2009 Toyota Tacoma: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Nov 9, 2020 · Engine · 97,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2009 toyota tacoma. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, they were informed by another driver that the vehicle was on fire. The vehicle spontaneously caught fire in the engine compartment. All the instrument cluster warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and exit the vehicle before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no reported injuries. The fire department was on the scene. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 97,000. The contact stated the vehicle was a total loss. *dt *dt *jb

Filed Oct 23, 2019 · Steering · 77,482 miles · MA

Had just entered my driveway and tacoma cabin suddenly filled with heavy smoke and smell of something burning. Stopped vehicle, set brake and got away from it after opening both doors. Short time later opened hood to try and determine what had gone wrong expecting s radiator hose leak. After examining fluids, only the power steering tank was empty and passenger side of engine smelled like cabin did. Had tacoma towed to dealer to determine what was wrong. Their mechanic found massive corrosion of the power steering rack and lines were split/rotten blowing power steering fluid onto manifold and lower steering shaft freeing up. They had to replace power steering rack, lines, outter tie rods and steering shaft. Then did an alignment. Btw this tacoma had a frame replacement about a year ago. I firmly believe power steering rack could have been stressed during that time. Also they should have detected the corrosion problem then. The mechanic and service advisor showed me what was left left of psr...severe corrosion had left pieces of it flaking off. I'm not having much success getting toyota to cover parts $$$ replacement and I am a 4 time buyer of toyota vehicles since 1980's. If this had happened at highway speed I wouldn't be writing this.

Filed Mar 4, 2019 · Lights · CA · fire

Front headlights have yellow signal and daytime running lights that are always on and the light bulb heat up causing the plastic to heat and melt and still feel hot when using on a long drive. I worry about my car catching on fire

Filed Oct 27, 2015 · Airbags · 76,000 miles · TX · fire

The driver's side rear air bag caught fire while the vehicle was parked in our driveway and not being used. The passenger compartment was completely destroyed from fire damage, smoke and soot. The vehicle has been totaled by our insurance company. The vehicle had approximately 76,000 miles and was otherwise in perfect condition.

Filed Jan 31, 2015 · Lights · 40,000 miles · TX

Drl burning lens. Afraid it will catch on fire.

Filed May 9, 2014 · Lights · 38,500 miles · TX

The bulb to the daylight running lights melted the lens in front of it and broke it in two pieces. This is for both lights. This bulb is too close to the lens, probably a defect in engineering or design. These lights are constantly on and there is no way to turn them off. I'm afraid something will catch on fire. I called toyota dealership and was told they couldn't fix it because I didn't have extended warranty. I called corporate offices and was told I would have to get vehicle diagnosed at cost of $150 before they considered taking any action. And if it was determined that it was a manufacturing defect than I would have to pay half of the cost of the new headlights, which would be around $300, plus the $150 for the diagnostic test. Told them others have had this exact same problem, to no avail. This is not fair as it's obvious this is defective equipment/design. Thank you.

Filed Mar 20, 2014 · Lights · 50,000 miles · TX · fire

Tl * the contact owns a 2009 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the headlight lens would continuously overheat and become cracked. The contact was concerned that the vehicle would possibly catch on fire since the bulb was so close to the lens. The vehicle was not taken for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 100,000. Updated 3/13/14

Filed Sep 3, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 63,000 miles · CA

Daytime running lights generated enough heat to melt. The interior colored lens on both headlight assemblies, I noticed discoloration and cracks in the colored lens within 1st 12 months. More recently the colored lens began to melt and run, looks as if they were exposed directly to flames. There is also noticeable heat damage to the clear exterior lens cover near the area of the drl. Toyota issued a service bulletin but did not notify owners of the potential fire hazard this may cause. Heat damage has clearly become more severe over time.