2021 Toyota Tacoma: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Toyota Tacoma? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 72 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2021 Toyota Tacoma trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program4 variants tested — showing 2021 Toyota TACOMA PU/CC 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
19.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
19.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma has 72 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Tacoma
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 72
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 22
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Toyota Tacoma Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, brakes, and engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues during test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, brakes, and engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Toyota Tacoma, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, brake system, and engine, though the total number of complaints is low. Crash-related complaints are few, and there are no recalls for this model year.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most reported issue.
- Brake system and engine problems each account for a notable share of complaints.
- Forward collision avoidance (AEB) and airbag malfunctions also appear in the data.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues
- Brake System problems
- Engine Problems
All 2021 Toyota Tacoma Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 5 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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…
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…
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 …
FRONT RADAR RECALL- NO BACK COVER AND GOES DEFECTIVE
When vehicle is driven at 85 mph (cruise control set) speedometer jolts. Speed must be reduced to 84 to resolve issue.
Vehicle was in car accident where airbags did not deploy.
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…
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.
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.
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(…
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…
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…
AC compressor pressure release discharges gas. Dealer states new compressor needed. Vehicle is only 4 years old.
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…
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…
N/A
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…
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…
2021 Toyota Tacoma OR coolant bypass joint leaks at only 47800 miles. The cost of repair is $1490.36
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…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 72 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?▾
#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?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 72 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?▾
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?▾
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Toyota Tacoma based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.