2009 TOYOTA TACOMA Complaints

My truck has experienced a major coolant leak, but it's not the radiator nor the water pump. After replacing both the radiator and water pump, the leak remains. Upon further investigation, the hose connecting to the coolant bypass housing has come completely disconnected from the housing and the male connector, which is part of the housing is completely gone. After further research, I've come across numerous posts on multiple forums of other people experiencing the same issue with the same hose disconnecting and the same part of the coolant bypass housing completely gone. Had I not caught this problem while in my driveway, the truck would have leaked all the coolant and caused major issues possibly resulting in an accident on the road.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the frame on the driver’s and passenger’s side was severely rusted. The dealer was contacted about the failure and about the warranty enhancement program ZH6, which was associated with the failure. The manufacturer had extended the warranty coverage for frame corrosion on certain 2005–2010 model year Toyota Tacoma vehicles. The dealer informed the contact that the program had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that the warranty program had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 217,000.

Real bumper assembly rotted off the frame was dragging behind the truck I'm at 60mph luckily nobody was behind me pulled over and removed it all both frame rails was rusted in half Hanging On by a little piece every place I called will not fix it want me to buy a whole frame truck has 220 miles on it with no rear bumper

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,619. It was later discovered through Carfax in August 2025 that the mileage on the Title was 297,651.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after maintenance service on the vehicle, it was discovered that the front subframe of the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was inspected, and determined that the entire subframe had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same diagnostic result was provide,d and the contact was informed that the entire subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the chassis was rusted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that an unknown Toyota recall for warranty coverage had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AND HOLES ARE UNSAFE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING MY VEHICLE. THE SAFETY OF ME AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD I AM TRAVELING ARE AT RISK. I WENT TO LIBERTY TOYOTA IN BURLINGTON, NJ AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR. THE RUST IS UNUSUAL AND THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER YEARS AFFECTED AND FRAMES REPLACED. MY WIFE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK FROM LIBERTY TOYOTA

Vehicle: 2009 Toyota Tacoma VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 128,400 Owner: Jacob Grove, Anderson, SC Summary of Issue: The frame of this 2009 Toyota Tacoma has developed severe rust perforation that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. My independent mechanic has refused to work on it due to safety concerns, and Toyota of Greenville (SC) has confirmed that the frame is extensively corroded and requires replacement. Background: Toyota previously issued a Customer Support Program (CSP) for frame corrosion affecting 2005–2009 Tacomas in northern states, including Ohio, where this truck was purchased and operated. In June 2018, the vehicle was inspected at Don Wood Toyota in Athens, OH (91,600 miles). The dealership recorded “no perforation” and did not apply the protective coating or replace the frame. The truck has been minimally driven since (an average of 6,000 miles per year). In May 2024, at 128,400 miles, a mechanic and dealership confirmed the frame has multiple areas of severe perforation, including around brake lines and exhaust mounts. Concern: It is unreasonable that a vehicle frame could go from “no perforation” to “severe perforation” in only 36,000 miles and six years of light use. This indicates either: The 2018 inspection under Toyota’s CSP was inadequate, or The frame was already compromised but not properly addressed at the time. Safety Risk: The vehicle cannot be safely lifted, worked on, or driven in its current condition. The rapid deterioration presents a risk of frame failure while driving, endangering occupants and others on the road. Request: I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA is aware of ongoing frame corrosion failures in 2005–2009 Toyota Tacomas, even in cases where Toyota previously inspected and declined to repair during the CSP period. This case demonstrates that the problem may not have been properly identified or corrected during program inspections, leaving unsafe vehicles on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a branch lodged beneath the vehicle and the corroded subframe with a hole in the front passenger’s side subframe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Brake failure resulting from rusted brake lines. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer police or any other entity. No warning lamps or other indicators that detected brake failure.