2009 TOYOTA TACOMA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
609
Owner Complaints
13
Recalls
29
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA
The 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA has received a total of 609 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 14 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER, SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF. 29 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Suspension (114 complaints), Exterior Lighting (105 complaints), and Vehicle Speed Control (57 complaints).
Recalls for the 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA
NHTSA has recorded 14 recalls for the 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA, potentially affecting up to 7,991,468 vehicles.
Recall 16V396000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
| 7,749 vehicles affected
Defect: 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....
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 14V604000 — SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF
| 710,711 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 14V743000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
| 3,233 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 14V168000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 1,486,413 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of...
Consequence: If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when...
View full details →Recall 14V475000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 20,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 13V337000 — SEAT BELTS
| 342,451 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 13V014000 — SEATS
| 3,235 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model...
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
View full details →Recall 13V014000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
| 3,235 vehicles affected
Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model...
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
View full details →Recall 12V092000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
| 495,470 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 DRIVERS AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 11V148000 — TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
| 22,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 10V036000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 153,418 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 10V035000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 271,417 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 09V388000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
| 4,445,056 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 09V223000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 27,080 vehicles affected
Defect: 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."
Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA
609 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
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 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 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 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)
Safety Rating for the 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA
Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 29 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
Customer Support — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DL: ZLZ Expired on 04/20/2020
ZH2-Toyota POL17 — EQUIPMENT
Customer Support Program: Toyota has received reports in which customers have indicated that there is a drivetrain vibration and/or drivetrain noise. If the vehicle continues to be driven with the aforementioned condition, there is risk of severe damage to the propeller shaft.
ZH2-Toyota POL17 — POWER TRAIN
Customer Support Program: Toyota has received reports in which customers have indicated that there is a drivetrain vibration and/or drivetrain noise. If the vehicle continues to be driven with the aforementioned condition, there is risk of severe damage to the propeller shaft.
T-SB-0040-18 — STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
TSB: Referencing this Service Bulletin provides best practice procedures when reassembling and installing the front shock absorber with coil spring. Some 2005 - 2015 model year Tacoma vehicles with applicable VDS have a different coil spring diameter. This may lead to a lateral force applied to the support plate upon...
T-SB-0302-17-Rev — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
TSB: REVISION NOTICE March 14, 2018 Rev1: ? The Production Change Information and Repair Procedure sections have been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2005 ? 2011 model year Tacoma vehicles may exhibit a condition where there is a drivetrain vibration and/or drivetrain noise....
ZH6_Dealer Packe — STRUCTURE
Dealer Letter: March 2, 2018. Rental sublet period added for use during repair. ? Primary Coverage expiration date changed. ? Ancillary parts coverage section added. Warranty Enhancement Program ZH6 Certain 2005 ? 2010 Model Year Tacoma Extension of Warranty Coverage for Frame Corrosion. In our continuing efforts to ensure the...
ZH6_05-10_Tacoma — STRUCTURE
Technical Instructions: Update 3-1-18 - Frame part numbers corrected. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ZH6. CERTAIN 2005 THROUGH 2010 MODEL YEAR TACOMA. FRAME REPLACEMENT.
ZH2_Toyota POL17 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received reports in which customers have indicated that there is a drivetrain vibration and/or drivetrain noise. If the vehicle continues to be driven with the aforementioned condition, there is risk of severe damage to the propeller shaft.
ZH2-POL17-16 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
There is a drivetrain vibration and/or noise.
ZH7_Dealer Email — STRUCTURE
Dealer Email: ? 2007-2008 (ZH7) Tundra Frame Replacement and CRC Application is now available. On May 21, 2017, a settlement of claims in a class action lawsuit involving 2005 ? 2010 Toyota Tacoma, 2007-2008 Tundra, and 2005-2008 Sequoia vehicles regarding frame corrosion was approved. This finally approved class action settlement...
Showing 10 of 29 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the TOYOTA TACOMA
- 2004 TOYOTA TACOMA — 544 complaints
- 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA — 870 complaints
- 2006 TOYOTA TACOMA — 976 complaints
- 2007 TOYOTA TACOMA — 675 complaints
- 2008 TOYOTA TACOMA — 554 complaints
- 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA (current)
- 2010 TOYOTA TACOMA — 341 complaints
- 2011 TOYOTA TACOMA — 224 complaints
- 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA — 406 complaints
- 2013 TOYOTA TACOMA — 168 complaints
- 2014 TOYOTA TACOMA — 131 complaints
Other TOYOTA Models
- TOYOTA CAMRY — 23,209 total complaints
- TOYOTA PRIUS — 15,411 total complaints
- TOYOTA COROLLA — 14,342 total complaints
- TOYOTA RAV4 — 11,737 total complaints
- TOYOTA SIENNA — 10,769 total complaints
- TOYOTA TUNDRA — 8,997 total complaints
- TOYOTA HIGHLANDER — 6,663 total complaints
- TOYOTA 4RUNNER — 6,405 total complaints