Toyota Tacoma Complaints (2021)

81 consumer complaints on file.

#11690504September 30, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688907September 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AC compressor pressure release discharges gas. Dealer states new compressor needed. Vehicle is only 4 years old.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681105August 16, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission constantly seeking a gear usually 5th to 6th while using Cruize control. At times over-reving to near redline. End up having to manuall downshift to fourth back and fourt to drive. End up shifting more frequently that would if driving my mauual 6 speed transmission tacoma with the V6 as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655747April 21, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649322March 19, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
N/A
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645330February 27, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644223February 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The "coolant bypass hose/joint" (Part #: 16356-31051) located at the rear of the engine, connecting the two heads, failed. This part is made of plastic and is known to be a weak point in the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine. The failed component is still in the vehicle and can be inspected upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A coolant leak from this component can lead to engine overheating, which could cause sudden engine failure while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. Since the leak is not easily visible under the hood, a driver may not notice the issue until significant overheating occurs, potentially leaving them stranded in unsafe conditions. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue was confirmed by the dealership after an inspection. They identified the coolant bypass hose/joint as the source of the leak. Many users on the forum TacomaWorld have also experienced the same issue with their vehicles. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected by the dealership, but it has not been inspected by Toyota directly, the police, or an insurance representative. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages indicating a problem. The only symptom was a small puddle of coolant on the ground a week after purchasing the vehicle. Upon further inspection, a trail of coolant was observed running down onto the passenger side of the transmission bell housing. Would've costed me 1,000 dollars if didn't have warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628639December 3, 2024
ENGINE
2021 Toyota Tacoma OR coolant bypass joint leaks at only 47800 miles. The cost of repair is $1490.36
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11620230October 16, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
When stopping vehicle (for instance, at a stop light), vehicle would stop normally when pressing the brakes, but after a few seconds, the vehicle would start forward again. The brake pedal would give way and press down further, stopping briefly before starting forward again - so I had to use the emergency brake or else vehicle would move into oncoming traffic. I consulted a mechanic, and it was diagnosed as a bad brake master cylinder. This vehicle has only 51,000 miles on it, being a 2021 model. The brake pads themselves were checked and they are fine. I replaced the master cylinder and it fixed the issue, but I wouldn't expect this unsafe condition to already be happening to this vehicle, especially this early in life. Toyota must have defective brake master cylinders.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611737August 30, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This vehicle stalled while driving. It would totally shut off. Once at 75 mph no warning just shut off. Had a cylinder misfire according to dealership. On 2 other occasions it shut off while driving. On those occasions I was backing up out of a driveway and driving slow on a drive. So very slow speeds. On those 2 occasions it had engine stall codes according to dealership. I filed a lemon law claim and because it didn’t stall in the 58 miles the tech drove it Tamara Clear from gulf states determined there’s no evidence it stalls despite the local Toyota dealership having stall codes in their notes. Tamara clear also didn’t comply with Arkansas lemon law and respond within 40 days. She took longer because she’s overwhelmed with cases according to her. Each time the vehicle totally shut off while driving it had master warning lights, charging system lights, oil fluid temp lights, all of it. I took pics but Toyota didn’t care about that either Potentially fatal. And they expected me to drive around with a 6 year old in it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11608808August 15, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11598626July 3, 2024
STEERING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11598095July 1, 2024
POWER TRAIN
I was idling in line for food when I noticed my thermostat gauge going slightly higher in temp. All of a sudden I hear a loud hissing sound and smoke coming off of the engine as well as a chemical burn smell. I pulled over to the side in fear that a fire could potentially start. After some research I’ve concluded that it is the rear coolant bypass joint. It was a high stress situation where my family was in my vehicle. Please look into this!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590611May 24, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
My vehicle was hit on the door frame and rear door on the driver's side by someone who ran a red light.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589079May 16, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11579343March 25, 2024
SUSPENSION
Rear spring excessive wear at 66,000 miles and needed to be replaced. Both sides worn but left more than the right
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11574484February 28, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE
Driving at approximately 55 mph and dash lights started flickering, radio went off, reset to 530 (am radio). Vehicle started sputtering and slowing down in traffic and completely shut down. Lost all power and coasted to side of road. I had no or little control of vehicle. I have "connected services" that was to warn me about mechanical and electrical failures and no warning of this happening. This enrollment was to give me "services designed to help keep you safe, secure and in control of your Tacoma from almost anywhere". "brand engagement center" not concerned of the incident. Apparently two and half year old battery failed. Replaced by myself.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11568254January 27, 2024
TIRES
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11566583January 19, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint is starting to peel on the passenger fender. It is on the inside of where the hood gap is in a area that is not exposed to rock chips or would be susceptible to external damage. It is also located right next to where the rubber bump stop is to prevent the hood from contacting the fender so it would be impossible for the hood to cause the issue and since the hood has no signs of chipping or rubbing in that area.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11561742December 25, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving on a freeway I step down on the as needed I got a message on my dash board that my braking power is low Stop in a safe place and see Owen's manual, A few seconds later I lost my brakes I have to use my hand brak to stop, came to a complete stop and called a tow truck, upon arrival the tow truck driver inspected my truck and realized there were brake fluid leaking out of my back drum, I took it in for a check up and I was told that my brake fluid is coming out of my braking cylinder, I checked for a recall I don't see it for my truck year but see it a the truck that's a few year older.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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