Toyota Tacoma
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

I have a 2026 Toyota Tacoma 850 miles on it. I had a problem at about 200 miles that the transmition started to shutter or vibrate as it was slowing down around 26 miles an hour to 10 not exactly that every time but close and as it slowed down it had this distinct vibration or shutter under 5 miles an hour it shifted and it smoothed out. I took it Toyota to my dealer their response was that it was a" normal characteristic of the vehicle" my issue is I don't think a normal characteristic of the vehicle is necessarily an intended way the transmission was supposed to work. I would like to know if The manufacture intended this to operate like that or is it a defect If it's a defect then it could cause at lease major repairs or even an accident.

My 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro (VIN [XXX] , delivered 02/28/2026, purchased from Delaney Toyota, DuBois PA) has exhibited a recurring Smart Key and door lock malfunction beginning at approximately 250 miles and continuing through at least 1,814 miles as of March 18, 2026. Symptoms observed: Doors locking autonomously without any input while occupants are entering or exiting the vehicle System falsely detecting the key fob as being inside the vehicle when it is in the owner's pocket outside, causing the truck to refuse to lock Touch-lock refusal at the door handle Random single beeps while the vehicle is parked and locked with no corresponding lock movement Dashboard warning "Key Not Detected" with audible alert while vehicle was in motion (March 18, 2026, approximately 11:06 AM) Dashboard warning "Key Not Detected" with audible alert while attempting to start the vehicle (March 18, 2026, approximately 2:30 PM) Safety concern: On March 18, 2026, a Toyota Brand Engagement Center case manager (case #XXX) confirmed on a recorded call that if the vehicle loses key fob detection while driving and is subsequently shut off, there is a possibility it will not restart even if the owner holds the fob directly to the start button. This creates a real stranding risk on public roads. Additional facts: This defect has never generated a diagnostic trouble code across multiple service visits A full-day diagnostic on March 9, 2026 (RO #XXX) produced no fault codes Immediately after that diagnostic, the vehicle autonomously locked out two Delaney Toyota employees on dealership property — witnessed by the dealership's General Sales Manager and a Product Specialist The identical defect appeared on a prior vehicle, a 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro (VIN [XXX] ), which was traded in February 2026 with the defect unresolved after three service visits Toyota Corporate case #XXX is currently open INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air Bags (Driver and Passenger Curtain Airbags) no other airbags deployed. Been in repair since 3/8/26. Currently 4/21/26. Insurance already sent Body Shop money. Parts on National Backorder and Manufacturer Switch has not been determined yet by Toyota. Truck will not be released back to me until the repair is completed per email. I need adequate transportation provided to continue going to and from work. My insurance has maxed its coverage and cannot extend. I should not be out of pocket more than I already am while waiting on a part that is not in my control. Accident: I hydroplaned and ended in a ditch after going over a T-Intersection. Air bags went off and vehicle was drivable after. Submitted a claim to insurance and here we are.

I got into a head-on collision with a cement center median going roughly 45-50MPH after fishtailing on black ice. My airbags did not deploy at that speed, I contact toyota corporate and they only removed the CDR information and did not assess the airbag sensors themselves. I was able to press the SOS button for EMS to arrive. My safety was put at risk as none of my airbags deployed. It was not inspected by my insurance company and was taken to an automotive shop to be repaired. No prior warning systems were enacted,

On February 16 I started my vehicle to drive home from work and the vehicle threw multiple error codes and shutdown while driving and would not start again. It was towed to the dealership. The dealership advised the problem was remedied. 11 days later the same problem occurred, vehicle threw multiple error codes and shutdown while driving. Vehicle needed to be towed again to the dealership.

Oil cap went loosed and fell off after a few hundred miles of driving. This is a very common thing in 2023 Toyota tacoma.

Deep knocking noise they call the taco tick is actually the a problem with the motor. There is an issue valve train and timing chain, tensioners and pulleys. Toyota USA decide to tell all consumers it’s just the way they sound. So they do not have to repair millions of these trucks on recall they refuse to repair under manufacture warranty or power train warranty they wait until it becomes the consumers problem

On June 20, 2025, my 2023 Toyota Tacoma (VIN [XXX] ed a sudden loss of effective braking during normal driving conditions (dry roadway, clear weather). The vehicle was being driven by my adult son. While slowing for a turn, the instrument cluster displayed a Pre-Collision System (PCS) malfunction warning and a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) warning. The Driver applied the brake pedal continuously, but the vehicle did no decelerate as expected. ABS did not activate, and braking effectiveness was insufficient. During braking, the driver experienced reduced steering responsiveness. In order to avoid entering a busy roadway without adequate braking capability, the driver applied maximum steering input, fully loading the left side of the steering wheel with as much force as possible in an attempt to redirect the vehicle. Any reduction in speed occurred primarily due to the change in direction and tire to road friction, not effective braking. The vehicle was towed to a Toyota dealership. Dealer intake records document a PCS warning and no brakes upon arrival. Event Data Recorder (EDR/CDR) data shows continuous brake pedal application for approximately 5 seconds prior to the event, accelerator at 0%, and brake system hydraulic pressure reaching approximately 12.14 MPa (maximum recorded). Despite this, the vehicle did not stop as expected. No frontal crash pulse recorded. Toyota Motor North America later denied responsibility, asserting incorrect vehicle speed and stating that a CARFAX report indicated prior front-end damage. The CARFAX vehicle history report, dealer purchase disclosures, and service records show no reported accidents or damage. Toyota declined to provide brake system ECU logs (ABS/VSC/brake control modules). This incident raises concerns regarding a potential safety defect involving electronically controlled braking and its interaction with PCS stability control systems. Supporting documentation available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V152000 (Power Train). The contact became aware of a weld splatter and that the nuts were rusted. The dealer marked the vehicle repaired; however, the contact stated that the repair was not completed. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where the nuts and bolts were replaced. The contact stated that the torque spec was incorrect. The dealer provided a video of the work order for the repair. The dealer informed the contact that rust could develop on the nuts. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 21,303.

On November 14, 2025, at approximately 0200 hours, in Fresno, California, I was driving southbound on Highway 99 at approximately 70 mph using cruise control. It was raining heavily at the time, and visibility was significantly reduced. I was traveling in the middle lane when I suddenly felt what I believed to be an impact on the driver side of my vehicle. Due to the weather conditions, I was unable to visually identify what struck the vehicle. Immediately prior to this event, I noticed faint headlights in lane 1 (fast lane), but I could not determine whether that vehicle made contact with mine. At the moment of the perceived impact, the side curtain airbags deployed unexpectedly. I initially thought the deployment was a collision with another vehicle because the force felt like a physical impact. Once the curtain airbags deployed, I immediately lost control of the vehicle. Steering became impossible, and the vehicle veered off the roadway, ultimately coming to a stop on an embankment adjacent to the highway. California Highway Patrol officers responded to the scene, took my statement, and inspected the vehicle. They reported no exterior body damage consistent with a collision. The following day, I visited the tow yard and conducted a daylight inspection of the vehicle, confirming that there was no visible impact damage on the body panels or exterior surfaces. After the on-scene investigation, the vehicle was towed, and the responding officer provided me with a courtesy ride. As a result of the incident, I sustained minor injuries, including whiplash, road rash on my left shoulder and upper forearm, and soreness in my neck. This event involved unexpected deployment of side curtain airbags without any confirmed collision, leading to loss of vehicle control, roadway departure, and driver injury. I am submitting this complaint for investigation into potential airbag or sensor malfunction.

61/2 INCH SCREEN WENT BLANK on start up. Did not reappear until I got home and stopped and restarted car engine. Have on occasions there is no tire pressure showing when i checked that screen.

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced due to an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer gauge failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the instrument panel had a factory defect. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the rack and pinion recently failed. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the right and the left independently while driving with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Passenger side windshield washer nozzle sprays the lower part of the hood. Only a little of the stream reaches the windshield. Outcome is that dust, grime, debris typically smear on passenger side of the windshield. This causes reduced visibility. Truck is a Toyota Certified Pre-Owned (TPO) delivered 18Mar24 at 13K miles. Washer nozzle problem has been existent since delivery. Repair request was made at first oil change. Unlike many other brands & makes, the nozzle can't be re-aimed by simple bending. Problem could be solved by using a nozzle with a lower "aim," or some sort of adjustment. Nozzle part is difficult for car owner to remove and replace.

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon refueling, the fuel gauge indicated that there was 1/8 tank full, even though the fuel tank was full. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,700.

Engine began making abnormal ticking noise, heard primarily on the passenger side of vehicle. Upon removal of valve cover for inspection, found that there are chunks of camshafts breaking off causing the noise. Appears to be a manufacturing defect. Local dealer said they have seen this issue before. This issue could result in catastrophic engine failure and/or loss of power and cause a crash. My truck has 70k miles on it, regularly maintained and operated.

This vehicle thermostat and sensor system are faulty! My sensor started lighting up within a year and half after purchasing. Engine was not overheating at first, they said it will eventually happen and it did; all dealers said to replace but I was out of 360000 miles due to commute to Seattle. This vehicle is less then 3 years old and should have this item listed specifically in power train warranty since connected to engine directly. If engine overheats it is no longer usable and truck is useless! Engine warranty if this is a know issue from Toyota dealerships. Contacted 3-4 dealerships in the state of WA and all had known of issue. One dealer stated anything from 2020 to current has had thermostat issues. This is serious concern knowing the engine can seize up! Their thermostat and sensor should not be a combined item in my opinion. Please advise and or confirm this is an issue that should be looked into. If the engine overheats then the vehicle could cause an accident! This is a huge safety risk that can be avoided! I work and make it from paycheck to paycheck this was very expensive to fix and had to paid out of pocket. Please help others be aware of situation!

The owner and operator of the vehicle, stated that they were driving the vehicle on the Interstate when they noticed white smoke and ashes emanating from the steering column. They pulled into the parking lot to investigate and opened the hood to see no smoke or fire. When they returned to the passenger compartment, the smoke turned black in color, and they observed fire emanating from the steering column. I am the Lead Fire Investigator on this incident for the Edmond Fire Department. The electrical components in the area observed with fire contained electrical arc sites and melting. No other accidental heat sources were present, and natural causes and human involvement were ruled out as well. Incident number is [XXX] in Edmond, OK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Driver's door unlatched during the winter (January 2025) while stopping at an intersection. The incident repeated yesterday April 19, 2025, while driving on the freeway and turning right. The door partially opened and a warning light appeared on the dashboard. Reduced speed / stopped, to be able to completely open the door and close again. The vehicle has approximately 25,200 miles. Vehicle is being taken to a Toyota dealer to have the door latch inspected and to try to reproduce the failure mode. No explanation needed on why a door unlatching on its own, while cruising on a freeway, is a safety risk to the driver and others.

Exploded sunroof with no apparent debris hitting it. No vehicles around and clear sky’s. Dealer said that something most have hit it and suggested I use comprehensive part of insurance. The assembly and slide was damaged while trying to clear glass. First estimate is $4,165. Reports that even though windshield was not damaged, this also needs replaced and recalibrated. Sounds strange to replace a windshield when there is no damage to it. Upwards break suggest explosion and not hit with debris.

ONLY 1 catalytic converter cover is on my truck. This could cause a fire in tall grass or combustible areas. Not everyone goes to parks for picnics or parties where there is taller grasses. This could start a forest fire if the weather is just hot and dry. Every Car or truck I owned with a catalytic converter had a cover on each of them. Dealer said that's the way it came from the factory. Doing some research the cover was missing on the right side of other trucks. Mine is missing the Left drivers side. Please advise, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)