1996 TOYOTA TACOMA Suspension Problems

Rear passenger frame rusted/rotted, rear passenger shock mount completely torn off frame at rust area and rear passenger leaf spring assembly cracked. Vehicle is not drivable and completely unsafe. This vehicle was recalled in May 2008 for inspection of frame rust and passed the inspection with only surface frame rust found and no rust perforation. Vehicle was recalled again in January 2012 for Limited Service Campaign for New York vehicles for Frame Rust Corrosion, which it failed with substantial corrosion and rusted through holes in the frame. This vehicle was included in this second recall, however the terms of the recall for repair or buyback only extended for 15 years from vehicle’s ‘in service date’, which in this case meant this vehicle was 5 months outside the recall window. So, Toyota included the vehicle in the recall (actually mailed the recall letter), found it had unsafe frame corrosion issues upon inspection 3 weeks after receipt of recall letter, then washed their hands and walked away indicating the ‘in service date’ was 5 months outside the recall window. Makes zero sense and terrible customer service and warranty management.

I PURCHASED TRUCK IN 2005 FROM TOYOTA OF NICHOLASVILLE KY I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE TOOK TRUCK TO HAVE BRAKES DONE MECHANIC REFUSED TO WORK ON IT BECAUSE OF DANGEROUS FRAME HOLES RUST CAN PUSH IN SIDES OF FRAME WITH FINGERS AND MAKE A HOLE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE!

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOWER. AFTER STOPPING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THE REAR CENTER LEAF SPRING HAD FRACTURED AND HAD ALSO PUNCTURED THE FUEL TANK CAUSING THE FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FRACTURED LEAF SPRING WAS SEVERE RUSTED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION SUPPORT WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 96V129000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FOLSOM LAKE TOYOTA DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO DO THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE FAILURE ALREADY OCCURRED ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 278,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Mileage: 278,000

THE FRAME IS RUSTED, IN SOME AREAS, CLEAR THROUGH. THE BRACKETS THAT HOLD SUSPENSION HAVE RUSTED THROUGH. EVERYTHING THAT TOUCHES THE FRAME HAS AN EXCESS AMOUNT OF RUST. THE TRUCK IS PARKED BECAUSE I'M AFRAID IT WILL CAUSE GREAT BODILY HARM IF THE TRUCK FALLS APART WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 215,000

FRAME CORRODED AND CRACKED. HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO BRACE WITH SHEET METAL AND WELD. JUST WANTED TO MAKE YOU AWARE.

Mileage: 290,000

RIGHT REAR FRAME EXCESSIVE RUST. TAKEN TO MECHANIC TO VERIFY THE SAFETY ISSUE.

Mileage: 160,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD, THE VEHICLE STARTED BOUNCING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE LEAF SPRING AND THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,138.

Mileage: 98,138

VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER 2013, FRAME IS CRACKED IN THE RIGHT REAR AND NUMEROUS HOLES ARE FORMING DUE TO THE WIDELY KNOWN ISSUE OF IMPROPER CORROSION PREVENTATIVE AND POOR MANUFACTURER QUALITY OF MATERIALS USED AND DESIGN. WAS TOLD BY TMC CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT THE "LIMITED SERVICE BULLETIN" HAD EXPIRED AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. THIS SHOULD BE THE LAST COMPLAINT OF THIS KNOWN ISSUE AS CONSUMERS ARE DYING IN GM VEHICLES THAT THE COMPANY KNEW ABOUT FOR 10 YEARS PRIOR. I HAVE OWNED TOYOTAS ALL MY LIFE, AND NOW THE LIFE OF MY YOUNGER SISTER LITERALLY TEETERS ON THE CRACKED FRAME OF HER 1996 TOYOTA LIABILITY. I AM STARTING A PETITION TO THE WHITE HOUSE ( WE THE PEOPLE PETITION SITE AND SEARCH TOYOTA FRAME RECALL) AND HOPE THAT OTHERS SEARCHING THIS SITE AND THE 222 PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE COMPLAINTS WILL SIGN IT. THAT IS IF THEIR TRUCK HAS NOT COLLAPSED AND KILLED THEM. TO PUT A TIME LIMIT ON A SAFETY HAZARD SUCH AS THIS IS DISGUSTING, IMMORAL, AND DOWNRIGHT INTOLERABLE. *TR

Mileage: 175,000

MY HUSBANDS 1996 TACOMA WAS RECALLED DUE TO RUSTING UNDERNEATH AND WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, BUT BECAUSE WE WERE IN CHAPTER 13 WE WERE TOLD TO COME AND GET THE TRUCK BACK FROM THE DEALER. WE ARE NOW DONE THIS MONTH WITH THE CHAPTER 13 AND WE HAVE CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY WILL NOT MAKE GOOD ON THE RECALL OFFER. MY HUSBAND NOW HAS A TRUCK THAT HE CANNOT SALE OR TRADE BECAUSE IT IS RED TAGGED. *JS

VEHICLE TAKEN IN FOR RECALL UNDERCOATING FOR DEFECTIVE FRAME. SERVICE ADVISED FRAME PERFORATED AND WOULD NOT DO UNDERCOATING. VEHICLE PAST 15-YEAR WARRANTY BUY-BACK PROGRAM (150% OF BLUEBOOK) BY ABOUT TWO DAYS. NO ACTION AVAILABLE. 2014 CONTINUED USE AND ATTEMPTED SERVICING. REFUSED DUE TO FRAME DETERIORATION. CONTACTED DEALER FOR COST ESTIMATE OF FRAME REPLACEMENT. ADVISED BY PARTS THAT FRAME WAS DISCONTINUED IN 2006 (2006!) AND NO ALTERNATIVES AVAILABLE. VEHICLE NOW HAS 77500 MILES ON IT AND IN GOOD CONDITION SAVE FOR THE DEFECTIVE FRAME THAT IS IRREPARABLE. *TR

Mileage: 66,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.

Mileage: 189,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SUSPENSION COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V129000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

Mileage: 175,000

TRUCK IS STILL IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION BUT THE BODY IS RUSTING OFF THE FRAME. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO... PLEASE HELP ME FIND A SOLUTION. *TR

Mileage: 145,000

I PURCHASED A ONE OWNER 96 TACOMA 4WD TRUCK LAST MONTH THE OWNER SAID THE TRUCK HAD COMPLETED A FRAME RECALL FOR CORROSION IN NOV OF 2011. AFTER PURCHASING THE TRUCK I HAD THE TRUCK MAINTENANCES AT MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. THE DEALER SAID THE FRAME HAS A LARGE HOLE IN IT AND IT HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE FRAME HAD BEEN TREATED PER THE RECALL. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A TRUCK THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO A SHODDY RECALL JOB BY TOYOTA. I TRIED TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE WITH TMMI HEADQUARTERS BUT THEY SAID AFTER 15 YEARS THEIR FRAMES ARE NOT GUARANTEED. CONSIDERING IT HAS BEEN LESS THAN 2 YEARS SINCE THE TRUCK HAD BEEN TREATED I THINK THEY OWE IT TO EITHER REPLACE THE FRAME OR PURCHASE THE TRUCK PER THEIR AGREEMENT. IN MY OPINION JUST SPRAYING THE TRUCK WITH UNDERCOATING INADEQUATELY WAS JUST COVERING UP THE REAL PROBLEM WHICH IS THE POOR QUALITY FRAMES. *TR

Mileage: 220,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V129000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,869 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,879.

Mileage: 114,869

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER: 96V129000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT), THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED REPAIRS DUE TO THE VEHICLE AGE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

Mileage: 154,000

DURING PA STATE INSPECTION, NOTIFIED BY DEALER THAT BOTH REAR LEAF SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. DEALER WANTED $1200 + TO REPLACE. I FOUND A LOCAL SHOP TO REPLACE THEM WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS FOR UNDER $800. TOYOTA KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE SPRINGS AND YET STILL TRIES TO MILK THE OWNERS FOR MORE $. *TR

Mileage: 137,345

BROKEN REAR DRIVER SIDE LEAF SPRINGS ON 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA 4WD EXTENDED CAB LED TO POOR VEHICULAR CONTROL AND TIRE DAMAGE*AK

Mileage: 85,000

THERE REAR OF THE VEHICLE MADE NOISE. *JB THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE NOISE COULD NOT BE RESOLVED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE DEALER RESOLD THE VEHICLE WITHOUT IT BEING REPAIRED. *NM

RIGHT SIDE REAR LEAF SPRING BROKE IN HALF AT 79,000 MILES. RODLAND TOYOTA IN EVERETT, WA. STATED THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DID NOT MENTION THIS AS A KNOWN PROBLEM. NO OFFERS WERE EXTENDED TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. NO MENTION WAS MADE WHEN I PURCHASED THE TRUCK 6 MONTHS AGO (OCT. 03). TRUCK WAS SAID TO BE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.

Mileage: 79,000

BAD REAR LEAF SPRINGS, CAUSING EXTREME INSTABILITY. VEHICLE: 1996 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 REGULAR CAB, REGULAR BED, 4CYLINDER. THE MIDDLE REAR LEAF SPRING HAS A TENDANCY TO BREAK, EVEN UNDER LIGHT LOADS.*AK ON MY TRUCK, THE DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE AT AROUND 100,000 MILES, THE PASSENGER SIDE BROKE AT ABOUT 110,000 MILES. THIS CREATED TWO PROBLEMS: 1) THE REAR OF THE TRUCK TENDS TO LEAVE THE GROUND ON EVEN SMALL BUMPS. 2) THERE IS LESS WEIGHT TOWARDS THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING A SERIOUS DEGRADATION IN STEERING CONTROL. MY SPRINGS BROKE WITH NO LOAD, I HEARD IT HAPPEN EACH TIME. I CONTACTED A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP EXPECTING THERE IS SOME SORT OF RECALL ON THESE SPRINGS, THEY SAID NO, BUT THERE WAS A 'TECHNICAL BULLETIN' FOR REPLACEMENT OF THESE SPRINGS. TOYOTA WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT, EXCEPT IF UNDER WARRANTY. (MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 100,000 MILES) THEY WANTED $345 EACH SIDE, PLUS LABOR TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD AFFORD IT. I DROVE AROUND WITH FOR A YEAR AND A HALF WITH A BROKEN LEAF SPRING ON EACH SIDE, WONDERING WHEN I WOULD GET IN A CRASH. HOW MANY OTHER TACOMA'S OUT THERE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM? MANY! I DID SOME RESEARCH INTO FIXING THE PROBLEM MYSELF. I CALLED A LOCAL TOYOTA REPAIR SHOP (NOT THE DEALERSHIP), THEY STATED THAT THIS IS A MAJOR AND VERY VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1996 TACOMA'S, THAT I WAS THE FOURTH CALLER FOR THAT DAY ALONE ASKING ABOUT THE SPRINGS. DOING MORE RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I LEARNED ABOUT COUNTLESS CASES OF BOTH LEAF SPRINGS BREAKING, WITH AND WITHOUT A LOAD. THIS NEEDS TO BE A SAFETY RECALL BECAUSE THE SPRINGS ARE PRONE TO FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE WHEN THEY ARE BROKEN. I HAVE HIGH QUALITY DIGITAL PHOTO'S AVAILABLE, THE WEB SITE IS STILL BEING DEVELOPED HTTP://TACOMASPRINGS.HOME.COMCAST.NET EMAIL OR CALL, I CAN SEND OUT THE WHOLE CD, I HAVE MORE THAN 50 PHOTOS TOTAL, ALL TAKEN AT 3.1MEGPIXEL. [email protected] THANK YOU. SEAN

Mileage: 90,000

FAULTY SPEEDOMETER. FRONT END SUSPENSION FAULTY,LEAF SPRING NOISE. *AK

Mileage: 20,000

FAULTY SPEEDOMETER. FRONT END SUSPENSION FAULTY,LEAF SPRING NOISE. *AK

Mileage: 20,000

TOP OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNT DETACHED FROM THE FRAME BECAUSE OF METAL FAILURE. *NLM

Mileage: 77,074

REAR LEAF SPRING ON PASSENGER SIDE (# 2 LEAF) HAS CRACKED, LEADING TO UNPREDICTABLE REAR SUSPESION BEHAVIOR OVER BUMPS. THIS IS A WIDELY KNOWN PROBLEM. TOYOTA IS AWARE THAT THERE IS A HIGH FAILURE RATE ON TACOMA LEAF SPRINGS, AS ARE ALL PARTS AND SERVICE PERSONNEL THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR A KNOWN PROBLEM, TOYOTA SHOULD BE PROVIDING ASSISTANCE/RECALL.

Mileage: 78,000

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE BALL JOINT SNAP CAUSING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TO SEPARATE AND THE CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO PULL OVER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

WHILE DRIVING, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS BROKE AND FRONT END FELL, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO OTHER COMPONENTS IN VEHICLE.*AK

WHILE DRIVING, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS BROKE AND FRONT END FELL, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO OTHER COMPONENTS IN VEHICLE.*AK

FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT BRACKET BAR SNAPPED FROM FRAME.*AK

REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT SPRING HAS CRYSTALLIZED. *AK

CONSUMER STATED THE REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FRONT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, DEALER CHECKED THE FRONT SUSPENSION BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*JB

IT APPEARS TO ME THAT TOYOTA HAS USED A BAD QUALITY SPRING STEEL NOT ONLY HAVE MY CRACKED BUT SO HAVE EVREYONE THAT I HAVE TALK TO. THE SALVAGE YARD HAS TOLD ME THAT AS SOON AS THEY GET SOME IN THAT ARE NOT CRACKED THEY ARE SOLD FAST, I WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFRENT SPRING SERVICE COMPANYS IN TOWN THAT ALL THE TACOMA SPRINGS CRACK WHAT IS THIS AM I THE FIRST PERSON TO REPORT THIS THE DANGER HERE IS IF THE CENTER LEAF FALLS OUT LIKE MINE DID IT COULD STAB THE TIRES AND CAUSE ONE HECK OF A ACCIDENT, I ALWAYS LOVED MY TOYOTA BUT COME ON A CRACKED LEAF SPRING AND THEY WANT 375.00 EACH FOR THEM AT A SPRING SHOP LORD KNOWS WHAT TOYOTAS GETTING. THANK YOU MARK GIANOPOULOS. *AK

BRACKET THAT HOLDS COIL SPRING ONTO FRAME ON DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER.*AK

TAPPING NOISE IN ENGINE HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 4-12-97. CONSUMER FOUND OUT THAT HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN, AND OTHER PROBLEMS HAD BEEN HAPPENING, TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN ASSISTING CONSUMER WITH ANY OF THE VEHICLES ISSUES, A DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET WAS NOT REPLACED AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN, AND FROM ONE TOYOTA DEALER TO THE NEXT HAS FOUND MORE AND MORE PROBLEMS. TOYOTA STATED THEY WILL NOT COVER HEAD GASKET PROBLEM REGARDLESS OFTHE PAST PROBLEM. *AK. CONSUMER STATES SINCE HEAD GASKET WAS DONE THE EXHAUST STUDS WERE TIGHTENED DUE TO THE ENGINE MAKING NOISE, IT SOUNDS LIKE VALVE RAPPING, THUMBING NOISE OVER BUMPS AT LEFT FLOOR AREA, REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND NOISE FROM FRONT END AND ALSO NOISE AT IDLE. *YD

TAPPING NOISE IN ENGINE HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE 4-12-97. CONSUMER FOUND OUT THAT HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN, AND OTHER PROBLEMS HAD BEEN HAPPENING, TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN ASSISTING CONSUMER WITH ANY OF THE VEHICLES ISSUES, A DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET WAS NOT REPLACED AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN, AND FROM ONE TOYOTA DEALER TO THE NEXT HAS FOUND MORE AND MORE PROBLEMS. TOYOTA STATED THEY WILL NOT COVER HEAD GASKET PROBLEM REGARDLESS OFTHE PAST PROBLEM. *AK. CONSUMER STATES SINCE HEAD GASKET WAS DONE THE EXHAUST STUDS WERE TIGHTENED DUE TO THE ENGINE MAKING NOISE, IT SOUNDS LIKE VALVE RAPPING, THUMBING NOISE OVER BUMPS AT LEFT FLOOR AREA, REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND NOISE FROM FRONT END AND ALSO NOISE AT IDLE. *YD

NOTICED RIGHT REAR WHEEL BOUNCE, INVESTIGATED NOTICED MIDDLE LEAF PROTRUDING AND RUBBING ON SHOCK ABSORBER. CALLED TOYOTA ABOUT PROBLEM, THEY INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT, AND I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR AT MY EXPENSE. CALLED DEALER, DEALER SAID BOTH LEAF SPRINGS SHOULD BE REPLACED ON LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES. REPAIR COST WOULD BE AROUND $1200.00. ONE OTHER NOTE, THIS TRUCK WAS NEVER USED TO CARRY LARGE LOADS. *AK

WHILE MAKING TURNS TIRES WERE RUBBING. A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP EXAMINED VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THAT RIGHT REAR LEAF SPRING BROKE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK

THE MIDDLE LEAF SPRING ON MY TRUCK BROKE IN HALF. I BOUGHT REPLACEMENT SPRINGS AT LEXINGTON AUTO SPRINGS, THE SALESMAN TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE REAR SPRINGS ON ABOUT 30 TACOMA'S (ALL 96 OR 97 MODELS) IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS.*AK

RIGHT REAR SPRING IS BROKEN, I HAD IT FIXED ONCE BEFORE AT AN INDIPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH TOYOTAS REAR SPRINGS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE NHTSA IS DOING ABOUT IT SINCE IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. *AK

I HAVE HEARD A NOISE IN REAR FOR SOME TIME. I DISCOVERED RECENTLY THAT THE MIDDLE OF RIGHT REAR LEAF SPRING WAS POPPED OUT AND RUBBING THE SHOCK. NO USED PART CAN BE FOUND AND NEW PART VERY UNAFFORDABLE CONSIDERING 5000.00 LEFT OWING ON 18000 FOR THE VEHICLE. WORK FOR LOCAL TAG OFFICE AND HAVE HEARD MANY SIMILIAR REPORTS ON SAME PART. REPORTS CAME FROM INDIVIDUALS, MECHANICS, AND DEALERS.

BOTH REAR LEAF SPRINGS CRACKED, THIS IS A PROBLEM TOYOTA IS AWARE OF BUT WON'T REPAIR AT THEIR EXPENSE, TOYOTA CLAIMS IT IS NOT DANGEROUS, PERHAPS AFTER FIRST DEATH THEY WILL TAKE NOTICE

REAR LEAF SPRING BROKE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS REAR LEAF SPRINGS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES BROKE AND SEPARATED.*AK (TIRESIZE: 10.5 30 15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 10.5 30 15 )

REAR MIDDLE LEAF SPRING BROKE IN HALF, CAUSEING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE WHEN DRIVING.*AK

RIGHT REAR LEAF SPRING SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING IT TO SWING OUT OF ASSEMBLY, WHICH COULD HAVE GOTTEN CAUGHT ON BRAKE LINE OR CAUSED A TIRE TO BLOWOUT. *AK *TT

BOTH REAR LEAF SPRINGS BROKE, CAUSING SPRING TO CUT INTO BRAKE LINE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BROKEN LEAF SPRING DUE TO WEIGHT OF TRUCK BED AND UNDERCARRIAGE, AN EX-TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE ALONG WITH 1995-1997 MODELS WERE MADE WITH PASSENGER CAR SUSPENSIONS. *SLC

WHILE TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING SPACE LEFT FRONT OF VEHICLE FELL TO GROUND. DEALER VERIFIED THAT FRONT LEFT BALL JOINT BROKE. SIMILAR TO RECALL 96V129000. *AK

REAR LEAF SPRINGS FAILED AT 80,000 MILES, CAUSING A GASH INTO TIRE. MECHANIC STATED THAT TOYOTA WAS SENDING A SPRING WITH 4 LEAFS INSTEAD OF THREE. APPARENTLY INSTALLED WITH WRONG LEAFS. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT PRIOR TO NEW SPRINGS, VEHICLE ROCKED AND ROLLED AND WAS VERY UNSTABLE, MECHANIC INSTALLED A CLAMP ON THE BROKEN SPRING, HOWEVER THE SPRING GRADUALLY WORKED ITS WAY UNDER THE CLAMP CUASING THE BROKEN LEAF TO SWING OUT INTO THE TIRE. *SLC

BOTH REAR SPRINGS FAILED. NLM

NO SUMMARY

FRIST REAL SEAL, REAR SEAL AND BEARING, BEARING AND AXLE, NEW AXLE PUT IN THEN FLEW OFF TRUCK AND CRASHED, 3 WEEKS LATER REAR SEALS AXLE AGAIN HELP

AXLE FALLS OUT CAUSING CRASH REAR SEAL KEEPS GOING AND BEARING

FRIST REAL SEAL, REAR SEAL AND BEARING, BEARING AND AXLE, NEW AXLE PUT IN THEN FLEW OFF TRUCK AND CRASHED, 3 WEEKS LATER REAR SEALS AXLE AGAIN HELP

AXLE FALLS OUT CAUSING CRASH REAR SEAL KEEPS GOING AND BEARING

BOTH DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR LEAF SPRINGS HAV DEVELOPED CRACKS. VEHICLE HAS THREE LEAF SPRINGS. CONSUMER NOTED A TSB TO UPGRADE LEAF SPRINGS FROM THREE TO FOUR. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER REFUSED TO CORRECT THE TSB. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

WEAKENED SHOCK ABSORBERS CAUSED THE TRUCK TO BOUNCE TOO MUCH. NLM

WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AT 65 MPH REAR LEAF SPRING BROKE. VEHICLE TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHICH INFORMED CONSUMER THAT BOTH REAR LEAF SPRINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE MANUFACTURER HAD REDESIGNED THE REAR LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY. *AK *ML

CALLE D TOYOTA SALES TO REPORT COMPLAINT. I WAS INFORMED THAT MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE DEFECT IN THE REAR SUSPENSION AND HAS BEGAN CORRECT IT WITH A STRONGER LEAF SPRING LATER IN 1996. EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF THE DEFECT THEY ARE NOT ISSUING A RECALL.*AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

REAR LEAF SPRINGS BROKE ON BOTH SIDES OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

BOTH REAR SPRINGS BROKE, CAUSING NOISE IN THE REAR PART OF THE VEHICLE WHICH MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

I RECENTLY NOTICED THAT BOTH OF MY REAR #2 LEAF SPRINGS WERE BROKEN IN HALF AND HAD SHIFTED OUT OF PLACE. IN TRYING TO FIGUREE OUT WHERE THE CHEAPEST PLACE TO GET THE LEAF SPRINGS WOULD BE I FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN "KNOWN PROBLEM" WITH THE TACOMA. ONE PERSON EVEN KNEW THE PROLEM BEFORE I COULD EVEN TELL HIM ABOUT IT. *AK

CONTACTED DEALER , THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THEY COULDN'T HELP ME BECAUSE THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. STEVE IN SERVICE SAID HE HAD NO IDEA HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO REPAIR MY TRUCK, HE SAID HE WOULD TRANSFER ME TO PARTS AT WHICH POINT WE WERE DISCONNECTED. I CONTACTED THE DEALER'S PARTS DEPARTMENT ON MY OWN AND FOUND THAT THE PART NUMBERS HAD BEEN CHANGED FROM THE ORIGINALS WHIC DENOTES A CHANGE. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT TOYOTA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ( #SU00197) DENOTING A CHANGE OF THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS IN RELATION TO RIDE COMFORT. THERE WERE TWO OTHER BULLETINS (#COM0401K) RELATING TO REAR SPRING SQUEAKS AND (TC96018) RELATING TO CRACKED FRAMES. WHY WOULD THE DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM NOT KNOW THIS OR ATTEMPT TO FIND IT SINCE IT CERTIANLY IS A SAFTEY FACTOR. THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY IS 36/MONTH/36000 COMPREHENSIVE AND 5 YEAR/60,000 MILES ON THE POWERTRAIN. *AK

LEFT FRONT STRUT LEAKING. *ET

THERE WAS A SQUEAKING NOISE PRESENT DUE TO THE REAR LEAF SPRING BREAKING. DEALER REPLACED THE 3 LEAF SPRING WITH A 4 LEAF SPRING. *AK

THE VEHICLE HAS BAD ALIGNMENT AND SHIMMIES AT 60MPH. THIS HAS CAUSED THE TIRES TO BE RUINED. *AK

LEFT & RIGHT REAR LEAF SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN IN HALF. DEALER HAS ADMITTED THAT THEY ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THESE. THEY AGREED TO SPLIT THE COST WITH ME 50-50. HOWEVER, I FEEL THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS ITEM. I KNOW OF 3 OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT LIVE HERE IN THE SALEM/BLOOMINGTON AREA. THE FAILURE DATE/MILAGE I LISTED IS INCORECT.. SINCE I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THE SPRINGS ACTUALLY BROKE... I NOTICED IT WHILE LOOKING FOR A SQUEEKING NOISE I WAS HEARING. THANKS! *AK

MY TRUCK EXPERIENCES SEVERE TRANSMISION NOISE WHEN I APPLY BRAKES, CAME TO A STOP AND THEN PROCEED.A NOTICEABLE CLUNKING NOISE TOOK PLACE AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS BROKEN.ALSO MY FRONT TIRES WORE EXCESSIVELY ON THE HEELS, AND I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE FRONT END WAS MISALIGNED. OFCOURSE I PAID FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT BUT IT DIDNT HELP THE VEHICLE FROM SHAKING AT SPEEDS OF 55+MPH.ALSO , THE FRONT SUSPENSION SHIMMIES, SHAKES, AND RATTLES OVER MINOR ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. I FEEL LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL IS TELLING ME THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT, AND MY VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. CAN SOMEONE OFFER HELP OR ADVICE? THOMAS J FINLEY. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )

HEARD A METAL-LIKE RUBBING SOUND APPROXIMATELY 3-4 WEEKS BEFORE NOTICING PROBLEM. TWO REAR LEAF SPRINGS BROKE, WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A TIRE BLOW OUT AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS NEW DESIGN O REAR LEAF SPRING. *AK

SPOKE TO LOCAL DEALER TECHNICIAN. HE SAID THAT THIS DEALERSHIP WAS TAKING CARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH GOODWILL REPAIRS THAT INCLUDED BOTH PARTS AND LABOR. I WAS CHARGED $100 LABOR FOR THE REPAIRS BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. I FEEL THAT IF ONE DEALERSHIP CAN DO THIS THEN THEY ALL CAN. TWO OF THE THREE SPRING LEAFS HAD BROKEN COMPLETELY. THEY WERE REPLACED WITH AN UPDATED SET THAT INCLUDED THREE MAIN AND ONE OVERLOAD BUILT RIGHT INTO THE ASSEMBLEY.TOYOTA OBVIOUSLY KNOWS THAT THEY HAD A PROBLEM DUE TO THIS UPDATED PART ASSY. THAT THE DEALER HAD RIGHT IN STOCK AND CHANGED THAT DAY WHILE I WAITED. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH A FEW OTHER THINGS AS WELL, AND TOYOTA HAS BEEN UNWILLING TO HELP. ALSO, I HAVEN'T EVER RECEIVED ANY UPDATE OR RECALL INFO FROM TOYOTA, SENSE I HAVE OWNED IT. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 33 12 50 )

SUSPENSION MALFUNCTIONED.

ERRATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM RESULTING PREMATURE TIRE WEAR AND CAUSING THE TRUCK TO LIFT OFF THE GROUNF WHEN GOING AROND SMALL CURVES.

ERRATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM RESULTING PREMATURE TIRE WEAR AND CAUSING THE TRUCK TO LIFT OFF THE GROUNF WHEN GOING AROND SMALL CURVES.

REAR SPRINGS CRACKED CAUSING REAR END SUSPENSION PROBLEMS.

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT ANY SPEED, ESPECIALLY 65 MPH, CONSUMER HIT A BUMP AND THE FRONT TIRES STARTED BOUNCING UP AND DOWN, MAKING THE CONSUMER LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE TIRES STOPPED BOUNCING AFTER WHILE. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, THEY SAID THAT THEY DID NOT FIND THIS MATTER AS A PROBLEM. *AK

TRANSMISSION NOISY IN THIRD GEAR, SUSPENSION POPS ON ROUGH ROADS, AND SPEEDOMETER MAKES CLICKING NOISE.

SHOCKS WORE OUT AT 10,000 MILES.

FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED.

FRONT END RATTLES PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL REPAIRS. (96V-129). *AK

REAR SUSPENSION BOUNCS/VIBRATES.

SUSPENSION FAILURE.

LEAF SPRING FAILED.

SHOCK TOWER FAILED.

RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOUR MONTHS AGO FOR FRONT SUSPENSION, CAN'T GET VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE DEALER CLAIMS THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL RECEIVE THE PARTS. *AK

SUSPENSION FAILURE, CAUSING POOR STABILITY.

FRONT SHOCKS REPLACED.

FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT MECHANISM FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL (96V-129). *AK

FAULTY FRONT SUSPENSION, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR OF THE GOODYEAR TIRES OUTER/INNER TREAD. *AK

WHEEL BEARINGS OVER TORQUED IN MANUFACTURING, CAUSING RIGHT FRONT WHEEL TO SNAP OFF AT SPINDLE.

WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCES ERRATIC OPERATION IN FRONT SUSPENSION, WHEN HIT POT HOLES OR SLIGHT INDENTATION IN ROAD, VEHICLE STEERING COLUMN AND FRONT END SHAKES AND VIBRATES VIOLENTLY, DLR/MFR CAN'T CORRECT PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT MANUFACTURER ADMITTED PROBLEM AND THEY WERE PUTTING OUT HEAVIER FRONT SPRINGS AND SHOCKS, HOWEVER THIS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST, CONSUMER STATES FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION NEEDS BALANCED. SPEAKER HAD TO BE REPLACED. RADIATOR WAS REPLACED DUE TO LEAKING COOLANT. *SLC

WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCES ERRATIC OPERATION IN FRONT SUSPENSION, WHEN HIT POT HOLES OR SLIGHT INDENTATION IN ROAD, VEHICLE STEERING COLUMN AND FRONT END SHAKES AND VIBRATES VIOLENTLY, DLR/MFR CAN'T CORRECT PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT MANUFACTURER ADMITTED PROBLEM AND THEY WERE PUTTING OUT HEAVIER FRONT SPRINGS AND SHOCKS, HOWEVER THIS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST, CONSUMER STATES FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION NEEDS BALANCED. SPEAKER HAD TO BE REPLACED. RADIATOR WAS REPLACED DUE TO LEAKING COOLANT. *SLC