Toyota Tacoma (2005-2015)
Tips from the experts to Diagnose and Fix these Common Issues
Are you curious about the main issues with the second-generation Tacoma? These are the top five issues our mechanic found with the second-generation Tacoma from 2005 to 2015.
Pedal Entrapment
The Toyota Tacoma's floor mats may slide around and become stuck on the accelerator pedal, trapping the foot. This is a safety risk if the floor mats move and press on the gas pedal while driving.
The slipping may result from a break in the plastic anchors on the mats' bottoms. To fix the issue with the second-generation Tacoma, Toyota will put in new floor mats and accelerator pedal.
Defective Throttle Position Sensor
The newer Toyota Tacoma may show signs of a faulty throttle position sensor, with various causes and solutions available.
Symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor include:
- Lack of power
- Low fuel economy
- Higher emissions
Causes of a bad throttle position sensor include:
- The buildup of carbon on the throttle body (causes the car to think the throttle is closed)
- The engine is not working right because the timing is off from an old and misaligned throttle position sensor. As a result, the engine produces less power and a choppy idle.
Solutions to a bad throttle position sensor include:
- Verify the continuity of the sensor and the electrical connections. The non-continuous sensor is not working.
- Remove carbon from the throttle body.
- Replace the sensor if the problem persists.
Cracked or Warped Headlights
We know that overheating the side marker light bulbs will cause the headlight material to deform. The plastic may break or become a different color after being bent repeatedly. You need to change the headlights, and you can do this do-it-yourself project at home.
Frame Rust/Frame Rot
Many Tacomas have factory coatings on their frames for protection. However, some of these coatings can actually let outside elements in. This can result in rust and damage to the frame.
You should address this widespread problem with Tacoma models from 2005 to 2015 as soon as possible. To address this issue, Toyota has contacted known owners and offered to replace the frame or reapply a coating.
Weak or Broken Leaf Springs
It is well known that Tacoma leaf springs eventually flatten and break. The tire or the petrol tank may sustain damage from a damaged leaf spring. If the truck feels bumpy or the bed sags, the leaf springs may be damaged. This can happen even if the weight is within the recommended limits in the owner's manual.
If the leaf spring breaks are advisable, they are replacing the entire assembly—including the u-bolts—in pairs. Check your leaf springs right away if you have a second-generation Tacoma. If this common issue happens while driving, it could be dangerous.
