Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My wife recently had a wreck, she was going 45 MPH, the truck went off the road, crossing over center line, after making impact with the dirt with the front end of the truck, the truck lost it's steering, from there the truck flipped 5 times on it's side, it finally came to rest on it's side, 5 feet away from a house. She had to be cut from the truck. Her l2 exploded in her back, she's now having to learn how to walk again among other things from extreme nerve damage. She just recently left the hospital/rehabilitation from an extended stay. Still upset about not knowing what caused the wreck, we decided to look up the truck to see if there had ever been a recall dealing with what exactly happened in her wreck, this is when we found out about the lower ball-joint failing causing the actions of loss of steering, accidents, and accidents with flipping. …
The driver side front ball joint failed while driving at 50 MPH on a smooth surfaces state road. The wheel fell off of the control arm and sent my vehicle sliding down the road. Pictures are attached. This issue has been recognized in a similar recall of 4x4 vehicles of the same make and model. The action number of that recall is NHTSA#: ea 04024. I am hoping to get my VIN added as an amendment to they recall to fix the vehicle and make it safe to drive. Thank you for the help.
Lower ball joint separated from knuckle and it says 0 recalls repaired i want it replaced because there oem they were never replaced when recalled
I had made a left turn onto freeway entrance ramp, started accelerating to get up to speed. At approximately 30mph there was a loud bang/pop noise and the vehicle front left dropped down. I hung on to try and keep vehicle under control as it took an sharp left hand turn towards a pole. Even though the brake pedal went to the floor I was able to some how get the vehicle stopped before the passenger side hit the pole where my 1 year old daughter was riding. I had the truck checked for recalls in late 2008 when I purchased it. The report said ball joint recall was VIN # specific and that this truck was not in the VIN range. …
Rust seems to be coming off by the handfuls and pieces thick enough that I am concerned. I looked under my truck and among other things, metal lines (brake, steering, not sure), the gas tank, and steering linkage became my biggest concern. By the thickness of rust I have gotten from my vehicle I am certain it is not surface rust. How much will something rust before it becomes a failure, especially with a line under pressure such as brake lines? The last time I filled up I noticed gas leaking on the concrete. I am not sure if it is coming from the tank itself or not.
My 2001 Toyota Tacoma was involved in a accident. At the trial the accident reconstruction person said he could not understand why the crash happened that it looked like some one had yanked the wheel very hard. The trial was for manslaughter and it took place before the recall. The truck was never inspected by a mechanic. I feel this was the cause for the accident.
When turning the steering wheel from straight ahead to left or right, I experience difficulty turning the wheel about half way through the turn in either direction. The steering wheel does not return to center without effort. This happens when moving or standing still and seems to vary in intensity. Online research indicates a defective steering intermediate shaft.
After being driven on the highway approximately 60 miles, the 2001 Toyota Tacoma truck was being backed into the driveway when steering suddenly locked. Upon inspection, it was determined that the front passenger wheel was no longer attached to the car. The lower ball joint had failed. I determined that Toyota issued a recall for my vehicle model and year (NHTSA campaign number: 05V225000) for this issue, with the following consequence: the lower ball joint May separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur. It seems that our vehicle experienced this issue for which vehicles were recalled by Toyota. However, when I called Toyota, I was told that our VIN was not included in the recall and that Toyota was not willing to do anything. …
On feb 2.01 when reviving a new 200l Toyota Tacoma, the steering wheel was locked (wouldn't turn at all). I got the salesperson who came with me. He jerked the steering wheel hard and if was freed. I asked if that is normal, he responded "it's OK, they all do that." over the years whenever it didn't seem to be right, I remembered the statement "it's OK, they all do that". On sep 8, 2005 in the wall-mart parking lot with 18 cases of bottled water to take to my church for shipment to hurricane katrina victims in biloxi, ms, my ignition key would not turn nor was I able to get the key out of the ignition. I had the vehicle towed, repaired, and picked it up. The local Toyota dealership didn't want to hear about my historical problem with the steering/ignition since the day I picked it up new. I mailed them a letter but they totally ignored it. …
Truck 'wanders' and won't track straight without continuous correction with the steering wheel. Especially bad when hitting bumps or on 'rain grooves' or other uneven surfaces. Difficult to maintain lane discipline and especially scary in construction zones with narrow lanes and concrete dividers nearby. Had front end aligned (no help), new tires put on (no help), new shocks installed (no help), tires balanced (nicer ride, but still 'wandered'), front end aligned again (minor improvement) and finally some new tires (again...no help.) there is 'play' in the steering wheel and there is a recall and a TSB from Toyota for this year and model truck for 'worn lower ball joints'. But when inquiring with two different dealers, I was told both times that "my" truck was not affected. It sure feels affected!
Steering complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Toyota Tacoma, 5% of the model year's 396 complaints. The component named most often is column (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Toyota Tacoma steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2001 Toyota Tacoma, though it has 4 recalls 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 2001 Toyota Tacoma steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 168,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries and 3 deaths to steering 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.