2001 Toyota Tacoma recalls and problems

The 2001 Toyota Tacoma has 4 safety recalls and 396 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
396
Crashes / fires
40 / 4
Injuries / deaths
36 / 4

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Toyota Tacoma recalls

Recall 12V-542: Tires

Reported Nov 23, 2012 · 150,000 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.

Risk: Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall 05V-225: Suspension

Reported May 17, 2005 · 768,379 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint may have been scratched. The ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.

Risk: The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on july 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall 03V-189: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported May 19, 2003 · 123,360 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain pickup trucks, during side impact ncap test (I.e. Lincap test), a flange at the rear end of the double cab body deformed and interfered with the fuel inlet hose that connects the fuel filler pipe and fuel tank, resulting in damage to the fuel inlet hose.

Risk: This damage could result in fuel leakage, which could result in a fire if in the presence of an ignition source.

Fix: Dealers will install a fuel hose protector on the body flange. Owner notification began june 3, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall 01V-186: Tires

Reported Jun 7, 2001 · 43 vehicles affected · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS

Problem: Vehicle description: 4x2 trucks equipped with tu4 white letter tire upgrade option and distributed by southeast toyota distributors in the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina. Tire damage may have occurred due to improper installation, which could cause the tire to deflate or a bulge appearing in the sidewall of the tire.

Risk: An improperly inflated tire could result in vehicle handling problems or a blow out of an improperly installed tire.

Fix: Dealers will check all four tires, rebalance and, if necessary, replace any damaged tire. Owner notification began july 3, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

2001 Toyota Tacoma problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure235
Suspension84
Unknown or Other41
Air Bags20
Steering20
Power Train16
Service Brakes, Hydraulic15
Tires13
Vehicle Speed Control11
Wheels7
Service Brakes7
Seat Belts6

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 104
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 81
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 31
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 11
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 8
  • Suspension › Rear — 3
  • Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 144,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Toyota Tacoma complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Wheels · reported Sep 21, 2025
Lower ball joint separated from knuckle and it says 0 recalls repaired i want it replaced because there oem they were never replaced when recalled
Structure · reported Sep 27, 2024
We purchased a 2001 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner from a used car lot in Omaha NE. We have had it for 3 months and recently had a mechanic look over the vehicle for repairs. The mechanic indicated the frame is rusted through and the truck is unsafe to drive. The mechanic indicated that there was a recall on the frames possibly, so we followed up with Toyota. Toyota told me that there is no frame recall, but instead they did a "Customer Support Program" in relation to the frame, but it had expired. Toyota told us there is nothing they can do for us. My concern is that Toyota has a known issue, a…
Structure · at 100,000 miles · reported Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under recall for corrosion underneath the vehicle. The contact became aware that there was corrosion underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and rust protection was sprayed on the corrosion but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 100,000. The vehicle was taken back to Toyota for service, which was outside the extended warranty and the tech was shown the gaping holes in the frame that…
Suspension · at 100,000 miles · reported Jul 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact swerved to the left to avoid another vehicle and the steering had stiff. The contact stated that the front driver’s side wheel then collapsed inside the wheel well. The contact lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle skidded off the highway and onto the right shoulder. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light then illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Apr 3, 2023
Front part of fuel tank dropped apparently due to corrosion. Electrical and fluid connections to fuel tank were disconnected when the tank dropped. Negligible fuel spill. Vehicle was towed from the scene. Driving on dirt road at the time.

Other Toyota Tacoma years

Compare all Toyota Tacoma years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2001 Toyota Tacoma: 12V-542 (tires), 05V-225 (suspension), 03V-189 (fuel system, gasoline), 01V-186 (tires). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Toyota Tacoma?

Owners report structure problems most often (235 reports), followed by suspension (84). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 144,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.