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Vehicle safety record

1993 Toyota Pickup Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 63 complaints about the 1993 Toyota Pickup with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (19) and the seats & seat belts (10). Those complaints describe 7 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 1992 has 56 and the 1994 has 102.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Pickup year, for its age

#65 most complained-about 1993 vehicle

Complaints
63
Recalls
4
Crashes
7
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Deaths
0

Most common 1993 Toyota Pickup problems

Share of all 63 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1993 Toyota Pickup recalls 4

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting: headlights

09E02500042,540 vehicles affected

The problem
Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
The risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lighting: headlights

08E0500001,921 vehicles affected

The problem
K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
The risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact k2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.

Exterior lighting

06E02600061,944 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
The risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

Steering: connecting

05V389000977,839 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the vehicle is continued to be operated in this condition, the relay rod may fracture, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the steering relay rod. The recall began october 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

What owners say

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63 complaints about the 1993 Toyota Pickup

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.

Body, doors & structureBrakes

I bought a 1993 4x4 toyota pickup used and discovered it is rusted worse than any other vehicle ive ever seen. The frame is rusted into in multiple places, the brake lines have rusted off and I've lost all brakes so I cant drive it at all now. It runs and goes great or well it did untill frame broke and brakes went out. Apparently 1993 frames are the worst frames to have according to everything ive seen online. What bothers me is I have a 1991 two wheel drive toyota truck just like it and it doesn't have any rust...

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at all nowhere on frame or body. And both trucks are from the same area. The 4x4 thats literally a death trap only has 220000 miles on it which is nothing really. The only reason I even bought the truck is because toyota trucks are known to go 3,4,or sometimes 500000 miles with hardley any trouble. I would just love to b able to drive my truck again, thats all I want. There should definitely b a recall for extreme frame and body rust. It shouldn't b that rusty, it's literally the worst ive ever seen

Filed Incident Structure · Unknown or other · Service brakesNHTSA 11343193
Body, doors & structure

Frame rusted so that it breaks under jackup forces frame rails crush under unloaded vehicles weight

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11165884
Body, doors & structure

While driving the truck it makes a really loud grinding/whining noise. Frame is broken right under the back of the cab and front of the bed from rust causing the drive line to break (grinding/whining noise). Was told by mechanic that it is unsafe to drive. I was scared to death driving back to my house from the shop and being female the last thing I want is for it to break in half and be stuck along the side of the road. A couple years ago I also had to have the fuel tank and fuel lines replaced because of it...

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rusting out and causing fuel to leak out. Another safety issue. Both of these are safety issues that if I didn't find out could have turned out really badly by either fire, crash and both could have caused death. Why this year of truck isn't included in the 1995+ recall of the frame rusting is beyond me. Toyota knows it is happening now they just need to make it right.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11160540
Steering

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 toyota truck (n/a). The contact stated that while driving and making turns, an abnormal knocking noise was heard coming from underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel would shake when making turns. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering linkage rod relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11144749
Body, doors & structure

Frame rail rusting through at spring mount. Open recall for 1995 and later but does not cover 1993/94 or older

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11092104
Other & unknown

My name is [[redacted]] I bought a truck from an individual he name is [[redacted]] my son has had wreck in it the insurance company is doing a claim can not get that processed till we get the vin number straight the vin number on the title does not match the vin number on the truck the vin number on the title [[redacted]] it is showing that it is a 94 toyota the vin number on the truck [[redacted]] it is showing that it is a 93 toyota so what do I do I need somebody to contact me as soon as possible pls I purchased the truck 12 07 2015. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10860970
Other & unknown

When painting the truck we found that the frame was actually split and rotted through from under the cab to the back. I tried welding in a plate to keep it from breaking but it seems like all bed mounts and frame are rotting very rapidly. I cannot drive it due to the frame and toyota claims the recall is over.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10836777
SteeringSuspensionBody, doors & structure

The frame is completely rusted through. Corrosion is throughout the frame and the frame near the rear leaf spring mount has a 7 inch by 1 inch hole from rust which joins with a crack in the frame between the first hole and a second rust hole. Rust and corrosion is throughout the frame and suspension parts. I've never seen any frame this bad. Springs, a-arms, and all manner of suspension and body parts are corroded badly.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · StructureNHTSA 10817484
Suspension

While checking out a broken leaf spring on my 1993 toyota pickup, I noticed some perforation on the frame near the front mount, and proceeded to insert a finger to the area to see how bad it was... The frame is completely rotted in the whole area next to the gas tank and. By the leaf spring mounts on both sides. The truck is definitely not safe to drive. I'm 100 percent sure I could pull the leaf spring right out of the frame. Being an automotive technician for a dealer, I would like to inform nhtsa if they do not...

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at least investigate these issues on the 1994 and below toyota pickups and force toyota to open a safety recall I will be doing everything I can to get together a class action lawsuit. This is ridiculous that a truck with this low mileage rots the frame out. I've seen 1950s cars that have been overgrown with weeds for 10 years that don't have this bad of a rust issue. There are 1000s of toyota pickup owners not included in the 1995+ frame recalls that are in the same situation that have not reported here. I ask nhtsa to go ahead and just google it. There are currently 1000s of forum posts where people have had the frames split in half, break leafs off, and have been rebuilding and replacing or scrapping their vehicles over this. I want to see some action taken with these complaints. *Tr

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10680628
Transmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structure

Turn the wheel on my 1993 4x4started to back up heard a pop an lost my 4 wheel drive. So got out to look an the front frame broke, an my cv shaft pulled apart. I only have 164,635 miles wow come on toyota that's crazy. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · StructureNHTSA 10679776
Body, doors & structure

Severe rust perforation occurring in frame of vehicle ( 1993 toyota pick-up) toyota customer service informed me nothing could be done for this year of vehicle.( Complaint ref. No. [[redacted]] filed with toyota customer service on 1/21/10 ) ----program is in place for 1995 - 2005 trucks with same problem. Just wanted to inform the nhtsa that earlier model trucks are experiencing the same issues. [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10641811
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while driving, a clunking sound would come from under the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was massive rust on the frame. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 191,000 and the current mileage was 195,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10593207
Fuel systemBody, doors & structure

I was removing the gas tank due to a fuel leak and found that the frame had rusted heavily and entire sections of the frame box wall were gone. Toyota had a voluntary buyback program for 1995-2004 pickup trucks due to extreme frame rusting. I have never seen frame rust this bad. Toyota should be encouraged to extend the buyback program to 1993 models or recall the vehicles and repair them. Pictures are available. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · StructureNHTSA 10552847
Body, doors & structure

1993 Toyota 1/2 t - the under carriage is so rusted that the bumper broke loose from the drivers side and was bouncing off the road. Fortunately the other side held until we could get pulled off the highway. We already replaced the under body tire holder as it was rusted we could not lower the spare. Our mechanic said the truck will not pass the next inspection due to the body cancer. 1993 Is prior to the recall, but has the same issues. This truck was assembled in tennessee (usa). I can find no recalls for this year and have moved and married since I bought it new in 1994 (leftover), so would not have gotten any recalls if they had any. *Tr

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10496569
Body, doors & structure

The frame of the truck is rusted through the wall of the inner frame facing the midline. There are only three main spots. One of them is 3" x 2? Facing the gas tank. The two other holes are on each side of the frame anterior to the gas tank supporting beam. These two holes are almost as tall as the frame height. The width is about 3". The rest of the frame is solid with almost no surface rust. I did not see these holes until I replaced the engine and clutch this past week end. I bought the truck around 2005...

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with a bad engine so I did not put it on the street. This rust does not appear to be created from normal wear and tear due to the age of the vehicle. These rusted holes came from poor manufacture techniques or poor quality control. *Tr

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10496321
SteeringSuspension

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 toyota pickup. The contact stated while driving at highway speeds he noticed that the steering wheel would pull to the left or to the right. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. Updated 11/29/11 *bf the consumer stated the sway bar and steering dampener were replaced. Updated 12/02/11

Filed Incident Steering · SuspensionNHTSA 10430202
BrakesBody, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 toyota pickup. The contact stated that the vehicle would jerk sporadically and pull abnormally when applying the brakes. There was also rusting on the frame of the vehicle and the exterior head lights were abnormally dim. The dealer and manufacturer denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 176,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · StructureNHTSA 10428078
Other & unknown

I'm 4th owner of this truck, knowing the previous 3 owners. Body of truck is in good shape for this year of truck. However, the frame, on right side next to gas tank is 80 % rusted through, with holes all over it. The underside of truck looks like a 50 yr old truck with a bar from the left side to right side of frame behind motor about 90% rusted through.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10406677
Body, doors & structure

Tl*the contact owns a 1993 toyota pickup. The contact stated the spring shackle that was welded to the rear frame of the vehicle, was covered with rust. The contact stated the spring shackle well also detached and it allowed the springs to hang. The contact stated the spring was dangling next to the fuel tank. The contact was concerned that the frame would completely break in half. The failure mileage and current mileages were 204,000. Updated 5/24/11 *cn updated 1/24/2012 *ln *tr

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10399369
Brakes

The brake line rust out on my 1993 toyota pick up while driving.I looked on the web and im not the only one.I was still able to stop,rust on the frame and on the suspension.The cross bar on the frame rusted hole in it.Told toyota about it and said I didn't feel safe driving it. They said they can't do anything. Now the brakes rust out. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10310016
Body, doors & structure

I purchased in 1993 a brand new toyota 4wd dx pickup from a toyota dealership. I have properly maintained the vehicle following all the toyota guidelines and currently the truck still looks showroom new. I have received many compliments on how nice my 1993 truck looks including many offers to purchase my vehicle. However, over the last two years my ase certified mechanic has stated to me that the frame is prematurely rusting and it is getting pretty bad. When I just recently had a tire rotation performed, he...

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suggested that the problem has escalated and needs to be evaluated by the toyota dealership. On may 20, 2009 I had an appointment with the dealership to examine the truck frame and advise me of the situation. They explained to me that the vehicle frame was heavily corroded and perforated beyond the normal surface rust found on vehicles after years of exposure in the northeast. They further stated that the truck was probably unsafe to drive in its current state. I responded to them that I was aware that the toyota manufacturing company had a campaign to recall the toyota pickups from 1995 and up with the same problems and have been either repairing or replacing the frames of many affected vehicles. I continued by asking if toyota would resolve my problem and they stated that they would not and that I should call the toyota manufacturer customer service department and request that a case be opened and ask for assistance. I did as requested by the dealer and was told by the customer service representative that they would make a record of my complaint but that they were only resolving the pickups from 1995 and up and that in no way would they help me whatsoever. Now here I am with a beautiful 1993 toyota pickup truck that would be very expensive for me to fix, is now unsafe to be driven on the road and will probably need to be picked by a tow truck and hauled away to a junkyard. *Tr

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10269621
Body, doors & structure

Tl*the contact owns a 1993 toyota pickup. The contact stated that the vehicle's frame failed the manufacturer's inspection. A portion of the frame has since been repaired; however, toyota will not repair or replace the vehicle. The contact feels that the vehicle is unsafe to drive because the frame could fall apart while driving. The current mileage was 198,000 and failure mileage was 190,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10249729
Engine & cooling

I began to have issues w/engine and notified prior owner and advised me received notice of recall for head gasket, immediately called local dealer regarding recall and they claimed vehicle had been serviced already (in another state) and nothing they could do, but owner state that is false he owned vehicle at that time and he had never took in for service recall. In the meantime condition got worse, and now leaking water and head gasket needs replaced. The dealer won't service it, toyota customer care is...

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nonresponsive. All I get from them is email thanking me for concern and hope it was resolved, in the meantime I now don't have a vehicle to drive and can't afford to have it repaired. I could understand they not fixing it because of daily use or no warranty etc. But I have seen many many complaints on several web sites regarding the head gasket this engine. So it is an obvious issue they should at least look at if not repair. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10230000
SteeringCrash1 injury

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45 mph the steering column became inoperable which resulted in a crash. The vehicle ran off the road, rolled down a hill and a police report was filed. The driver was wearing a seatbelt and sustained injuries. The dealership was alerted however no repairs have been made.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10152431
Wheels & tires

Dt: the contact stated the tread separated from the left front tire. There were no noticeable problems or any vibrations with the tire prior to the incident. The manufacturer replaced all of the tires. Cooper tires acknowledged there was a problem with these tires. This incident caused extensive damage to the truck. *Ak

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10145471

Toyota Pickup: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
19975000BrakesB
19966010Acceleration & cruise controlC
199538452Engine & coolingF
1994102490Body, doors & structureF
199363471Body, doors & structureF
199256420Body, doors & structureF
199130360Engine & coolingF
199028311Engine & coolingF
198921320Body, doors & structureF
All Pickup years

1993 Toyota Pickup vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 1993 Toyota Pickup

Does the 1993 Toyota Pickup have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1993 Toyota Pickup: headlights (May 2009); headlights (August 2008); exterior lighting (March 2006); connecting (September 2005). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 1993 Toyota Pickup?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (19), seats & seat belts (10), brakes (8).

How many complaints has the 1993 Toyota Pickup had?

63 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 19, 1995 and the latest on August 4, 2020. Of these, 7 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1993 Toyota Pickup a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 3 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Toyota Pickup year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Toyota Pickup years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 1993 Toyota Pickup has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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