KnownCarProblems2008 Toyota Tacoma Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 448 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Toyota Tacoma, most often about the suspension (28% of complaints, typically around 78,000 miles). It is 5th of 27 Tacoma model years by number of complaints and has 11 recalls.
Most common 2008 Toyota Tacoma problems
Suspension
124 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear, front, subframe/mounting bracket.
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon inspection, the driver's side rear spring was found to be fractured in two. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that that the spring would need to be replaced. The contact also stated that the failure would occur when carrying…
I own a 2008 Toyota Tacoma access cab off-rod 4x4. A leaf in the passenger side leaf spring broke while driving. I was driving along and I started to hear a clanking metal on metal noise that I had not heard before. I was close to home so I drove there and when I looked underneath the second leaf from the top was…
Speed control
85 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 18,500 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma purchased brand new less than a year ago. She stated the driver was traveling at speeds of less than 20 MPH approaching a parking garage when he released his foot from the accelerator pedal in an attempt to brake. The pedal became stuck in position causing the vehicle to…
Tl contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that his rpms increased excessively and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. When the vehicle accelerated he shifted into neutral gear and drove to the side of the road to turn the vehicle on and off so that it would resets itself. The vehicle was…
Body and structure
79 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 118,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v602000 (suspension) as well as a recall pertaining to the frame. The contact felt unsafe driving the vehicle. Due to the frame being rusted, the tires had to be replaced ten times. The contact felt that the leaf…
This truck was recalled for premature frame corrosion. At the dealer's inspection the vehicle was pronounced as being structurally sound. However, at the corporations expense the vehicle would be sent elsewhere for frame anti corrosion treatment. I picked up the truck a couple of days later and followed the…
Other or unspecified
43 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles.
Sudden acceleration(engine surge) while waiting (foot on brake) to enter traffic lane; immediately put gear in neutral and turned engine off.
I have 3 active recalls on this vehicle and Toyota seems unable to supply the parts to fix it. The recalls are for "drive and front passenger seat belt assemblies", "rear leaf spring" and "corrosion-resistant compound application to the vehicle frame". For the seat belt problem, I have made appointments with 2…
Steering
40 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles.
I have noticed the steering is stiff when driving. It will be fine then all of a sudden, during a turn it will seem to stick. This has caused concern when driving and when it happens unexpectedly could result in overcompensation and lead to an accident. This same issue has been noticed by several other owners of this…
I noticed the truck was not handling right (steering). It got to the point the steering was locking up and I had to manually return the wheel in order to steer the truck. This is dangerous. I went online and discovered this is common . Toyota issued a s.b. For a steering rattle under a 3 yr program. This is not a…
Brakes
29 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 28,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact was driving approximately 10 MPH and depressing the brake pedal when the vehicle lunged forward abnormally. In addition, there was also a squeaking coming from the rear brakes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the…
Anti-lock brake system on 2008 Toyota Tacoma,acts erratic at times. On 3 different occasions, under emergency braking on snow covered roads, (deer ran onto road, lots of deer and snow where I live) the brake pedal stayed stuck to the floor, and had to be "released", (pulled back up by my toes) in order to resume…
Air bags
29 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
Air bag fault indicator is on immediately when vehicle is started , and does not go off . Vehicle is equipped with the 16 channel spiral cable. Also the horn is inoperative
Air bag light came on while driving at approx: 76,000 miles and has stayed on...no crash, bump or anything. Was on smooth highway driving.
Electrical
27 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, instrument panel.
My 08 Toyota Tacoma drl (daylight running light/turn signal) lens burned/melted/cracked the lens but the bulb is still working so chances are it could catch on fire. I have exceeded my warranty but I feel Toyota should stand behind their product and replace my light lens. Light lens should never burn/melt/break…
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. While parked, the contact noticed that the center console screen on the roof that displayed the temperature and compass stopped functioning. The contact stated that the solder points connecting to the circuit board had fractured. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 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.
Equipment: labels
Risk: If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in september 2014. Owners may contact toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
Toyota motor engineering & manufacturing (toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 fj cruiser and tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims for passenger cars."
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.
Wheels and tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Risk: Failure to warn of tire deflations is a non-compliance with fmvss 138 and could lead to tire failure increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: For the land cruiser, sequoia, tacoma and tundra vehicles, the dealer will re-calibrate the tire pressure monitoring system on affected vehicles and install an updated tire and loading information label at no charge. For the fj cruiser vehicles, the TPMS cannot be reset so the electronic control unit (ecu) for the TPMS will be replaced. Toyota is currently developing the remedy ecu. If an owner is not certain whether his or her vehicle is equipped with these accessories, please contact any toyota dealer for an inspection at no charge. The safety recall began on march 31, 2011. Owners may conta
Full defect summary
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 fj cruiser, land cruiser, tacoma, sequoia and tundra vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138, "tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)." when factory-installed wheels and tires were replaced with toyota authorized accessory wheels and lt tires prior to first sale, the tire pressure monitoring systems were not re-calibrated correctly and therefore do not start illuminating the low tire pressure warning telltale at the required minimum activation pressure.
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."
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.
Questions about the 2008 Toyota Tacoma
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Toyota Tacoma?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (124 complaints, typically around 78,000 miles); speed control (85 complaints, typically around 18,500 miles); body and structure (79 complaints, typically around 118,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 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 2008 a bad year for the Toyota Tacoma?
- It is 5th of 27 Tacoma model years by number of complaints, with 448 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.