47 of the
281 complaints about the 2018 Toyota Tacoma are about the
braking system — 17% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
14,000 miles.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11733984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jamesville, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
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).
NHTSA complaint #11728861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bell, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11722232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pioneer, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake actuator assembly is leaking brake fluid and is dripping onto the brake lever and onto the floorboard. This concern has been inspected and confirmed by a local Toyota dealership. This problem is a known safety recall by Toyota (Safety Recall J06).
NHTSA complaint #11701669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake master cylinder seal is broken and causing brake fluid to leak into the floorboard of the cab near the brake pedal.
NHTSA complaint #11699815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Navarre, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The master cylinder is leaking brake fluid into the cab and is dripping behind the brake pedal. There is brake fluid in the wiring harness that goes to the brake switch as well. This is a known fire hazard from other vehicle manufacturers.
NHTSA complaint #11685491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fontana, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
yes has been inspected by the manufacturer and they fixed it but I want to file a claim.
NHTSA complaint #11674158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kyle, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
I own a 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road and am experiencing a minor brake fluid leak within the cab which is leaking brake fluid from above the brake pedal. An independent mechanic determined the issue is associated with the brake booster and brake master cylinder which is related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V888000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN is not included in the recall. No warning lights are illuminated. The leak was noticed at approximately 87,500. Vehicle is available for inspection and not yet inspected by the manufacturer, etc. The leak is minor now but believe it will get worse.
NHTSA complaint #11654298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesMunhall, PA
PARKING BRAKE
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive and starting to accelerate, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger’s side wheel. The contact became aware that the rear passenger’s side wheel was not rotating. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the parking brake cable. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #11647502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesRescue, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while inside the vehicle, there was brake fluid leaking from above the brake pedal. Additionally, while driving, the brake pedal had to be firmly depressed to stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a brake booster leak inside the cab, and it was determined that the brake booster and brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V888000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11629242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE HAD BELOW ISSUE AT 57000 MILES ON MY TACOMA. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT I AM NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY, AND COPORATE THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY TRUCK BY SEARCH VIN, BUT ITS CLEAR IM EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES AS BELOW AND SEEING OTHER VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE, SO ITS CLEAR THIS TRUCK WAS BUILT WITH THE SAME DEFECTS. The Plano, Texas-based manufacturer sent a safety recall report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stating they will recall 6,046 2018 Toyota Camry, 2018 Toyota Highlander, 2017 Toyota Sienna, 2017 Toyota Tacoma, and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles built between Oct. 2 and Nov. 3, 2017. Toyota stated in the report the affected vehicles contain brake booster vacuum pump assemblies with improperly machined oil galleys. The vacuum pump is supplied oil from the engine to seal and lubricate the pump vane’s movement. The defect can cause oil to not properly circulate through the system, eventually breaking the pump vane and causing potentially dangerous braking assist loss.
NHTSA complaint #11626240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ruckersville, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake system is leaking fluid in the cab of the truck creating a safety hazard; the brake fluid is a slick oily substance that can potentially inhibit the application of the braking system when the foot is applied to the pedal with the brake fluid on the pedal or picked up on the bottom of the foot.
NHTSA complaint #11615689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caguas, PR
SERVICE BRAKES
The Electrohydraulic Brake Booster leak a Brake Fluid in the driver side Cabin near to Brake pedal.. This brake Fluid leak touch de floor paint and cause rust on the metal floor… eventually make the warning light on on dash panel and canceling brake functions and another think on brake system .. is a brake fail dangerous.. to much tacoma owners report that fails but Toyota USA solution is replace a Part but out of warranty ..
NHTSA complaint #11603931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
Unknown it changed and I have not kept track of new or old details.
NHTSA complaint #11603294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartshorne, OK
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake system is leaking fluid in the cab of the truck creating a safety hazard; the brake fluid is a slick oily substance that can potentially inhibit the application of the braking system when the foot is applied to the pedal with the brake fluid on the pedal or picked up on the bottom of the foot.
NHTSA complaint #11563738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, AR
SERVICE BRAKES
2018 Tacoma DC TRD Off Road, V6, hydraulic brake master cylinder, 49,000 miles: Brake fluid leaking into the cab of the vehicle beneath the brake pedal. Brake fluid is leaking from the rear of the master cylinder, running down the push rod and dripping off of the brake pedal bracket. Brake pedal resistance is slightly reduced. First noticed something dripping on my floor mat in April of 2023. I wasn't sure what it was. It never occurred to me that it could be brake fluid. There shouldn't be any vehicle fluids under the dash. There is the possibility of the system losing enough pressure that the brake system could fail entirely causing an accident and possible injury. (same symptoms as the recall for the vacuum boosted master cylinder-internal seal failure) This part should last at least half the life of the vehicle. 5 years and 49,000 miles is very premature for this part to fail. Took vehicle to the dealership. The dealership was quick to inform me that there are no open recalls on my vehicle, and this is not the same issue as the recall. I have a different style of master cylinder that is not affected by the recall. Toyota will not cover the failure. I should replace the entire master cylinder ($2100) and reevaluate. There have been no warning lamps, messages, or DTC's.
NHTSA complaint #11562460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Paul, MN
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake pedal went to the floor and I lost almost all braking, had to use the hand brake to get home. Brakes had been working fine on outbound trip, failed when preparing to return home.
NHTSA complaint #11527695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lafayette, INCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
Pulling vehicle into the garage on a cold morning (15 deg F). Hydraulic booster/brake master cylinder suddenly stopped providing boost pressure and brake pedal dropped to the floor. With no braking effort able to be applied the vehicle was driven into the house at slow speed. No hydraulic leaks are noted and pedal height and brake performance seems to have returned. There is fluid in the master cylinder reservoir and it doesn't appear to be contaminated. Braking capability returned after placing the vehicle in park and then reversing. Waiting for insurance follow up to select a collision repair shop and have the vehicle towed for repair. Dash cam video of the incident is available and clearly shows braking occurring and then the vehicle speeding up or failing to stop. Was unable to upload the video due to size. Photos are also available showing the damage and dry garage floors where the accident occurred. Vehicle is equipped with WeatherTech floor mats and I've verified there are no issues with mats and unattended acceleration with photographic documentation. I was the driver during the incident, am ASE Master Certified, and have taught automotive courses at the local community college for the last 12 years, worked as an automotive technician for 10 years prior, and work professionally as a Mechanical Engineer. Leveraging my experience, there is clearly a present concern with the hydraulic brake booster/master cylinder, particularly at cold temperatures.
NHTSA complaint #11512521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hanover, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
My brake master cylinder failed on my 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The Toyota service technician inspected it and said it failed. My brake pedal went to the floor which affected my braking distance. There were no warning lights or indication that my brakes failed.
NHTSA complaint #11508295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sherman, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake fluid is leaking into cab of the truck around the brake pedal area. Brake pedal needs to be pushed in slightly more than normal. My truck has the same issues stated in the 2018-2019 Tacoma brake master cylinder recall. As stated in the original recall braking could be affected which could result in crash. I called Toyota and explain the situation and all I received was “there are currently no open recalls for your vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11491791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
My vehicles brakes stopped working unexpectedly. The brakes would not stop the truck until my foot was on the floor which caused me to almost rear end another vehicle. They also locked up when I tried to stop. There were no warning lights showing before, during, or after the incident. The dealer has not had a chance to check the vehicle yet but there was a previous recall issued for braking issues for Tacoma's made between February 2018-November 2018, and my Tacoma was manufactured in August 2018.
NHTSA complaint #11468048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,500 milesGainesboro, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after her husband parked the vehicle at a private property and shifted into gear and releasing the clutch, the rear passenger’s side tire locked up. The driver stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver and his son manually replaced the 8 springs, 8 retainers, and 8 pins on the rear brakes. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,500.
NHTSA complaint #11456959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
When pressing the brake it takes about 1/4 th of pressing the brake down before the brakes engage.
NHTSA complaint #11433518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesTidioute, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving over 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop in a timely manner. The contact stated that there was no collision. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the front driver’s and passenger’s side brake linings, brake pads, and rotors were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11431209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,500 milesLOS Angeles, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS INVOKED IN A FRONT END COLLISION MY BRAKES DIDN'T STOP FAST ENOUGH MY PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE BOTTOM FLOOR AND MY TPS RADAR COLLISION WARNING DIDN'T ACTIVATE WHAT CAN I DO ?
NHTSA complaint #11390591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pago Pago, AS
SERVICE BRAKES
RECALL ISSUES HAVE BEEN REPORTED VIA PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS TO DEALERSHIP SINCE MARCH-2020 BUT HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY ASSISTANCE ON MATTERS FOR TWO RECALLS, ONE IN DEC2018 FOR THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND ANOTHER IN JAN2020 FOR THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. BRAKES ARE ALWAYS MAKING A LOUD NOISE ESPECIALLY ON REVERSE.
NHTSA complaint #11363749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesNorth Port, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
THE CAR WAS PUT IN REVERSE IN ORDER TO GET OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. AS I TURNED THE WHEEL AS IT WAS IN REVERSE THE CAR BEGAN TO ACT WEIRD AND THE BRAKES DID NOT SEEM TO WORK. I PUMPED THE BRAKES 3 TIMES, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE AND THE CAR PARKED BEHIND ME WAS HIT. I WAS GOING SLOW WHEN I REVERSED, HOWEVER MY WHOLE BUMPER SNAPPED OFF AND MY TAILLIGHT SHATTERED. THE TRUCK SEEMED TO HAVE ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING USED....THE BRAKES SEEMED TO WORK JUST FINE AFTER, HOWEVER DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WEREN'T ANY CODES INDICATING A LOSS OF BRAKES. THERE WAS NO FLUID OR LEAKAGE ON THE COMPARTMENT EITHER. EVERYTHING WAS FINE I WAS TOLD, BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO ADD UP FOR ME. THIS TRUCK WAS SECOND-HAND FROM THE DEALERSHIP, SO I AM NOT SURE IF IT WAS PART OF THE TRUCKS THAT HAD A RECALL ON BRAKES. THE CURRENT RECALL ON IT HAD TO DO WITH THE PUMP WHICH THERE IS NO REMEDY FOR.
NHTSA complaint #11353438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,500 milesMemphis, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) ENGAGES WHEN ROAD SURFACES ARE SNOWY OR SLICK. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I CANNOT STOP THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE DISTANCE. THE ABS TAKES OVER AND THE CAR COASTS INDEFINITELY. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT IN 40 YEARS OF DRIVING, AND HAVE NOW HAD THREE NEAR MISSES OVER THE LAST TWO WINTERS DUE TO THE ABS.
NHTSA complaint #11307450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,039 milesRockmart, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA TAKOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ACCELERATING, A WARNING MESSAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STATED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED AT THE SAME TIME. THE VEHICLE LOST MOTIVE POWER. MARIETTA TOYOTA (750 COBB PKWY S, MARIETTA, GA 30060, (470)938-8430) WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,039.
NHTSA complaint #11301693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE BRAKE SHUDDER WHILE DECELERATING FROM FREEWAY SPEEDS. AS THE BRAKES HEAT UP, THE BRAKE SHUDDER GETS MORE AND MORE PRONOUNCED. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE ON THIS ISSUE 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. TSB HAS BEEN DONE TO ADDRESS REAR AXLE ISSUES, ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND REAR DRUMS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ONCE. VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER'S 2YR/25,000 MILE TOYOTACARE WARRANTY, BUT MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE DRUMS/ROTORS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT SHOP AND HAD FRONT ROTORS/PADS REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE REAR DRUMS AND THERE IS STILL A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE BRAKES WHILE DECELERATING. PLEASE ADVISE.
NHTSA complaint #11269441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.