FRAME on Truck is rusting ; Hole in Frame

- Littleotn, WV, USA

My airbag light came on for no apparent reason. There was a recall for other Toyota Tacoma for an air bag spiral assembly however my model was not included. I took the truck to a Toyota dealer who informed me that the cable and connections were rusty and the air bag would not function in a crash unless the assembly was replaced. I paid out of pocket to have the cable replaced.

- Newburyport, MA, USA

The steering would become stiff and then loose causing loss of control at both low and high speeds. When trying to park the truck felt like there was no power steering. When making turns the steering would be hard then all of a sudden soft causing loss of control. When Toyota was contacted I was told there were no recalls or service bulletins. The local mechanic said to have the power steering fluid fllushed did that no change, then was told to have the power steering pump changed as well as the rack. Had the power steering pump replaced, no change. In researching the problem on the internet I found multiple reports that were similar to mine, some spoke about the U joint failing and in some cases there were reports of accidents or complete loss of steering. Had the U joint replaced and all issues were resolved. Toyota says there are no issues with the U joints.

- Ocean Isle Beach, NC, USA

The steering was very stiff on my Tacoma. I found that it is due to rust forming on the universal joint in the intermediate steering shaft. I found online that this is a common/known issue.

- Clymer, NY, USA

Steering seizes while driving making it nearly impossible to steer. This is extremely dangerous as I have been stuck in a turning position while entering traffic. I narrowly avoided being struck on my drivers side by oncoming traffic.

- East Burke, VT, USA

It suddenly became hard to steer, it would turn easily (normal effort) part of the way, and feel stiff or tight part of the way. This problem started off intermittently but then became constant. Not only was it risky making a turn because at first you applied more force than normal and suddenly it became easier to turn causing oversteer. It did not want to seem to return to straight when you finished the turn. This problem was there whether you went fast or slow and on all surfaces. We had just paid nearly $500 last week to fix my other son's Tacoma when I drove this Tacoma and it has exactly the same problem. This should probably should never go bad.

- Richfield, OH, USA

Super stiff steering issue after replacing power steering pump and serpentine belt. Was searching and found out about intermediate U joint in the steering shaft. Took to midas were they applied pb blaster to U joint that was ceased. Seems to effect many cars and needs to be checked by dealerships as part of routine maintenance. Mine needs replaced and I have been to multiple Toyota dealerships in part few months and should have been caught.

- Brentwood, PA, USA

The vehicle's steering became very stiff on tight turns and would not recenter itself after a turn. It was not consistent. At times the steering was normal, but another 1/4 turn of the steering wheel would be very difficult. It was diagnosed as a faulty steering intermediate shaft. A poorly designed part allowed the universal joint to fail.

- Norway, ME, USA

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated and the steering column controls ceased to function. The contact, a certified Toyota mechanic, diagnosed that the spiral cable was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to NHTSA. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer's representative informed the contact that NHTSA was responsible for the scope of the recall even though the recall was voluntary. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

- Concord, NH, USA

Steering became noticeably tough during normal driving with the steering wheel binding and holding during a turn and then not easily returning to a centered position. Normal, smooth operation of the steering wheel never returned and the vehicle's intermediary steering shaft needed to be replaced.

- Pinehurst, NC, USA

Intermed shaft rusted could not steering truck

- Glenmont, NY, USA

Steering is very loose on off road driving / or "washboard" type road- there is currently a Toyota tsb (technical service bulletin) #0119-10 out right now with a solution to the problem. Solution= replace intermediate shaft. After reading all the posts online, this needs to be a safety recall. My truck only has 85,000 miles on it with loose steering. And has been like this for some time!

- Coppell, TX, USA

I was turning into a parking lot thank goodness when the whole steering column fell in my lap. I have pictures of what it looked like when I got out and had it towed. Toyota said they were not at fault it was from a fender bender in November.... and when my insurance company went to look at it they said it was a manufacturer defect. How many steering columns come out driving with no accident.

- Pacifica, CA, USA

Tacoma was being driven on a highway when steering shaft bound up, causing a sudden steering lockup that momentarily caused the truck to lose control. My Toyota dealer diagnosed (and replaced for about $550) the intermediate shaft and U joints. The shaft U joint in question is reportedly directly exposed to the elements with no rubber boot or proper lubrication, which makes this dangerous condition likely and caused the premature failure and unsafe condition. I think Toyota should reimburse me for the defective parts and resulting required service.

- Syracuse, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while ascending an incline and making turns at unknown speeds, the steering wheel and brake pedal suddenly became stiff. The contact also stated that the vehicle ran rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to return the vehicle to the dealer for further testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 3,000.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

While driving in town, the steering wheel slid forward, almost into dash. Checking telescopic lock, and tilt lever to see if secure. Pulled back on steering wheel to out position, the steering column completely pulled apart and fell into my lap. Updated 10/16/12

- Cynthiana, KY, USA

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact was driving 35 mph and making a slight left turn when all of the tension in the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact experienced difficulty in controlling the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who inspected the failure and advised the contact that they needed to replace the steering assembly, column, and spiral cable. In addition, the vehicle would also need to have a wheel alignment performed. The manufacturer was notified and a claim was filed. They offered no other assistance. The failure mileage was 41,144. Phone log (15-Oct-2012): Mr. Hong said that the steering wheel turned freely but there was no vehicle steering control. He was not sure what actually failed in the steering column. He said that he is the original owner, that there was no prior accident with the vehicle, and that there were no prior repairs that required disassembly of the steering wheel or the steering column.

- Buena Park, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. While driving at 2 mph, the contact stated that the vehicle would pull to the left. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the tires were replaced, rotated and the steering aligned. The contact stated that the failure continued. The current and failure mileages were 6.

- Bayport, NY, USA