The only problem I have had to date has been an annoying click sound when depressing the clutch petal.
This truck, so far, has been the best vehicle I have ever owned.
It has a very comfortable interior with excellent lumbar support in the drivers seat.
The very functional and stylish step side bed now offered on this truck is about 8" narrower than the standard fleet side bed.
I have taken this truck off road several time and it has performed perfectly each time.
If you're looking for a great looking, reliable and functional 4WD this is the truck for you.
I agree, the Tacoma is a great truck. I own a 2003 Tacoma opted for the 260 hp Trd supercharged package. It's a great buy, and I wish you good luck with yours!
I had 2001 Toyota 2.7L 5-speed. Also Clicking sound from clutch being depressed, very irritating, this bugged me more than you can imagine, unless you have the same problem, you don't understand. However it started doing this about a month after purchasing it. Its the switch at the top of the clutch pedal, used for dis-engaging the cruise control. The Switch at the bottom of the clutch is the safety switch to prevent engine start without clutch pedal being depressed (Two separate switches) Anyways I had the dealer check it out, they offered to replace the switch, I said no too much hassle, they wanted the truck for half a day and all that jazz. So you're not alone.
Foot note: I just sold that truck. Currently driving a 2001 Tacoma, Ext Cab, 4x4, V-6, Automatic, Tow Package, power everything. Nice ride, and no clutch clicking, HA! Think snow, I can't wait to test out this truck.
Seattle, WA.
I have a 2002 tacoma trd and boy does it have problems.
• Transmission - Gears Jumping from first to second and second to third
• Suspension – Noise coming from front suspension when going over bumps
• Shocks- front dips when braking, hard banging when going over bumps, Body ½” lower on drivers side
• Dashboard – Rattling sound
• Seat – noise when moving up and down
• Body – Scratches after two day service, missing mud flap
• Springs- Rear leaf springs bent backwards
• Mileage- average 12 miles to gallon.
Update to my original posting on my 2002 Tacoma TRD 4WD.
My Truck is still going strong, 37000km on it now.
It went back to the dealer only once so far with a problem. The drivers side window went down and wouldn't go back up. The regulator and track had to be replace.
Keep on Truck'n!
Your toyota mud flaps cannot come off unless you take a screw driver or 10mm nut and rachet set and remove them. They might break or tear, they might bend or deform, but unless you actually cut them in half they are stuck on that truck, so how did they fall off, or WHO took them off.
Your other problems appear highly exaggerated!
Yous hould just sale that truck and buy a Chevey S-10 or a Ford ranger, then tell us all about the few problems you are having...
Toyota to S-10? HAHAHAHHAAHAHAHA That'll be a joke!!!
Den.
Does anyone know how to eliminate that annoying noise (rattle) coming from the dashboard?
That's my only complaint about my tacoma, and by the way I've noticed that rattle in some of my friend's cars.
It seems like the speedometer needle is loose or something.
I'm tempted to open the dashboard and explore, has any one attempted that?, any success?
I just bought a 2003 Prerunner double-cab and my only issue is the sound coming from the dashboard. Its sounds to me like a squeaking of the vinyl dashboard where it butts up against other plastic members of the dashboard/display structure. Has anybody successfully solved this problem and why has Toyota not addressed it?
John - San Diego CA.
I just bought a 2003 Toyota Tacoma Ext Cab, V6 4x4, Automatic, TRD truck. Purchased 5/2003. Current mileage 800. No dash rattle so far. Keep things posted if you find a fix, in-case mine starts...
NOTE: Did my first oil change @ 750 miles, did this myself!
Other wise decent truck, good ride for a 4x4, Tested Ford Ranger XLT, so cramped in the cabin. Nissan has that Snap together body look. Ruled out Mazda <Ford Engine>. Toyota seemed the best bet although a tad bit pricey.
Fuel economy for the V6 Toyota Ext Cab, not too bad if you keep your foot out of it. Drive it hard and yes it will suck gas. I tried using that little switch thing to the left of the dash "ECT" for retared shifts, <Sport mode> whatever. It actually does work. And this truck will move out quite nicely if you push the gas pedal.
More info as the miles go up...
Seattle WA,
I have a 2002 Tacoma 4WD TRD Off Road. Piece of junk. So far I had a rear main seal replaced, the rack and pinion replaced, front rotors replaced and front caliper kits put in. Also, I have a terrible shake in the truck once the speed exceeds 50 mph and the dealer can't find the problem. The sunroof squeaks when its open and the air conditioner intermittently sticks on. 42,000 miles so far and I don't think I'll make it pass 50K.
Sept 30, 2003.
I'll assume you have the 2.7L engine and not the V6? Main seals and such not a problem on the V6. The 3.4L V6 has been production for 6+ years with ZERO problems of your nature. The 3.4L V6 has a proven track record for reliablity in the Tacoma and 4-Runner. Brakes also not a problem on the V6. But with 40K + miles maybe they can become a problem? Rotors don't just warp without good "cause" like dumping the front end in a river when there HOT, or a person riding the brakes while driving.
You're having a ton of trouble with that truck. Your best bet would be to dump it off before it really gives you more trouble. And that sunroof could start leaking if its rattling when open.
Also, dumping it off know while there is still some factory warranty left might be a PLUS. But don't mention the problems, or you'll be stuck with what you call a problem truck for good. Trading it in might be your best bet and least liability for the phone ringing from someone who un-suspectingly buys your so called problem truck...
I would trade that truck in on a Ford Ranger, Chevy, maybe a Mazda 4x4 or something that is more "reliable" then that Toyota you're driving.
Hopefully the dealer can fix the problems as they emerge, and prior to the warranty expiring, YIKES!
Best Of Luck.
I own a 2002 Tacoma XCab 4x4 TRD package. I would love to dump this junk, but I think I owe too much right now. 2nd Toyota truck lemon I have bought from this dealership. Floor boards are soaking wet after a rain and the mechanics cannot find the problem. Told them about the service bulletins and they are saying too bad. Can't find it so can't do anything about it. I heard about toyota quality so that's why I went with Toyota, but never again. This truck stinks.
--Jeff.
Hey Jeff.
Let me know if you discover the fix to the problem of the wet floor boards? Mine are dry so far, but it could a condition that pops up later.
There has got to be an easy solution, if there really soaked and not just damp? There has got to be a large opening somewhere, maybe inside the engine compartment? Fire wall?
Let me know?
I bought a 2003 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner, 3.4L V6. Traded in my 1999 Chevy S-10 pickup with 70,000 miles with the intent of having zero mechanical problems from the Toyota. Maybe a mistake. On the underside of the Toyota body, above and to either side of the front-most universal joint, there is a reddish fluid which appears to be transmission fluid. It looks as though the spinning u-joint is "slinging" fluid against the under-body. At 4,700 miles, fluid is rapidly accumulating. Transmission fluid is down some, not a lot. However, I cannot spot a leak anywhere.???
Taking in to the dealership next week. Just what I wanted to avoid by buying Toyota. Any ideas?
Check the rubber grommet in the engine compartment on the drivers side. I had the same problem with the floor boards being soaking wet and it turned out to be the large rubber grommet where the speedometer cable and wires are going through the firewall. Use some silicone sealant to seal it up. I don't have wet floor boards anymore.