Toyota Tacoma Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 1,533 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the Toyota Tacoma across 30 model years. The 2006 model year has the most (154). The words owners use most often: “leaf springs” (16% of reports).
- 1,533suspension complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 53mention a crash
- 23mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- $1,450typical repair cost reported by owners
- 30%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Leaf springs: mentioned in 243 of 1,533 complaints (16%)
- Ball joint: mentioned in 104 of 1,533 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical suspension repair on the Toyota Tacoma at $1,450, and half of them between $810 and $2,100.
Based on 29 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (1999–2025), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 811 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,533 complaints, 53 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 23 an injury.
Toyota Tacoma suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Tacoma | 9 | 8% | — |
| 2024 Tacoma | 5 | 3% | — |
| 2023 Tacoma | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2021 Tacoma | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2020 Tacoma | 1 | 1% | 2,527 |
| 2019 Tacoma | 4 | 2% | 12 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 6 | 3% | 2,700 |
| 2017 Tacoma | 6 | 2% | 2,000 |
| 2016 Tacoma | 14 | 4% | 30,000 |
| 2015 Tacoma | 4 | 4% | 38,000 |
| 2014 Tacoma | 8 | 9% | 20,500 |
| 2013 Tacoma | 14 | 11% | 38,423 |
| 2012 Tacoma | 21 | 7% | 55,000 |
| 2011 Tacoma | 60 | 32% | 96,193 |
| 2010 Tacoma | 95 | 32% | 44,946 |
| 2009 Tacoma | 119 | 23% | 78,700 |
| 2008 Tacoma | 124 | 28% | 78,000 |
| 2007 Tacoma | 118 | 22% | 96,234 |
| 2006 Tacoma | 154 | 20% | 95,000 |
| 2005 Tacoma | 137 | 19% | 102,000 |
| 2004 Tacoma | 84 | 20% | 120,000 |
| 2003 Tacoma | 66 | 18% | 136,000 |
| 2002 Tacoma | 82 | 25% | 131,000 |
| 2001 Tacoma | 81 | 20% | 168,418 |
| 2000 Tacoma | 52 | 25% | 155,000 |
| 1999 Tacoma | 35 | 14% | 133,000 |
| 1998 Tacoma | 28 | 9% | 167,276 |
| 1997 Tacoma | 24 | 18% | 189,000 |
| 1996 Tacoma | 87 | 34% | 137,345 |
| 1995 Tacoma | 90 | 51% | 180,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Suspension:rear:shock absorber; suspension:front:shock absorber
Model years: 2024, 2025
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Tacoma Hybrid and 2024-2025 Tacoma vehicles. The metal flange on the front and rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external oil reservoir.
Risk: An oil reservoir that detaches can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front and rear shock absorber assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 30, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in March 2027.Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB14 and 26TA14.
Suspension:rear:springs:leaf spring assembly:leaf
Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.
Risk: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint may have been scratched. The ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.
Risk: The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on july 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Suspension:front
Model years: 1995, 1996
Problem: Under certain driving conditions, the front suspension support can crack leading to failure of the support.
Risk: This condition can result in loss of vehicle control.
Fix: Dealers will repair the suspension support.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
While the vehicle was parked in my driveway, I noticed oil leaking on the ground and discovered that the rear shock absorber had suffered a catastrophic structural failure. The vehicle is a 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road covered under the manufacturer's original factory warranty. This specific…
My frame of my truck rotted from the inside out and now I donât qualify for their safety safety program, they only give you enough time and cover it up with a coating so by the time you realized itâs fully rotted through itâs too late.
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. While inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact discovered that the vehicle was only equipped with three leaf springs instead of four. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
The passenger side lower A arm frame mount broke, due to frame rust. The truck has been taken to Toyota, they had the truck for about 6 weeks and have refused to fix the safety issue.This year model had a recall on the frame, it was taken in for the recall, but the recall has failed. When the lower…
Car drove fine day before incident, went to drive to water a neighbors plants and noticed a puddle of oil in my garage. Did the shock test by making the rear of the vehicle shake on each side. Rear drivers side shock failed as the vehicle kept bouncing and had no tension when pushing down. Seal…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Toyota Tacomas have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,533 owner complaints about suspension for the Toyota Tacoma. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Toyota Tacoma suspension?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix suspension problems on the Toyota Tacoma?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,450 (half paid between $810 and $2,100), from 29 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the Toyota Tacoma?
The most frequent phrase is “leaf springs”, in 243 of 1,533 complaints, followed by “ball joint” (104).
Other Toyota Tacoma problems
- Structure problems (2,204)
- Power Train problems (941)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (779)
- Air Bags problems (556)
- Steering problems (476)
- Electrical System problems (434)
- Engine problems (433)
- Service Brakes problems (392)
See all Toyota Tacoma problems.