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).
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel failed to move as intended and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at a slow speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the pinion steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal revving sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine was leaking oil and the entire braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Toyota has had a long history of excessive frame rust. This truck has excessive frame rust. There was a recall to fix this frame rust and my truck has not been fixed. Toyota will not fix the current recall for the spring replacement because of the frame rust. My life and my children's lives are in danger due to the possible leaf suspension failure that may puncture the gas tank.
Tried to avoid a deer and the frame of truck felt unstable and felt like it was folding. I looked at the frame there are rust holes through out the whole frame. How could they design this and not back it up.
Toyota Corporation refuses to replace the frame and other essential parts on our 2008 Toyota Tacoma, which has had 2 previous recalls for frame replacement. We were never made aware of the previous recalls by Toyota or it's dealer who sold us the truck. We were made aware of the serious condition of the frame when our mechanic personally inspected the vehicle and notified us that the frame needed replacement. Toyota refuses to inspect or acknowledge the unsafe condition of our truck frame. Photos supplied speak for themselves. Our Toyota Case # is [redacted] has resulted with no benefit or consideration from Toyota. Therefore we request #[redacted] Request for NEW recall. Our mechanic [redacted] informed us the local Toyota dealer (Lithia Toyota Missoula) and it's parent company are notorious for not informing owners about recalls. …
I was driving my truck in the parking lot of a shopping center. As I was going through an intersection the steering column fell down causing me to be unable to turn causing a wreck with another vehicle. My insurance company will not pay for repairing the steering column. Toyota has been jerking me around for 3 months. My truck has been repaired as far as body work but Toyota tells me that I will receive a letter with their determination as to whether they will repair the steering column. 4 weeks ago they told me that I would receive a letter. I am still waiting. When I call the person in charge of my case at Toyota (casey) he never returns my calls. My case number is 1603142032. Casey's number is [phone].
First let me say that this is my fifth Toyota truck, all manual transmission 4 cylinder engines, with the exception of this one, which is 6 cylinder (I don't have the other VIN's with me now, but could do some research to provide them if need be). A couple of weeks ago I noticed my truck's steering becoming stiffer, making steering more difficult. I read up a bit about it, inspected the belt (OK) and checked the transmission fluid (looked a bit low). I decided a flush and fill of the transmission fluid might do the job and did so Saturday, 11/19/16. Immediately after, I really didn't notice much of a change. Yesterday, Sunday, it seemed more noticeably stiff. I researched more and read that it might be due to a corroded shaft ' many recommended grease as a solution and other recommended a new shaft. Today it was very stiff and even a bit wobbly ' more difficult to control. …
Powersteering not working properly when making a turn in either direction had to physically turn steering wheel would not recover on its own. Brought truck to Toyota dealer for problem they replaced the drive belt,thinking it was slipping on the powersteering pump. That did not fix the problem,took it back,the dealer decided the powersteering rack was the problem and cost for the rack was about $1400.00. I decided to check internet to see if this problem was common. I found it was ,the universal joint on the steering shaft at the block is not protected from weather and is prone to rust it is a sealed joint and cannot be lubed. I sprayed the universal joint with rust blaster which loosen the joint up, I then sprayed a water proof silicone spray on it. Works like new. This is not only a safety problem but a finical problem and is an easy fix for Toyota.
Steering is very difficult and very stiff. This is very dangerous and should be recalled and I see many other 08 tacomas with the same problem. Why has there been no recall? Also steering does not return to position you have to continuously turn it on your own. I see many complaints about this and there is apparently no way to fix it. I almost had an accident on my way home today because I couldn't steer the truck. Definitely needs to be addressed. All of these complaints point to the exact same problem. The steering is very difficult when moving and when stationary. It does it on city streets, highways, all the same. And at times steering will be normal and you never know what to expect. When I try to turn my truck with this problem it does not respond and the wheel does not return to position.
I noticed the steering became intermittently stiff, becoming more so about a week ago. It happened while driving in all conditions (slow speed, highway speed, dry weather, wet roads etc) power steering fluid was full, pump was fine. My garage determined that the u joint on the steering shaft was stuck and that I need to replace the steering shaft. This is a 2 part shaft (with u joint) that is only available from Toyota. It's costing me $762 to have this replaced. This is a major safety issue. In the past Toyota has recalled the camry, corolla and rav4 for the same issue. I follow many Toyota forums and this appears to be a common issue in the Tacoma (2005-2014 models from what I've read). Why hasn't Toyota recalled the Tacoma as well?
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. While driving at a low speed, the steering wheel seized. As a result, the contact was unable to steer the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the seals were corroded and the power steering joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver side wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the repair did not correct the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V604000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 95,000.
Steering complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Toyota Tacoma, 9% of the model year's 449 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota Tacoma steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 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.