1997 Toyota Tacoma body & structure problems
46 complaints about body & structure have been filed for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma, which is 31% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 46 31% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 159,000 miles 34 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When body & structure problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 0 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 2 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 2 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 8 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 9 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 3 |
| 200k+ miles | 5 |
What the data shows
Of the 34 body & structure complaints that report mileage, the median is about 158,000 miles, and 3% were reported before 60,000 miles.
None of the body & structure complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.
What owners wrote
While driving bolts broke off the driveshaft separating rear axle and hitting the gas tank. One of the two bolts holding the drive shaft fell out causing the drive shaft to fall and resulting in rear axle separation and riping a hole in the gas tank.
I bought the above mentioned truck new in 1997. For the past few years it's just been sitting in my driveway because the frame is so rusted it's not safe to drive. A mechanic friend of mine said there was a recall on that year of truck. My wife called toyota and was told the recall was expired but they couldn't give a date. I called today and they said it wasn't a recall but an extension on the life of the frame for fifteen years (same thing). The body of the truck is in good shape for its age.
Other problems reported for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma
- Suspension 26 complaints