY HAD THIS SIZE OF TIRES WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED 7 YEARS AGO. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE STORE SAID HE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO INSTALL THEM BECAUSE MY SUV SHOULD HAVE 265/70/16 TIRES. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. I PURCHASED A PAIR OF 265/75/R16 AT DISCOUNT TIRES A YEAR AGO WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. SO, I PURCHASED THIS PAIR OF TIRES AT SAMS, ANYWAY, AND HAD THEM INSTALLED THIS MORNING AT A LOCAL TIRE SHOP. THE TIRES WERE MOUNTED AND BALANCED AND I DROVE OUT OF THE SHOP AND HEADED TO WORK ON THE FREEWAY. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY FOR ONLY 2 MILES, AT 60MPH, WHEN A HEARD A HISSING NOISE AND THE SUV PULLED TO ONE SIDE. I MANAGED TO PULLED OUT OF THE FREEWAY AND ONE OF MY NEW TIRES WAS FLAT. I INSPECTED THE TIRE AND THERE WERE NO NAILS, SCREWS OR HOLES ON THE THREAD. HOWEVER, I NOTICED THAT THERE IS A LITLE DEFECT ON THE THREAD PATTERN AND WHAT APPEARS TO BE A HOLE, OR A CHUNK OF RUBBER MISSING, RIGHT NEXT TO THIS PATTERN DEFECT WHERE THE THREAD ENDS AND SIDEWALL BEGINS. THE REST OF THE TIRE LOOKS TO BE RADIALLY SYMMETRICAL AS IS THE OTHER TIRE ENTIRELY. COULD YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY PROBLEM? I PURCHASED GOODYEAR TIRE PRECISELY BECAUSE ITS QUALITY REPUTATION. NOW, THE TECHNICIAN AT SAMS WHO SOLD ME THE TIRES SAYS THAT HE CANNOT HELP ME AND THE OWNER OF THE LOCAL TIRE SHOP(SAHUAYO TIRES, LYNWOOD, CA, 310-638-7077) WOULD PROBABLY DENY ANY INSTALLATION WORKMANSHIP DEFECTS. I AM TAKING THE SUV BACK TO THE TIRE SHOP TOMORROW TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I AM GOING TO ASK THEM TO DISMOUNT THE TIRE AND TAKE A CLOSER LOOK FROM THE INSIDE. BUT, IF THE TIRE IS RUINED AND IS DETERMINED TO BE BECAUSE OF THIS SUSPECTED FACTORY DEFECT, THEN I WOULD APPRECIATE VERY MUCH YOUR HELP TO RESOLVE THIS SITUATION. I AM CERTAIN THAT I DIDN'T RUN OVER ANY DEBRIS ON THE ROAD AND I SHOULD BE ENTITLE TO SOME KIND OF BASIC FACTORY WARRANTY. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
Toyota Prerunner 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-21
- Date Complaint: 2006-12-21
- VIN: JT3HN87R3V0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR AXLE SEALS ON VEHICLE NEED REPLACING. HAS LEAD TO DAMAGE OF REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS THAT WILL IN TURN NEED TO BE REPLACED. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL OR SOME BULLETIN TO OWNERS AS THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT FAILURE? CAR HAS 75K MILES AND VERY WELL MAINTAINED, NO OFF ROAD USE. *NM
Toyota Prerunner 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-08
- Date Complaint: 2006-11-07
- VIN: JT3HN87R3X0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: A ROD WAS THROWN THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS A MAINTENANCE PROBLEM WHERE THEY REFUSED ANY RESPONSIBILITY. 80,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. PURCHASED NEW ENGINE AND $8,000 HAD A NEW ENGINE WITH A PERMANENT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALER CLAIMS CHECK LIGHT WAS A NEW PROBLEM AND OFFERED TO FIX FOR SOMEWHERE NORTH OF $1,500. REFUSED THIS FIX. OIL WAS CHANGED AT REGULAR INTERVALS. BOO TOYOTA. *NM
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