RoadVitals

2021 Toyota Tacoma Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
78
Latest Aug 8, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 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

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

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Having two issues major issues that’s causing me a $10,000 bill. The timing cover is leaking and there is a coolant bypass hose that is leaking. I have spend a lot of maintenance on this truck on maintaining it to have to remove the engine. As for the forward collision warning ive had it go off multiple times witout a vehicle there. While in cruise control ive had it unexpectedly break on me when there was no visible vehicle infront or next to me.

NHTSA ID 11755683 · filed Aug 8, 2026

About a month ago the Blind spot monitoring system failed, dealer said $2500.00 to repair, about 10 days ago, backup sonar parking system failed, dealer cost to repair $2200.00

NHTSA ID 11743192 · filed Jun 10, 2026
All 17 reports naming driver assistance

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11720723 · filed Feb 26, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11699491 · filed Nov 14, 2025
All 13 reports naming powertrain (other)

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Having two issues major issues that’s causing me a $10,000 bill. The timing cover is leaking and there is a coolant bypass hose that is leaking. I have spend a lot of maintenance on this truck on maintaining it to have to remove the engine. As for the forward collision warning ive had it go off multiple times witout a vehicle there. While in cruise control ive had it unexpectedly break on me when there was no visible vehicle infront or next to me.

NHTSA ID 11755683 · filed Aug 8, 2026

The plastic coolant crossover valve or pipe failed at 66,000 miles and 5 years of usage. This led to the radiator cracking. After researching online, I read about thousands of Tacoma 3rd generation users with the same issue. Also, the same issue was recalled for several other models of Toyotas but not the Tacoma.

NHTSA ID 11740269 · filed May 26, 2026
All 13 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Brake master cylinder is leaking in the interior of truck on driver side floor mat. Oil is come from brake master cylinder seal.

NHTSA ID 11750147 · filed Jul 13, 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 truck. I have been having braking issues for about a year.

NHTSA ID 11722917 · filed Mar 9, 2026
All 12 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The Multi-Information Display (MID) on the instrument cluster (combination meter) has failed completely. The display shows full-width horizontal RGB scan lines across the entire screen with no readable information. The analog gauges (speedometer and tachometer) remain functional but all digital display information is unavailable including speed, warnings, fuel economy data, and safety system status indicators. This failure occurred suddenly with no prior warning. Vehicle has approximately 50,000 miles. I am aware that Toyota issued Safety Recall 25V595 in September 2025 covering the identical combination meter failure on 2023-2025 model year Tacomas and other Toyota vehicles. The root cause identified in that recall — accelerated deterioration of the memory device inside the combination meter due to improper programming — appears to be the same failure mechanism present in my 2021 model year vehicle. I am filing this complaint to formally document that this known defect extends to 2021 model year Tacoma vehicles and to request that NHTSA investigate expanding recall 25V595 to include earlier model years. Toyota should be required to repair or replace the combination meter on affected 2021 vehicles at no cost to owners, consistent with the remedy already established for 2023-2025 vehicles. A Toyota case has been opened with the Brand Engagement Center at [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11746832 · filed Jun 26, 2026

Digital instrument panel speedometer screen has gone blank. No longer displays speed. This occurred while driving the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11746375 · filed Jun 25, 2026
All 9 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11733332 · filed Apr 23, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11705044 · filed Dec 15, 2025
All 9 reports naming fuel system

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle was in car accident where airbags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID 11707694 · filed Dec 30, 2025

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

NHTSA ID 11555863 · filed Nov 18, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11608808 · filed Aug 15, 2024

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

NHTSA ID 11590611 · filed May 24, 2024

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11555863 · filed Nov 18, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID 11501237 · filed Jan 11, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11720723 · filed Feb 26, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11598626 · filed Jul 3, 2024

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11579343 · filed Mar 25, 2024

My 2021 Toyota Tacoma is experiencing these exact conditions as discussed in this TSB. T12he only difference between the vehicle in this TSB and mine is I have a 2 wheel drive Tacoma and this TSB is for the 4 wheel drive model. 2021 Toyota Tacoma power train TSB (Bulletin T-SB-0124-20) Bulletin Date:Dec. 15, 2020 Component:Power train. Bulletin Summary:TSB: some 2016 ? 2021 model year tacoma vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may exhibit a vibration under deceleration (coasting or braking) between 30 ? 10 mph. This vibration is felt in the seat, floorboard, and/or steering w Vehicles covered in this TSB: 2016 Toyota Tacoma, 2017 Toyota Tacoma, 2018 Toyota Tacoma, 2019 Toyota Tacoma, 2020 Toyota Tacoma, 2021 Toyota Tacoma.

NHTSA ID 11428823 · filed Aug 12, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Firestone Destination Le2 P245/75R16 On February 20, 2021 just 15 days after I purchased my brand new truck the rear passenger side tire dramatically exploded while I was driving in to my neighborhood. I was traveling at approximately 35 mph when out of nowhere a sound similar to a shotgun interrupted my driving and immediately forced me off the road in between two trees. I was narrowly missed by oncoming traffic and scared for my life. My side step of my brand new car was damaged as well as the rim and driver side wheel well where my car brushed the tree. I called Toyota and they said I didn't have tire coverage so I called my insurance company next. USAA sent a tow truck to pick up the vehicle and they brought it to Tire Choice. The associate said the tires were known for exploding and indicated that I needed to at least replace the damaged one and the driver side front for my own safety. The associate also said he didn't think these specific tires were even in circulation anymore. I went to Toyota and they said this was a manufacturers issue. No one was able to help me and I was forced to replace two brand new tires out of pocket. I was lucky I was in the neighborhood and not the interstate. There was absolutely no sign this was going to happen nor did I hit anything in the short time I had the car before the accident.

NHTSA ID 11568254 · filed Jan 27, 2024

My tires have only 5600 miles on them...Nitto 265/65R17's. I have my 5,000 mile service. They rotated the tires. A couple of days later I noticed my steering wheel shaking. I took it back to the dealership. They said my tires have High Road Force..only the two that were from the rear. They contacted Nitto, they will not replace the tires because they only cover the first 1/32 of the tires and Im at 2/32. There has to be something wrong with these tires to be so new and yet have this problem. My tires cannot be rotated because the two with the problem will need to stay on the back of the truck so as that my steering wheel wont shake.

NHTSA ID 11440670 · filed Nov 16, 2021

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11555863 · filed Nov 18, 2023

Tacoma was rear-ended at 80 mph. Tacoma rolled over three times front airbags did not go off.. side curtain bags did.. seat belt on driver side failed after the second rollover.. rear cross traffic warning did not go off.. driver seat collapsed. driver was injured and was in trauma unit for 3 weeks. Vehicle last known is located off of belvedere road in West Palm Beach Florida.. I called up Toyota and a third party got the EDR from the vehicle.. I have a copy of it. As far as I know the problem has not been inspected.

NHTSA ID 11425923 · filed Jul 22, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Description of incident: Date: 02/25/21 Road condition: wet As I slowed to exit the highway (speed +/-55 mph), I heard a loud noise from the right rear of the vehicle. Vehicle was difficult to control until I slowed significantly. First thought was a blow-out. Was surprised by the extent of the damage to the wheel since I did not hit anything. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The right rear wheel failed. Tire was flat and showed no signs of damage. The wheel and tire are available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The instantaneous wheel failure and subsequent loss of air pressure in the right rear tire made the vehicle difficult to control. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The Toyota dealership, where the vehicle was purchased, inspected the vehicle on 02/26/21. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was inspected by the Toyota dealership on 02/26/21. Subsequently, I tried to work with Toyota at the regional and national level hoping to receive some insight into what might have caused the failure. Without an accident and injury, there was little interest in finding resolution. Toyota was unable to offer evidence that I hit something and they were unable to offer an explanation supporting the failure. Naturally, this leads me to question the integrity of the remaining wheels. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? TPMS activated.

NHTSA ID 11432756 · filed Sep 13, 2021

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11506260 · filed Feb 8, 2023

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

Data on this page last refreshed .