10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
49,253 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Toyota Tacoma electrical problems

electrical problem

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2006 Toyota Tacoma Owner Comments

problem #19

May 172021

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. A TOYOTA INDEPENDENT SERVICE/REPAIR FACILITY CHECKED EVERYTHING AND SAID IT IS ELECTRICAL BOARD PROBLEM. I REC'D A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FROM TOYOTA STATING THERE IS A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO STAY ON. IT STATES I WILL RECEIVE A 2ND NOTIFICATION WHEN REMEDY IS AVAILABLE THAT I HAVE NOT REC'D. THEY WANT ME TO PAY THE DEALER (APPROX. 300-400 DOLLARS) THEN SEND DOCUMENTS OF REPAIR TO TOYOTA CORP FOR REIMBURSEMENT! I DO NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO WAIT AND SEE IF I WILL BE REIMBURSED. WHY ARE THEY DRAGGING THEIR FEET NOT SENDING AN ACTUAL RECALL THAT THEY WILL PAY THEIR DEALERS AFTER THEY PERFORM THE WORK" WHY IS THIS RECALL NOT NOTED ABOVE. ARE THEY TRYING TO NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING? IN RED, THE LETTER STATES "THIS IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL:" BUT THE TOYOTA DEALER "TEAM TOYOTA" KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT, SAID THEY COULD CHECK AND FIX, BUT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT THEN MAYBE BE REIMBURSED BY TOYOTA BUT THEY COULDN'T SAY I WOULD BE. CAN YOU HELP WITH THIS?" MY EMAIL IS [XXX] THANK YOU [XXX] (RETIRED DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SEND DOCUMENTS, I COULD TAKE PICTURE WITH PHONE AND SEND TO PHONE #) INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Walker, LA, USA

problem #18

Jan 022020

Tacoma

  • 61,000 miles
The entire frame of this garage kept truck is completely rusted though. This truck as only 61,000 miles on it & is unsafe to drive. The rear leaf spring mounts are broken & have punctured the gas tank. The electrical wiring to do with the safety neutral switch, which is tied into the entire from wiring harness has caught fire twice. Toyota has been notified about all of this, in detail, & they could care less about my own or anyone else's safety. There isn't a scratch on this truck & has really low miles yet is so unsafe to use because of poor construction on Toyota's part.

- Ledyard, CT, USA

problem #17

Nov 122018

Tacoma

  • 131,800 miles
The airbag light just turned on. Cruise control on steering wheel is not functioning, audio control on steering not working also and lastly the horn is not working also. Looks like a spiral cable problem based on the symptom and validation of discussion group online. Checked for recall here and seen my VIN number on the range for recall. Why did I not received any recall notice on this. Not sure if the vehicle is unsafe to drive considering the airbag deployed light is on or if this will affect the airbag deloyment if needed. This happened just recently and there are issues similar to my case. Hope it can be fixed by Toyota.

- Fullerton, CA, USA

problem #16

Aug 262018

Tacoma

  • 67,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

As the weather increases above 85 to 90 degrees the directional signal and the hazard flashers cease working. Once the operation of the vehicle has ceased and the temperature and the vehicle cool down normal function returns. I believe the problem is in the engine compartment because when using the A/C in the cab the cool air has no effect. This is a safety hazard because I do not know when it will occur. Leaving me without signals while driving.

- Ronkonkoma, NY, USA

problem #15

Jun 012010

Tacoma

  • 80,000 miles
I do not see the recall for the spiral cable assembly on my Tacoma. I read that this VIN is part of a recall for the wiring in the steering wheel that controls my passenger airbag, cruise control and some other functions. It has malfunctioned. Why is it not listed on your website? when I checked on the status of this recall, it shows that my model, according to the VIN does qualify for this. My passenger airbag is not working, and my cruise control is no longer working at speed.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #14

Jan 132014

Tacoma

  • miles
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. While driving at various speeds, the brake warning indicator illuminated continuously. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the off position, the engine did not turn off. The contact had to depress the remote start in order for the vehicle to turn off. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired under a manufacturer's recall the failures occurred. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake lines were leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Aylette, VA, USA

problem #13

Dec 282011

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • 81,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This has been going on for few years. This month my A/C started working intermittently again. I have replaced the resistor before thinking it was bad..that's when I first noticed the hot spots. This time I investigated more. Now all 4 conductors are showing signs of a hotspots and the plug also is showing signs of overheating on the two middle connections. Toyota's service manage didn't know of any service bulletins or recalls on this issue. Also Toyota doesn't sell a replacement plug. This can, and probably will start a fire. The parts department said I will fine that most of the plugs will show heat indications at a used parts houses. Having a fire inside my vehicle is definitely a safety issue. First resistor changed 11/10 @ 81500 miles and there was nothing wrong with it, just loose connections.

- Bay City, TX, USA

problem #12

Nov 282011

Tacoma 4WD 6-cyl

  • 48,987 miles
At around 48,000 miles, airbag light came on. Took it to Toyota dealer and was diagnosed at broken spiral cable. Total cost to fix was 460 dollars with labor. Seems to be a common problem with 06 Tacoma.

- Lyman, ME, USA

problem #11

Jul 112011

Tacoma

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrumental panel on a consistent basis. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that there was a short in the drivers side squib and the vehicle needed a spiral cable. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

- Omstead, MI, USA

problem #10

May 012011

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • 97,000 miles
Used my 2006 Toyota Tacoma prerunner to tow a vehicle a short distance before a short circuit in trailer wiring caused wiring fire in prerunner---30 amp fuse in Toyota failed to protect circuit, leading to total truck wiring meltdown and ruin. Fuse was of the ampacity required by Toyota--30 amps. Truck was purchased new, never involved in an accident, and no changes had been made to wiring or fuse systems. Auto electric repair shop required $2800 in parts and $2000 for labor to repair melted wiring looms and fuse box; they suggested that failure could have resulted because Toyota uses a 30 amp fuse on a #12 wire circuit that will melt and burn before the fuse blows. (12 gauge wire typically must be protected by a 20-amp fuse.) Toyota (corporate) refuses to deal with my issue or talk to me about whether the failed fuse and meltdown could have been caused by their installing a fuse with too high an ampacity rating because I did not have the repair done by a Toyota dealership. Is there a dangerous design flaw with the prerunner? I am certain that I did nothing to my prerunner (as its only owner) to explain why the truck nearly burned up and the wiring system melted down (and was completely ruined) simply because of a simple short circuit in the trailer I towed for less than one mile (before meltdown occurred). I am hopeful that NHTSA may be able to use my information to approach Toyota on the potential design defect issue and, certainly, to collect my complaint with any other similar complaints that could denote a trend or serious safety risks with the Toyota truck's wiring system.

- Cool, CA, USA

problem #9

Oct 252010

Tacoma

  • 112,700 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving my 2006 Toyota Tacoma when airbag warning light went on. This was brought to the dealer immediately the next day and diagnosis is failed spiral cable. The spiral cable senses more than the airbag and includes the steering wheel, horn, and cruise control. Cost of replacement is $603.31.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #8

Mar 122010

Tacoma 4-cyl

  • 38,000 miles
When I was coasting to park my truck at my parking space outside of my house parking garage, my P/U truck suddenly accelerated very fast and the truck hit the fence and stopped. I remember clearly my sense that I pushed the brake while the car accelerating for a split second but do not remember if the engine was stopped after hitting the fence with steel pole. I somehow reversed back about 8 feet from the fence and stopped the engine. I came out of the car and checked if the accelerating pedal was depressed. It was not. I had experienced the truck engine racing a little fast as I tried to park at work in the mornings also. I felt something unusual but ignored the feeling, since my car was running high RPM since new. I remember that I asked about the high RPM to the salesman. He mentioned some new design feature that I could not understand. After this incident within 30 minutes I went to Toyota of plano and reported my incident, and then I went to my car/home insurance company (state farm insurance co.) to report the incident. My car was towed to Toyota of plano. I hope some one checks the engine electronics, not just mechanical problem of my car. This is very odd and dangerous. I asked myself about the state of my own mind and attitude at the moment but I was very normal. I am an electrical engineer and have driven the cars for last 50 years and have lived and parked at the same parking space for last 17 years. I have heard about the Toyota problems but not about my truck model. Updated 03/30/10

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #7

Sep 222009

Tacoma

  • 23,000 miles
Vehicle engine revved while still in park in the parking lot of a local medical center and only stopped when the key in the ignition was turned off. This is the third time this has occurred. On January 1, 2009 an accident involving property damage (through a chain link fence) occurred as a result. We filed a complaint (confirmation number 10253526). A Toyota technician "checked out" the vehicle and found nothing wrong. There is obviously something wrong. The first time this occurred we were in the parking lot of a local department store, assumed human error, and did not report the incident. This is strike three. Toyota has been contacted.

- Salem, VA, USA

problem #6

Mar 312009

Tacoma

  • 85,000 miles
We purchased a 2006 Tacoma on Dec. 23, 2008 from competition Toyota in New York. We drove the truck back to Wisconsin that day. Two days after purchase date (approx. 1500 miles later), the airbag light came on. Having a busy schedule, and not using the truck much, we brought the truck into marquart Toyota in eau claire, wi on March 18, 2009. They assured me that it would be covered under warranty as long as it were an airbag problem. Turns out they charged us with $94.95 for the problem to be diagnosed. A spiral coil that allows the steering wheel to turn while still keeping the airbag connected broke. They quoted me $483.19 for the repair of this coil. Due to this broken coil, none of the airbags in the truck work. I called Toyota customer service to resolve this issue. After two weeks of deliberating, Toyota told me that this would not be covered under warranty. I reminded the representative whom I was speaking with that all safety related defects are to be covered in entirety by the manufacturer. None of the airbags in this truck work because of this coil, sounds like a safety defect to me.

- Chetek, WI, USA

problem #5

Jan 252006

Tacoma 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 800 miles
-the contact stated that the 2006 Toyota Tacoma lost power on a number of occasions. While driving 70 mph or at 5 mph the vehicle would stall. The contact stated that this usually happened when he had to shift and use the clutch. He contacted the manufacturer, and was given case# 200701040167. He had been told that they couldn't duplicate the failure. Also, he stated that in his state the lemon law was not worth anything after 12,000 miles, and his vehicle now had 26,000 miles. The contact stated that the vehicle had this stalling problem since it was brand new at 800 miles. Consumer states the truck stops and will not restart for approximately 10 minutes. Update/23/07tr

- Bardstown, KY, USA

problem #4

Mar 102007

Tacoma

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
We have had two incidents with our 2006 Toyota Tacoma truck; I. my wife, was driving route 40 when after red lights the engine suddenly started speeding up w/O any warning or alarm. Having her foot off the accelerator pedal didn't have any impact. She had to brake as much she could to control the car. She was able to pull to pull off but still couldn't control the engine. The engine didn't even shut down when turning the key. Changing the selector lever to neutral was impossible as the engine took full RPM. Somehow after some "trial and horror" she was able to shut and restart the engine and eventually the car was back in control. The situation had been really scary. I wasn't there so I could not fully appreciate what had happened when she described the situation. II. my wife didn't dare to use the car before I came back from a business trip. Yesterday - Saturday 3/10 - I was driving the truck the first time after the previous incident. There was a slow down in the traffic when suddenly the engine did the same as above. I was on a middle lane and couldn't do anything but brake as hard as I could. Having hazard lights on and slowing the speed carefully I was able stop on the highway w/O anybody driving on us. I shut and restarted the engine couple of times w/O any impact. Each time engine started as if the accelerator pedal would be pushed down. I started the car and pushing the brake pedal hard I was able to control the truck and drive to next red lights. After some braking and restarting the car was again suddenly back in control. The defect described above could easily cause a crash with serious injury or even death when happening in a heavy traffic or bad weather conditions. We don't dare to drive the truck before it is the defect is identified and fixed. It will be important to understand what caused the problem and how it was fixed. I have notified Toyota dealer and they will pick up the truck tomorrow.

- Havre De Grace, MD, USA

problem #3

May 052006

Tacoma 4WD 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 4,000 miles
My cigarette lighter popped out of its receptacle on to the floor of my brand new truck (approx. 4,000 miles) causing a fire that destroyed 75% of the interior. Twenty minutes after the fire was put out I called the dealer that I bought the truck from. They told me it was a manufacturing issue and offered no help. Toyota sent an investigator to inspect the truck and he did just that, for about 4 hours. Eventually they sent a letter to me (2 months later) that suggested an outside source could have started the fire.

- Willits, CA, USA

problem #2

Mar 062006

Tacoma 4WD 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 12 miles
: the contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the throttle sticks. After the throttle sticks, the RPM's range high and do not decrease. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. Although, the dealer knew the problem persisted with the speed control and the electrical system, the problem could not be remedied by the dealer. Updated 03/28/06.

- Breckenridge, CO, USA

problem #1

Nov 182005

Tacoma 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
The contact states when starting the vehicle in the morning the idle was high. It took approximately one to one and a half miles of driving for the idle to return to normal. The accelerator pedal stuck. When shifting from fourth gear to fifth without foot on the accelerator the vehicle accelerated on its own. She stated that fourth gear could not be used. The vehicle must be shifted from third gear to fifth gear. The vehicle has been to the dealership twice, and they stated the computer was learning. The manufacturer was contacted, and they agreed with the dealership. Therefore, no repairs have been made. Updated 01/25/06

- Leona Valley, CA, USA

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