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.
The worst 1997 Toyota T100 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body23
- Transmission18
- Steering13
- Seat belts9
- Suspension9
- Brakes6
- Fuel system3
- Engine2
- Lights1
- Seats1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Toyota T100
Recalls 1
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 05V389000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 1997 Toyota T100
Defect investigations
Clutch pedal bracket/firewall
PE02039
Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Toyota T100 40
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN...
- POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground...
- Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign
- Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN...
- Obsolete notice
- Supersession notice
- Obsolete notice
- Revision notice
- Supersession notice
- Obsolete notice
1997 Toyota T100 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 4‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 21-22 | 18-19 |
| 3.4L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 18-19 | 16 |
| 3.4L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-15 | 16-17 | 15-16 |
What 1997 Toyota T100 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
Cruise control accelerates when engaged (65mph up to 90 MPH). Had to hit brakes really hard to completely a near stop. Did various times and now not using it. I understanding this was an issue on 1996 t100 and there was a recall. Bought this as certified preowned toyota in 1999. Only 120,000 miles at time of incidents.
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
Took truck to repair shop for exhaust repair. Technician found the frame to be rusted badly with holes through the frame. Told me that I need to have this looked at by a toyota dealer because there should be a recall because it could get dangerous. He also pointed out rust on brake lines and other suspension parts that needed replaced soon.
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.
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. The federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency 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.
Rusting frame bumper fuel lines brake lines.
While making a left turn the steering wheel won't return to center upon completion of the turn. I understand there was a major safety vehicle recall for this truck however two dealers in merced and modesto, california have told me there is no safety recall. The 1995 to 1998 recall was for total loss of steering due to a broken steering rod. I bought this truck in california one year ago and we know for certain that it was originally sold in texas.
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.
Compare the 1997 Toyota T100
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Questions about the 1997 Toyota T100
Is the 1997 Toyota T100 reliable?
Owners have filed 71 complaints about the 1997 Toyota T100, 2.7 times a typical T100 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Toyota T100?
Body and structure, with 23 complaints, typically around 132,671 miles. Next is transmission (18).
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota T100 have?
1 recall, covering steering.
What year does the Toyota T100 have the most body problems?
The Toyota T100 model years with the most body complaints are 1996 (25 complaints) and 1997 (23 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Toyota T100 get?
Official estimates for the 1997 Toyota T100 range from 15 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.7L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 21-22 highway.
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