Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Initially felt a vibration in my steering wheel and accelerator pedal. Was trying to decide from where the problem came when my left rear tire blew it's entire tread, which then wrapped around my axle, causing me to spin 360 degrees and off the highway and down a grassy slope, which, fortunately, was soft enough to stop me without making me flip over. Damage: wheel rim and cover, wheel well liner ripped off, thereby bending it's rear bracket, which in turn pulled my fender in. Tread wrapped around axle bent, but did not crimp, my hydraulic brake line. I managed to get the vehicle to the asphalt to change the tire, but it came to a halt because of the axle being wrapped. Was unable to put on safety brake until I lifted the vehicle enough to unwrap the tread from the axle. Have filed a complaint with Firestone and expect them to pay for my damages. …
Pe-00-020; tires were purchased for a 1996 Toyota, Tacoma ,15 inch tires, dot number not available tires only have 12 thousand miles on them. Consumer's brother was driving at 50-55 MPH, and left frontal tire blewout, causing vehicle to flip, killing the driver.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Toyota Tacoma. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the tires lost pressure without warning. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the valve stems were the cause of the failure. The valve stem information was unknown. The failure and current mileages were unknown. Updated 6/29/09 the consumer stated the valve stem replacement were failing as well. He was in the process of replacing the valve stems with steel ones. Updated 06/30/09.
When driving at 15 MPH caught a flat tire, and when trying to change the tire, the wheel was stuck to the axle assembly part. Consumer had to beat the tire off with a hammer. When the vehicle was put in the shop, the dealer had to use a hammer to beat under the vehicle to get the tire off.
The tires are showing signs of separation of the treads. There are cracks around the tread beading. My local Firestone dealer says it is due to age and "tire rot" . The tires are in very good condition in all other respects - there is plenty of tread left.( dot number: tire size: p215/70r14 )
Pe 00 020/tire tread separation: right rear tire experienced a tread separation while traveling at 70-75 MPH, with only the driver in a 1996 Toyota, Tacoma; original equipment, p215/70r14, dot# w2hyawa275. Rear end damage received, and tire was available for analysis.
Pe00020 , Firestone wilderness ht tire tread separation: while driving at 60 MPH tread on rear passenger's side came off. Driver did not lose control. Tire size 21570r14, original tire equipment. Driver was the only passenger in vehicle, and did not have the tire.
Even though this size tire is not apart of the Firestone recall, the tread came off in a similar fashion to the recalled tires and they had to be replaced. I feel firestones problems May be even more widespred than announced.( dot number: tire size: p215/70r14 )
The spring that holds wheel cover on the wheel is not strong enough to keep the hup cap on. The hub cups were not welded properly and came off while driving. The rust build up on rear wheel caused rear brake failure.
Consumer was traveling about 25mph on highwayand and right rear passenger's wheel came off, and wheel went into the wood. She took her vehicle to the dealership.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1996 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1996 Toyota Tacoma, 10% of the model year's 253 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Toyota Tacoma wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 1996 Toyota Tacoma, 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 1996 Toyota Tacoma wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 130,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries and 1 death to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.