2021 Toyota Tacoma Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has 99 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve unknown or other and power train.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 99 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 12.1%
POWER TRAIN
12 12.1%
SERVICE BRAKES
10 10.1%
ENGINE
9 9.1%
AIR BAGS
6 6.1%
Quick Insights
The top category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, accounting for 12.1% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 24 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has 99 owner complaints in this dataset. UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the most common complaint category, representing about 12% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12), POWER TRAIN (12), SERVICE BRAKES (10).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 46 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 24 of 24 systems
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TROUBLE CLOSING FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. HAVE TO FORCEFULLY SHUT IN ORDER TO CLOSE.
3/1/2021
UPON ACCELERATION VEHICLE WILL HAVE DELAYED ENGAGEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING A NEAR STALL OR STUTTERING. HAS LED TO SEVERAL NEAR MISSES (X2). THE TSS SYSTEM TAKES OVER AND DOES IT'S THING VERSUS ALLOWING THE DRIVER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR THE CONDITIONS. EXAMPLE WOULD BE AUTOMATIC APPLICATION OF BRAKES DUE TO DEER IN ROAD CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL ON AN ICY ROAD WAY. DRIVER RELEASED GAS PEDAL AND WAS COASTING AS DEER WAS CROSSING. DUE TO BRAKES BEING AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED, VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE, DEER BECAME SPOOKED AND STOPPED CROSSING, VEHICLE ENDED UP PARTIALLY IN THE DITCH. AFTER MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES (5+ MEMORABLE), DRIVER HAS LOST ALL FAITH IN THE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY OF THIS VEHICLE AND DOES NOT TRANSPORT PASSENGERS AS THEY FEAR FOR THE PASSENGER'S SAFETY. DRIVER ONLY UTILIZES VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS THEIR LAST AND ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORT.
4/18/2021
POWER TRAIN
12 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
UPON ACCELERATION VEHICLE WILL HAVE DELAYED ENGAGEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING A NEAR STALL OR STUTTERING. HAS LED TO SEVERAL NEAR MISSES (X2). THE TSS SYSTEM TAKES OVER AND DOES IT'S THING VERSUS ALLOWING THE DRIVER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR THE CONDITIONS. EXAMPLE WOULD BE AUTOMATIC APPLICATION OF BRAKES DUE TO DEER IN ROAD CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL ON AN ICY ROAD WAY. DRIVER RELEASED GAS PEDAL AND WAS COASTING AS DEER WAS CROSSING. DUE TO BRAKES BEING AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED, VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE, DEER BECAME SPOOKED AND STOPPED CROSSING, VEHICLE ENDED UP PARTIALLY IN THE DITCH. AFTER MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES (5+ MEMORABLE), DRIVER HAS LOST ALL FAITH IN THE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY OF THIS VEHICLE AND DOES NOT TRANSPORT PASSENGERS AS THEY FEAR FOR THE PASSENGER'S SAFETY. DRIVER ONLY UTILIZES VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS THEIR LAST AND ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORT.
4/18/2021
VEHICLE WILL NOT HOLD 6TH GEAR WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY DOWN SHIFT TO 5TH AND SOMETIMES 4TH. THIS MAKES THE VEHICLE SURGE FORWARD ABRUPTLY.
4/19/2021
SERVICE BRAKES
10 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 TOYOTA TAKOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH WHEN COMING TO A RED LIGHT APPROXIMATELY 500 YARDS AWAY, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN IN SPEED THEN BEGAN TO PRESS THE BRAKES DUE TO A TRUCK NEARBY SUDDENLY COMING FROM THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES AND COLLISION PREVENTION SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BUT HAD NOT BEEN OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED TOTALED AS OF YET. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THEIR WRIST AND THE ABDOMINAL AREA. THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE RECEIVED NECK, BACK, SHOULDER, AND LEG INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH A DEALER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2/24/2021
During driving for a little while and slightly braking, the brakes started to tug very strong. Brakes start pulling very hard sometimes preventing reliable braking
8/23/2021
ENGINE
9 Reports9% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHITE SMOKE AND STRONG GAS SMELL OUT OF EXHAUST UPON START UP.
3/1/2021
I was my 2021 Toyota Tacoma home after work on the highway at night at 11:00 pm. While on the highways there was highway construction and traffic was coming to a stop. I was driving in the slow lane doing 60-65. As I approached the stopped traffic i let my foot of the accelerator pedal and put my foot on the brake pedal to slow down, as i did this the rpm's jumped up to 4000 and the truck went to take off full speed on its own. I held the brake pedal down to the floor and i shifted the truck from drive mode to sport mode than back to drive mode. ( I panicked) but soon as i did that the engine stopped accelerating thankfully because i had many stopped cars in front of me that i would have plowed into. I love my truck but I am not scared to drive it always have my hand on the shift waiting for it to happen again possibly.
8/4/2021
AIR BAGS
6 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
7/22/2021
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.
12/16/2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
VEHICLE WILL NOT HOLD 6TH GEAR WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY DOWN SHIFT TO 5TH AND SOMETIMES 4TH. THIS MAKES THE VEHICLE SURGE FORWARD ABRUPTLY.
4/19/2021
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.
4/5/2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I was my 2021 Toyota Tacoma home after work on the highway at night at 11:00 pm. While on the highways there was highway construction and traffic was coming to a stop. I was driving in the slow lane doing 60-65. As I approached the stopped traffic i let my foot of the accelerator pedal and put my foot on the brake pedal to slow down, as i did this the rpm's jumped up to 4000 and the truck went to take off full speed on its own. I held the brake pedal down to the floor and i shifted the truck from drive mode to sport mode than back to drive mode. ( I panicked) but soon as i did that the engine stopped accelerating thankfully because i had many stopped cars in front of me that i would have plowed into. I love my truck but I am not scared to drive it always have my hand on the shift waiting for it to happen again possibly.
8/4/2021
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
3/28/2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
12/15/2022
- 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).
1/9/2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
4 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS DO NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IN ORDER TO CLOSE PROPERLY, DOORS MUST BE CLOSED FORCEFULLY TO ACHIEVE CLOSURE.
2/17/2021
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.
5/16/2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
UPON ACCELERATION VEHICLE WILL HAVE DELAYED ENGAGEMENT, UP TO AND INCLUDING A NEAR STALL OR STUTTERING. HAS LED TO SEVERAL NEAR MISSES (X2). THE TSS SYSTEM TAKES OVER AND DOES IT'S THING VERSUS ALLOWING THE DRIVER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR THE CONDITIONS. EXAMPLE WOULD BE AUTOMATIC APPLICATION OF BRAKES DUE TO DEER IN ROAD CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL ON AN ICY ROAD WAY. DRIVER RELEASED GAS PEDAL AND WAS COASTING AS DEER WAS CROSSING. DUE TO BRAKES BEING AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED, VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE, DEER BECAME SPOOKED AND STOPPED CROSSING, VEHICLE ENDED UP PARTIALLY IN THE DITCH. AFTER MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES (5+ MEMORABLE), DRIVER HAS LOST ALL FAITH IN THE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY OF THIS VEHICLE AND DOES NOT TRANSPORT PASSENGERS AS THEY FEAR FOR THE PASSENGER'S SAFETY. DRIVER ONLY UTILIZES VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS THEIR LAST AND ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORT.
4/18/2021
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).
6/1/2022
SEATS
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
7/22/2021
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.
1/11/2023
SUSPENSION
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
When starting and stopping there is a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.
7/25/2021
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.
8/12/2021
TIRES
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
9/13/2021
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.
11/16/2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
4/21/2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced extended cranking on cold start. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Toyota Campaign Number: 23TE01(High-Pressure Fuel Pump â 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.
11/18/2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 TOYOTA TAKOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH WHEN COMING TO A RED LIGHT APPROXIMATELY 500 YARDS AWAY, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN IN SPEED THEN BEGAN TO PRESS THE BRAKES DUE TO A TRUCK NEARBY SUDDENLY COMING FROM THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES AND COLLISION PREVENTION SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BUT HAD NOT BEEN OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED TOTALED AS OF YET. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THEIR WRIST AND THE ABDOMINAL AREA. THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE RECEIVED NECK, BACK, SHOULDER, AND LEG INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH A DEALER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2/24/2021
I PURCHASED A NEW 2021 TOYOTA TACOMA IN DECEMBER 2021 WITH A PRE COLLISION SAFETY SYSTEM. LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LATER, MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION ACCIDENT (DAUGHTER AT FAULT). THE SYSTEM DID NOT DO WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSE TO, WHICH WAS WARN HER AND HELP HER APPLY THE BRAKE. AT THE REPAIR CENTER, I ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE PRE COLLISION SAFETY SYSTEM. THEY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BERT OGDEN TOYOTA TO HAVE THE VEHICLE CHECKED OUT. THEY TOLD ME THE SYSTEM WAS PROBABLY OFF OR NOT SET SENSITIVE ENOUGH AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. NOW THAT I HAVE THE VEHICLE BACK, I HAVE SET THE PRE COLLISION SYSTEM TO THE MOST SENSITIVE SETTING AND IT APPEARS IT IS NOT WORKING. THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED TO WARN ME (ON THE MOST SENSITIVE SETTING) AS I ACCELERATED TOWARD A BRAKING CAR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO TOYOTA OF PHARR AND SPOKE TO A SALESMAN, WHO TOLD ME ALL OF MY SETTINGS WERE CORRECT AND IT SHOULD BE WORKING. THOUGH THIS FAILURE WAS MINOR IN MY DAUGHTER'S CASE WITH NO ONE HURT (THOUGH IT DID COST $7,000 TO REPAIR), THIS SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING AS ADVERTISED AND IT IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
3/18/2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
VEHICLE WILL NOT HOLD 6TH GEAR WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL. VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY DOWN SHIFT TO 5TH AND SOMETIMES 4TH. THIS MAKES THE VEHICLE SURGE FORWARD ABRUPTLY.
4/19/2021
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.
3/23/2023
SEAT BELTS
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
7/22/2021
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
11/18/2023
STEERING
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
8/12/2021
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.
7/3/2024
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I buy a Toyota Tacoma 2021 on 5 of June 2021 in Toyota Walnut Creek California. And I have to sell it again on 15 november 2021 5 months later. Ok I was driving in a long trip of 9hrs. And I adjust the seat to be comfortable to drive but I notice that when I was looking to the front right side the mirror in the center to look to the back was in the way of my view, and I drive , moving my head down to look under the mirrorevery time when I look to the right front. A the end of the trip I get tired driving that way. Next time I was driving in Oakland Ca. I was in a stop waiting to turn to the left side in a road, and the cars in the other side in front of me the put me the high beams,and I was thinking they give me the pass, and I look around to drive,and right away 3 persons was in front of me, and thanks to GOD I donât drive over and kill them. And I get very mad frustrated , I was ready to break the mirror with my right hand, but I control my self and donât do it. That was when I notice the mirror and the black spot is in the mirrow is a very bad location, that take lot of view to the front right side, they need to relocated all the sensors are in that area. I sold the truck no because I canât drive it eny more.I call Toyota I they. Donât pat attention.
11/21/2021
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the brake message and alarm were displayed on the infotainment screen. While driving, the blind spot warning light illuminated, and the brake seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to the left. While driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was slow to respond. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure, but the contact was informed there was a code for a caliper malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was started; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200.
8/2/2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
2/27/2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that there was a coolant leak, and the coolant level in the reservoir was low. The coolant reservoir was topped off; however, the failure reoccurred. While having an oil change at Keys Toyota (5855 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman 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.
9/30/2025
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION ON THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH INCLUDED SEVERAL CRACKS TO THE FRAME WELDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THE COST OF THE VEHICLE WAS REFUNDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
4/5/2021
WHEELS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
9/13/2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
2/8/2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
9/30/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
Are complaints about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
Are complaints about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Toyota Tacoma: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 99
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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