Severe Issues

2021 TOYOTA TACOMA Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. This model year has 72 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.

72
Complaints
9
Crashes
β€”
Fires
15
Injuries
1
Deaths
β€”
Recalls

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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2021 Toyota Tacoma Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
13
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#2
12
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

#3
11
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:2
Injuries:2

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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Transmission / Drivetrain13β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues12β€”β€”β€”
Brake System112β€”β€”
Engine Problems11β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB83β€”β€”
Electrical Faults7β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions75β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System6β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems51β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration5β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects3β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure3β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System3β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline3β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues32β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues21β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

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Showing 72 most recent complaints

Fuel/Propulsion SystemApr 23, 2026

After I purchased my 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport with 4 miles on it and at 1,332 miles on 11/26/21, the Check Engine light with Traction Control Off light came on while I was driving. I immediately pulled over and on the truck media screen it read this: "A malfunction in the ele…

Brake SystemMar 9, 2026

when I push the brake pedal, it goes to the floor. I have had the brakes and master cylinder replaced. after about one month the brakes started failing again. I am going to take it back to the mechanic to have them re-evaluate the brakes. No kind of official has inspected my truc…

Steering DefectsFeb 26, 2026

There are three concerns in this write up: at 117000 miles the blind spot monitoring system has fails and will cost $300 to repair. More concerning is that it was recommended I replace the Power Steering Lines at a cost of $927 and the Transmission Lines at a cost of $797 due to …

Forward Collision Avoidance: AEBFeb 5, 2026

FRONT RADAR RECALL- NO BACK COVER AND GOES DEFECTIVE

Electrical FaultsDec 30, 2025

When vehicle is driven at 85 mph (cruise control set) speedometer jolts. Speed must be reduced to 84 to resolve issue.

Airbag MalfunctionsDec 30, 2025

Vehicle was in car accident where airbags did not deploy.

Fuel SystemDec 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle stalled with the engine oil warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that her husband detected a fuel odor coming from the vehicle…

Electrical FaultsNov 28, 2025

Heated seat stopped working after smelling a slight burning smell. I investigate and found discolored and burnt electrical connections on the heated seat wires. This happened on the driver's seat. I'm worried the same thing could happen on the passenger side.

Brake SystemNov 20, 2025

truck is under 20 thousand miles right front brake shoes are loose and not in place. the whole brake assembly is completely rusted .brake lines are leaking.

Fuel SystemNov 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced extended cranking on cold start. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Toyota Campaign Number: 23TE01(…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, after depressing the accelerator pedal and then attempting to depress the brake pedal to make a left turn, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. An independent mechanic was contacted. The co…

Engine ProblemsSep 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that there was a coolant leak, and the coolant level in the reservoir was low. The coolant reservoir was topped off; however, the failure reoccurred. While having an oil change at Keys Toyota (5855 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman O…

Uncategorized IssuesSep 22, 2025

AC compressor pressure release discharges gas. Dealer states new compressor needed. Vehicle is only 4 years old.

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 16, 2025

Transmission constantly seeking a gear usually 5th to 6th while using Cruize control. At times over-reving to near redline. End up having to manuall downshift to fourth back and fourt to drive. End up shifting more frequently that would if driving my mauual 6 speed transmission t…

Fuel SystemApr 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the fuel pump was very noisy while having a routine oil change at an independent mechanic. There was an abnormal clacking sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contac…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 19, 2025

N/A

Engine ProblemsFeb 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the contact raised the hood to inspect the engine and became aware that the coolant bypass valve was leaking coolant. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to a de…

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 21, 2025

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The "coolant bypass hose/joint" (Part #: 16356-31051) located at the rear of the engine, connecting the two heads, failed. This part is made of plastic and is known to be a weak…

Engine ProblemsDec 3, 2024

2021 Toyota Tacoma OR coolant bypass joint leaks at only 47800 miles. The cost of repair is $1490.36

Brake SystemOct 16, 2024

When stopping vehicle (for instance, at a stop light), vehicle would stop normally when pressing the brakes, but after a few seconds, the vehicle would start forward again. The brake pedal would give way and press down further, stopping briefly before starting forward again - so…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.

Recalls for 2021 Toyota Tacoma

0 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.

2021 Toyota Tacoma β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has 72 NHTSA owner complaints, 9 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Transmission / Drivetrain (13 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?β–Ύ

#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (13 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (12 complaints). #3: Brake System (11 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?β–Ύ

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has 9 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 72 total NHTSA complaints. 15 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?β–Ύ

No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Tacoma?β–Ύ

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Transmission / Drivetrain issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Toyota Tacoma reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2021 Toyota Tacoma

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.