1967–2026 model years
HIGHEST COMPLAINT YEAR
2007
12,008 complaints
Total Complaints
125,907
Models Covered
92
Years Covered
1967–2026
High‑Risk Categories
Air Bags
Vehicle Speed Control
Structure
Dominated by widespread complaints about premature and severe frame rust, particularly affecting trucks and SUVs like the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner. Consumers reported dangerous levels of corrosion leading to structural failures. Toyota responded with numerous TSBs and a large-scale Limited Service Campaign offering frame inspections and replacements, showing a reactive rather than proactive approach.
Toyota's complaint volume surged to its highest peak, driven by high-profile issues. Vehicle speed control complaints skyrocketed due to unintended acceleration. Simultaneously, models like the Camry and Highlander saw massive complaints about melting and cracking dashboards, and the Prius was plagued by headlight failures. This era reflects critical mechanical/electronic safety issues and significant quality control problems.
While overall complaint volumes are lower, this recent era shows a shift towards modern vehicle issues. Widespread fuel pump failures affected numerous popular models like the RAV4, Camry, and Tacoma. Complaints about infotainment systems and advanced driver-assistance systems became more common, highlighting the growing pains of integrating complex electronics and new fuel system designs.
The most complained-about Toyota model with 15,822 complaints, peaking in 2007-2009. Primary issues were related to VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (unintended acceleration) and severe interior quality problems, particularly melting dashboards and failing sun visors. While numerous TSBs exist for these years, they heavily focus on equipment, paint, and general maintenance rather than directly addressing the dashboard material failures reported by thousands of consumers.
With 11,848 complaints, the RAV4 shows two major phases. The 2006-2008 models suffered from STEERING issues and excessive ENGINE oil consumption. The second phase from 2019-2020 was dominated by FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM failures due to widespread fuel pump defects that led to recalls. For the earlier issues, TSBs were issued but complaints remained high, suggesting fixes may not have been comprehensive.
The Tacoma's reliability narrative is overwhelmingly dominated by premature frame rust. From 1995 to 2010, top complaints consistently fall under STRUCTURE and SUSPENSION due to severe corrosion causing structural failure of frames and related components. Toyota responded with numerous TSBs and a large-scale Limited Service Campaign offering frame inspections and replacements, showing direct acknowledgement of the primary consumer complaint.