Owners have filed 134 complaints
about the 2014 Toyota Tacoma with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 of 32 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 20
Against the median year of the Toyota Tacoma. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 89
17.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
65% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1470.0%
SUN Visor
15.0%
Front Passenger
15.0%
Occupant Classification
15.0%
Camera System
15.0%
Tread/Belt
15.0%
Hood
15.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1615.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1917.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2119.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1615.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1514.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1110.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
54.7%
150,000+ miles
32.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2014peak 6Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 Toyota Tacoma
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
Recalls on the 2014 Toyota Tacoma
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 201339274 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with four-cylinder engines, a manufacturing defect could cause the engine valve springs to break, potentially causing abnormal noise, rough engine performance, and in some cases, a sudden loss of motive power while driving. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the valve springs.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Riverside, CACrash
STEERING
While driving on the freeway, the steering wheel began to shake vigorously, then the right front wheel came completely off the truck. The ball joints snapped off causing a wreck. My truck slid into the side of a big rig. Luckily nobody was hurt, but the failed ball joints were the cause of the accident in my opinion. I also have the dash cam video from the big rig.
NHTSA complaint #11440752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CACrash
SUSPENSION
While driving on the freeway, the steering wheel began to shake vigorously, then the right front wheel came completely off the truck. The ball joints snapped off causing a wreck. My truck slid into the side of a big rig. Luckily nobody was hurt, but the failed ball joints were the cause of the accident in my opinion. I also have the dash cam video from the big rig.
NHTSA complaint #11440752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesPortsmouth, NHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
NHTSA complaint #11317824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesBayamón, PRCrash
SEAT BELTS
THE AIR BAG DIDN'T REACT IN A MOTION CRASHING.
NHTSA complaint #11220528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesBayamón, PRCrash
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG DIDN'T REACT IN A MOTION CRASHING.
NHTSA complaint #11220528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesBayamón, PRCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
THE AIR BAG DIDN'T REACT IN A MOTION CRASHING.
NHTSA complaint #11220528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Silver Spring, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle paint is chipping all over
NHTSA complaint #11756489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesBaytown, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the check engine and the traction control warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and failed to exceed 45 MPH while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a secondary air injection pump system failure. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to Toyota Campaign Number: 20TC01, and the contact was referred to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the campaign. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with secondary air injection pump system failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11732492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitefish, MT
STRUCTURE:BODY
The Clear coat is failing on the roof and the hood causing the paint to fade. Toyota knows about the problem and fails to do anything to rectify the problem. Thousands of customers are being affected by this. You can go onto any vehicle forum out there and there are thousands of pictures of this.
NHTSA complaint #11729664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kissimmee, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hi. I file a complaint several years ago about their entertainment radio system freezing up intermittently. Happening now my radio after I turn it off will turn back on to the first AM setting saved even though I did not use it. After I turn it off the display shows the AM lit up as white not blue and it will turn back on repeatedly for a few more times before completely staying off. This has happened now 3 times this year.
NHTSA complaint #11682728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, NC
STEERING
When you are driving down the road and get in a curve the wheels lock up like you are on ice or hydroplaining and have no control of vehicle. only happens in curves and i know of multiple trucks doing this - if another car is coming from other direction you will hit them as you cant control truck
NHTSA complaint #11662569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
POWER TRAIN
While driving the vehicle there is a groaning sound coming from the front end of the Tacoma from the front differential. There is a TSB from Toyota, but they only cover it under warranty and are not treating it as a recall. TSB # 0026-15. I think this is something that is causing wear to the front differential and could cause further damage/could lead to a crash if something was to lock up. The sound is consistent from 15-55 MPH no matter the driving.
NHTSA complaint #11657848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazel Park, MI
SEATS
Hello, writing to make a complaint about the heated seat ECU in my toyota tacoma. It looks like improper wire connectors or improper gauge wires have caused the power connector to melt, and have rendered my heated seats inoperable. It seems if a part gets hot enough inside the vehicle cab to warm up and melt, it could potentially cause a fire.
NHTSA complaint #11641311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lompoc, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have had my secondary air pump replaced twice already. Now six months later am having the same codes and the truck is back at the dealership. Throws code p2443 valve stuck closed.....on a 6 month old part. This w=has been an issue with this and other toyota models since 2012. Why is there no recall on these?
NHTSA complaint #11618259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lompoc, CA
ENGINE
I have had my secondary air pump replaced twice already. Now six months later am having the same codes and the truck is back at the dealership. Throws code p2443 valve stuck closed.....on a 6 month old part. This w=has been an issue with this and other toyota models since 2012. Why is there no recall on these?
NHTSA complaint #11618259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driftwood, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
My 2014 Toyota Tacoma is experiencing paint chipping in large sections on multiple sections of the vehicle. Primarily this can be seen on the passenger side doors near the windows. I believe there was a recall for this vehicle for years 2016-2022. My request is to have my year model included as it is experiencing the exact same issues as the years already on the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11600185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, VT
STRUCTURE:BODY
Body is rusted
NHTSA complaint #11593361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lompoc, CA
POWER TRAIN
In the past two years my Tacoma has had to have the air switching valve replaced twice. Vehicle going into limp mode is not safe. Dealer tells me I need to drive it more than 5K miles a year. So I need to drive more to make an emission component work better? How does that even make sense.
NHTSA complaint #11582789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake master cylinder is leaking into the cab, truck has 80k miles on it. OEM replacement part only available through Toyota dealer (Part number: 47050-04092) is INSANE at $1500. No warning indicators, just a puddle of brake fluid on my floor mat.
NHTSA complaint #11581958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manhattan, KS
STEERING
Horn will honk when steering wheel was turned to the right or left but could not get it to honk when the steering wheel was in the straight or normal position. Took to local Toyota Dealer and it was found that the Spiral Cable in the steering wheel was the cause and needed replaced so I had the dealer replace this Spiral Cable in the steering wheel which then fixed this issue. I found online that there were recalls and service bulletins on this issue, but it was for prior years and did not include my vehicle. I noticed that there are a lot of discussions and complaints online about this issue, so it seems that this is an ongoing problem.
NHTSA complaint #11574233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
I purchased this Toyota 3 years ago in Rochester NY, an incredibly snowy city that uses a lot of salt in the winter. I was living in Texas when I got informed about a recall about frame damage due to rust and corrosion. When I tried to get this taken care of I was told the dealership couldn’t do anything about it because it’s not in a cold climate state anymore. The frame is very rusted and seems to be very dangerous to drive. I find the lack of professionalism and disregard for my safety highly disturbing. Please let me know if there’s anything you can do to help get this resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11532729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Granby, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I received a notice from Toyota Motor Corporation that certain 2011-2017 Model Year Tacoma Vehicles should be brought in for a Frame Corrosion Inspection. Subsequent to this inspection, the dealership could recommend either an application of Corrosion Resistant Compound OR an entire Frame replacement. My vehicle's Frame was severe enough to qualify for replacement, BUT, the dealership indicated that the Fuel Tank Band holding the fuel tank in place was sufficiently rusted that it should be replaced to the tune of $421.58 If this item is a safety issue, I'd think it would be subject to recall and replacement. Please advise.
NHTSA complaint #11518716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesKaty, TX
TIRES
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Tacoma equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler, Tire Size: P235/75/R15, DOT Number: 1PJHLFNWR. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the passenger’s side rear tire exploded. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the tire had dry rotted and were outdated. The tires were replacement tires. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11511770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,600 milesRaleigh, NC
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2014 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at 52 MPH, the vehicle drove over a pothole, causing the driver’s and passenger’s side curtain air bags to erroneously deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,600.
NHTSA complaint #11510040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesStafford Springs, CT
TIRES
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Tacoma equipped with Goodyear tires, Tire Line: Assurance All Season, Tire Size: 215/70/R15. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, all four tires were shaking abnormally. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that all four tires were defective. The contact was shown that there were bubbles and indentations on each tire which led to tire cupping. The contact was also informed that the tires were not properly balanced or rotated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the tires were not round. The tire manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tires were not replaced. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 67,000. The tire failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
NHTSA complaint #11489612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesNorth Las Vegas, NV
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger’s side visors made a popping sound and became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where both the visors were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11483579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2010-2014 Tacoma 2TR-FE Exhaust Pipe Catalytic Converter Warranty Extension F0U | TOYO Headquarters https://www.toyoheadquarters.com/threads/2010-2014-tacoma-2tr-fe-exhaust-pipe-catalytic-converter-warranty-extension-f0u.474/#:~:text=Authorized%20Toyota%20dealerships%20are%20requested,it%20is%20a%20warranty%20enhancement. I have spent 30 hours trying to find ratteling sounds from under Truck. Many have complained on Tacoma blog site with same issues. My 2014 has the 4 cylinder 2.7 engine Under 150,000 miles and less than 15 years as specified by Federal Law. I'm concerned with safety issues, exhaust emissions, engine damage and failure to drive. The sound is getting worse! Please help us with issue. JC
NHTSA complaint #11465145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
ENGINE
2010-2014 Tacoma 2TR-FE Exhaust Pipe Catalytic Converter Warranty Extension F0U | TOYO Headquarters https://www.toyoheadquarters.com/threads/2010-2014-tacoma-2tr-fe-exhaust-pipe-catalytic-converter-warranty-extension-f0u.474/#:~:text=Authorized%20Toyota%20dealerships%20are%20requested,it%20is%20a%20warranty%20enhancement. I have spent 30 hours trying to find ratteling sounds from under Truck. Many have complained on Tacoma blog site with same issues. My 2014 has the 4 cylinder 2.7 engine Under 150,000 miles and less than 15 years as specified by Federal Law. I'm concerned with safety issues, exhaust emissions, engine damage and failure to drive. The sound is getting worse! Please help us with issue. JC
NHTSA complaint #11465145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henrico, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Structure problems with Tacoma super white #040 peeling and starting to cause rust issues. Notified manufacturers dealership and they inspected vehicle stating it does have the delaminating problem as seen on over their other models. Stated this particular model and year is not included in current recall, but they have seen other Tacoma’s with this same issue. Collision center took pictures for their records and showed me his personal truck with exactly the same issue.Entire truck will eventually need to be painted according to shop manager. Contact Toyota North America which stated not part of (SSC) and offered not assistance reference #220111-000090. Available for inspection and have pictures if needed. Vehicle has 25,000 miles and in great shape other than exterior paint peeling.
NHTSA complaint #11447497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesSpokane Valley, WA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 - 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with rod knock, valve train, and engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #11443758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Malibu, CA
STEERING
I took my vehicle in to the dealer where I always have it serviced, and asked them to do a front end alignment, since it pulls slightly and I noticed a little uneven tire wear. The mechanic said the front suspension is too rusted to align. I took the vehicle to a tire shop recommended by the dealer service advisor, and they said it is extremely rusted and sprayed some penetrating oil on it. I posted some pictures online in a Tacoma forum and everyone thought the rust was excessive, especially for a southern California vehicle where the roads aren't salted. I am the original owner. Based on what I read in online Tacoma forums, excessive frame rust was a well documented problem for earlier years There is excessive rust and corrosion on the front frame, suspension and steering, preventing proper steering alignment as normal maintenance. The problem was originally identified by the dealer last month during a routine 5,000 mile oil change service; they never notified me about a problem in any previous service, and the problem was independently confirmed by a tire shop when I tried to have them perform a front wheel alignment. There are no warnings or symptoms, and the need for a front end alignment is due to normal wear and tear
NHTSA complaint #11441225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.