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 2006 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The frame is rusted so bad. The dealer wouldn't replace due to the vehicle being registered in Florida as it's not one of the states affected. But my Toyota came from a Pennsylvania dealer first then shipped to Florida after years of being in Pennsylvania and not having an issue up there. Now I'm stuck with a truck I can't sell or fix. It's not right. Where is the quality control on this.
The frame of my 2006 Toyota Tacoma (VIN: [redacted] ) is severely corroded and compromised. I recently acquired the vehicle and discovered that it was part of a past Toyota recall/program for frame corrosion inspection and replacement. However, it appears the previous owner did not take the vehicle in for the service. The frame now shows advanced rust and structural weakness, which puts my safety and the safety of others at risk. I am concerned that the recall program was not adequately communicated or tracked, and I am requesting that the NHTSA review this issue for potential reopening or expansion of coverage for affected vehicles like mine. The vehicle is available for inspection if needed. Thanks.
Several weeks ago my power steering started to act erratically. It felt like I had no help with the steering. I had to struggle to turn the steering wheel. Then a few moments later it would feel better but the return motion in the power steering would still be sluggish. The dealership service said to check the fluid level and add fluid if necessary. I topped off the power steering fluid. That helped a little, but the sluggishness in the power steering continued to be erratic. Made an appointment for 1/7/2015 with the local dealership. Upon arriving at the dealership, one of the service writers explained that the universal joint in the power steering column had gotten dirty over the years and was now slowly breaking down. He said it was very expensive to fix and to just continue driving until it gradually is consistently very sluggish. …
With out warning, my steering got very stiff and the wheels would not return to center automatically. After researching I found that it could be the u-joint on the lower steering shaft. I sprayed lubricant on the u-joint and this temporarily resolved the issue. The binding returns every week or so. The u-joint is not protected from the elements allowing road grime, salt and other contaminants to get into the u-joint. This is a very big safety concern and should be recalled. When I spoke to the dealer they stated to keep lubing it until it stops working. This seems to be dangerous and I will be working to replace it. I am seeing that the cost is ~ $350 to have a dealership perform the repair. Please investigate as this is a very big safety issue and many Tacoma owners of the 2005 to at least the 2012 model are indicating having this issue at different mileage.
This vehicle is covered in the Toyota rusty frame lawsuit. As such, it has been inspected by 2 different dealers and deemed not to need a frame replacement both times. It was treated with crc. Its last inspection was in November of 2018. On Sunday, May 17th, 2020, the frame broke at the front cross-member causing the left front lower control arm to separate and steering the vehicle/controlling the vehicle became near impossible. Fortunately for me, this happened in a parking lot backing out of a parking space and turning left (in reverse at low speed) after a full 2 weeks of driving in the mountains of west virginia. I question all inspections of frames being performed within the Toyota dealer network and hope that nobody has this failure while they are driving at speed as the results will be catastrophic.
The steering on my Tacoma sometime stiffens and does not return back to center or sometimes you can barely turn the wheel left or right due to the lower intermediate shaft rusting in order to drive safely you have to temporarily put white lithium grease all over it because the design is wide open to road spray and salt I'm almost got into 5 head-on collisions.. And researching online this is a very common issue with these trucks and also very dangerous there should have been some kind of protection over the small u joint in the steering shaft spraying it with penetrating oil is only a temporary fix unfortunately this is a $500 repair and who knows how long it will last being unprotected once again
Whiled I was driving I went over a bump in the road. The fan on my truck started making a loud noise. I took the vehicle to a repair shop to be checked. This I when I found out that the frame on my 2005 Toyota Tacoma was cracked and caving in where the motor mounts attach to the frame. This caused the motor to drop down and the fan started hitting on the shroud. Also it pierced a hole in my upper oil pan when the motor dropped down and hit the rack and pinion. Upon research there are many many cases of this happening to the 2005 -2006 Tacoma trucks. This is clearly a safety issue that Toyota refuses to fix.
The universal joint in the intermediate steering shaft has rusted, creating an unsafe condition. This joint in the steering column should have been protected from the elements by a boot, or some other means, to maintain lubrication and prevent this joint from rusting. Online research suggests this is a common, and very dangerous, problem. Due to the cost of this repair ($400- 500), many people May try to simply lubricate a damaged joint, possibly resulting in steering failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the steering column detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering column was reattached to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the diagnosis was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,435.
Rusted front end passenger side component broke of the frame due to corrosion. Toyota warranty for repair expired 31 January 2019 and vehicle was taken to Toyota 2 months later and Toyota will not honor repair. Very disappointing on toyotas end. The rusted frame takes longer than 2 months to corrode. Toyota care not willing to work with me and fix there faulty and very unsafe product!
Steering complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Toyota Tacoma, 5% of the model year's 782 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Tacoma steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 Toyota Tacoma, though it has 11 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 2006 Toyota Tacoma steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries 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.