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1997 Toyota T100

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Toyota T100 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 26.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

36 reports with mileage · 35 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

Structure complaints

23 reports
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122,000 miles · Nov 10, 2022
Structure

The contact owns a 1997 Toyota T100. The contact stated that while performing an oil change on the vehicle, he noticed the sub-frame was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was app…

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The contact owns a 1997 Toyota T100. The contact stated that while performing an oil change on the vehicle, he noticed the sub-frame was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ODI #11493059

201,000 miles · Oct 3, 2016
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT, A MECHANIC, NOTICED THAT THE FRAME HAD EXTENSIVE RUST CORROSION, AND FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE REPAIRED BY THE MECHANIC THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,000. UPDATED 03/16/17*LJ UPDATED 09/07/2017*J…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT, A MECHANIC, NOTICED THAT THE FRAME HAD EXTENSIVE RUST CORROSION, AND FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE REPAIRED BY THE MECHANIC THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,000. UPDATED 03/16/17*LJ UPDATED 09/07/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI #10911129

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2015
Structure

SEVERLY BAD FRAME ROT HOLES! BY THE CONTROL ARMS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME CAN SNAP AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT I CANT TOW ANYTHING WITH THE TRUCK ANYMORE FOR THE FACT THAT THE BACK HALF THE FRAME IS ALSO ROTTED AWAY TO WEAR IF I PUT A TRAILER ON IT THE FRAME WILL PROBABLY SNAP NO WERE ON THE FRAME IS SOLID ITS A SHAME THE TRUCK RUNS …

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SEVERLY BAD FRAME ROT HOLES! BY THE CONTROL ARMS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME CAN SNAP AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT I CANT TOW ANYTHING WITH THE TRUCK ANYMORE FOR THE FACT THAT THE BACK HALF THE FRAME IS ALSO ROTTED AWAY TO WEAR IF I PUT A TRAILER ON IT THE FRAME WILL PROBABLY SNAP NO WERE ON THE FRAME IS SOLID ITS A SHAME THE TRUCK RUNS AND DRIVES FANTASTIC BUT I WILL NO LONGER DRIVE IT FOR THE FACT OF HAVING A ROTTED OUT FRAME AND WILL SNAP SOON

NHTSA ODI #10759608

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2014
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA T-100 TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE FLOORBOARD WAS SEVERELY COVERED WITH RUST AND CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA T-100 TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE FLOORBOARD WAS SEVERELY COVERED WITH RUST AND CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10604880

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2014
Power TrainStructureSuspension

I HAVE READ SEVERAL OF THE DESCRIPTIONS ON THE SITE AND AM AFRAID I'M DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE NOW BECAUSE OF THE UNDERLYING RUST ISSUES WHICH COULD BE AT THE ROOT OF SHIFTER ISSUES, AS IN A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT AND THE DANGEROUS FRAME RUST ISSUE. I AM NOT A MECHANIC, BUT I RECOGNIZE MANY OF THE RUST ISSUES DESCRIBED HERE ON MY T…

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I HAVE READ SEVERAL OF THE DESCRIPTIONS ON THE SITE AND AM AFRAID I'M DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE NOW BECAUSE OF THE UNDERLYING RUST ISSUES WHICH COULD BE AT THE ROOT OF SHIFTER ISSUES, AS IN A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT AND THE DANGEROUS FRAME RUST ISSUE. I AM NOT A MECHANIC, BUT I RECOGNIZE MANY OF THE RUST ISSUES DESCRIBED HERE ON MY T100. NHTSA SHOULD RE-EXAMINE THE DECISION TO GIVE TOYOTA A BREAK BY NOT REQUIRING THAT THEY BUY BACK VEHICLES AS DONE WITH SIMILAR MODELS IN THEIR FAMILY WITH THE FRAME RUST ISSUES. THE ALLOWANCE TO CONTINUE T100S BE DRIVEN PUTS PASSENGERS AND OTHER MOTORISTS AT RISK. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED, AND THE MECHANICALS AND APPEARANCE BELIES THE SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES BENEATH.THE NHTSA IS REMISS TO NOT PUT PRESSURE ON TOYOTA TO INCLUDE THESE VEHICLES IN THEIR RECALL AS A GOOD FAITH AND SAFETY MEASURE... AS THE OWNER OF NEWER, ALLEGEDLY SAFE, TOYOTA PRODUCTS, I AM ALSO CONCERNED BY THEIR LACK OF RESPONSE... DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO LOSE THEIR LIFE BEFORE A SUITABLE RESPONSE IS MANDATED? AFTER ALL, THIS VEHICLE COULD BE BEHIND YOU ON THE DRIVE HOME TONIGHT. THIS IGNORES HOW THIS VEHICLE WOULD LIKELY JUST CRUMBLE IN AN ACCIDENT. I PLAN TO BRING THIS VEHICLE IN FOR A COMPREHENSIVE CHECK NOW, BUT IN THE INTERIM, WORRY ABOUT ITS SAFE USE. THE FACT THAT MY KIDS ARE EVEN NEAR IT WHEN IT IS PARKED GIVES ME PAUSE NOW. PLEASE USE YOU INFLUENCE TO IMPRESS UPON TOYOTA THAT WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS IS RIGHT FOR THEM. THANKS FOR READING MY THOUGHTS AND FOR YOU CONSIDERATION IN WORKING TOWARDS A RESOLUTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588941

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2014
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

RUSTING FRAME BUMPER FUEL LINES BRAKE LINES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588058

160,000 miles · Dec 17, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND SPREAD TO THE REAR BUMPER, CAUSING THE BUMPER TO FRACTURE. THE CONTACT'S PERSONAL MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AW…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND SPREAD TO THE REAR BUMPER, CAUSING THE BUMPER TO FRACTURE. THE CONTACT'S PERSONAL MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ODI #10556364

176,000 miles · Sep 20, 2013
Structure

FRAME IS RUSTING OUT. WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10544617

196,000 miles · Mar 12, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED AND HOLES HAD RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED AND HOLES HAD RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 196,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10502548

250,129 miles · Feb 26, 2013
StructureSuspension

RENEWED MY REGISTRATION SEPT 18 2012, BUT THE FRAME DIDN'T PASS INSPECTION, TOO MANY HOLES AND THIN WALLS ON THE FRAME. ALL OF THE FRAMEWORK JUST FALLING APART, REST OF THE TRUCK, DRIVE TRAIN JUST FINE. IF THE CLOTHE SEAT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN COVERED HAD TO PASS INSPECTION, IT WOULD EASILY! DIRTY, BUT NO HOLES OR RIPS. HOW UTTE…

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RENEWED MY REGISTRATION SEPT 18 2012, BUT THE FRAME DIDN'T PASS INSPECTION, TOO MANY HOLES AND THIN WALLS ON THE FRAME. ALL OF THE FRAMEWORK JUST FALLING APART, REST OF THE TRUCK, DRIVE TRAIN JUST FINE. IF THE CLOTHE SEAT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN COVERED HAD TO PASS INSPECTION, IT WOULD EASILY! DIRTY, BUT NO HOLES OR RIPS. HOW UTTERLY RIDICULOUS IS THAT? TRIED 3 TIMES TO GET SOMEONE FROM TOYOTA TO TALK ABOUT IT, BUT THEY JUST PLAY REAL STUPID AND SAY THEY DON,T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE FRAMES ROTTING ON THE T100'S AND CAN'T HELP ME. CAN AND WILL TAKE PICTURES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10500169

Official recalls

1

05V389000 · Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting

Sep 6, 2005

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS REPEATEDLY TURNED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS WHERE HIGH STEERING EFFORT AND POWER ASSIST ARE REQUIRED, FOR INSTANCE, WHEN FULLY TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, A FATIGUE CRACK MAY DEVELOP IN THE STEERING RELAY ROD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUED TO BE OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE RELAY ROD MAY FRACTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RELAY ROD. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE02039 · Clutch Pedal Bracket/firewall

Opened Apr 1, 2002 · Closed Jul 30, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train

No summary supplied.