1996 Toyota Tacoma Steering Problems
9 owner-reported steering complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (9)
Your power steering system stopped working because it froze up and rusted out. This would make your steering wheel very difficult to turn, requiring much more physical effort to steer the vehicle. The power steering system will likely need to be inspected, flushed, and possibly rebuilt or replaced to restore normal steering function.
Parts you may need:
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LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST UPON DECELERATION FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN CONTACTED, UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. DEALER HAS NOT PROVIDED HELP IN TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *AK *ML
SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT.CONSTANTLY PINCHING IN DOORS, CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR.
OCCASIONAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN DECELERATING OFF HIGHWAY (ON EXIT RAMP). TOYOTA FACTORY REP, KEN STOKES, COULD NOT DUPLICATE DURING BRIEF ROAD TEST AND REFUSED TO IMPLEMENT ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION. *AK
WHILE DRIVING HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND PULLED OVER, HAD NO STEERING. ALSO AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY ORDERED A BOLT WHICH THEY PUT IT ON. DEALER SAID SINCE STEERING WAS TURNED AROUND THREE TIMES, THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AIRBAG. *AK
CONSUMER'S BROTHER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND ROLLED OVER, OFF THE ROAD. BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AS A RESULT DRIVER SUSTAINED A FATAL INJURY AND DIED. *AK
POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED.*ET
THE INNER TIE-ROD END ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS VERY LOOSE. THIS ALLOWED THE WHEEL TO MOVE FREELY ABOUT 1.5 INCHES AT THE PERIMETER IN EACH DIRECTION. THE PART WAS REPLACED IN AUGUST (I THINK) AND YESTERDAY I NOTICED THE PROBLEM AGAIN, NOT AS BAD, ONLY 0.5 INCHES OF TRAVEL. THE FRONT DISK BRAKES CAUSED A SEVERE SHUDDER THAT HAMPERED MY CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE AT A MODERATE DECELERATION. THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, AND NOW IT ONLY VIBRATES MILDLY, ALTHOUGH I AM SURE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL RETURN IF ITS ALREADY VIBRATING. WHILE WALKING AROUND THE DEALERSHIP I NOTICED A BOX FULL OF TACOMA ROTORS, A PROBLEM MAYBE?
ERRATIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM RESULTING PREMATURE TIRE WEAR AND CAUSING THE TRUCK TO LIFT OFF THE GROUNF WHEN GOING AROND SMALL CURVES.