Model year record

2000 Toyota Tacoma recalls & problems

The 2000 Toyota Tacoma has 5 safety recalls and 211 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (80 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints211filed by owners

Crashes · fires24 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths17 · 0reported in complaints

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

2000 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 / 24 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 4WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Tacoma 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Tacoma 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 19 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

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/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 › Underbody shields	80	2	0	1	136,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear	53	4	0	2	150,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	25	19	0	13	78,000 mi
Unknown or other	21	1	0	0	155,000 mi
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall	19	0	0	0	—
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; 12v/24v/48v battery	12	0	3	0	200,000 mi
Power trainDriveline › Driveshaft; Automatic transmission	12	3	0	2	119,700 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	9	0	0	0	50,787 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system › Emission control	8	0	0	0	66,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlCables	6	1	0	2	130,300 mi
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Buckle assembly	5	2	0	2	—
SteeringHydraulic power assist › Pump; Linkages	5	0	0	0	62,438 mi

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

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2000 Toyota Tacoma. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 141,331. At the time of the maintenance, it was discovered that the mileage was 276,000.
Sep 30, 2026 · 276,000 miles
Suspension
My son was driving the 2000 Toyota Tacoma across very smooth transition railroad tracks at about 25 mph and the right front ball joint failed, collapsing the suspension. He lost all control and the vehicle skidded to a stop. Had he been going any faster, the vehicle could have rolled over. I have reviewed the recalls for Toyota ball joints and found the there is a 50J recall for 2001-2005 Tacomas. Interestingly enough, the trucks/Tacomas from 1995-2000 have the same ball joint but were not included in the recall. I have tried to work with Toyota directly on this matter and they don't seem to want to help me. This is a safety issue and should be elevated to recall levels for all vehicles…
May 11, 2026
Unknown or other
Broken frame due to rust
Mar 8, 2026
Structure › Body
Vehicle will not pass safety inspection due to severe deterioration of the frame. The rest of the vehicle is still intact and operable.
Jan 19, 2016
Electrical system
The frame is rusted and I don't feel safe driving it at highway speeds. The electrical system The horn, air bags and radio don't work. Toyota said they had a program to repair the frame but they no longer honor it
Dec 2, 2023
Suspension
The Frame of the truck in the back above the rear tire has rusted out and the Frame has broke.
Dec 26, 2022
Structure › Body
I was recently told my a service center that the frame has great corrosion and is unsafe to drive. I am now aware of past warranty extensions for this matter but Toyota will offer nothing because for my year, this warranty coverage extension is expired. My year was also not part of the recent class action settlement with Toyota vehicles having rusted frames for later models (2004+). I'm left with a decent truck that is useless now. I don't understand why a rusted frame that could crack or break would not constitute a safety recall, which I understand does not expire like their well played warranty extension. It is evident my problem is what has been experienced by many others and just…
Nov 3, 2022
Structure › Body
Frame badly Rotted Purchased used, previous owner stated Frame recall/inspection was preformed Advertised on CL as NO ROT Frame is so bad it can not be safely driven
Dec 29, 2020

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