repaired · 2017 Q4
Front assembly: seat heater/cooler
Risk. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
2008 Toyota TacomaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 450 owner complaints about the 2008 Toyota Tacoma, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-396 the manufacturer reports only 24% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: BuickCentury04, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Toyota Tacoma has problems
450 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
125Suspension3 crash/fire/injury
85Vehicle speed control29 crash/fire/injury
79Structure4 crash/fire/injury
41Steering2 crash/fire/injury
29Air bags
27Electrical system
23Power train
17Service brakes, hydraulic
15Exterior lighting
7715 other systems12 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 125 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 85 | 29 |
| Structure | 79 | 4 |
| Steering | 41 | 2 |
| Air bags | 29 | 7 |
| Electrical system | 27 | 3 |
| Power train | 23 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 17 | 5 |
| Exterior lighting | 15 | 4 |
| 15 other systems | 77 | 12 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
11 recalls
2008 Toyota Tacoma recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Front assembly: seat heater/cooler
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.
repaired · 2017 Q2
Leaf spring assembly: leaf
Risk. If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Other: labels
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…
Show 7 more recalls
repaired · 2015 Q2
Seat belts
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…
no report yet
Air bags: frontal
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
no report yet
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
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.
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
no report yet
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
Risk. A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR…
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Mileage at failure
When do suspension problems start?
78kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 61 suspension complaints. 70% were reported before 100,000 miles.
8under 30k miles43under 100k miles18100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Tacoma year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tacoma median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Toyota Tacoma safety ratings
2008 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (19.1% risk)
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Tacoma owners report
Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Toyota Corporation refuses to replace the frame and other essential parts on our 2008 Toyota Tacoma, which has had 2 previous recalls for frame replacement. We were never made aware of the previous recalls by Toyota or it's dealer who sold us the truck. We were made aware of the serious condition…
The brakes on my 2008 Toyota Tacoma were failing so I took it to a mechanic, who said that the brake lines had failed and needed to be replaced. However, he said that it wasn't worth putting any money into the truck, as the leaf springs were corroded along with the frame, which could crack apart at…
Toyota has had a long history of excessive frame rust. This truck has excessive frame rust. There was a recall to fix this frame rust and my truck has not been fixed. Toyota will not fix the current recall for the spring replacement because of the frame rust. My life and my children’s lives are in…
Own a 2008 Tacoma?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.