Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Odometer Fraud. The contact was previously interested in a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy before the purchase was made, and the vehicle was not purchased. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 114,000. It was later discovered, upon checking with the local DMV, that the mileage was 196,000.
The airbag light first came on about 60 days ago, the first time I tried to use the cruise control after light was first noticed the cruise control did not work. My concern is that as long as the light is on the airbag(s) may or may not deploy. This airbag light has stayed on constantly since first appeared, the cruise control will work intermittently. The component has not been inspected but there is a recall, 12V092000:Air Bag Clockspring Replacement, that addresses this exact concern but appears my VIN is not included. This is obviously a problem on other VIN ranges because mine suffers from this and it is obvious Toyota is aware there is a problem but it just hasn't had enough complaints with my VIN range, likely because there are not as many on the road as the vehicle is 14 years old. …
Wire connection on passenger side, under carpet. It is to the heater Temperature Control. The heater only works on High until you hit a bump or move the connector then it will start working until you bump it again. It is available for inspection upon request. A Certified Mechanic told me, It could potentially cause a fire by shorting out. I have two other friends with the same issue on their Toyota Tacoma's. .
First notices that volume control on steering wheel and temp and directional display stopped working about a year ago. Now air bag light stays on when car is started and alarm for seat belts quit working.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. While driving 70 MPH, the contact looked in the rearview mirror and noticed flames between the vehicle cab and bed. The contact did not detect any smoke or a burning odor. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. Within thirty seconds, the vehicle was engulfed in flames and exploded. A police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was deemed destroyed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V604000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000. ..updated 06/14/17 the consumer received the recall notice after the vehicle caught fire. Updated 08/22/2017
Front running lights melted the plastic causing charring and a fire. Pictures were sent to Toyota national headquarters safety personnel under file # [redacted], incident [redacted]. Toyota acknowledges there is an issue with 2005-2011 tacomas and stated this condition was covered under a "warranty enhancement program" and the deal would correct the problem. I contacted the local dealer and was told my VIN number does not qualify. I inquired profusely as to the process used to determine the VIN number range, how this problem is being fixed and was told these are not publicly released documents. I was not offered a method to fix this condition to prevent it from happening again -- "we apologize but are not in a position to avail a point of contact in Toyota safety management to discuss your case. …
Runaway vehicle reported Friday, 04/24/2020. Happened again Friday 05/01/2020, and today 05/04/2020. Six times now I have reported. Friday and today I was backing out of driveway. Started up, had foot on brake, put in reverse, and throttle went wide open. Turned switch off, put in park, and started up. All OK.thought A/C compressor might have something to do with electronics, but A/C was off on 05/01/20. I have a electro / mechanics tech degree and have worked in appliance shop over 15 years. Worked in vehicle shops over 25 years. Currently school bus parts specialist for gwinnett boe. I know from internet this is a common problem that nobody wants to fix. I have written to senator, congressman, Toyota corp America. They want to blame problem on floor mats. At times I did not have any mats in. Last two time I had weather tech custom fit hard plastic mats in vehicle. …
Forth time. Same situation. While creeping along in drive, with foot on brake pedal, A/C compressor clicked on, engine RPM's revved slightly, then throttle went full force. Tires started spinning; brakes would not hold. Had to turn ignition switch off. Turn back on and all OK. Government knows about this problem with 2002-2011 Toyota's, and have fined them heavily. There needs to be a brake override system installed on electronic throttle so this will not happen. Very dangerous. And it did not involve the floor mat as one was not in vehicle.
While moving at idle in a parking lot, looking for space to park, A/C compressor turned on. ECU raised engine rpms the normal 200+- rpms. Immediately afterwards, engine went to full throttle. Stood up on brake pedal with both feet. Rear tires were spinning and smoking. Began to move faster than originally. Turned off ignition switch, put in park. Restarted and no problems since then. Believe something confused ECU when rpms were raised to compensate A/C compressor engaging.
Since September of 2007, I drove a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. July 13, 2010 at approximately 8:55 a.m., I was stepping on my brake to come to a stop behind a vehicle at a stop sign in a residential area. I started braking slowly as usual. It appeared the brakes were working but not catching as fast as usual so I put extra pressure on the brake. Getting too close than I should be for a stop, I pushed the brake to the floor & my truck dipped a bit appearing to come to a stop but then kept rolling & hit the car in front of me. The car seemed to move froward just before the tap as if it were going to make the turn at the stop sign so the impact was low. The car then stopped but since my truck hadn't, although my foot was still had the brake to the floor, I pumped my brake and stomped it to the floor again and my truck launched out slamming into the car again. …
Electrical complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Toyota Tacoma, 6% of the model year's 449 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota Tacoma electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2008 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 2008 Toyota Tacoma electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.