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Body and structurePart report

1997 Toyota T100 Body and structure Problems

Complaints
23about this part
Share
32%of 71 total for the year
Median mileage
133,836miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Toyota T100, 32% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,836 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Our 1997 Toyota T100 extended cab is falling apart with rust. The bumper pulled completely off and the bed moves as if it will break away from the cab. The side steps (you step on to climb up into the truck) have rusted and broken off as well). We have to drive it, but fear a tragic accident will occur. This truck has far more rust than even the recalled tacomas we saw bought back by Toyota. We would like Toyota to recall and buy back the t100s as well.”

NHTSA complaint #10294200, filed 2009-12, 13,700 miles

“Renewed my registration sept 18 2012, but the frame didn't pass inspection, too many holes and thin walls on the frame. All of the framework just falling apart, rest of the truck, drive train just fine. If the clothe seat, which has never been covered had to pass inspection, it would easily! Dirty, but no holes or rips. How utterly ridiculous is that? Tried 3 times to get someone from Toyota to talk about it, but they just play real stupid and say they don,t know anything about the frames rotting on the T100's and can't help me. Can and will take pictures.”

NHTSA complaint #10500169, filed 2013-02, 250,129 miles

“I took my 1997 T100 Toyota truck to uniontown Toyota dealer for a neutral switch repair which cost $360. At that time I was advised by the service manager not to drive the vehicle due to the current problem that Toyota is having with frame deterioration. Toyota currently has a recall on years back up to1995. This deterioration in my 1997 is obviously the same issue they are having and are honoring in the previous years' models. The frame needs to be replaced according to the service manager at the above dealership. …”

NHTSA complaint #10356116, filed 2010-09, 132,671 miles

“1997 Toyota T100 truck is in fine condition but the frame is rust rotted through. This is the same exact issue as found and recalled for same-era Toyota tacomas (and tundras later) but for some reason Toyota will not recognize the T100 in the recall. Truck runs great and is in good condition but the rust has caused holes in the frame and will not pass inspection. It will probably fall apart soon.”

NHTSA complaint #10351765, filed 2010-08, 194,000 miles

“Vehicle developed fuel leak discovered during inspection due to severe corrosion. Toyota failed to make repairs despite being covered by a federal emissions warranty enhancement. Severe rust of frame identified. Now shifter not working due to further corrosion. Letters to Toyota have been fruitless. Internet full of similar problems with these vehicles. Similar age tundra and tachomas recalled for the same problem. The t-100's are a serious threat to public safety and problem should be addressed by NHTSA as Toyota is not taking appropriate actions despite numerous complaints.”

NHTSA complaint #10451047, filed 2012-03, 120,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
1998935%
19972332%
19962523%
199545%
1994211%
1993315%

Other parts of the 1997 Toyota T100

Transmission and drivetrain
18 complaints
Steering
13 complaints
Seat belts
9 complaints
Suspension
9 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Engine cooling
2 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Tires
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Toyota T100

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology