2018 Toyota Tacoma Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Toyota Tacoma, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system6625.9%
- Brakes4818.8%
- Powertrain (other)2911.4%
- Driver assistance2911.4%
- Engine2710.6%
- Body & structure176.7%
- Electrical145.5%
- Steering62.4%
- Suspension62.4%
- Visibility41.6%
- Airbags31.2%
- Seat belts20.8%
- Exterior lighting20.8%
- Interior & seats20.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
2018 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD Double Cab, 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS). At about 87,000 miles the check engine light came on with code P11EC, Cylinder 1 Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance (Port). Cylinder 1 failed compression. Leakdown and coolant tests had passed earlier; borescope did not show heavy scoring. The Toyota dealer said replacing the direct injectors would fix compression (quote about $4,499). After the dealer injector repair, cylinder 1 was still 124 psi (spec about 142-180 psi), so it did not fix compression. The dealer then quoted $11,778 for a short block (+$500 incidentals) and $14,238 for an engine assembly that was not new (about 45,000 miles on the replacement discussed); adding injectors again put the short-block path at about $16,278. I was steered toward buying a new truck and had the injector work reversed because it did not fix what they said it would. Toyota Brand Engagement Center reviewed the case, called the dealer, took VINs for other Toyotas, and denied goodwill; no recall or TSB. An independent shop later pulled the engine and found the cylinder 1 exhaust valves leaking badly; cylinder wall still looked good. Machine shop valve job, new rings, injectors tested (two bad), all six replaced; repair about $8,000. Truck runs normally after. Consequences: loss of power, failed emissions monitors, risk of further engine damage if driven, high repair cost. Not a crash. This appears to be a known pattern on the 2GR-FKS in 2016-2019 Tacomas (P11EC, cylinder 1, leaking/burnt exhaust valves, often after direct-injector washdown). Toyota has not recalled; dealers stop at injectors or quote a short block/used engine, and owners pay out of warranty. Please log this under 2018 Toyota Tacoma: engine, fuel system, and valve train (cylinder head/exhaust valves, fuel injectors), so the pattern is on record. Servicing dealer: Nashville Toyota North. Toyota Brand Engagement case 260521000967.
Truck has strong smell of fuel in the cab
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle continued moving forward. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was repaired under NHTS Campaign Number: 18V888000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); but the contact had evidence that the repair was not performed. There was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside of the vehicle before the failure, which continued afterwards. The manufacturer was informed through brand engagement and customer care. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the brake pedal was spongy while depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted, and the contact discovered oil on the bottom of his shoe before discovering oil in the driver’s side footwell. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that oil was leaking from the engine firewall onto the brake pedal. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was initially informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V888000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD BELOW ISSUE AT 57000 MILES ON MY TACOMA. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT I AM NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY, AND COPORATE THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY TRUCK BY SEARCH VIN, BUT ITS CLEAR IM EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES AS BELOW AND SEEING OTHER VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE, SO ITS CLEAR THIS TRUCK WAS BUILT WITH THE SAME DEFECTS. The Plano, Texas-based manufacturer sent a safety recall report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stating they will recall 6,046 2018 Toyota Camry, 2018 Toyota Highlander, 2017 Toyota Sienna, 2017 Toyota Tacoma, and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles built between Oct. 2 and Nov. 3, 2017. Toyota stated in the report the affected vehicles contain brake booster vacuum pump assemblies with improperly machined oil galleys. The vacuum pump is supplied oil from the engine to seal and lubricate the pump vane’s movement. The defect can cause oil to not properly circulate through the system, eventually breaking the pump vane and causing potentially dangerous braking assist loss.
When I go to accelerate at low speed my vehicle shudders shakes and vibrates, no engine lights or codes have popped up, the issue is somewhere from transmission to the rear end. Im guessing transmission or torque converter. With my vehicle only having 136,000 miles and is well taken care of this is ridiculous, I have checked drive line and tires and everything seems to be working as it should so it has to be something internal
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The master cylinder is leaking brake fluid into the cab and is dripping behind the brake pedal. There is brake fluid in the wiring harness that goes to the brake switch as well. This is a known fire hazard from other vehicle manufacturers.
yes has been inspected by the manufacturer and they fixed it but I want to file a claim.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
2018 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD Double Cab, 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS). At about 87,000 miles the check engine light came on with code P11EC, Cylinder 1 Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance (Port). Cylinder 1 failed compression. Leakdown and coolant tests had passed earlier; borescope did not show heavy scoring. The Toyota dealer said replacing the direct injectors would fix compression (quote about $4,499). After the dealer injector repair, cylinder 1 was still 124 psi (spec about 142-180 psi), so it did not fix compression. The dealer then quoted $11,778 for a short block (+$500 incidentals) and $14,238 for an engine assembly that was not new (about 45,000 miles on the replacement discussed); adding injectors again put the short-block path at about $16,278. I was steered toward buying a new truck and had the injector work reversed because it did not fix what they said it would. Toyota Brand Engagement Center reviewed the case, called the dealer, took VINs for other Toyotas, and denied goodwill; no recall or TSB. An independent shop later pulled the engine and found the cylinder 1 exhaust valves leaking badly; cylinder wall still looked good. Machine shop valve job, new rings, injectors tested (two bad), all six replaced; repair about $8,000. Truck runs normally after. Consequences: loss of power, failed emissions monitors, risk of further engine damage if driven, high repair cost. Not a crash. This appears to be a known pattern on the 2GR-FKS in 2016-2019 Tacomas (P11EC, cylinder 1, leaking/burnt exhaust valves, often after direct-injector washdown). Toyota has not recalled; dealers stop at injectors or quote a short block/used engine, and owners pay out of warranty. Please log this under 2018 Toyota Tacoma: engine, fuel system, and valve train (cylinder head/exhaust valves, fuel injectors), so the pattern is on record. Servicing dealer: Nashville Toyota North. Toyota Brand Engagement case 260521000967.
The engine in my 2018 Toyota Tacoma failed at 39000 miles and Toyota is refusing to cover the repair costs. I have records of all regularly scheduled maintenance performed and I have never done anything that would put additional stress on the engine such as off-roading or towing. This engine is defective and should be recalled. There are numerous reports online of the same issue.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Clear coat is failing. Roof is starting to oxidize, hood and all doors and truck bed are beginning the same process that started on the roof. Cosmetic issue. Problem was reported to Toyota costumer support program. Manufacturer refused to report and confirm, was given 1800 number, independent service center confirmed issue. Failure first appeared 1 month ago, has quickly spread to full vehicle.
I have been having issues with an intermittent rain smell in my vehicle for the past few months not realizing the smell was due to water intrusion in the cabin of my truck. I own a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. As of recently the situation has been getting exceedingly worse due to stormy and rainy weather during the month of September. At this point I noticed the floor throughout my whole cabin was flooded with water. I was sure my windows were not open and my doors were closed and sealed properly. I took the vehicle to the Honda dealership and they provided me a Condition, Cause and Remedy (CCR). The CCR stated that water was entering my vehicle through the cabin vents located between my truck bed and the cabin of the vehicle. These cabin vents do not have any maintenance plan surrounding them, the seals are also not accessible or visible without complete removal of the back end of the truck. This is a manufacturer design issue and Toyota needs to warn their consumers to correct. Also because water intrudes in the vehicle it builds up moisture on the drivers windshield so you cannot see when driving early in the morning. The defroster does not help reduce visibility enough while driving. I was quoted a repair cost of $4500 by the Toyota dealership to fix. There is now mold growing through the only vehicle I own. I reached out to Toyota customer service to help get this resolved. It’s been over a week and they closed my case without providing any assistance or solution despite acknowledging the design issue. This is a common issue with Gen 3 Tacomas and driving with mold growing in your vehicle is NOT safe. I will follow up with my doctor to see if this problem is contributing to some of the current health issues I am experiencing.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon retrieving the Carfax report after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy, and the vehicle seller was not the title holder. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 32,000, and the contact later discovered that the mileage was over 200,000 through the Carfax report.
The master cylinder is leaking brake fluid into the cab and is dripping behind the brake pedal. There is brake fluid in the wiring harness that goes to the brake switch as well. This is a known fire hazard from other vehicle manufacturers.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
am filing this complaint regarding a power steering rack leak on my [2018] Toyota Tacoma with [83,000] miles, which I purchased used three months ago from Fred Anderson Toyota of Greer in South Carolina. The dealer represented the vehicle as having passed a 160-point inspection and implied CPO-level standards, but it was not actually Certified Pre-Owned. The steering rack is now leaking power steering fluid, with visible accumulation in the boots, despite stable fluid levels in the reservoir during my ownership. This issue appeared very shortly after purchase, raising concerns that it was a pre-existing defect. Power steering leaks can lead to loss of assist and increase crash risk if they worsen. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a safety defect affecting Toyota Tacomas, as similar complaints appear common in owner forums
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown 35,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
After a couple of years of owning my truck, the paint started on my hood and roof started to turn white and fade. I don’t understand why Toyota uses this type of paint that’s going to get messed up after a couple of years. Also after 4 years of owning the truck, the suspension is all messed up (never took the truck off road or driven it anywhere else but the streets and now they make noises like crazy
When I go to accelerate at low speed my vehicle shudders shakes and vibrates, no engine lights or codes have popped up, the issue is somewhere from transmission to the rear end. Im guessing transmission or torque converter. With my vehicle only having 136,000 miles and is well taken care of this is ridiculous, I have checked drive line and tires and everything seems to be working as it should so it has to be something internal
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have been having issues with an intermittent rain smell in my vehicle for the past few months not realizing the smell was due to water intrusion in the cabin of my truck. I own a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. As of recently the situation has been getting exceedingly worse due to stormy and rainy weather during the month of September. At this point I noticed the floor throughout my whole cabin was flooded with water. I was sure my windows were not open and my doors were closed and sealed properly. I took the vehicle to the Honda dealership and they provided me a Condition, Cause and Remedy (CCR). The CCR stated that water was entering my vehicle through the cabin vents located between my truck bed and the cabin of the vehicle. These cabin vents do not have any maintenance plan surrounding them, the seals are also not accessible or visible without complete removal of the back end of the truck. This is a manufacturer design issue and Toyota needs to warn their consumers to correct. Also because water intrudes in the vehicle it builds up moisture on the drivers windshield so you cannot see when driving early in the morning. The defroster does not help reduce visibility enough while driving. I was quoted a repair cost of $4500 by the Toyota dealership to fix. There is now mold growing through the only vehicle I own. I reached out to Toyota customer service to help get this resolved. It’s been over a week and they closed my case without providing any assistance or solution despite acknowledging the design issue. This is a common issue with Gen 3 Tacomas and driving with mold growing in your vehicle is NOT safe. I will follow up with my doctor to see if this problem is contributing to some of the current health issues I am experiencing.
The mechanical design of Toyota's plastic visor assemblies that are installed in my Tacoma truck is disgustingly worthless and every last one of them will ultimately fail unless they are left securely fastened in the end visor holding clamp, permanently, and at all times while driving. That means not rotating them to shade a glaring sun through a door window glass. Toyota needs to redesign and replace all of their defective visor assemblies. The problem is with the rod holding design on the back side of the visor mounting plate. It is supposed to securely hold the plastic rotating arm from falling out of the mounting plate. It is wholly inadequate and will not safely support even the meager weight of the visor leaf itself. The only safe option is to leave the visor arm snapped into the end stabilizing/holding clamp. Mine dropped out of the mounting plate, twisting and dangling from the power cord wiring at a vulnerable time in moving traffic. It not only restricted my view, I was struggling to grasp the swinging visor to remove it from obstructing my view. All the while, steering with my other hand and merging into freeway speed traffic. It was a very serious problem at an inopportune and critical time. Since I was merging into freeway lanes from an on-ramp, there was no exit opportunity and stopping was not an option; all I could do was fight to avoid colliding with other vehicles. The hazard was compounded by a glaring sun that I was trying to mitigate by using the visor to shield the bright glare coming through the driver's door window. I was left purely with luck and good fortune; no guarantees at all. Compounding the problem was that it occurred during semi-rush hour traffic. It had significant potential of becoming a very serious life-threatening accident. I took the truck to my dealership for repairs but the only option was to purchase a duplicate assembly in excess of $400 U.S. Dollars, installed. Toyota needs to do the right thing and warranty all of them.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was traveling southbound on I-25 when the flatbed truck in front of me came to a sudden stop. I was unable to stop in time to avoid rear-ending the truck. The airbags did not deploy upon impact.
I got in a car accident another car hit me T-bone right between the driver a d passenger door sideairbags weren’t deployed at all the incident cause me to jump into de sidewalk run over a sign and neither of the frontbags were deployed either the hit cause me to hit my head to the side window reason I got a concussion and been having headeaches since the day of the accident October 13th 2021 the car that hit me run a red light and must have been over 25 miles per hour cause the other car end it up been flipped over
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear driver seatbelt retracts but won’t reel back up. After replacing it, shop recognized the ineffective nature of the other side. Safety of my children at risk. Inspected by independent shop and dealer. No warning lights. Symptoms include less effective
TOYOTA HAS AN ISSUE WHERE THERE SERVICE TECHNITIANS, DEALERS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES CANNOT TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NHTSA MANDATED SEAT BELT INDICATORS AND OPTIONAL INDICATORS. I HAVE REPORTED AN ISSUE WHERE THE SEAT WILL NOT SLIDE CORRECTLY AND THAT THE SEAT BELT SENSOR AND OPTIONAL ALERT SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE MALFUNCTIONING. THE OPTIONAL SEAT BELT INDICATOR MALFUNCTIONS AND CAUSES A PROLONGED AUDIO DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER THAT INTERFERES WITH THE ROLL THAT OTHER SAFETY FEATURES SUCH AS REVERSE SENSORS, ETC. CANNOT BE DISTINGUISHED. TOYOTA ALLOWS THE DEALER TO TURN OFF THE DISTRACTING OPTIONAL CHIMES, BUT THE DISCRETION IS LEFT TO THE DEALER AND NOT THE DRIVER WHICH POSES RISK TO PEDESTRIANS, DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. THE MAJOR PROBLEM IS THAT THE FAILURE TO UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MANDATORY ALERT SYSTEM AND THE OPTIONAL ALERT SYSTEM MEANS THAT DEALERS ARE IGNORING CUSTOMER REQUESTS TO MUTE THE OPTIONAL ALARM INCREASING THE RISK OF DISTRACTION TO AN UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Third break light has started to leak inside the cab of vehicle. Causing a wet musty smell, possibly mold, and staining.
AS WE WERE TRAVELING ON 441 SOUTH TO ATHENS GEORGIA TO DOCTOR MY 2018 TOYOTA TOCOMA WITH VIN# ON FILE LOST POWER AT THE SPEED OF 65 MPH AND IF I HAD NOT BEEN A FORMER SHERIFF DEPUTY AND A SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR AND HAD NOT BEEN TRAIN IN HOW TO HANDEL A VEHICLE IN STRESS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAGICALLY DEVASTATED FOR MY WIFE AND MYSELF THIS REMEDY THAT'S UNDER RECALL NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF ASAP OR OWNERS SHOULD BE REIMBURSED OR GIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE BEFORE THERE IS A DEATH REPORTED!!! MY CONTACT 407 577 5262 OR [email protected]
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL AND SEAT WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 10-30MPH AND BRAKING BETWEEN 10-30MPH. THIS IS A NEW 2018 TACOMA ACCESS CAB WITH ONLY 4000 MILES. TSB 0171 AND 0023 ADDRESS THE SAME PROBLEM????
TOYOTA HAS AN ISSUE WHERE THERE SERVICE TECHNITIANS, DEALERS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES CANNOT TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NHTSA MANDATED SEAT BELT INDICATORS AND OPTIONAL INDICATORS. I HAVE REPORTED AN ISSUE WHERE THE SEAT WILL NOT SLIDE CORRECTLY AND THAT THE SEAT BELT SENSOR AND OPTIONAL ALERT SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE MALFUNCTIONING. THE OPTIONAL SEAT BELT INDICATOR MALFUNCTIONS AND CAUSES A PROLONGED AUDIO DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER THAT INTERFERES WITH THE ROLL THAT OTHER SAFETY FEATURES SUCH AS REVERSE SENSORS, ETC. CANNOT BE DISTINGUISHED. TOYOTA ALLOWS THE DEALER TO TURN OFF THE DISTRACTING OPTIONAL CHIMES, BUT THE DISCRETION IS LEFT TO THE DEALER AND NOT THE DRIVER WHICH POSES RISK TO PEDESTRIANS, DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. THE MAJOR PROBLEM IS THAT THE FAILURE TO UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MANDATORY ALERT SYSTEM AND THE OPTIONAL ALERT SYSTEM MEANS THAT DEALERS ARE IGNORING CUSTOMER REQUESTS TO MUTE THE OPTIONAL ALARM INCREASING THE RISK OF DISTRACTION TO AN UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .