Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Toyota T100 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
I took my 1997 T100 Toyota truck to uniontown Toyota dealer for a neutral switch repair which cost $360. At that time I was advised by the service manager not to drive the vehicle due to the current problem that Toyota is having with frame deterioration. Toyota currently has a recall on years back up to1995. This deterioration in my 1997 is obviously the same issue they are having and are honoring in the previous years' models. The frame needs to be replaced according to the service manager at the above dealership. My vehicle has been in my garage since this repair July 10th, this is a garage kept vehicle- it is clearly defected and should be honored by Toyota as they are honoring past year identical issue. …
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. …
1997 Toyota t-100 has frame rust rot and is not drivable any more. The brakes do not work. The frame is in incredibly terrible shape. Very unsafe and is in fact not drivable any more. The body and the rest of the truck are in very good shape with no rust and the motor is in excellent condition. I have had the truck for almost two years but have only put 5,000 miles on it. The truck now has 65,000 miles on it. I purchased it from a dealer in pennsylvania. I think Toyota should honor their commitment to t-100 owners just as they have tacoma and tundra owners. I backed the truck out of my driveway recently and found that the brakes didn't work as I rolled out of control down a hill. Luckily there were no other vehicles coming and I was able to get the truck stopped by turning the ignition off. The repair shop near my house informed me that the frame was so bad that it was not fixable.
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.
Renewed my registration sept 18 2012, but the frame didn't pass inspection, too many holes and thin walls on the frame. All of the framework just falling apart, rest of the truck, drive train just fine. If the clothe seat, which has never been covered had to pass inspection, it would easily! Dirty, but no holes or rips. How utterly ridiculous is that? Tried 3 times to get someone from Toyota to talk about it, but they just play real stupid and say they don,t know anything about the frames rotting on the T100's and can't help me. Can and will take pictures.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota T100. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed that the vehicle had a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the garage where it was diagnosed that there was excessive corrosion at the fuel lines, brake lines, the frame, front bumper, the a-frames, bed-holder and rear axle housing. The fuel lines were replaced by an independent mechanic. The failure and current mileage was 135,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 02/18/11 updated 12/01/2011
Tl contact owns a 1997 Toyota T100. The vehicle was parked, and the contact observed that the rear bumper detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they stated that the frame completely corroded and exhibited several holes. The vehicle was damaged significantly and beyond repair. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they were unable to provide assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Our 1997 Toyota T100 extended cab is falling apart with rust. The bumper pulled completely off and the bed moves as if it will break away from the cab. The side steps (you step on to climb up into the truck) have rusted and broken off as well). We have to drive it, but fear a tragic accident will occur. This truck has far more rust than even the recalled tacomas we saw bought back by Toyota. We would like Toyota to recall and buy back the t100s as well.
Body complaints in other T100 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1997 Toyota T100?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the body & structure of the 1997 Toyota T100, 32% of the model year's 71 complaints. The component named most often is body (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Toyota T100 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1997 Toyota T100, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota T100 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 135,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 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.