Rear-end whines between 50 & 65 MPH, going up grade. (auto trans.reg. Cab, 2.7 engine) I took it to my Toyota dealer and they told me it was road noise. Well I know the difference between road noise & a mechanical noise. I just want this to go on record. Thank you. *nm
2006 Toyota Tacoma suspension problems
moderate 147 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
147
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
What stands out
Of the 15 model years of Toyota Tacoma we track for suspension problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 147.
Owners have filed 147 suspension complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A used 2006 Tacoma can suffer severe frame rust and leaf spring failure within 3–6 years and under 90,000 miles, creating structural and fuel-tank safety hazards. Recall repairs for springs have been delayed or denied due to parts shortages and dealer modification policies, leaving owners driving potentially unsafe vehicles with no firm timeline for resolution.
Frame corrosion dominates these 147 complaints about 2006 Tacoma suspension. Owners report severe rust appearing as early as 3–4 years of ownership, with perforation holes in the frame, welds, and cross-members. Many describe metal flaking, "potato chip" scaling eating through half the material thickness, and deterioration spreading across flat surfaces and welded areas. Several dealers have refused to perform recall work on frames too corroded to proceed safely, yet Toyota's corrosion campaign applied a protective coating rather than replacing frames—a band-aid owners say does nothing once rust has started.
Rear leaf springs are the second major failure mode. Owners report springs breaking, flattening, bowing upward instead of downward, and bottoming out under normal loads, speed bumps, or with passengers aboard. Some springs failed catastrophically while driving; one owner reported a leaf spring shooting out underneath toward brake and fuel lines. Many owners cite clunking and banging noises from the rear, and dealers have left them waiting months for replacement parts that never arrive, despite safety recall letters claiming springs could puncture the fuel tank and cause fire.
Frame cracks around motor mounts and welds, stabilizer bar mounts tearing away from rust-weakened frames, and suspension components unable to handle the truck's rated towing capacity round out the core issues. Owners consistently express frustration over dealer delays, recalls that expired before repair parts became available, and Toyota's refusal to replace frames or offer compensation for pre-recall repairs owners paid out-of-pocket.
Same Toyota Tacoma suspension reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Premature frame corrosion and perforation
Frame develops severe rust, pitting, and perforation holes within 3–6 years and under 90,000 miles. Owners report rust appearing on flat surfaces, welds, cross-members, motor mount brackets, and stabilizer bar mounts. Metal scaling and flaking occurs; some areas rusted through entirely. No rust protection at manufacture; Toyota applied corrosion-resistant compound as remedy in some cases but owners report this does not stop ongoing rust.
When: 3–6 years of ownership; under 90,000 miles in many cases; observed as early as 2012–2015
Symptoms owners cite: Visible rust and corrosion on underside of frame; Perforation holes in frame rails and cross-members; Rust chunks falling off when scraped; Motor mount brackets sinking into rusted frame; Stabilizer bar mounts torn away from frame; Weakened frame unable to support vehicle safely; Vehicle deemed unsafe to drive by dealers
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 14V606000 (corrosion/frame inspection), NHTSA Campaign 13V337000 (related structural issues)
Repairs/costs cited: Toyota applied corrosion-resistant compound coating as interim remedy under campaign (October 2014 onward). Some owners report dealers refused to perform recall work until frame was replaced, citing safety concerns. Frame replacement estimate cited as $10,000–$16,000. Owners report Toyota denied assistance after campaign expiration date; prior recall program (1995–2004 Tacomas) included frame replacement at no cost or full buyback.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued corrosion campaign with protective coating application (limited service campaign, frame rust recall); expired March 2016. No frame replacement program for 2005+ Tacomas announced. Earlier generation (1995–2004) received frame replacement or vehicle buyback; 2001–2004 received 15-year extended warranty if coating failed. 2006+ owners report no such coverage offered.
Rear leaf spring failure and bottoming out
Rear leaf springs break, crack, flatten, bow upward, or become permanently weak, causing suspension to bottom out under load or over small bumps. Springs fracture due to stress and corrosion; broken leaves can shift and contact fuel tank or brake lines. Owners report springs inadequate for truck's rated towing capacity and payload.
When: First reports 2013; widespread by 2014–2015; mileage 30,000–135,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking and banging noise from rear end, especially when loaded or over bumps; Suspension bottoming out with full passenger load, towed boat, or cargo; Harsh ride even at low speeds (10 mph) over small dips; Visible flattening or bowing of rear springs; Rear end sagging or collapsing slightly under weight; Springs making contact with fuel tank or brake components; Abnormal noise when approaching stops
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 14V604000 (rear leaf spring fracture recall), NHTSA Campaign 14V605000 (related suspension recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Toyota recall promised replacement of leaf springs with newly designed ones. However, owners report dealers unable to obtain replacement parts for months or longer; many left in open work orders indefinitely. Dealers suggested lubricating springs (not effective for fractures). Some dealers refused to replace springs on lifted trucks or trucks with aftermarket shocks, claiming modifications voided recall. One owner replaced a broken spring in September 2014 at own cost; sought reimbursement but was denied due to documentation and timing issues. Interim notices issued; final remedy parts not supplied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V604000 issued September 2014, stating broken leaf could puncture fuel tank and cause fire. Recall letter recommended immediate dealer visit. Toyota stated remedy would be provided; actual parts remained unavailable through 2015 and beyond. Dealers gave no estimated delivery date for parts. Recall status and eligibility disputed; some owners found their VIN removed from recall tracking after campaign end date. Some dealers refused repair on modified vehicles despite safety claim in recall letter.
Coil-over front shock failure
Front coil-over shock assembly breaks near the bottom, causing front of vehicle to drop abruptly on one side. Owner reports shock broke from driving over very small bump at low speed with no prior impact history.
When: Approximately 30,000 miles; 2007 incident report
Symptoms owners cite: Front left side of truck dropped 3 inches abruptly over small road bump; Tire rubbing inside fender; Coil-over shock broken near bottom; Sudden loss of front suspension support on one side
Repairs/costs cited: Owner purchased replacement coil-over shocks and installed them himself. Initial service counter noted part would be warranty covered; service manager refused, claiming owner hit something. Dealer would not warranty repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer warranty claim denied. Owner contacted Toyota Customer Experience Center (Ref: 2007 0907 0986); no resolution documented. Owner paid out-of-pocket for new shocks.
Frame cracks at motor mounts and welds
Frame cracks around driver-side motor mount bracket welds. Bracket has begun sinking into rusted frame, creating structural weakness. Owners report welds on motor mounts and other critical areas are weak and deteriorating.
When: Observed during engine fan shroud diagnostics; timing not specified in complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Frame cracked around motor mount bracket weld; Motor mount bracket sinking into frame; Engine fan hitting shroud (secondary symptom of mount deterioration); Weak welds at motor mount and other suspension points
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed or quoted in complaint narrative.
Rust on suspension components and bolts
Rust accumulates on leaf spring mounting bolts, suspension fasteners, brake backing plates, and other undercarriage hardware. Rust corrosion affects bolt removal and component function.
When: Reported as early as 2015; widespread by subsequent years
Symptoms owners cite: Significant rust on suspension mounting bolts and fasteners; Rust on leaf spring mounting hardware; Rust on brake backing plates; Suspension hardware corroded to point of being unsafe; Bolts too corroded to remove for maintenance (e.g., differential cover plug)
Repairs/costs cited: Some dealers noted rust but did not address underlying cause. Owners report repeated repairs of emergency brake cables (rusted multiple times), differential covers (too corroded to remove), timing belt pulleys (corroded so severely they cut serpentine belt), and wiring supports (heavily corroded).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Corrosion campaign applied protective compound but did not address already-rusted components or structural rust.
Recall repair delays and parts unavailability
Dealers issued open work orders for recall repairs but parts remained on backorder indefinitely. Owners waited months (sometimes over a year) with no firm delivery date or completion timeline. Dealers did not follow up to notify owners when parts arrived.
When: September 2014 onward through 2015, 2016, and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Dealer places open work order after inspection; Owner told parts are on backorder; No estimated delivery date provided; Owner never called when parts arrive; Owner must repeatedly call to check status; Months pass without update or completion
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 14V604000 (suspension recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers applied interim measures: lubricated springs (not appropriate for fractures), applied corrosion coating (temporary measure). One dealer stated parts on backorder for nearly a year; another said parts unavailable within reasonable timeframe. No alternative repair offered; owners left driving unsafe vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota stated remedy would be provided in early 2016 (per December 2015 letter to one owner); however, actual parts not supplied. Toyota Customer Service gave no estimated delivery date. Some owners received notices that recall status had been closed or their VIN removed from recall tracking while work order remained open.
Dealer refusal to perform recall on modified vehicles
Dealers refused to perform safety recall work on vehicles with aftermarket modifications (lifted suspension, added leaf packs, replaced shocks) even though recall letter did not mention such restrictions. Owners report no modifications to springs themselves; modifications were to ride height via blocks or spacers.
When: 2016–2019 recall service attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Dealer inspects recall eligibility; Discovers aftermarket suspension modifications; Refuses to perform recall repair; Owner charged fee to remove aftermarket components (e.g., air bags); Owner told aftermarket parts would not be reinstalled after recall work
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 14V604000 (rear leaf spring recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers demanded owner install OEM shocks before recall work, or remove aftermarket air bags at owner's cost. Recall letter did not state such requirements. Some dealers at other locations performed the same recall without refusal on lifted trucks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers cited modification policy; Toyota did not clarify recall eligibility requirements in original recall letter. Some dealerships performed recalls on similar vehicles; others refused, suggesting inconsistent policy implementation.
Synthesized from 147 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota tacoma. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v604000 (suspension) however the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Had suspension trouble with your 2006 Toyota Tacoma?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2006 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 147 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 75 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 62,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 96,308. A quarter of owners report trouble before 62,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Toyota/Tacoma.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.