Complaint 2219633

Complaint Summary

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owner Narrative

The interior driver-side door handle/release mechanism on my 2025 SR5 Toyota Tacoma failed without warning. The vehicle has low mileage and was being used normally. When attempting to open the driver door from the inside using ordinary force, an internal component appears to have detached or broken, leaving the interior handle completely inoperative. The handle simply hangs loose. Vehicle and failed component are available for inspection. This defect creates a significant safety risk because I cannot exit the vehicle through the driver door from inside the cabin. The only way to exit is to roll down the window, reach backward, and pull the exterior door handle. This requires an awkward twisting motion and causes shoulder pain. In an emergency such as a crash, fire, or water intrusion event, my ability to quickly exit the vehicle could be compromised. The defect also affects my ability to care for my young son, who has a medical condition and may require immediate assistance or rescue medication. If an emergency occurred while driving, I could be delayed in reaching him because I cannot promptly exit through the driver door as designed. A Toyota dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed the failed interior door handle mechanism. However, the replacement part is on national backorder and unavailable. I was informed repairs will likely take more than a month and that the waiting list reportedly exceeds 2,000 vehicles. Numerous Tacoma owners have reported the same failure, suggesting a widespread defect. Despite reports of widespread failures and lengthy repair delays, there has been no recall, service campaign, or proactive communication from Toyota warning owners of the defect or providing guidance while awaiting repairs. There were no warning lights, messages, or advance symptoms before the failure. The handle functioned normally until it suddenly stopped working during routine use. The defect occurred without misuse, excessive force, collision, or damage.

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.