2021 Toyota Tacoma Complaint Log

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 electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer and have your vehicle inspected." The truck was rough idling and had no acceleration. I had the truck towed to dealership where it was purchased and upon diagnostic, it was determined that #3-cylinder injector was reading "Open Circuit" with code P020313. Being under warranty the dealership repaired the bad injector. No further issues until 4/22/26. On 4/22/26 with mileage at 48,361, I started my truck in my driveway and immediately recognized that the truck was rough idling and the Check Engine Light along with the Traction Control Light Off being on. The exact same message displayed on the screen as above, "A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer and have your vehicle inspected.". The truck was towed back to the same dealership and upon diagnostic the same issue of #3-cylinder injector "open circuit" with code P020313 was revealed. It was recommended to replace the bad #3-cylinder injector and also recommended to go ahead and replace all of the spark plugs. The total repair bill we be ~$2600 when I go to pick it up in 3 days. This is not just a coincidence that the exact same #3-cylinder injector has gone bad at 1,332 miles and then again at 48,361 miles. Seems to be a connection between the injector going bad and the issues that they have had with the High Pressure Fuel Pumps. Toyota needs to acknowledge this problem.

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 severe rusting and corrosion. Its recommended before they rust through and break/leak.

FRONT RADAR RECALL- NO BACK COVER AND GOES DEFECTIVE

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 after the failure. The driver was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle to the dealer. While at the dealer the vehicle was test driven and the failure was acknowledged. The vehicle was then diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired but remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

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 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 contact pulled over into a church parking lot. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

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.

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 Oaks, CA 91401); the contact was informed about the coolant leak in the rear of the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The vehicle was diagnosed with a coolant leak, and the starter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

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

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(High-Pressure Fuel Pump – Low Pressure Fuel Seepage). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

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 contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that sound was coming from the fuel pump. The dealer informed the contact that the sound was normal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

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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 truck. I have been having braking issues for about a year.

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 dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part was not under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

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 point in the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine. The failed component is still in the vehicle and can be inspected upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A coolant leak from this component can lead to engine overheating, which could cause sudden engine failure while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. Since the leak is not easily visible under the hood, a driver may not notice the issue until significant overheating occurs, potentially leaving them stranded in unsafe conditions. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue was confirmed by the dealership after an inspection. They identified the coolant bypass hose/joint as the source of the leak. Many users on the forum TacomaWorld have also experienced the same issue with their vehicles. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected by the dealership, but it has not been inspected by Toyota directly, the police, or an insurance representative. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages indicating a problem. The only symptom was a small puddle of coolant on the ground a week after purchasing the vehicle. Upon further inspection, a trail of coolant was observed running down onto the passenger side of the transmission bell housing. Would've costed me 1,000 dollars if didn't have warranty.

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 I had to use the emergency brake or else vehicle would move into oncoming traffic. I consulted a mechanic, and it was diagnosed as a bad brake master cylinder. This vehicle has only 51,000 miles on it, being a 2021 model. The brake pads themselves were checked and they are fine. I replaced the master cylinder and it fixed the issue, but I wouldn't expect this unsafe condition to already be happening to this vehicle, especially this early in life. Toyota must have defective brake master cylinders.

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

Toyota addressed this issue with the frame paint peeling off long ago but they have not launched a customer support program to solve the problem yet. When we reached their Brand Engagement center line (1-888-270-9371) and they do not provide a hard or estimated date to launch the repair program. The vehicle was already inspected by Round Rock Tx Toyota service (PDF page) certifying the issue is a manufacturer responsibility. Please take care of this situation promptly.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was driven to the destination. The contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir and discovered that the power steering fluid reservoir was empty. In addition, the contact became aware that the rubber boots on each side of the power steering rack were soaked with power steering fluid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering rack failure. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

I was idling in line for food when I noticed my thermostat gauge going slightly higher in temp. All of a sudden I hear a loud hissing sound and smoke coming off of the engine as well as a chemical burn smell. I pulled over to the side in fear that a fire could potentially start. After some research I’ve concluded that it is the rear coolant bypass joint. It was a high stress situation where my family was in my vehicle. Please look into this!

My vehicle was hit on the door frame and rear door on the driver's side by someone who ran a red light.

Rear spring excessive wear at 66,000 miles and needed to be replaced. Both sides worn but left more than the right

Driving at approximately 55 mph and dash lights started flickering, radio went off, reset to 530 (am radio). Vehicle started sputtering and slowing down in traffic and completely shut down. Lost all power and coasted to side of road. I had no or little control of vehicle. I have "connected services" that was to warn me about mechanical and electrical failures and no warning of this happening. This enrollment was to give me "services designed to help keep you safe, secure and in control of your Tacoma from almost anywhere". "brand engagement center" not concerned of the incident. Apparently two and half year old battery failed. Replaced by myself.

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 tacoma with the V6 as well.

The cabin vent system appears to have a design defect, specifically the passenger-side vent located in the back of the cabin. This component is available for inspection upon request. The dealership, Santa Cruz Toyota, has declined to replace the part despite acknowledging the issue. The concern lies in the vent's design, as it allows water to enter the cabin instead of just expelling air. The water intrusion caused by this malfunction poses a safety risk in two ways. First, the presence of water on the floor increases the chance of an electrical fire due to the numerous electrical wires running underneath. Second, mildew spores can grow on the wet undercarpet padding, creating a health hazard. This problem has been confirmed by Santa Cruz Toyota, and we have video evidence to support the claim. While Santa Cruz Toyota has inspected the vehicle, our request for a direct inspection from the manufacturer, Toyota, has not been successful. There weren't any warning lights or messages prior to the failure. However, the issue became apparent after the heavy rains of 2023 in California, when we discovered water accumulated under the passenger-side carpet padding.

While driving on a freeway I step down on the as needed I got a message on my dash board that my braking power is low Stop in a safe place and see Owen's manual, A few seconds later I lost my brakes I have to use my hand brak to stop, came to a complete stop and called a tow truck, upon arrival the tow truck driver inspected my truck and realized there were brake fluid leaking out of my back drum, I took it in for a check up and I was told that my brake fluid is coming out of my braking cylinder, I checked for a recall I don't see it for my truck year but see it a the truck that's a few year older.

The paint is starting to peel on the passenger fender. It is on the inside of where the hood gap is in a area that is not exposed to rock chips or would be susceptible to external damage. It is also located right next to where the rubber bump stop is to prevent the hood from contacting the fender so it would be impossible for the hood to cause the issue and since the hood has no signs of chipping or rubbing in that area.

High-pressure and low pressure fuel pumps. Yes it is available for inspection. The truck cannot maintain posted, speed limit, causing a potential rear end collision. I reported the problem they replaced the high-pressure fuel pump for free and then said the low pressure fuel pump needs replaced the truck only has 40,000 miles. I think there’s a defect in this part that could cause lots of accidents. Check engine light is flashing and the ATC light comes on, the engine starts to sputter and cannot maintain speed.

I was about to park. press the break pedal in order to move gear to Parking. However, My Tacoma accelerated and I was unable to control it. Finally, it stop after hitting a tree.

Could feel and hear the front passenger seat (including the supplemental restraint system airbag) and seat belt move side to side and making a noise. I took the vehicle to Toyota of Denton, in Denton Texas for evaluation. Here is what they found from the service manager's email "Yours will need the seat frame replaced. The seat was removed, we found the seat track has play in it and is non serviceable meaning it comes as an assembly and you can not get individual parts for it. The estimate is $2234.28 and the part would take 3-4 weeks to come in as it is on back order. Keep in mind, that time can change along the way, but that is the current ETA. If you want to proceed with the repair, you would need to pre pay for the part and the diagnostic. The total repair would be reduced by the amount prepaid. I did reach out to Toyota and there would be no goodwill offered for this repair. It was just purchased and the selling dealer is who I would recommend you ask them for assistance. Please let me know how you would like to proceed." This same type of issue is found on from multiple owners. How many passenger seat frames have been replaced on 2019-2023 Tacomas, thousands? This is a huge safety issue effecting the safety of the seatbelt and airbag of the front passenger occupant. What is worse TOYOTA Motor Corp. refuses to honor their own SRS fully transferable 5 year - 60,000 mile warranties. leaving owners of these vehicles to pay for the cost on their own or worse driving a vehicle with loose seats, airbags, airbag sensors, and front passenger seat belts. The NHTSA needs to conduct an immediate full safety recall of all 2019-2023 Toyota Tacoma loose passenger seats due to factory defect faulty seat frames, which directly bolt the front passenger seat belt, airbag, and safety sensors to the vehicle. The NHTSA additionally needs to investigate SRS warranty fraud conducted by Toyota Motor Corp, for failing to uphold their own published SRS warranties

Vehicle was in car accident where airbags did not deploy.

Auto Emergency Braking has gotten extremely dangerous and locking breaks when nothing is in front of me. Always while in cruise control mode. On long extended highways, the truck will randomly slam on the brakes and skid the back tires. It has happened 6 times now. This most recent one made us slide into the next lane and I had to turn the truck into a field (~20mph) after the truck brakes went off. To avoid on coming traffic. There was a car turning around half a mile ahead and was nowhere close. Additionally, a severe issue of premature rust and degradation is occurring on the truck. 13,000 miles and the bottom looks like it's been on the road for several years.

I went to my regular Maintenace appt at my local Toyota dealer Newton, NJ on 3/10/2023. They told me that it would be about $700 or more for my 2021 Toyota Tacoma boot leak and an alignment. I was told that it was due me hitting potholes. I did not agree with their opinion, and i was annoyed. They acted weird as well. But i told them to fix it anyway. So they ordered the parts. Much later they said boot leak was under warranty, but just to pay for alignment. I was not happy with the pothole accusation. Thank God the boot leak was covered! I have been taking in my Toyota Tacoma in every 5,000-6,500 miles as suggested. Please keep me informed of any recalls. They fixed boot and alignment on March 15 2023.

I have experienced short periods with my Tacoma accelerating when my foot wasn't on the gas pedal. The floor mat was pinned down correctly and not in the way. I was turning left and my truck started to speed up like the gas was being pressed. I had to hit the brakes as a red light was coming and vehicles were stopped at the Red light. I have also had another issue with the truck not responding when the pedal was pressed all the way down and the truck wouldn't speed up at all for a few seconds.

- Engine throttle went into wide open throttle causing the Unintended acceleration in traffic - The truck was doing about 45mph the passing gear came on and a second I was doing 60mph I quickly applied full pressure on the brakes and the car did not slow down at all, the truck failed to STOP or slow down and was getting closer to the vehicle in front, it was in the Expressway. My only thought was too press the ON OFF button and instantly shut down the passing gear and slowed down. _ The vehicle was dropped of at the dealer for 2-weeks and was inspected no problem found. - There were no warning lamps messages on the screen or voice message at all. I am afraid to drive this vehicle it became a runaway wild horse. If I didn`t react in milliseconds i would of hit the car in front at a high rate of speed causing damage to everyone. I took pictures after right after having full control of the truck. All the record of my complaints of the Tacomas drive train started more than 1 1/2 years ago the records are the facts of Toyotas negligence. I have total fear and don`t trust this truck with my life. Please check the recorded dealer is Doral Toyota and you can speak with the Service manager [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

When filling truck at any gas pump or station the pump will not shut off before shoots out from filling port. Gasoline will shoot onto my hand and clothing if at full flow at pump. I have adapted to slow pump to trickle at 11-12 gallons or near full. It will still eject gasoline but less amount and less velocity. Has been evaluated at dealer but they noted two other Tacomas do same so noted not a problem. This is my first vehicle that has ever done this. If I was a smoker this would be huge fire risk if gasoline gets on my clothing. This is not normal.

This vehicle stalled while driving. It would totally shut off. Once at 75 mph no warning just shut off. Had a cylinder misfire according to dealership. On 2 other occasions it shut off while driving. On those occasions I was backing up out of a driveway and driving slow on a drive. So very slow speeds. On those 2 occasions it had engine stall codes according to dealership. I filed a lemon law claim and because it didn’t stall in the 58 miles the tech drove it Tamara Clear from gulf states determined there’s no evidence it stalls despite the local Toyota dealership having stall codes in their notes. Tamara clear also didn’t comply with Arkansas lemon law and respond within 40 days. She took longer because she’s overwhelmed with cases according to her. Each time the vehicle totally shut off while driving it had master warning lights, charging system lights, oil fluid temp lights, all of it. I took pics but Toyota didn’t care about that either Potentially fatal. And they expected me to drive around with a 6 year old in it

Defect in windshield consisting of thousands of tiny bubbles in the laminate which cause the windshield to become slightly opaque in direct sunlight or bright oncoming headlights. Dealer insists this is rock strikes. Toyota says the windshield is out of warranty. This defect began to appear at about 40,000 miles and is getting worse. (Vehicle is now at 54,000 mi.) I have seen other Toyotas (a RAV4 for one) with this defect. A definite safety issue, especially in bright sunlight.

The subject vehicle left roadway and impacted a tree in a pure frontal impact. The front seat passenger airbag failed to deploy. An 11 year old child was seated and properly belted in the front passenger seat. The child was killed as a result of blunt force trauma to his head when his head struck the front dash structure. In addition, the belted occupant seated behind the front passenger seat, while properly belted, impacted the rear of the front passenger seat and the seat deformed forward, limiting the ride down space for the front passenger seat occupant. The other three occupants in the subject Toyota Tacoma suffered non-life threatening injuries.

I was in a severe T-none car accident and the airbags did not deploy. The power restrain activated, the seat locked in place but no airbag deployment. The car that hit me was going at aprox. 50-60MPH. I could have died and so could have my 11 & 6 year old passengers. My sister got cought in between the cabin space and the impacted door.

My vehicle stalls (won't accelerate and rough idle) forcing you to roll off the highway without warning. This has happened multiple times while in cruise control going up steep hills. It shows engine misfire and check engine. I took it to the dealer multiple times and it was determined to be bad gas. I and my insurance company paid for this dealer (Hatch Toyota Show Low AZ) for complete clean and replacement of the entire fuel system. Now 5 months later it is doing it again. The safety issue is the stalling in the middle of the highway where there is no way to get out of the way of traffic. I made sure I bought good gas by paying extra money at a new Chevron gas station with new in ground tanks. But dealer claims bad gas again. That is a separate issue.

The accelerator on my truck suddenly accelerates without warning at highway speeds 60MPH and above, as well as residential speeds of 25+ MPH. It also accelerates when coming up to a stop sign and you are slowing down. The Toyota dealership said they were unable to reproduce or duplicate the problem. It is very frightening when it happens because it lasts between 4-5 seconds if you do not apply the brakes hard. There has not been any warning lights or anything that comes up on the dash board.

Vehicle purchased less than year ago. Vehicle has approximately 10,000 miles on it. I am on my second rear differential replacement. The original and the first replacement were both making a whining noise. Dealer inspected and found metal shavings in both. There are numerous complaints of similar situation on Tacoma owner websites. A new vehicle that is less than a year old should not be on its 3rd rear differential. A failure of the rear differential at high speed or in congested traffic could have catastrophic consequences for occupants as well as any other nearby vehicles.

Another vehicle turned left in front of the Toyota, resulting in a head-on collision at about 30 mph. The forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems did not engage and the airbags did not deploy. Police report has not been completed by GRPD as of today (6/1/2022).

The truck will accelerate on its own during highway speeds of 60+ MPH and residential 25+ MPH. Also accelerates when coming up to a stop sign causing me to almost hit a child in a crosswalk. There was no cruise control engaged during the incidents. I took it into the Autonation toyota dealership twice and they said they could not reproduce and or duplicate the problem. It is very frightening when it happens as it lasts between 4-5 seconds if you do not apply the brakes hard. There has not been any warning lights or anything that comes up on the dash board.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that brake lines, brake pads, and brake rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,400.

in traffic engine surges at times,going from 1200 to 3500 rpm's very dangerous, afraid to drive , wife refuses to drive it, naturally the dealer says NO PROBLEMS, that truck will last 300.000, at 3000 miles in seven months ,thinking about trading it in, dealers tell me I must repair the engine knocking noise, I didn't tell them about the revving up part, very unhappy ,have owned Toyota's never had problems !!

I was rear ended in my Tacoma and then hit at about 30-35mph in the front driver side. No air bags deployed anywhere in the vehicle and the driver head rest that was fully installed went flying out of the seat. Vehicle is currently waiting to be inspected by insurance representatives.

PCS malfunction, VSC malfunctions, Data transmitter for codes to dealership doesn't work, Transmisson jerk/lost in gears, from stop to go would jerk into gear, hot air comes out of steering wheel (video proof), air coming through window controls. when the Pre-collision system had its malfunction the truck took complete control which gave me no access to breaks or gas, when PCS system kicked off truck jerked really hard & started accelerating on its own causing very high RPMs then just stopped accelerating. Transmission would occasionally seem to have an improper shift & jerk. I took my vehicle to Toyota of Denton for the 5k service, & stated issues with the PCS & VSC malfunctions shown on the dashbord. Denton Dealership said don't worry we will take care of it. The itemized reciept doesn't show issues were looked at; & I kept having the same issues. So I took my truck back to the Denton dealership 2nd time & was told "no malfunction light so no ssues were there" by the Service Manager. who also said "the truck sends malfunction codes to a computer at the dealership, but no codes were sent." Which made me feel like there was more wrong with the truck, including electronics, data sender/reciever, & vehicle alert system relay via dash board aswell. Contacted Corp. Informing them of my issues & concerns making it the 3rd time trying to resolve ongoing issues & requested a field inspector from Corp. look at it instead of a dealership. When complaining to Corp. I stated hot air comes from the steering wheel after 1 hr driving it. Field inspector only drove it 45 miles & said nothings wrong with it. I drove this truck for 8,557 & he didnt find anything wrong in the little 45 mile test; yet the black box showed several pending codes on my truck & also the inspectors truck which is the same year & model. Black box data shows pending code on 1/12/21, 4 days before I acquired it; none again until 2/6/21 & then pending codes AT LEAST twice a month until 11/22/21. BBD pic proof