1996 Toyota Tacoma Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 87about this part
- Share
- 34%of 253 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 137,345miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 87 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Toyota Tacoma, 34% of the 253 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 137,345 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bad rear leaf springs, causing extreme instability. Vehicle: 1996 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 regular cab, regular bed, 4cylinder. The middle rear leaf spring has a tendancy to break, even under light loads. On my truck, the driver's side broke at around 100,000 miles, the passenger side broke at about 110,000 miles. This created two problems: 1) the rear of the truck tends to leave the ground on even small bumps. 2) there is less weight towards the front of the vehicle, causing a serious degradation in steering control. My springs broke with no load, I heard it happen each time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10033425, filed 2003-08, 90,000 miles“The frame is rusted, in some areas, clear through. The brackets that hold suspension have rusted through. Everything that touches the frame has an excess amount of rust. The truck is parked because I'm afraid it will cause great bodily harm if the truck falls apart while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10948686, filed 2017-01, 215,000 miles“During pa state inspection, notified by dealer that both rear leaf springs were broken. Dealer wanted $1200 + to replace. I found a local shop to replace them with aftermarket parts for under $800. Toyota knows there is a problem with these springs and yet still tries to milk the owners for more $.”
NHTSA complaint #10326726, filed 2010-04, 137,345 miles“Vehicle was purchased in november 2013, frame is cracked in the right rear and numerous holes are forming due to the widely known issue of improper corrosion preventative and poor manufacturer quality of materials used and design. Was told by tmc customer service that the limited service bulletin had expired and they are not responsible. This should be the last complaint of this known issue as consumers are dying in GM vehicles that the company knew about for 10 years prior. …”
NHTSA complaint #10626444, filed 2014-08, 175,000 miles“Right side rear leaf spring broke in half at 79,000 miles. Rodland Toyota in everett, wa. Stated this is not covered under the extended warranty. The service department did not mention this as a known problem. No offers were extended to correct the defect. No mention was made when I purchased the truck 6 months ago (oct. 03). Truck was said to be in excellent condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10066029, filed 2004-04, 79,000 milesRelated recalls
- 96V129000Jul 10, 1996Under certain driving conditions, the front suspension support can crack leading to failure of the support.Covers: Toyota Tacoma 1995–1996
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 8% |
| 2024 | 5 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 4% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 6 | 2% |
| 2016 | 14 | 4% |
| 2015 | 4 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 9% |
| 2013 | 14 | 11% |
| 2012 | 21 | 7% |
| 2011 | 60 | 32% |
| 2010 | 95 | 32% |
| 2009 | 119 | 23% |
| 2008 | 125 | 28% |
| 2007 | 118 | 22% |
| 2006 | 154 | 20% |
| 2005 | 137 | 19% |
| 2004 | 85 | 20% |
| 2003 | 66 | 18% |
| 2002 | 82 | 25% |
| 2001 | 81 | 20% |
| 2000 | 52 | 25% |
| 1999 | 35 | 14% |
| 1998 | 28 | 9% |
| 1997 | 24 | 18% |
| 1996 | 87 | 34% |
| 1995 | 90 | 51% |
Other parts of the 1996 Toyota Tacoma
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 complaintsSteering
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 Nov 1, 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