TOYOTA TACOMA · model year

2001 TOYOTA TACOMA

504 NHTSA complaints, 55 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2001TOYOTATACOMA carries 504 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 55 crashes, 4 fires, 44 injuries, and 5 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2001 TACOMA is structure:body with 104 filings, followed by structure:frame and members (81) and suspension (62). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2001 TACOMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

504
Complaints
55
Crashes
4
Fires
44
Injuries
5
Deaths

Total Complaints

504 filings

Crashes Reported

55 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STRUCTURE:BODY104
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS81
SUSPENSION62
UNKNOWN OR OTHER41
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS31
STEERING17
STRUCTURE15
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL11
AIR BAGS11
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT11
TIRES9
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL8
SERVICE BRAKES7
POWER TRAIN6
WHEELS6

Recalls (6)

12V54200023/11/2012

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, M

06E02600023/03/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D

03V18900019/05/2003

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, DURING SIDE IMPACT NCAP TEST (I.E. LINCAP TEST), A FLANGE AT THE REAR END OF THE DOUBLE CAB BODY DEFORMED AND INTERFERED WITH THE FUEL INLET HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL INLET HOSE.

06E06500017/07/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIAT

05V22500017/05/2005

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING

01V18600007/06/2001

TIRES:SIDEWALL

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4X2 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH TU4 WHITE LETTER TIRE UPGRADE OPTION AND DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA. TIRE DAMAGE MAY HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE TIRE TO DEFLA

Recent Complaints

20250921CrashWHEELS

Lower ball joint separated from knuckle and it says 0 recalls repaired i want it replaced because there oem they were never replaced when recalled

20250921CrashSUSPENSION

Lower ball joint separated from knuckle and it says 0 recalls repaired i want it replaced because there oem they were never replaced when recalled

20250921CrashSTEERING

Lower ball joint separated from knuckle and it says 0 recalls repaired i want it replaced because there oem they were never replaced when recalled

20240927STRUCTURE:BODY

We purchased a 2001 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner from a used car lot in Omaha NE. We have had it for 3 months and recently had a mechanic look over the vehicle for repairs. The mechanic indicated the frame is rusted through and the truck is unsafe to drive. The mechanic indicated that there was a recall on the frames possibly, so we followed up with Toyota. Toyota told me that there is no frame recall, but instead they did a "Customer Support Program" in relation to the frame, but it had expired. Toyota told us there is nothing they can do for us. My concern is that Toyota has a known issue, a safety issue, concerning their vehicles but will not rectify it. I would like Toyota to be held liable for their substandard product, no matter how long it has been. A quick Google search about Toyota and recalls is that they are not good at reporting them to you, or their service centers are not good at making sure all recalls are taken care of, and I feel that this is something that needs to be inve

20240516UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My Toyota truck frame is rusted with big holes and could break in two at any time.

20230907STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under recall for corrosion underneath the vehicle. The contact became aware that there was corrosion underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and rust protection was sprayed on the corrosion but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 100,000. The vehicle was taken back to Toyota for service, which was outside the extended warranty and the tech was shown the gaping holes in the frame that had rusted through and at that point the contact was told the extended warranty had expired so they couldn't do anything. The frame has now rusted so bad that Toyota has deemed it unsafe as of 2 months ago when the tech looked at it so the contact reached out to Toyota corporate recall department but they refused to do anything about it as well.

Mileage: 100,000

20230724SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact swerved to the left to avoid another vehicle and the steering had stiff. The contact stated that the front driver’s side wheel then collapsed inside the wheel well. The contact lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle skidded off the highway and onto the right shoulder. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light then illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20230403FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Front part of fuel tank dropped apparently due to corrosion. Electrical and fluid connections to fuel tank were disconnected when the tank dropped. Negligible fuel spill. Vehicle was towed from the scene. Driving on dirt road at the time.

20220729SUSPENSION

The complete chassis frame under the vehicle, contains a lot of rust and holes due to corrosion. Some years ago, a Toyota dealership asked me to bring the vehicle in to one of their dealerships, where an undercoating was painted on the frame surface. However, the coating is worn away and the rust is visible again and this time there are even more deterioration.

20220729STRUCTURE:BODY

The complete chassis frame under the vehicle, contains a lot of rust and holes due to corrosion. Some years ago, a Toyota dealership asked me to bring the vehicle in to one of their dealerships, where an undercoating was painted on the frame surface. However, the coating is worn away and the rust is visible again and this time there are even more deterioration.

20220328UNKNOWN OR OTHER

- 2001 Toyota Tacoma New Replacement Frame Rusted, it is available for inspection. - The frame is rusted to the point you can push your finger through it, failure concern while driving. -The local Toyota dealership and corporate office, states the vehicle is not covered in any way. - At this time the vehicle has not been inspected due to dealership stating there are no recalls on the second frame that was installed in the 2001 Toyota Tacoma for the original rusting problem. This vehicle likely will not pass state inspection. - There are no warning devices for this problem. The rust/corrosion was located during an oil change.

20220311UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND ALL THE CAPOMINTES ARE ALSO. I CANT CHANGE ANYTHING PUT BECAUSE OF IT. MY LEAF SPRINGS ARE SHOT WHERE THEY ARE MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. IS WEAKING WHICH IS MOVING MY BACK AXLE OFF BALANCE. MY FRONT AILMENT IS COMPLETELY OFF. I AND DREAK ANYTHING LOSE TO FIX THE ISSUE'S. IT FEELS LIKE THEY COMPLETELY FORGOT TO SPRAY MY FRAME ON MY TRUCK

20220311SUSPENSION

MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND ALL THE CAPOMINTES ARE ALSO. I CANT CHANGE ANYTHING PUT BECAUSE OF IT. MY LEAF SPRINGS ARE SHOT WHERE THEY ARE MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. IS WEAKING WHICH IS MOVING MY BACK AXLE OFF BALANCE. MY FRONT AILMENT IS COMPLETELY OFF. I AND DREAK ANYTHING LOSE TO FIX THE ISSUE'S. IT FEELS LIKE THEY COMPLETELY FORGOT TO SPRAY MY FRAME ON MY TRUCK

20211213SUSPENSION

Excessive frame rust

20210225STRUCTURE:BODY

I SEE THAT MY FRAME IS CRACKING. SO I LOOKED IT UP. AND FOUND MULTIPLE RECALLS ON THE TUCK. I NOTICED THAT I HAVE A VERY SLOPPY STEERING WHEEL. IT SAID THAT WAS A RECALL TOO. I'M DON'T NO IF PREVIOUS OWNER HAD ANYTHING RECALLED.

20210225STEERING

I SEE THAT MY FRAME IS CRACKING. SO I LOOKED IT UP. AND FOUND MULTIPLE RECALLS ON THE TUCK. I NOTICED THAT I HAVE A VERY SLOPPY STEERING WHEEL. IT SAID THAT WAS A RECALL TOO. I'M DON'T NO IF PREVIOUS OWNER HAD ANYTHING RECALLED.

20210225SUSPENSION

I SEE THAT MY FRAME IS CRACKING. SO I LOOKED IT UP. AND FOUND MULTIPLE RECALLS ON THE TUCK. I NOTICED THAT I HAVE A VERY SLOPPY STEERING WHEEL. IT SAID THAT WAS A RECALL TOO. I'M DON'T NO IF PREVIOUS OWNER HAD ANYTHING RECALLED.

20210214STRUCTURE:BODY

MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND ALL THE CAPOMINTES ARE ALSO. I CANT CHANGE ANYTHING PUT BECAUSE OF IT. MY LEAF SPRINGS ARE SHOT WHERE THEY ARE MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. IS WEAKING WHICH IS MOVING MY BACK AXLE OFF BALANCE. MY FRONT AILMENT IS COMPLETELY OFF. I AND DREAK ANYTHING LOSE TO FIX THE ISSUE'S. IT FEELS LIKE THEY COMPLETELY FORGOT TO SPRAY MY FRAME ON MY TRUCK

20210214SEAT BELTS

MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND ALL THE CAPOMINTES ARE ALSO. I CANT CHANGE ANYTHING PUT BECAUSE OF IT. MY LEAF SPRINGS ARE SHOT WHERE THEY ARE MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. IS WEAKING WHICH IS MOVING MY BACK AXLE OFF BALANCE. MY FRONT AILMENT IS COMPLETELY OFF. I AND DREAK ANYTHING LOSE TO FIX THE ISSUE'S. IT FEELS LIKE THEY COMPLETELY FORGOT TO SPRAY MY FRAME ON MY TRUCK

20210214SUSPENSION

MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND ALL THE CAPOMINTES ARE ALSO. I CANT CHANGE ANYTHING PUT BECAUSE OF IT. MY LEAF SPRINGS ARE SHOT WHERE THEY ARE MOUNTED TO THE FRAME. IS WEAKING WHICH IS MOVING MY BACK AXLE OFF BALANCE. MY FRONT AILMENT IS COMPLETELY OFF. I AND DREAK ANYTHING LOSE TO FIX THE ISSUE'S. IT FEELS LIKE THEY COMPLETELY FORGOT TO SPRAY MY FRAME ON MY TRUCK

Compare 2001TOYOTATACOMA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA have?
The 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA has 504 NHTSA complaints, 55 crashes, 4 fires, 44 injuries, and 5 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA?
Yes, the 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The most-complained component for the 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA is STRUCTURE:BODY with 104 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2001 TOYOTA TACOMA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.