1997 Toyota Tacoma
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 131
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 131 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 177 |
| 1996 | 253 |
| 1997 | 131 |
| 1998 | 300 |
| 1999 | 249 |
| 2000 | 210 |
| 2001 | 396 |
| 2002 | 333 |
| 2003 | 360 |
| 2004 | 415 |
| 2005 | 707 |
| 2006 | 782 |
| 2007 | 541 |
| 2008 | 448 |
| 2009 | 519 |
| 2010 | 293 |
| 2011 | 186 |
| 2012 | 295 |
| 2013 | 125 |
| 2014 | 93 |
| 2015 | 102 |
| 2016 | 323 |
| 2017 | 243 |
| 2018 | 208 |
| 2019 | 217 |
| 2020 | 90 |
| 2021 | 80 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 154 |
| 2025 | 113 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Structure
35% · 46 reportsMost commonly citing body and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
Took vehicle to curry Honda to have part installed and they performed multi point inspection. Upon inspection found frame is rusted out and vehicle is unsafe to drive. Have not driven it since,and am without a vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-23
I bought this pick up from wilson Toyota,(Ames,ia), on jan.17,2009.in the walk around/inspection of the vehicle, while talking with the salesman I layed on the ground,and crawled under the pick up looking for any signs of trouble.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-21
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Tacoma. While parked, the contact noticed severe corrosion on the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-25
Suspension
20% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing leaf spring assembly and leaf.
Show complaint excerpts
Whenâs he start and you get gas it won turn off but donât do it , and whend I hit a jump and I tuning he shake it wild
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-03
Also filed under Power train and engine
Tires
11% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and temporary/emergency spare tire.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving the drivers side tire blewout.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-20
Seat belts
8% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing retractor and anchorage.
Power train
7% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
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2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are…
Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Toyota Tacoma — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 46 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Toyota Tacoma is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Toyota Tacoma?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota Tacoma have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.