Toyota Pickup Problems by Year

We compared every Toyota Pickup model year from 1995–2001 using 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1995, which drew far more complaints than other Pickup years at the same age.

5model years
58complaints
1recalls
1995worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

19951996199719982001356557
Owner complaints per model year, Toyota Pickup. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20017−14%—Window & WiperAverage
19985−14%—AirbagAverage
19975−14%—BrakeAverage
199661.3×—SuspensionAverage
1995354.5×1EngineAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median Pickup year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Toyota Pickup problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 1995
    916%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1995
    814%
  • Suspensionworst: 1996
    814%
  • Steeringworst: 1995
    59%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 1995
    47%
  • Seat beltsworst: 1995
    47%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 1995
    47%
  • Brakesworst: 1995
    47%
  • Body & structureworst: 1995
    47%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1996
    47%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2001
    47%
  • Seatsworst: 1995
    35%
  • Lightsworst: 1995
    35%
  • Air bagsworst: 1998
    35%
  • Electrical systemworst: 1995
    23%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 1995
    12%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2001
    12%

Latest Toyota Pickup recalls

Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting

NHTSA recall 05V-389 · Sep 6, 2005 · 977,839 vehicles

On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the steering wheel is repeatedly turned under certain conditions where high steering effort and power assist are required, for instance, when fully turning the wheel while the vehicle is stopped, a fatigue crack May develop in the steering relay rod.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering relay rod. The recall began October 5, 2005. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Toyota Pickup should you avoid?

1995 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Pickup years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 1995.

What are the most common Toyota Pickup problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (9), transmission & drivetrain (8) and suspension (8). Engine complaints peak in the 1995 model year.

How many recalls has the Toyota Pickup had?

1 recall across 1995–2001. The model year with the most is 1995.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.