2006 Toyota Tacoma problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Toyota Tacoma, most often about body & structure. There are 7 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
75
Recalls
7
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
2
Median mileage
138,050 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Body & Structure is the most-reported problem area, named in 42 of 75 complaints (56%).
  • Suspension (24) and airbags (5) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 138,050 mi.
  • Owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries.
  • The 2006 Toyota Tacoma has 7 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 13th of 22 Toyota Tacoma model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 60% more complaints than the 2005 model year (47).

2006 Toyota Tacoma problems by category

  • 42 complaints
  • Suspension · 1 crash
    24 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    16 complaints
  • Airbags
    5 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    5 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Brakes
    2 complaints
  • Electrical System
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Engine
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Structure:body31
Suspension24
Unknown or other16
Steering5
Structure:frame and members:underbody shields4
Structure4
Air bags4
Structure:frame and members3

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k860k–100k12100k–150k16150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2006 Toyota Tacoma complaints that list mileage.

2006 Toyota Tacoma recalls (7)

  • Recall 16V396000Jun 2, 20167,749 vehicles
    SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

    Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

  • Recall 14V743000Nov 19, 20143,233 vehicles
    SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

    Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

    Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

    Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

  • Recall 14V604000Sep 29, 2014710,711 vehicles
    SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  • Recall 13V337000Aug 7, 2013342,451 vehicles
    SEAT BELTS

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.

    Risk: If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during February 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

  • Recall 12V092000Mar 7, 2012495,470 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 tacoma vehicles, manufactured from september 14, 2004, through august 29, 2008. Over time, steering wheel vibration may damage the spiral cable assembly (clockspring) that powers the driver’s air bag module. If damage occurs, the air bag warning lamp will illuminate and the air bag may become deactivated.

    Risk: In the event of a crash, the driver’s side air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of personal injury.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spiral cable assembly, free of charge. An interim letter is expected to be mailed to owners during april 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

  • Recall 10V035000Feb 3, 2010271,417 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

    Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.

    Risk: This does not meet the standard requirements.

    Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.

  • Recall 10V036000Feb 3, 2010153,418 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

    Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.

    Risk: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • DP08001Opened Jan 31, 2008Closed Aug 27, 2008

    Sudden and uncontrolled acceleration

    The petitioner owns a model year (my) 2006 toyota tacoma equipped with a v6 engine and automatic transmission.in a petition sent to nhtsa's office of defects investigation (odi) dated january 10, 2008, he alleges he experienced two incidents of unwanted acceleration while driving his tacoma.the petitioner reported that during both incidents, while applying the brake, the engine speed increased of its own accord (without accelerator application), causing sudden and uncontrolled acceleration.the petitioner requested that the agency commence a proceeding to determine the existence of a defect rel…

Recent 2006 Toyota Tacoma complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Apr 22, 2026CABody & Structure
    I received a Toyota recall notification in Dec 2015 for a frame rust inspection, RO Number 307016. I have since noticed fairly major frame rust, with a long 2-inch by 7-inch opening on the inside of the frame below the driver-side seat. I took the vehicle to Toyota on 20 APR 2026 for a leaf spring recall #302870. I asked them to take a look and was told the recall 307016 had expired. The original recall inspection for rust either failed to identify it or the inspector was…
    NHTSA complaint #11732953 · source
  2. Filed Feb 22, 2026OHSuspension
    Voss Toyota would not perform the recall of new leaf springs that has not been completed on my truck. The frame is rusty and they will not touch my truck. There should be an existing recall or customer satisfaction program on the frame of this truck that needs done as well.
    NHTSA complaint #11719698 · source
  3. Filed Nov 28, 2025KSBody & StructureSuspension
    I took my 2006 Toyota Tacoma ext cab 4x4 v6 to have diagnostic run on it . "EXACT PERFORMANCE " Johnson drive . KCK The differential was shot . However , that was not the final . They did not do full diagnostic . They informed me that my frame was rotted and rusted through and would not last till spring and was a safety hazard. That was Dec. 2024 . The truck has been parked since . Ive had no transportation and can not run right out and buy another truck . I am also not…
    NHTSA complaint #11701881 · source
  4. Filed May 9, 2025CTBody & StructureSteeringSuspension
    The frame of my 2006 Toyota Tacoma (VIN: [XXX] ) is severely corroded and compromised. I recently acquired the vehicle and discovered that it was part of a past Toyota recall/program for frame corrosion inspection and replacement. However, it appears the previous owner did not take the vehicle in for the service. The frame now shows advanced rust and structural weakness, which puts my safety and the safety of others at risk. I am concerned that the recall program was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11660044 · source
  5. Filed Apr 11, 2025230,000 miMNTowedBody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear subframe of the vehicle was fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear subframe of the vehicle failed and needed to be replaced. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11654146 · source
  6. Filed Mar 20, 2025220,000 miCAAirbags
    The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V092000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was…
    NHTSA complaint #11649601 · source
  7. Filed Feb 4, 2025130,000 miVABody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle failed the State Inspection because there was a hole approximately 3 inches wide on the driver's side of the vehicle near the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the hole was caused by extensive rust and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall issued…
    NHTSA complaint #11640578 · source
  8. Filed Jan 29, 2025VAOther / UnknownSuspension
    The truck's frame has severely rusted. The frame has deteriorated. It is unsafe to drive as the frame is breaking in half. According to Toyota, this was a huge problem with the 2006 Tacoma. They will not fix the frame or offer any solution. My son can not safely drive this vehicle.
    NHTSA complaint #11639471 · source

Compare the 2006 Toyota Tacoma with another vehicle →

Other 2006 Toyota models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology