1996 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Discussions

Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem

• 96 Tacoma 15 year Warranty on Frame

  Written by: exatxer on Nov 26, 2011 12:53:48 PM

  I recieved a letter stating that I had until 12/31/11 to bring my 1996 tacoma in for the frame recall. Now I find out that the warranty expired in august 2011 because that is when the vehicle went into service. Anyone have this issue and has anyone had any luck with having toyota still honor the Frame rust recall?

Toyota Tacoma Clutch Issues

• clutch

  Written by: drs0118 on Apr 4, 2011 2:33:48 PM

  i have a 2008 toyota tacoma 4x4.i changed the bed of the truck when i got it to put a toolbox bed on it.i snow plow and fixed that all way.i am on my fourth clutch.this last one has less then a thousand miles on it......i contacted toyota and they said since i altered the truck they couldnt do anything.they are making the clutches differently now.i had a 1996 tacoma 4x4 ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Starting/Stalling/Idling Problems

• Re: 1996 hard start when hot [50pill]

  Written by: aktoyota on Sep 30, 2010 2:53:20 PM

  i have a 95 toyota tacoma with a v6 3.4L in it, i had the same problem where my truck would run fine and as soon as i turned it off and let it sit, it wouldnt turn back on, i took it to a dealer and they told me it was my fuel pump and after it was replaced it still did the same thing, then they found out that ... Read More

• Re: 1996 hard start when hot [50pill]

  Written by: aktoyota on Sep 30, 2010 2:52:49 PM

  i have a 95 toyota tacoma with a v6 3.4L in it, i had the same problem where my truck would run fine and as soon as i turned it off and let it sit, it wouldnt turn back on, i took it to a dealer and they told me it was my fuel pump and after it was replaced it still did the same thing, then they found out that ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Transmission Problems

• auto transmission

  Written by: akon on Apr 11, 2010 1:38:32 PM

  i have a toyota tacoma 1996 model , i tried changing the transmission fluid and filter , after changing my transmission is not shifting properly again , can some one help on what to do,

Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem

• Re: 2004 Tacoma Frame Rust [mcalautt]

  Written by: vtjlg on Apr 21, 2009 5:22:24 PM

  I just got the call that my truck is finished. I will pick it up with its new frame tomorrow. I live in Vermont and my 2001 has seen every winter since it left the lot. I had a 1996 previously and loved it so much I bought this one. This truck has nickel/dimed me to death. I have done thousands of dollars in repairs over the last few years. If ... Read More

• Thinking of buying a Tacoma

  Written by: bubblepuppy on Mar 22, 2009 10:05:17 AM

  Are there ANY good Tacomas within the years 1996-2004 out there, or are they ALL suspect? I still see plenty of this vintage for sale at dealer lots. I wonder how many of THOSE show signs of frame decomposition? I also wonder if I asked the sales folks permission to whack the frame with a hammer, if they'd let me? (hehehe). I am in the market for a Tacoma sized truck ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Suspension and Steering

• Re: 2008 Toyota Tacoma TRD sport curb hit [davidmclaurin]

  Written by: kcram on Jun 21, 2008 4:27:27 PM

  Had a similar incident when my 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 dually was fairly new. Was on an interstate when a bus pulled into traffic from the shoulder (and nowhere near up to speed), sending the vehicles in the right lane into my left lane, and me up and over a curb into a grass median to avoid an ugly situation. Like you, the steering wheel was just slightly off, so ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Real World MPG Numbers

• Re: TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 4.0 V6 DOUBLE CAB MPG [cwbykishi]

  Written by: tc07 on Jun 17, 2008 2:48:38 PM

  As above, I use 87 octane, try to use Texaco or Chevron but use a lot of Shell too. Rarely ever use "Off Brands" as they do not have the cleaning additives that the name brands do and in my exp. are not as good in MPG either. My advice to anyone looking to puirchase a Truck is to get the Tacoma over the Tundra due to the MPG and it ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem

• Re: New York Times Article about Toyota Tacoma Rust [mattz88]

  Written by: hunter60 on May 7, 2008 1:15:50 PM

  I just brought my Truck in to my dealership and it failed and I got my rental within 10 minutes. They kept it saying it had pretty bad rust holes and it actually sat slightly tilted to the left. It's a 1996 4wd x-cab with a matching cap which they told me to leave on for now. This truck believe it or not has 423,299 miles on it and I was ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Suspension and Steering

• '96 Tacoma Alignment Problem

  Written by: lmidd on Mar 2, 2008 6:29:26 PM

  So I bought my Tacoma (1996) about 5 months ago used. I had it inspected and the mechanic said it was good to go. A couple months later I noticed it was pulling to the right so i got the tires rotated. That helped for a few days but it started pulling to the right again. I went to Kaltire for an alignment, and they said they had to replace the ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma vs Nissan Frontier

• Re: Buying Dilemma! [bobad]

  Written by: oregonboy on Feb 4, 2008 8:39:20 AM

  I think that you would be ahead to sell your 92 (Toyota pickup???) yourself on Craigs list. The dealer isn't going to give you much on a 16 year old vehicle that they wouldn't give on a no-trade deal. There are always buyers for older pickups in nice shape. It would be an easy sale. Personally, I prefer the looks of the Frontier over the Tacoma. They both suffer from "tough-truck" ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Engine Questions

• 1996 Toyota Tacoma stalling issues

  Written by: timfore on Jan 16, 2008 3:54:25 PM

  I have Tacoma with a 6 cylinder. When I take off first thing in the morning or after it sits awhile, it bogs down when I push the gas. After a few minutes it is fine. Is this a fuel injection issue?

Toyota Tacoma Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: looking at 04 4D 4WD Tacoma SR5 w/ camper top, 34Kmiles [dhm06]

  Written by: benzy1 on Sep 7, 2006 3:21:10 PM

  dhm06, If we're talking about a 2004 4wd Tacoma double cab with 34k miles for $24k, then yes it is in your interest to low-ball them. $24k is extremely high for that car regardless of what the blue book is. The car is three years old and has been replaced by a new model. I would expect to pay somewhere around 20k for that vehicle if only certified in excellent condition. ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma: Problems & Solutions

• Clutch problem, slave or master cylinder?

  Written by: mnkyboy on May 8, 2006 11:30:24 AM

  For about a month now, ive been having problems when pushing the clutch in. Sometimes it would get "stuck" and not come back up when I release it. Ive never worked on a clutch system before, but from what ive read it could be the slave and/or master cylinder. If it is the Slave or Master cylinder, should i just replace both anyway? Any particular brand? AJUSA.COM carrys ASCO/Aisin and PBR. ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma 2005+

• Myriad of options …

  Written by: prisc on Feb 2, 2006 7:29:07 PM

  Hi folks! My family and I just when to the Washington DC auto show last weekend. My kids (9 & 5) fell in love with the idea of a pickup truck, namely the Tacoma. I’ve been interested in possibly purchasing a pickup for a while. So, I started doing a little research on reviews, write up and the option packages. I currently drive a 1996 5spd manual camry. This car has ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Real World MPG Numbers

• Re: 2005/6 4 CYL Tacoma Mileage [ergoon]

  Written by: hornet303 on Oct 9, 2005 1:09:50 AM

  I had a hard time finding a 2005/06 2.7I Pre-runner access cab. I was particular and wanted a black one with manual tranny. Id been looking for some time, but was able to "order" one thru my credit union. It took 6 weeks or so, but I just picked it up. Still on the first tank of gas. I too was told about the "highly unlikelyhood" of finding this car, but ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma: Problems & Solutions

• Re: 1996 Toyota tacoma high uneven idling [msibille]

  Written by: petemn on Oct 6, 2005 5:47:43 PM

  Thanks for your suggestions. Its a Tacoma pickup and you are right its a fuel injector. I will get readings from ODB II

• Re: 1996 Toyota tacoma high uneven idling [petemn]

  Written by: msibille on Oct 6, 2005 10:53:00 AM

  This is puzzling. You mention 1996 Tacoma, "car", and carburetor. I'm not sure if we're talking about a truck, car, or riding mower. You have a carburetor and not a throttle body w/ fuel injection? In any event, if the check engine light is on, the first step is to check what error codes are stored in the OBD. If you don't have an OBD reader, you can usually go to ... Read More

• 1996 Toyota tacoma high uneven idling

  Written by: petemn on Oct 5, 2005 8:28:07 PM

  I recently bought a 1996 Toyota Tacoma 2.4 L. I noticed after buying the following problems. Cracked manifold, very high idling - when I start the car, it revs up to a point as the engine heats up. I tried adjusting the carburetor, but it seems that is not the problem. When I drive the car and come to a red light, the car idles high and unevenly, but never goes ... Read More

• Re: Starting probem when hot [dybrn]

  Written by: justin19 on Aug 23, 2005 4:40:42 PM

  I have a 1996 toyota tacoma with a 2.7 standard. I have just been told by a certified toyota mechanic that my igniter is bad. My truck will run normal for days or weeks and then out of nowhere it will start to die while you are driving it or when you are at a stop sign. (it has no preference when it dies either at rpm or in or out ... Read More

• Large Oil loss or where did it go ?

  Written by: ulteriormodem on Aug 19, 2005 9:37:10 AM

  Greetings everyone, first time poster Ill try to be clear. I own a 1996 2.4 litre (4 cylinder) Toyota Tacoma. Manual 5 speed transmission. 2 wheel (rear) drive. We recently started to take a trip and stopped at a rest stop. I decided to check the fluids and when I pulled the dipstick for the oil I nearly passed out. Bone dry ! not one quart ! The oil light had ... Read More

• Flooding w/ fuel injection

  Written by: jschell on Jun 23, 2005 3:34:37 PM

  Sorry about making this a reply (I found the sight difficult). Im having a starting issue after I have run the truck for a while. Its a 1996 Tacoma 4x4 2.7L, here are the conditions to have an issue: the vehicle must be run to a good operating temp. for 15-20 min then kill the engine and let it sit for another 10-15 min. When I try to start the truck ... Read More

• Toyota seat belt problems

  Written by: catpatrol on May 28, 2005 7:16:47 PM

  Hello all! I've got a 1996 Toyota Tacoma, extra cab. Recently, the drivers seat belt stopped latching. I want to change out the seatbelt, but the anchor is in a hard area to reach. Does anyone have any experience with this problem? Am I going to have to remove the drivers seat in order to access the seatbelt mount?

• Starter & Fuel Pump Replacement on 1996 Tacoma 4x4 Pickup

  Written by: ghengiskhate on Apr 12, 2005 12:01:47 PM

  Hi there, I have two problems that I want to try to fix this weekend on my 1996 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L 4x4 pickup-- one is the starter, and hte other I think is the fuel pump. My questions are, do I have the diagnosis right, and is there anyone else out there who's done these repairs who can tell me how hard they will be to do myself or tips of ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma 2005+

• New 2WD

  Written by: nbtacoma on Mar 25, 2005 10:43:44 AM

  Hi, 2 months ago I took my 1996 2WD Tacoma in for service and made the mistake of wandering the floor while I waited. Long story short I now own a silver 2005 2WD SR5 Tacoma. Of course I would love a 4X4 but have owned a 2WD for over 7 years and that little truck never let me down. Big toyota fan here moving from a Tercel to now 2 ... Read More

• Fifth wheel hitch in 2005 Tacoma

  Written by: erniec on Jan 25, 2005 12:34:09 PM

  I have a 1996 V6 Tacoma 4x4 with a Hijacker SL-16 fifth wheel hitch. I pull a 21 foot light weight Bonaire fifth wheel trailer which weighs about 3500 lbs. It pulls with no problem, and we have travelled extensively. I want to buy a 2005 Tacoma, but my problem is I cannot find a fifth wheel hitch to fit it. The difficulty lies in the structural ridges under the new ... Read More

Subaru Baja Turbo or Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab?

• Subaru Baja Turbo or Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab?

  Written by: jimqpublic on Jun 10, 2003 3:50:36 PM

  Baja Turbo or Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab? I know them's fightin' words on a Subaru forum, but my short list of new vehicles has these two at the top. Other possibilities are a Forester XT or !aack! a minivan. SPECIFICATION COMPARISON: Cabin dimensions are similar although the Baja is limited to two in the back seat. With a baby plus a toddler in the family my wife often ends up ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma (2004 and earlier)

• hey, esunders

  Written by: oregonboy on Dec 2, 2002 2:21:17 PM

  I also had a Nissan 2wd that was recently totaled. Mine was a 1990, however. I replaced it with a 1996 Tacoma V6, extended cab, 2wd. The seats in the Tacoma are a big improvement over the bench seat in the Nissan. The side bolsters, center armrest and adjustable seatback angle all are major improvements over a fixed-angle bench. The taco seats are still firm after 83,000 miles. I just made ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Real World MPG Numbers

• Great mileage

  Written by: rfross on Mar 20, 2002 1:54:00 PM

  I had a 1996 Tacoma basic standard cab 4X4. It had air, an AM/FM radio and the all weather guard package, the 2.7 and 5 spd manual. That's it. With the standard 3.42 axle ratio and the standard 235/75X15 tires I managed to get a best of 26.x MPG on the highway driving conservatively. This truck was THE BEST truck I ever owned. When I sold it at 50,000 miles there ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger, Part XII

• kg11

  Written by: eagle63 on Jan 15, 2002 12:58:27 PM

  "TWO Toyota trucks ,6 years apart,same problem.Most recent recall for V6 head gasket-1997.The problem spanned 8 years in MY experiance.I havent researched to see if it's a continueing problem." -according to the NHTSA site, the tacoma didn't have any recalls in 1997, in fact between 1996 and present it's only had 2. (neither being head-gasket)

Toyota Tacoma: Problems & Solutions

• Hum... I Dunno...

  Written by: ebbgreatdane on Aug 9, 2001 4:27:30 PM

  What do you mean by, "...the 3.0L is in better shape." Honestly the 3.0L engine wasn't a bad engine in its day and will probably last you another 10 years or so without major problems. So long as you don't mind not having as much HP as the Tacoma, go for it! You can even use the fact that it's not a 3.4L as a bargaining point..."Well I was more interested ... Read More

Compact Pickup Comparison: Frontier, Ranger, Tacoma, S10, Dakota, B-Series, & Hombre

• Most Dependable by JD Power

  Written by: moparbad on Dec 27, 2000 1:26:41 PM

  Taken from study of 5 year old models from JD Power. Most Dependable. Most Dependable 1996 Models by Category Compact Pickup Toyota Tacoma Full-size Pickup Toyota T100