Most common 1997 Toyota Tacoma problems
Share of the 131 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Tacoma complaints by model year
Best Tacoma years: 2014, 2015, 2020. Years to avoid: 2024, 2016, 2025, 2012, 2017. Compare all years →
What 1997 Toyota Tacoma owners say
Body & structure all 46 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Tacoma. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the mechanic found that the driver's side frame area was corroded and had holes. The contact stated that the manufacturer performed a repair under warranty for the frame undercoating for 1995 to 2005 Tacoma vehicles, which did not correct the corrosion failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 105,000. Consumer stated frame was once coated in 2011, now peeling and corroded.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Tacoma. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the muffler replaced. The mechanic stated that the vehicle could not be repaired due to rust on the frame. The dealer (Toyota of louisville, 6514 dixie hwy, louisville, ky 40258) stated that the contact needed to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the extended warranty for the frame expired on July 31, 2014. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Suspension all 24 →
Recently purchase 1997 Tacoma took it to replace rear tires shop informed me the frame had major rot and is not safe for highway. Contacted local Toyota dealer they preformed a free inspection on 08-29-16 upon completion of this inspection dealership informed me both in writing and verbally that this vehicle is not safe for highway use. Multiple rust perforations through out frame of this truck. Dealership informed me that the recall on the frame had expired however they stated that if we file a formal complaint with Toyota through your organization that we could possiblily get a cash settlement for this Tacoma.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the technician informed that the sub frame, the left rear wheel, the leaf springs and the chassis were severely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to be driven. The manufacturer was notified and informed that the corrosion buy back program was no longer valid. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 189,000.
Wheels & tires
Date of purchase Toyota of somerset reported this was a second buyer. They reported a lady had owned the vehicle. Through carfax I found me to be the 5th owner. They did not have the warranty information in with the manual information. They did not supply this at time of purchase and has not offered upon request. They said they would honor the service. Upon the reverse coming out there was disagreement and the service manager, mr. Turpin and mr. Johnson were very adamant and refused to honor the mfg. Warranty on the drive train. They first asked $700 and then negotiated for $450. Which I refused. Needless to say we do not have any correspondence but I still have to drive without reverse in my vehicle. This is why I did not report the lug nuts breaking and causing my wheel to fall off and causing damage to the truck. Toyota of somerset does not offer assistance and accuses abuse.
Original equipment, Firestone wilderness ht tires p21570r14, dot wthyawa, Toyota takoma, extend cab 1997. Passenger's side front tire went flat when turning a corner. Due to the tire failure, the vehicle lost control, went into a ditch and hit a stump, the consumer sustained inuries because the airbag experienced no deployment.
1997 Toyota Tacoma engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 23 / 21 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 20 / 18 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 21 / 18 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 20 / 18 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 20 / 18 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 18 / 16 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 18 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Toyota Tacoma a good car?
Based on 131 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Tacoma rates better than average: 59% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Tacoma at the same age. 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 Tacoma?
The body & structure — 46 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the suspension (24) and wheels & tires (18).
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota Tacoma have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Tacoma?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2015 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2016, 2025, 2012 and 2017. See the full Toyota Tacoma years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Toyota Tacoma problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 149,000 miles; 4% 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.