KnownCarProblems2006 Toyota Tacoma Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 782 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Toyota Tacoma, most often about the body and structure (31% of complaints, typically around 93,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Tacoma model year since 2000 and has 11 recalls.
Most common 2006 Toyota Tacoma problems
Body and structure
242 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 93,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
On 5/18/13, while preparing to service this truck, I found that the front frame crossmember had severe rust damage. On further inspection, I saw that the mount for the lower control arm on the frame had completely disintegrated; there was very little metal left to hold the control arm in place. This was on the left…
Frame has rusted through. Truck will no longer pass pa state inspection. Had welding done to repair but there are numerous other areas on frame with severe rust. Would like to see this addressed by Toyota before it causes a crash.
Suspension
154 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 95,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
I own a 2006 Toyota Tacoma prerunner, purchased new from the dealer eight years ago. In less than six years, the cars frame started showing damages and today it shows severe rust and flaking. The severe rust under the car is widespread and in certain areas there are perforations through the frame structure. (see…
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that when driving with a heavy load, the rear suspension would drop. The dealer advised that the rear suspension springs would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 93,000 and the current mileage was 97,000.
Speed control
147 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 38,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal, cruise control.
My '06 Toyota Tacoma experienced unintended and sudden acceleration will entering i65 the truck fishtailed and did a 180 slamming into the concrete guard rail.
I was pulling out of a parking lot with my Toyota Tacoma when it suddenly accelerated to a high speed. I tried braking but I could not stop the truck. I finally cut the ignition off to stop the acceleration. It was night and had there been traffic I would of wrecked.
Air bags
76 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
We purchased a 2006 Tacoma on dec. 23, 2008 from competition Toyota in new york. We drove the truck back to wisconsin that day. Two days after purchase date (approx. 1500 miles later), the airbag light came on. Having a busy schedule, and not using the truck much, we brought the truck into marquart Toyota in eau…
2006 Toyota Tacoma, 4x4. 85,000mi, driver's side airbag warning lite came on. Online search indicates problem is fairly common. $800 repair estimates. Safety issue should be covered by Toyota. Now driving with compromised safety system. Lawsuit???
Transmission
56 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 34,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, manual transmission, clutch assembly.
As many many many others have experienced, I just purchased a used 2006 Tacoma about 3 weeks ago and he lurching at red lights with the AC on is dangerous. I never know when the truck is going to go too far and strike the vehicle in front of me at the stop light. Also, the erratic shifting, mainly between 4th and 5th…
For at least 2 mos previous I would hear a chirping noise from the engine compartment. It would get louder as you accelerated & seamed more noticeable in warmer weather. Took vehicle in to dhc torrance Toyota & said it was my idler bearings. I thought that was odd since the truck only has 37400 miles. It cost me over…
Other or unspecified
47 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 77,000 miles.
Main frame from front to back is completely rusted with the spring shackles at the rear rotted from frame and cross members have holes from rust. Per Toyota dealer vehicle is unsafe to drive. There was a enhanced recall that has expired but I was never notified.
I have a large rusted out hole in my frame. You probably have many other complaints registered. Toyota has taken the position they no longer bear any responsibility. I am attaching the letter sent to Toyota with pictures explaining my position.
Brakes
46 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, power assist, pedals and linkages.
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH when he started to brake the brakes did not engage.the vehicle accelerated on its own and hit a vehicle in front of him . There were no damages to the vehicle, the police was not contacted. The contact took the vehicle…
2006 Toyota Tacoma quad cab 4WD. On 02/10/2010 brakes failed to work and vehicle rear ended a car. No injuries. On dry pavement vehicle started to stop and ABS felt like they were deploying. Vehicle stopped slowing down and brakes failed at approximately 3mph and ran into rear of vehicle in front. Toyota says they can…
Engine
45 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
I have a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. It has uncommanded engine surges. It is most notable at a stop. Once the vehicle stops engine RPM reduces to 500 rpms and seconds later it surges to 800rpm. I noticed this when I bought the car,but thought that was "normal". In 2008 it caused me to have a minor traffic accident and…
I was slowly entering a parking space. I pressed the brake pedal and the engine speed increased to maximum RPM. I jammed the emergency brake and threw the transmission into "park." a great cloud of blue smoke issued forth from the spinning tires. This never happened before and it's definitely a problem with the truck…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2006 Toyota Tacoma recalls
Seats: seat heater/cooler
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Set will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on july 14, 2016. Owners may contact set customer service at 1-866-405-4226. Set number for this recall is set16b.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota distributors, llc (set) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4runner, highlander, sequoia, and sienna, 2005-2010 avalon and tundra, 2006-2008 camry solara, 2006-2010 highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 rav4 and tacoma, 2007-2010 fj cruiser, 2007-2011 camry hybrid, 2009-2010 venza, 2010-2012 prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Seats: seat heater/cooler
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix: Set will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in january 2015. Owners may contact set customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota distributors, llc (set) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 prius and corolla, 2009-2011 venza, 2006-2010 avalon, 2007-2010 fj cruiser, 2005-2011 sienna and sequoia, 2006-2011 tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, camry, highlander, tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 rav4 and 4runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Suspension: leaf
Risk: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on january 29, 2016. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 toyota tacoma pre-runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured september 14, 2009, to october 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.
Seat belts
Risk: If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during february 2014. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 tacoma access cab vehicles manufactured september 14, 2004, through march 29, 2010; and model year 2011 tacoma access cab vehicles manufactured july 1, 2010, through september 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.
Air bags: frontal
Risk: In the event of a crash, the driverâs side air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spiral cable assembly, free of charge. An interim letter is expected to be mailed to owners during april 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 tacoma vehicles, manufactured from september 14, 2004, through august 29, 2008. Over time, steering wheel vibration may damage the spiral cable assembly (clockspring) that powers the driverâs air bag module. If damage occurs, the air bag warning lamp will illuminate and the air bag may become deactivated.
Equipment: labels
Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.
Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.
Full defect summary
Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Equipment: labels
Risk: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Full defect summary
Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Speed control: accelerator pedal
Risk: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine toyota or lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Equipment: labels
Risk: Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on august 18, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371.
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling 27,080 model year 2005 through 2010 passenger cars built from september 1, 2005 to may 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims."
Air bags
Risk: This may increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag. The recall began on april 6, 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371, scion at 1-866-548-1851, or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Full defect summary
On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for proper air bag deployment. In this condition, the expansion force of the gas may be insufficient to properly inflate the air bag when the SRS system is activated during a crash.
Wheels and tires: bead
Risk: If the vehicle is operated in this condition, there is a possibility that a bulge may be formed on the sidewall and air may leak from the area of the damaged bead and a crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the tires and replace if necessary free of charge. The recall began on march 27, 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks, the bead of the tire may be damaged due to improper assembly of the tires onto the wheels.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Sudden and uncontrolled acceleration
Summary
The petitioner owns a model year (my) 2006 toyota tacoma equipped with a v6 engine and automatic transmission.in a petition sent to NHTSA's office of defects investigation (odi) dated january 10, 2008, he alleges he experienced two incidents of unwanted acceleration while driving his tacoma.the petitioner reported that during both incidents, while applying the brake, the engine speed increased of its own accord (without accelerator application), causing sudden and uncontrolled acceleration.the petitioner requested that the agency commence a proceeding to determine the existence of a defect related to motor vehicle safety involving the electronically actuated throttle control system.odi revie
Questions about the 2006 Toyota Tacoma
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Tacoma?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (242 complaints, typically around 93,000 miles); suspension (154 complaints, typically around 95,000 miles); speed control (147 complaints, typically around 38,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota Tacoma have?
- 11 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 2, 2016 (seats). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2006 a bad year for the Toyota Tacoma?
- It is the most complained-about Tacoma model year since 2000, with 782 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.