Is steering shaft and intermediate shaft corrosion or seizure a known issue with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma?

11 NHTSA complaints have been filed about steering shaft and intermediate shaft corrosion or seizure on the 2011 Toyota Tacoma (2020-11 → 2024-02). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11573788): "Steering shaft u- joint seizure causing loss of vehicle steering. Very dangerous" Source: NHTSA.

Is unexpected engine speed increase during braking or cruise a known issue with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about unexpected engine speed increase during braking or cruise on the 2011 Toyota Tacoma (2013-09 → 2017-03). Reported component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10691015): "I LEFT THE PARKING LOT GOING ABOUT 10-20MPH, I DROVE 1/10TH OF A MILE DOWN THE ACCESS ROAD WHEN I WENT TO BRAKE AT THE INTERSECTION. AS SOON AS I TOUCHED THE BRAKE THE ENGINE DRAMATICALLY INCREASED ITS SPEED AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO ACCELERATE" Source: NHTSA.

2011 Toyota Tacoma Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is frame rail and underbody corrosion perforation a known issue with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma?

14 NHTSA complaints have been filed about frame rail and underbody corrosion perforation on the 2011 Toyota Tacoma (2022-09 → 2026-07). Reported component: STRUCTURE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11588718): "The contact stated that while working underneath the vehicle, he noticed a hole in the frame rail, passenger's side, rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was inspected under a Service Bulletin however, the vehicle was not repaired" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is rear leaf spring fracture on models outside recall vin range a known issue with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma?

49 NHTSA complaints have been filed about rear leaf spring fracture on models outside recall vin range on the 2011 Toyota Tacoma (2013-09 → 2026-08). Reported component: SUSPENSION. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11756486): "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 failure and informed" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is headlight lens yellowing, melting, or cracking a known issue with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma?

26 NHTSA complaints have been filed about headlight lens yellowing, melting, or cracking on the 2011 Toyota Tacoma (2019-10 → 2023-11). Reported component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11555787): "1.) Headlights are yellowing. 2.) Hard to see at night. 3.) Everyone has the same problem. The government should mandate going back to glass headlights for safety reasons. Buffing them only lasts a short period of time and the elderly can't afford to buy new OEM headlights every" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is horn inoperative, linked to steering wheel clockspring a known issue with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma?

12 NHTSA complaints have been filed about horn inoperative, linked to steering wheel clockspring on the 2011 Toyota Tacoma (2019-12 → 2026-07). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11751917): "The contact stated that over time the horn intermittently became inoperable; however, the horn operated while in the middle of making a turn. The contact was concerned about the failure because the horn and the air bag in the steering wheel were connected by the clockspring" Source: NHTSA.

The 2011 Toyota Tacoma carries 9 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering hinge and attachments and seat heater/cooler. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Frame rail and underbody corrosion perforation.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

9 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Campaign #17V425000 · Mar 7, 2017

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.

Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Campaign #14V743000 · Nov 19, 2014

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF

Campaign #14V604000 · Sep 29, 2014

Issue: 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.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Campaign #16V396000 · Feb 6, 2016

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #14V475000 · Apr 8, 2014

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

Risk: If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Campaign #11V148000 · Apr 3, 2011

Issue: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.

Risk: FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: FOR THE LAND CRUISER, SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE DEALER WILL RE-CALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON AFFECTED VEHICLES AND INSTALL AN UPDATED TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AT NO CHARGE. FOR THE FJ CRUISER VEHICLES, THE TPMS CANNOT BE RESET SO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE TPMS WILL BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPING THE REMEDY ECU. IF AN OWNER IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER HIS OR HER VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #13V337000 · Jul 8, 2013

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Campaign #13V014000 · Jan 16, 2013

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #13V123000 · Sep 4, 2013

Issue: Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Toyota Tacoma.

Reported to NHTSA

Frame rail and underbody corrosion perforation

STRUCTURE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2026-07

“The contact stated that while working underneath the vehicle, he noticed a hole in the frame rail, passenger's side, rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was inspected under a Service Bulletin however, the vehicle was not repaired”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11588718

“The contact stated that while attempting to have an inspection completed on the vehicle, the contact was informed by the mechanic that the inspection could not be completed due to several holes in the underbody frame of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11696284

“The underside of my 2011 Toyota Tacoma is experiencing tremendous rust. Dealer said since there was not perforation, nothing to be done. Brackets holding wiring, body panels and now gas tank have rusted and failed. The gas tank strap is a major concern”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666324

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering shaft and intermediate shaft corrosion or seizure

STEERING

11 NHTSA complaints · 2020-11 → 2024-02

“Steering shaft u- joint seizure causing loss of vehicle steering. Very dangerous”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11573788

“I WAS DRIVING AND AT ANY SPEED THE STEERING WOULD LOCK UP WHILE TURNING. THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAS DETERIORATED TO FAILURE. I'M GLAD THAT I DIDN'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT BUT CAME CLOSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11374087

“The contact stated that after taking the vehicle for repair, the contact was made aware of rust on the steering shaft and the support arms and the front end of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was no fix for the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11540542

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected engine speed increase during braking or cruise

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2017-03

“I LEFT THE PARKING LOT GOING ABOUT 10-20MPH, I DROVE 1/10TH OF A MILE DOWN THE ACCESS ROAD WHEN I WENT TO BRAKE AT THE INTERSECTION. AS SOON AS I TOUCHED THE BRAKE THE ENGINE DRAMATICALLY INCREASED ITS SPEED AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO ACCELERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10691015

“WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED WHEN BEGINNING UP STEEP INCLINES, THE CRUISE CONTROL GUNS THE ENGINE, PUSHING THE VEHICLE TO SPEEDS NEARLY 5MPH OVER THE CRUISE CONTROL SET SPEED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10546059

“WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING SPACE AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED APPROXIMATELY 18 FEET BEFORE CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10881533

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear leaf spring fracture on models outside recall VIN range

SUSPENSION

49 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2026-08

“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 failure and informed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756486

“2011 Tacoma, 4x4. Leaf spring is broken on the passenger side. 130,000 miles. According to Toyota my vin is not included under recall 14V-604. I do believe this is either an error or deliberate oversight to avoid responsibility”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741784

“I experienced brake failure on the highway I laid under the truck to patch the brake failure and found a cracked leaf spring suspension component which there's already a recall for that exact make and model just not my VIN number for that cracked leaf spring”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11713113

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight lens yellowing, melting, or cracking

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

26 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2023-11

“1.) Headlights are yellowing. 2.) Hard to see at night. 3.) Everyone has the same problem. The government should mandate going back to glass headlights for safety reasons. Buffing them only lasts a short period of time and the elderly can't afford to buy new OEM headlights every”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11555787

“The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side headlights were inoperable. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the headlight assemblies were extremely hot and had melted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver's and”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11480199

“MY DAYLIGHT RUNNING LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT AND SPLITTING THE LENS. IT'S THE SECOND SET OF LIGHT I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383014

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Horn inoperative, linked to steering wheel clockspring

AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2026-07

“The contact stated that over time the horn intermittently became inoperable; however, the horn operated while in the middle of making a turn. The contact was concerned about the failure because the horn and the air bag in the steering wheel were connected by the clockspring”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751917

“HORN NOT WORKING .WAS TOLD IT WAS IN STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291261

“MY VEHICLE FAILED VA INSPECTION DUE TO THE HORN NOT WORKING. I HAVE TO GET THE SPIRAL CABLE REPLACED PER THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THIS WAS A RECALL ON TACOMA'S UP TO 2009 (RECALL B1801) BUT NOT MY YEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11415222

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

67 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Toyota Tacoma reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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