2002 Toyota Tacoma: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Feb 15, 2010 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · CA

My experience with manual transmission on my current and previous toyota pick-up trucks was not very good. First my previous, earlier model 98 toyota tacoma 2wd manual transmission had failed at about 55,000 miles just prior to the 60,000 mile powertrain warranty limit. The failure happened at the synchronizer from 4th to 5th gear when shifting from neutral according to toyota technician at the time. The safety issue on this is that while driving and one needs to shift to 5th gear from neutral, one may have difficulty shifting and the transmission could have a catastrophic failure and at such freeway speed the vehicle could suddenly stall, stop and may go in a tailspin. Previous dealer where I bought the vehicle from repaired the transmission per the warranty. Now I have another toyota tacoma pick-up 4x4 having the same problem. I took it to the a toyota dealer previously since it was still under warranty for powertrain and around 55,000 miles but dealer refused to take a look at the problem even after repeated attempts to get the problem corrected. I informed them that I have a similar problem before and they have fixed it. But this time around they refused. I have attempted several times from sep 2006 until jan 2007 and even called toyota USA reps on the issue. I still own the truck and to get around the synchronizer problem, I have to downshift back to 3rd, 4th before I can go back to 5th gear. This can cause a lot of distraction while driving and to con unwitting driver unaware of what to do suddenly shifts to 5th from neutral the manual transmission squeaks/rattles like the sound of gears having problem meshing or breaking - thus in a worst case scenario one may loose driveability and capability to move the vehicle since the drive could get lost and may result in a failure. I kind a give up on it since the dealers and toyota USA before don't want to pay attention to me. I know this current toyota recall may result in them looking into this - safety issue.

Filed Sep 9, 2009 · Suspension · 145,142 miles · CA

My wife & I were traveling into bakersfield, (we're from arvin, ca) along bear mt. Blvd. On sat. Sept. 5, 2009 around 4:00 p.m. At about 60 MPH and it became difficult for me to steer. Instead of going on the freeway, I decided to take an alternate rt. I came to a stop and began turning left at approx. 5- 10 MPH & the r front tire folded out & the lower ball joint snapped. Luckily no one was hurt. We had to have the truck towed home. I ordered the lower ball joints on line so I could replace them. This is because when I contacted the toyota dealership they informed me that my truck was not one on the recall list for this defective part. I am furious. I believe toyota is liable for my damages. Before this occurred, I heard a few clicking & grinding sounds & thought maybe my power steering was going out. I had no idea it was ball joint failure, or I wouldn't have been driving it. I have my old defective parts. I also have another witness to this incidence besides my wife. He lives across the street from where this occurred & heard the loud boom when the truck hit the ground. I hope you look into this matter, as I would hate for someone else to experience what we did.

Filed Oct 29, 2003 · Brakes · 11,000 miles · CA

Front wheels wobble when the brake pedal is depressed. Also, there's an unknown squeaking noise. This is caused by premature brake wear, per dealership.

Filed Sep 29, 2003 · Body, Brakes · 20,000 miles · GA

My 2002 tacoma vibrates at high speeds and when stopping. I've had the brakes fixed 5 times now and it's still not right. My transmission clunks when I stop and start, shutters when coming to a stop, and shifts hard. Sometimes the transmission clunks after I've already started moving. The problems started about a year ago. I've recently been to two dealerships before the warranty expired and nothing was done. One toyota technician said it was my brakes, yeah right, the other wouldn't even take it for a test drive. I think the problem is caused by my transmission sliding back and forth, which I don't think it's supposed to do. Whenever I stomp on the gas to pass someone it shifts into the wrong gear and the engine red lines. My dash squeaks, so I have to wedge my wallet in between the windshield and dash to stop it. My driver's side door doesn't shut flush with the body. Last but not least, I had to replace my oxygen sensor. I would like to sell my truck, but can't with all the problems. This was my first toyota and will probably be my last.

Filed Aug 10, 2003 · Body, Suspension · 5,000 miles · CA

For the last year I have brought truck back to sf toyota dealership for transmission problems , suspension problems rattling dash board, squeaking sounds from seat and front bushings. All these problems still have not been fixed. After 15 visits to dealership, sf toyota left scratches on body and lost mud flap. Body now tilted after service.