2009 Toyota Tacoma Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 105about this part
- Share
- 20%of 520 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 105 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma, 20% of the 520 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 16 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Both left and right dtrl lenses are melted from heat from the bulb, I am worried about an electrical short, or fire. Dealer says it is cosmetic and does not want to replace headlight assemblies since vehicle is out of warranty. I believe this is a safety issue that Toyota motor company should address with urgency.”
NHTSA complaint #10567043, filed 2014-03, 93,545 miles“I noticed the daytime running light lens had cracked & melted. This is obviously a defect due to the amount of heat the bulb is putting out. I am disappointed that a company such as Toyota will not take care of this problem. According to what I have read the fix is over $700 to fix. It makes you wonder if greed is the root of all evil.”
NHTSA complaint #10458786, filed 2012-05, 35,000 miles“The headlight lenses are melting in front of the daytime running light bulbs/turn signals. I feel that this is a safety hazard and should be recalled by Toyota. I was told by Toyota customer service that my Toyota extended platnium warrentee will not cover this part and they will not authorize the replacement of the headlights.”
NHTSA complaint #10452762, filed 2012-03, 40,000 miles“The running lights melted the lenses at 35000 miles and I took my truck back to Toyota and they replaced the lights, said they put bulbs in there that would not get as hot. Now at over 80000 miles they have melted again, the plastic is turning black, looks like a possible fire hazard. I have seen this same issue with other similar models. Toyota is aware of the problem, needs to recall and properly fix!”
NHTSA complaint #10619534, filed 2014-08, 80,000 miles“My vehicle daytime running lights (drl), are burning through the lenses. The lens in front of the bulb is discolored and seems to be melting and cracking due to overheating. The plastic is dark and looks burned. Because of the defect there is concern for driver safety as there seems to be an obvious fire hazard that has not been addressed by Toyota. This problem exists in both of my front headlights.”
NHTSA complaint #10548255, filed 2013-10, 49,567 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10174876Apr 20, 2020DL: ZLZ Expired on 04/20/2020
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 17 | 5% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 32 | 17% |
| 2010 | 25 | 9% |
| 2009 | 105 | 20% |
| 2008 | 15 | 3% |
| 2007 | 10 | 2% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 6 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma
119 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
75 complaintsVehicle speed control
59 complaintsBody and structure
55 complaintsElectrical system
40 complaintsSteering
39 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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