Model year record

1999 Toyota Tacoma recalls & problems

The 1999 Toyota Tacoma has 5 safety recalls and 249 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (103 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints249filed by owners

Crashes · fires40 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths28 · 0reported in complaints

1999 Toyota Tacoma in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E04900027,176 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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 NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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 SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.

Trailer hitchesAug 1, 2001

Trailer hitches

Recall 01E04100070,717 vehicles

Problem: EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: THIS RECALL IS FOR TRAILER TOWING WIRE HARNESS CONVERTERS INSTALLED BY DEALERS OR FOR INSTALLATION ON 1999-2000 TOYOTA TUNDRA AND TACOMA VEHICLES. THE CONNECTORS INTEGRATE THE VEHICLE'S TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WITH THOSE EQUIPPED ON THE TRAILER, ARE DEFECTIVE. AFFECTED PART NUMBERS ARE: PT207-34000, PT207-34002, PT207-04981, AND PT214-04985. IN THE TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE CIRCUITRY UTILIZED IN THE CONVERTER WAS INADEQUATE TO PROPERLY MANAGE VEHICLE AND/OR TRAILER-SIDE VOLTAGE SPIKES. IF THE CONVERTER IS EXPOSED TO A VOLTAGE SPIKE, IT MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT WITHIN THE CONVERTER. IN THE TACOMA VEHICLES, DUE TO DEFICIENT WATERPROOFING AND IMPROPER INSTALLATION LOCATION OF THE CONVERTER, WHICH IS MOUNTED IN THE LOWER PORTION OF THE TAILGATE CAVITY OF THE VEHICLE, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT WILL OCCUR IF WATER ENTERS THE CONVERTER HOUSING.
Risk: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE A FAULT IN THE CONVERTER AND A NON-OPERATIONAL CONDITION OF THE TRAILER LIGHTS. IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN WITHOUT TRAILER LIGHTS, IT MAY BE DIFFICULT FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO SEE THE TRAILER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS AND INSTALL A REDESIGNED TRAILER TOWING WIRE HARNESS CONVERTER FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1999 Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Tacoma 2WD

21mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Tacoma 2WD

20mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Tacoma 2WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Tacoma 2WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Tacoma 2WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Tacoma 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Tacoma 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.7 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Tacoma 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Tacoma 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.4 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
StructureBody; Frame and members	103	0	0	1	125,500 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	38	31	0	22	143,500 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear	36	1	0	4	129,457 mi
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall	24	1	0	1	—
Unknown or other	20	1	0	0	128,000 mi
Power trainTransfer case (4-wheel drive); Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift	16	0	0	0	139,500 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers	12	1	1	0	101,700 mi
SteeringLinkages › Tie rod assembly; Rack and pinion	10	2	0	3	106,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	10	0	0	0	110,674 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal	8	3	0	1	89,500 mi
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly; Front › Anchorage	6	3	0	5	—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	5	4	0	3	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was not driving smoothly. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that while disconnecting the trailer hitch, the contact proceeded to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the undercarriage was severely corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Mar 5, 2024 · 103,000 miles
Suspension
Hi, i had the recall preventive performed by toyota for rusting and corrosion of the frame. Now, the vehicle is rusting throughout the frame and is very very unsafe to drive. TOYOTA is claiming that it was a program and not a recall and had no documentation to prove. Toyota performed the recall and now the frame is still at risk to crack and very unsafe.
Mar 14, 2024
Suspension
The contact owns a 1999 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an unknown popping sound was coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered severe corrosion and a crack that had formed on the rear passengerâs side fender. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 147,813.
Oct 20, 2022 · 147,813 miles
Air bags
I WENT TO AGUADILLA AND HORMIGUEROS DEALERS, BUT THEY DON'T WANT TO MAKE A JOB . DON'T BRING ME A SERVICE.
Aug 12, 2020
Air bagsCrash
My 1999 Toyota Tacoma was involved in a rear end vehicle collision (the front of my vehicle struck the rear of a vehicle traveling in front of me) at a speed of approximately 40-45 mph. The roadway surface was smooth asphalt at a slight downgrade during clear/dry weather conditions on Monday 7/19/2021 at approximately 2:40 p.m. in Wythe County, VA. Neither the driver side nor passenger airbags deployed in this collision and the passenger side airbag switch was in the "ON" position. The front end damage was considerable to include destruction of front grille with radiator and other components pushed well into the engine compartment, hood, quarter panels, windshield cracked, and right front…
Jul 19, 2021
Suspension
Frame rusting from inside out. Vehicle has been in same family since purchased new in 2000 and no recall notice was ever received. Rest of vehicle is in GREAT shape.
Jul 10, 2019
Unknown or other
The Toyota Tacoma 1999 has a complete damaged , rusted, broken frame which is dangerous. I took the car to the dealer and they said the recall for the frame is already expired and they will not accept it, what could i do to resolve this issue. Thank You
Dec 16, 2020
Unknown or other
WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS MY FRAME IS RUSTING OUT HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THEM UNTIL NOW I WAS THEY HAD EXTENDED A RECALL OF REPAIR OR PURCHASE VEHICLE 15 YEARS BUT MY FRAME HAS BEEN GOOD UP UNTIL THESE LAST 6 MONTHS I HAVE CALLED A TOYOTA DEALER SHIP CAN'T GET ANY HELP IT LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE DURING THE TIME OF THE RECALL THIS TRUCK HAD NO PROBLEMS AND NOW THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT FROM UNDER IT SO COULD SOMEBODY HELP ME WITH THIS
Mar 4, 2020 · 213,500 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.