Toyota Tacoma Reliability Problems

Tacoma owners have made 981 complaints over 27 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 29th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models, with real body and engine concerns.

6 Common Toyota Tacoma Problems

A list of some of the most common issues Tacoma owners have to deal with.

  2. Bluetooth Echos During Calls

    What's the point of hands-free calling if you can't have a conversation without an annoying echo getting in the way? That's the position many 2016-2019 Toyota owners find themselves in as they struggle with their car's bluetooth connection.

    Continue reading article "Bluetooth Echos During Calls"

  4. Toyota Truck Frame Rust

    There are thousands of Toyota trucks and SUVs that are one stiff breeze away from turning into a pile of corroded dust. The automaker has been accused of not properly applying corrosion protection to their vehicles, leading to multiple laws…

    Continue reading article "Toyota Truck Frame Rust"

  5. Unintended Acceleration

    Toyota believes the problems are caused by stuck gas pedals or misplaced floor mats that trapped the gas pedals. Independent testing by NASA and other outside laboratories agreed with Toyota and concluded driver error was also a contributin…

    Continue reading article "Unintended Acceleration"

  6. Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires

    Somewhere in the mid-2000's there was an industry-wide push by automakers to replace plastic and glass-based wiring insulation with a more eco-friendly soy-based coating. It's biodegradable, commendable, and a complete disaster for owners. …

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires"

What Tacoma Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Tacoma Generations

The Tacoma has 3 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 2nd generation (2005–2015).

Tacoma Key Numbers

  1. 981 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 993 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 51 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Tacoma Class-Action Lawsuits

The Tacoma has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Adam B. Lawler Law Firm, LLC, et al., v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., et al.

    3:21-CV-00354

    1. Case Filed

      A Toyota Bluetooth echo class action lawsuit has been filed by an Illinois law firm which alleges the hands-free phone systems are defective in multiple Toyota models that were not initially equipped with Apple CarPlay and have not had a head unit replaced by Toyota.

    Problem
    Bluetooth Echos During Calls
    Class Vehicles
    • 4Runner
    • Avalon
    • Avalon HV
    • Camry
    • Camry HV
    • Highlander
    • Highlander HV
    • Prius
    • Prius V
    • Sequoia
    • Sienna
    • Tacoma
    • Tundra
    • Yaris
    Class Members
    Illinois Residents
    Location
    Illinois

  • Freeman, et al., v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. et al.

    1. Case Filed

      Toyota Bluetooth echo problems have caused a class action lawsuit that alleges when the driver of the Toyota uses the hands-free phone system to make or receive a call, the person on the other end of the call hears an echo of their own words.

    Problem
    Bluetooth Echos During Calls
    Class Vehicles
    • 2017-2018 4Runner
    • 2017-2018 Avalon
    • 2017-2018 Avalon Hybrid
    • 2016-2018 Highlander
    • 2016-2018 Highlander Hybrid
    • 2016-2018 Prius
    • 2016-2018 Prius V
    • 2016-2018 Sequoia
    • 2016-2018 Sienna
    • 2016-2018 Tacoma
    • 2016-2018 Tundra
    • 2018 Yaris
    Location
    Missouri

Recent Tacoma News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. A lawsuit wonders how Toyota can keep calling their bluetooth implementation "hands-free" when owners very much need to use their hands to prevent echos on each and every call.

    For years owners have complained about this issue, but Toyota's only suggestion has been to pickup the phone and turn it's volume all the way up after the call has been initiated. Oh, and also make sure the radio volume is below level 45. Sorta defeats the point, don't you think?…

    keep reading article "Illinois Lawsuit Says Toyota's Hands-Free Calling is Unusable"

  2. Defective master cylinders are being recalled in the 2018-2019 Tacoma to fix spongy brakes and longer stopping distances.

    About 44,000 model year 2018-2019 Tacoma master cylinder seals are defective due to manufacturing problems with the supplier. The master cylinder takes force from the pedal and converts it into hydraulic pressure that can be distributed to the brakes. But it needs brake fluid to build that pressure.

    No fluid, no pressure → no pressure, no brakes → no brakes, no fun.

    keep reading article "Tacoma Master Cylinder Recalled to Fix Spongy Brakes"

  6. There's a settlement on the horizon for owners of Toyota trucks with rusted out frames that are so holey, they make the Pope blush.

    The rusted frame class-action lawsuit may cost Toyota as much as $3.4 billion to replace truck frames that corrode and rust, making the frames a danger due to structural failures.

    The settlement covers former and current owners / lessees of the 2005-2012 Tacoma, 2007-2008 Tundra, and 2005-2008 Sequoia in the United States and its territories. Many of these trucks are one stiff breeze away from having their underbody turn to a pile of corroded dust. A fairness hearing will happen on 04/27/2017. If the judge approves the agreement, owners will have 60 days to submit claim forms and documentation.

    keep reading article "A Settlement Update for Rusted Toyota Frames"

  7. When Toyota switched away from using plastic or glass-based inulation in favor of soy, it invited in some very unwelcome Toyota loyalisits.

    According to the plaintiff, she learned the hard way about the soy wiring when her Avalon wouldn't start and a look under the hood showed wires chewed, so she had the car towed to a dealer. Toyota told her rodents had caused the damage and it would be no problem to repair the problems as long as she could cough up $6,000 to cover the bill.

    The soy-based wiring is allegedly attracting in rodents, who love to chew it up and use it for nesting material. The lawsuit, Heidi Browder vs. Toyota Motor Corporation, et al. follows a similar lawsuit filed against Honda earlier this year.

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says Toyota’s Use of Soy-Based Wiring is Attracting Rodent Damage"

  8. It's the season to be thankful

    – for family, for health, for leftover turkey sandwiches. And if that wasn't enough, Toyota owners now have another reason: Toyota might have to shell out some serious cash if your vehicle's frame is rusting out. Toyota has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit that says certain vehicles weren't protected with anti-rust chemicals at the factory. That leaves them susceptible to road salt and premature corrosion. If approved, the settlement is going to cost Toyota a lot of money. As in, $3.4 billion or so. Here's why.…

    keep reading article "Toyota Rusted Frame Settlement"

See All Tacoma News

What Owners Say About Their Tacoma

Water Leaks into Tacoma Cabins Through 3rd Brake Light

3rd brake light over torqued at factory resulting in defective seal and eventually cracked light fixture. This results not only in electrical issue but serious leaking into cabin - affecting rear seat, roof, and flooring. Leak noticed after rain storms and noticing wet floor/seats and damp floors.

2016 Tacoma Owner

Water Leaks into Tacoma Cabins Through 3rd Brake Light

Rain and car wash water will come in the cabin of the truck due to a lose rubber gasket that was not fitted properly to the truck bed light. I also had Toyota check for rust in the cabin once they took the piece off.

2016 Tacoma Owner in TX

Water Leaks into Tacoma Cabins Through 3rd Brake Light

Water came in through the back of the cab from the outside cab light I noticed it while going through a touchless drive through car wash. The water soaked through on the headliner and seat leaving a water stain and possible mold. I took the car in to a Toyota dealership and it was confirmed that the water was coming through the cab light on the outside of the truck. This problem was posted on Toyota's bulletin by other 2017 Tacoma owners.

2017 Tacoma Owner

Other Toyota Models