Toyota Tacoma Complaints (2018)

209 consumer complaints on file.

#11770902October 13, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769891October 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Cab air vents behind rear seat leaks causing mold to form under carpet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769379October 6, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766763September 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear cabin air vents not sealed properly from factory. Water leaks in and soaks interior carpet and gets moldy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765873September 21, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765283September 18, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a clear coat bubbling issue on my mirrors and also multiple clear coat stains on the hood that just developed on my Toyota Tacoma Off Road-Inferno Orange paint after two years that I own it. I called Toyota, there is no recall on my paint color, but I've viewed an online post someone has placed a lawsuit for the same reasons, but a different color. They've had a recall on white paint but not my color and I wanted to document the complaint. I called Toyota corporate and they said to file it with NTSB.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762790September 8, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
I own a 2018 Toyota Tacoma SR, manufactured 11/2017, with factory paint code 1G3 Magnetic Gray Metallic. The factory clear coat is experiencing extensive delamination/failure on the hood and roof. This isn't isolated stone damage or normal cosmetic wear. The clear coat is failing extensively across the horizontal panels. I'm aware Toyota has previously acknowledged clear-coat peeling on Tacoma vehicles through T-SB-0004-20 and Customer Support Program 20TE02, and that there are documented complaints involving 2018 Tacomas experiencing clear-coat failure on the hood and roof. I understand my VIN may not currently fall within those programs, but I'm requesting that Toyota inspect and document the condition and consider goodwill assistance toward repainting the affected factory-painted panels. I'd also like a Toyota case number assigned to the paint failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752269July 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle hits a bump in the road and the check engine light comes on, followed by the gas pedal being non-responsive and an error code on the instrument panel saying “Brake Override System Malfunction. Check with dealer.” and “Pre-collision System Malfunction. Visit your dealer. ” When this occurs, have to coast the vehicle to a safe place, turn off and wiggle the Radar Control piece attached to the front grill sometimes multiple times before the truck will clear the code and accelerate. Been an ongoing issue for several months. Have replaced the front grill sensor and plate and the issue persists.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751422July 19, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The cab vents failed causing water to soak the carpet and pad from the back wall to the front of the cab. Mold was growing through out the the cab. Carpet & pad had to be removed. This is a known problem by dealerships and owners of Toyota Tacoma. Because the water was under the seats, trim and weather mats it went undetected exposing us to mold. Problem was reported to Toyota dealership and Toyota Corporation. A case was logged 07/10/2026 as Case # 260710001840. The resolution offered was ordering and replacing parts. All parts required for repair and on backorder. Hundreds of orders for these parts in their system. Carpet and under mat had been replaced 05/02/2025 due to a Toyota recall campaign 21TD03.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750035July 13, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHAT FAILED: The clear coat finish on the exterior paint of my 2018 Toyota Tacoma has failed (cracking) in two separate locations on the same vehicle, indicating a manufacturing defect rather than normal wear. In late 2024, I discovered clear coat cracking on the roof and hood. I reported this to Toyota (Toyota case #241028000714) and paid approximately $2,000 out of pocket to have an independent body shop repaint the affected panels, as Toyota corporate declined to assist after the repair had already been performed. The clear coat is now cracking again at approximately 48,925 miles, this time on the cab in the pillar/trim area between the tops of the doors and the roofline. The vehicle and affected areas are available for inspection upon request. SAFETY IMPACT: This is a cosmetic exterior paint/clear coat defect. I have not identified any impact on vehicle operation, structural integrity, or visibility, and I am not aware of any safety risk to myself or others resulting from this issue to date. I am reporting it to document a recurring defect pattern on this vehicle. REPRODUCED/CONFIRMED BY A DEALER OR SERVICE CENTER: The 2024 occurrence was inspected and repaired by an independent body shop (not a Toyota dealer). The current occurrence has been reported to Toyota corporate (Toyota Brand Engagement Center) along with photographs, but has not been physically inspected by a Toyota dealer. INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER, POLICE, OR INSURANCE: Toyota corporate reviewed photographic evidence of the current issue through my correspondence with the Toyota Brand Engagement Center, which I have asked to be linked to prior case #241028000714. Toyota has not physically inspected the vehicle. This is not a crash-related issue, so no police or insurance inspection has occurred. WARNING LAMPS OR PRIOR SYMPTOMS: Not applicable. This is a cosmetic paint/clear coat defect rather than a mechanical or electronic system issue, so there were no dashboard warning lamps or system messages
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749079July 8, 2026
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11747530June 30, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The cabin pressure vents, located at the rear of the cab below the rear window on the body frame have failed. The seal on the exterior of the vents has dry rotted. This has caused an extensive amount of water intrusion that is undetectable until it has been present long enough to cause mildew issues. Being that water enters below the vehicle carpet and padding you cannot see it, your first warning sign is smell. When I began to assess the issue I pulled up my carpet to find standing water and mold. This is supposed to be a safe environment where I can transport myself and my family and I now I have to be concerned about mold inhalation each time my toddler sits in my truck. Toyota needs to do an immediate recall to the cabin vents and replace them with a product that can actually with stand the elements. Additionally they need to replace all the carpet, twill, and padding that has been compromised.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746680June 26, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal odor coming from the inside of the vehicle. While the vehicle was being serviced, the dealer discovered that the inner padding on the front passenger side, the rear passenger side, and the rear driver side was soaked with water, and due to the water accumulation, there was mold forming on the floor. The contact had placed towels to soak up the water while driving; however, the contact later discovered that the mold had spread to the towels as well. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the rear cabin pressure bin needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741027May 30, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint has been peeling from door handles and front bumper
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740010May 26, 2026
STEERING
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733984April 27, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729880April 8, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728861April 2, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vacuum pump. This vehicle was inspected by Dunn Tire. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. The safety issue that occurs is the loss of power assist to your brake system, and if not repaired, can impact the camshaft or the oiling system. (Please see attachment).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722232March 5, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The Break booster has failed or started since the break fluid is leaking inside the cab. And other trucks from the same year as my truck did have a recall for the break master cylinder failing. My breaks could potentially go out fully and I wont be able to stop. My problem has been confirmed by my independent service center. And also there's alot of other people having the same issue online. Since the floor mats show oil stains just like how I found out I was having a issue.It hasn't been confirmed by the manufacturer but I will be taking it soon to be inspection but since a recurring issue with multiple trucks online. I wanted to report it here so the recall could be extended to other trucks from same recall year. I noticed i was having a problem when I had to press down the breaks really hard to come to a stop. Then thats when I stopped and saw the oil on the floor mats. And my truck has really low mileage for the year and its safety concern to me and being that the replacement is really expensive just the part is around 1200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711048January 15, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Truck has strong smell of fuel in the cab
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Toyota Tacoma