Most common 1997 Toyota T100 problems
Share of the 71 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota T100 complaints by model year
Best T100 years: 1998, 1997. Years to avoid: 1996. Compare all years →
1997 Toyota T100 recalls (1)
Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1997 Toyota T100:
Clutch pedal bracket/firewall
What 1997 Toyota T100 owners say
Body & structure all 23 →
The contact owns a 1997 Toyota T100. The contact stated that while performing an oil change on the vehicle, he noticed the sub-frame was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota T100. The contact, a mechanic, noticed that the frame had extensive rust corrosion, and fractured without warning. The vehicle was to be repaired by the mechanic the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 201,000. Updated 03/16/17 updated 09/07/2017
Transmission & drivetrain
Additional information regarding claim no. 10451047. In reviewing claim I realized the safety issues not fully covered. A serious incident occurred while using this vehicle. While bringing bagged leaves to town recycling area, a bag fell from the truck. My son and I stopped in the road to retrieve the debris behind the truck. While retrieving the debris the vehicle began backing up and almost struck us. I had to run to the drivers door and enter the moving vehicle to apply the brake to prevent a crash. It became apparent that when placed in park the shifter May in fact be in reverse. This allows the vehicle to move unexpectedly. Unfortunately this can not be easily repaired as failure of the frame was identified as the cause for loss of the shifter support. …
Vehicle developed fuel leak discovered during inspection due to severe corrosion. Toyota failed to make repairs despite being covered by a federal emissions warranty enhancement. Severe rust of frame identified. Now shifter not working due to further corrosion. Letters to Toyota have been fruitless. Internet full of similar problems with these vehicles. Similar age tundra and tachomas recalled for the same problem. The t-100's are a serious threat to public safety and problem should be addressed by NHTSA as Toyota is not taking appropriate actions despite numerous complaints.
Steering
The central steering linkage that connects the tie rods was defective. This defect resulted in a total loss of steering. Fortunately the steering linkage rod failed as I turned into the driveway. I saved the rod for further analysis if you wish to retrieve the rod. The auto shop that repaired the vehicle had not seen this defect, and it appeared that the rod was manufactured about 80% separated. Despite this, it required almost 6 years for the rod to fracture. The 80% that was not solid was never completely formed. Minutes before the failure , I was returning from the hospital, and the speed limit was 55 MPH. Had this failure occurred on the road I would have had a catastrophic steering failure and resulted in an accident and possibly much worse. I am concerned that other similar vehicles could have this defect and lead to accidents, and or fatalities.
While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started veering to the left, the vehicle then hit an embankment and turned over. The tie rod was severed through. The manufacturer stated that the tie rod broke when the vehicle tipped over.
1997 Toyota T100 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 21 / 19 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 22 / 18 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 18 / 16 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 17 / 16 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 16 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Toyota T100 a good car?
Based on 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 T100 rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the T100 at the same age. It is one of the best T100 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Toyota T100?
The body & structure — 23 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (18) and steering (13).
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota T100 have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Toyota T100, the most recent from September 6, 2005 (connecting). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota T100?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1998 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996. See the full Toyota T100 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota T100 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 120,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.