2001 Toyota Tacoma Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 5%of 396 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 161,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Toyota Tacoma, 5% of the 396 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 161,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Severe shimmy when driving, and swaying to either side. I then took the truck to Toyota where they found out that the entire steering control system is corroded to the point that the vehicle can loose control at any time. I will be forced to change the yoke and eventually the rack and pinion.”
NHTSA complaint #10550637, filed 2013-11, 154,000 miles“The driver side front ball joint failed while driving at 50 MPH on a smooth surfaces state road. The wheel fell off of the control arm and sent my vehicle sliding down the road. Pictures are attached. This issue has been recognized in a similar recall of 4x4 vehicles of the same make and model. The action number of that recall is NHTSA#: ea 04024. I am hoping to get my VIN added as an amendment to they recall to fix the vehicle and make it safe to drive. Thank you for the help.”
NHTSA complaint #10992293, filed 2017-05, 168,000 miles“My 2001 Toyota Tacoma was involved in a accident. At the trial the accident reconstruction person said he could not understand why the crash happened that it looked like some one had yanked the wheel very hard. The trial was for manslaughter and it took place before the recall. The truck was never inspected by a mechanic. I feel this was the cause for the accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10134457, filed 2005-08, 2,000 miles“On feb 2.01 when reviving a new 200l Toyota Tacoma, the steering wheel was locked (wouldn't turn at all). I got the salesperson who came with me. He jerked the steering wheel hard and if was freed. I asked if that is normal, he responded it's ok, they all do that. Over the years whenever it didn't seem to be right, I remembered the statement it's ok, they all do that . …”
NHTSA complaint #10141640, filed 2005-11, 45,119 miles“Rust seems to be coming off by the handfuls and pieces thick enough that I am concerned. I looked under my truck and among other things, metal lines (brake, steering, not sure), the gas tank, and steering linkage became my biggest concern. By the thickness of rust I have gotten from my vehicle I am certain it is not surface rust. How much will something rust before it becomes a failure, especially with a line under pressure such as brake lines? The last time I filled up I noticed gas leaking on the concrete. I am not sure if it is coming from the tank itself or not.”
NHTSA complaint #10850594, filed 2016-03, 169,970 milesSteering: 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 2001 Toyota Tacoma
228 complaintsSuspension
81 complaintsOther or unknown
40 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsTires
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Toyota Tacoma
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology