1996 Toyota Tacoma Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 253 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Toyota Tacoma, 4% of the 253 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The inner tie-rod end on the passenger side was very loose. This allowed the wheel to move freely about 1.5 inches at the perimeter in each direction. The part was replaced in august (I think) and yesterday I noticed the problem again, not as bad, only 0.5 inches of travel. The front disk brakes caused a severe shudder that hampered my control over the vehicle at a moderate deceleration. The rotors have been replaced twice, and now it only vibrates mildly, although I am sure that the problem will return if its already vibrating. …”
NHTSA complaint #703908, filed 1999-03“While driving heard a popping sound and pulled over, had no steering. Also airbag light came on. There could have been a serious accident. Took vehicle to dealer, and they ordered a bolt which they put it on. Dealer said since steering was turned around three times, they were not responsible for airbag.”
NHTSA complaint #860716, filed 2000-04“Loss of power steering assist upon deceleration from highway speeds. Dealer and manufacturer had been contacted, unable to duplicate the problem. Dealer has not provided help in trying to fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #863268, filed 2000-06“Occasional loss of power steering when decelerating off highway (on exit ramp). Toyota factory rep, ken stokes, could not duplicate during brief road test and refused to implement any corrective action.”
NHTSA complaint #722522, filed 2000-05“Consumer's brother was driving approximately 50 MPH when he lost control of vehicle and rolled over, off the road. But the air bags did not deploy, as a result driver sustained a fatal injury and died.”
NHTSA complaint #855946, filed 2000-02Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 10 | 9% |
| 2024 | 4 | 3% |
| 2023 | 9 | 17% |
| 2022 | 2 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 4% |
| 2019 | 10 | 5% |
| 2018 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 4 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 9% |
| 2013 | 14 | 11% |
| 2012 | 12 | 4% |
| 2011 | 17 | 9% |
| 2010 | 19 | 6% |
| 2009 | 39 | 8% |
| 2008 | 41 | 9% |
| 2007 | 54 | 10% |
| 2006 | 40 | 5% |
| 2005 | 61 | 9% |
| 2004 | 29 | 7% |
| 2003 | 12 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 3% |
| 2001 | 20 | 5% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 12 | 4% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% |
| 1995 | 5 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Toyota Tacoma
87 complaintsBody and structure
64 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsTires
20 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Toyota Tacoma
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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