VehicleVerdict

1997 Toyota T100 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 90 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median T100 year — the 1997 model ranks #2 of 7 T100 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 24 reports (27% of the total).

90

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other T100 years?

T100 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted130 complaints1992: 2 complaints1993: 23 complaints1994: 22 complaints1995: 90 complaints1996: 130 complaints1997: 90 complaints1998: 33 complaints
T100 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all T100 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Toyota T100 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure2427%
Transmission1820%
Steering1314%
Seat Belts910%
Suspension910%
Brakes67%
Fuel System33%
Other22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Engine22%
Seats11%
Lighting11%

Does the 1997 Toyota T100 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V389000SteeringSeptember 6, 2005 · 977,839 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 10, 2022

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 6, 2015

“WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED VEERING TO THE LEFT, THE VEHICLE THEN HIT AN EMBANKMENT AND TURNED OVER. THE TIE ROD WAS SEVERED THROUGH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE TIE ROD BROKE WHEN THE VEHICLE TIPPED OVER. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 24, 2004 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 6, 2015

“WEAK SPRING ON SEAT BELTS FOR BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER. WILL NOT COMPLETELY RECOIL, AND THEREFORE WAS FREQUENTLY CRIMPED IN DOOR WITH DOOR CLOSURE. WEAK BELT WAS EXPECTED TO RESULT, A HAZARD FOR BOTH THE DRIVE AND THE OTHER FRONT SEAT PASSENGER, BUT ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 8, 2007

1997 Toyota T100 — common questions

Is the 1997 Toyota T100 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 90 complaints put the 1997 model at #2 of 7 T100 years. It is one of the T100 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 T100 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (24 complaints), transmission (18 complaints), steering (13 complaints).

Does the 1997 Toyota T100 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Toyota T100. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Toyota T100 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota T100 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the T100 years to avoid are 1996, 1997, 1995. The cleanest record among T100 years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.