1997 Toyota Tacoma Problems
- Complaints
- 131filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 149,000miles, 57 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl RWD · 19 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Most complaints for this model year center on the frame: owners describe rust that progresses from surface flaking to holes and cracking, often discovered during tire, alignment, muffler or inspection work. Many say a dealer found the frame perforated or advised against driving the truck, and that the corrosion coverage was described as expired or that an earlier coating did not stop the rust. A smaller share of reports cover rear leaf springs, front ball joints and seat belts.
- Body and structure
Frame rust-through and cracking
- 42 complaints (32%)
- median 165,000 mi at 16.9 yrs old (37 state mileage)
- filed 2007–2020
Complaints describe rusted, flaking frame rails with holes at the rear spring mounts, behind the cab doors and near the rear axle, in some cases cracking or separating when the truck is on a lift. Owners report that dealers or independent mechanics inspected the frame and said the corrosion campaign had expired, or that a previously applied coating did not stop the rust. Several say they were told the truck needed a frame replacement. Reported across a wide mileage range, roughly 70,000 to 300,000 miles, with many reports in the 100,000 to 210,000 mile range on trucks roughly 10 to 20 years old.
What to check: Have the frame inspected on a lift before buying, paying attention to the rear spring mounts, the area behind the cab doors and the rear cross member, and probe any bubbling or flaking coating. Ask for documentation of any earlier corrosion treatment and whether the truck was checked under the frame coverage program.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 1997 Toyota Tacoma, I discovered frame rot in front of the rear spring shackles. There was still underbody paint on the frame in that area which when removed revealed the serious corrosion of the frame rail. After further inspection I found severe corrosion throughout the frame. The bumper brackets are barely holding up the bumper.”
NHTSA complaint #10205909, filed 2007-10, 100,000 miles“Recently purchase 1997 Tacoma took it to replace rear tires shop informed me the frame had major rot and is not safe for highway. Contacted local Toyota dealer they preformed a free inspection on 08-29-16 upon completion of this inspection dealership informed me both in writing and verbally that this vehicle is not safe for highway use. Multiple rust perforations through out frame of this truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10899267, filed 2016-08, 232,828 miles - Suspension
Rear leaf springs broken or sagging
- 8 complaints (6%)
- median 116,422 mi at 10.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2002–2016
Owners describe the bed sagging on one side and a broken rear leaf spring found at the dealer, in some cases without towing or heavy loads. Others report the factory springs not carrying the empty truck's weight and add-on helper springs that then broke. Complaints also note leaf springs separating from the frame where the mounting area has rusted. Reported from about 55,000 miles up to 230,000, including trucks that were not used for hauling or towing.
What to check: Check the rear leaf packs for a cracked or missing leaf and confirm the truck sits level side to side; also inspect the frame where the spring shackles attach.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I noticed a noise coming from underneath my vehicle and noticed that the right leaf spring had broken. I am the original owner, the vehicle had 57,000 miles on it when this occurred. This vehicle has never been abused and has been given proper maintenance. I feel that this is an item the mfg. Should stand behind.”
NHTSA complaint #10153594, filed 2006-03, 57,463 miles“I am the original owner of a 1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 lx. I have experienced suspension problems for the last 6 years. The rear leaf springs will not support the weight of the stock vehicle. I have tried several times to get Toyota to replace them with larger springs. Toyota has turned their back on me and several friends that have the same problem. I installed aftermarket helper springs and one of them broke as it was overloaded because of the weak factory springs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10179426, filed 2007-01, 55,000 miles
Buying note. Frame condition matters more than almost anything else on this model year, so have it inspected on a lift before purchase and treat bubbling or flaking undercoating as a reason to look closer. Also check the rear leaf springs, front ball joints and seat belts, since those are the other items owners most often describe.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 131 consumer complaints for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma. 57 of the complaints include a mileage, and 4% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 149,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 40 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure46 35%
- Suspension24 18%
- Tires14 11%
- Seat belts11 8.4%
- Brakes6 4.6%
- Other or unknown6 4.6%
- Vehicle speed control6 4.6%
- Air bags5 3.8%
- Steering4 3.0%
Also reported: Wheels (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electrical system (1), Engine (1), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “My truck was brought in for inspection after the frame rot recall at parkway Toyota at 50 sylvan ave englewood cliffs nj in july 2008. They inspected the vehicle and told us the frame was safe though there was some surface rust. It was deemed no repair necessary. Now in april of 2013 my truck needed a tune up and after that was done we were told they spotted potentially dangerous corrosion of the frame. I took the truck to a body mechanic who advised me not to drive this car because the frame is dangerously rotted and is not repairable. …”
NHTSA complaint #10537160, filed 2013-08, 180,000 milesSuspension: “1. Driving normally, my 1997 Toyota Tacoma's front passenger tire fell off at an intersection. The ball joint failed. It was towed to a service place today. Had I been driving at highway speed, myself and passengers could have been killed or seriously injured. 2. Has not happened before. The vehicle is well maintained. 3. Waiting on repair parts and estimate.”
NHTSA complaint #10340863, filed 2010-06, 186,500 milesTires: “Had the first tire inspected for a nail, screw, any foreign object to identify why a v-shaped whole occurred in my tire that the steel cable was cut and showing. When my right front tire blew out in may 2000, I also had it inspected to identify why my sidewall of my tire blew out so suddenly. Again, there was no nail or foreign object in the tire. ( DOT number: tire size: p225/75r15 )”
NHTSA complaint #727069, filed 2000-08Seat belts: “The contact owns a 1997 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon inspection, the passenger's side seat belt buckle failed to operate normally. The contact also mentioned that the seat belt would not latch with the buckle. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10549410, filed 2013-10, 100,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
4% of the 57 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 100,000 and 181,747 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma · coupe | not rated | 2 / 3 | — | — | — |
| Tacoma · extended cab | not rated | 1 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1997 Toyota Tacoma version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 40 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10244113Aug 17, 2023Vehicle speed control, Air bags, Equipment. TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year…
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022Brakes, Back-over prevention (rear camera). TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10207946Jan 12, 2022Equipment, Wheels, Tires. POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of…
- 10190460Mar 17, 2021Air bags. Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021Brakes, Back-over prevention (rear camera). TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10188913Feb 3, 2021Equipment. TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year…
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020Brakes, Back-over prevention (rear camera). TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020Brakes. TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10174891Apr 7, 2020Equipment. TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174890Apr 6, 2020Equipment. TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01…
Other model years of the Toyota Tacoma
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 6,800 | 0 | 4 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 116 | 6,000 | 5 | 4 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 155 | 15,826 | 6 | — | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 54 | 19,140 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 37 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 59 | 24,000 | 3 | 4 | 21 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 81 | 9,700 | 0 | 4 | 21 | 14 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2020 | 90 | 5,000 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2019 | 219 | 5,500 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 80 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 209 | 13,478 | 3 | 4 | 21 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 244 | 16,000 | 5 | 4 | 21 | 80 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 324 | 15,000 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 91 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 102 | 10,000 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 44 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 93 | 28,000 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 125 | 40,160 | 6 | 4 | 21 | 42 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 295 | 57,000 | 7 | 4 | 21 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 186 | 65,141 | 9 | 4 | 21 | 42 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 294 | 40,000 | 13 | — | 21 | 76 · More | Rising |
| 2009 | 520 | 36,000 | 13 | — | 21 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2008 | 449 | 57,000 | 11 | — | 21 | 88 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 541 | 62,000 | 10 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 782 | 71,428 | 11 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 707 | 82,000 | 10 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 415 | 108,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 360 | 108,094 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 333 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 396 | 144,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 211 | 130,300 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 249 | 120,316 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 300 | 136,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 131 | 149,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 253 | 139,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 177 | 160,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Toyota Tacoma model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Toyota Tacoma?
Most complaints for this model year center on the frame: owners describe rust that progresses from surface flaking to holes and cracking, often discovered during tire, alignment, muffler or inspection work. The issues reported most often: Frame rust-through and cracking; Rear leaf springs broken or sagging.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Toyota Tacoma have?
NHTSA recorded 131 consumer complaints for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Toyota Tacoma is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 46 complaints (35% of the total), followed by suspension with 24.
Has the 1997 Toyota Tacoma been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Toyota Tacoma get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Toyota Tacoma (Tacoma 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Toyota Tacoma reported?
Among the 57 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 149,000 miles and the middle half falls between 100,000 and 181,747 miles; 4% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.