Aurora, CO
1 injured
AIR BAGS
Vehicle was in car accident where airbags did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11707694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FaultScore report
2021 Toyota Tacoma problems
Owners have filed 116 complaints about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026. The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance. Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 32 worst.
C
FaultScore 59/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Toyota Tacoma.
How this is worked outThe numbers
116
Complaints
14
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
14
Injuries reported
2 complaints report a death.
8,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
64%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
NHTSA overall crash rating
From the agency's own crash tests
What kind of bad
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.
- Complaint volume — 17
- Against the median year of the Toyota Tacoma. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
- Severity — 100
- 25.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
- Early failure — 100
- 64% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.
How 2021 compares with every other Toyota Tacoma
Click any bar to open that year's report.
What breaks on a 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
9
7.8%
Median failure at 62,000 miles
Electrical System
9
7.8%
Median failure at 102,000 miles
Airbags
7
6.0%
5 crashes, 0 fires
Acceleration & Cruise Control
5
4.3%
Median failure at 150 miles
Body & Structure
5
4.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 280 mi
Seats
3
2.6%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Tires
3
2.6%
Suspension
3
2.6%
Steering
3
2.6%
Median failure at 47,000 miles
Seat Belts
2
1.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Wheels
1
0.9%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
1
0.9%
Exactly what failed
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.
Automatic Emergency Braking
4
20.0%
Blind Spot Detection
4
20.0%
Body
4
20.0%
Warnings
3
15.0%
Adaptive Cruise Control
2
10.0%
Rearview System Braking
1
5.0%
Warnings
1
5.0%
Starter Assembly
1
5.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
7
28.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
7
28.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2
8.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4
16.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2
8.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1
4.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2
8.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota TACOMA PU/CC 4WD |
19.1% risk
|
|||
| 2021 Toyota TACOMA PU/EC 4WD |
19.1% risk
|
|||
| 2021 Toyota TACOMA PU/CC 2WD |
14.7% risk
|
|||
| 2021 Toyota TACOMA PU/EC 2WD |
14.7% risk
|
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.
Feb 2021
peak 8
Aug 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
New London, CT
Crash
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.
NHTSA complaint #11590611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Soquel, CA
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11589079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Soquel, CA
1 injured
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.
NHTSA complaint #11589079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, NC
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES
I was about to park. press the break pedal in order to move gear to Parking. However, My Tacoma accelerated and I was unable to control it. Finally, it stop after hitting a tree.
NHTSA complaint #11558361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyler, TX
Crash
1 injured
1 killed
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11501237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Vista, CA
ENGINE
Having two issues major issues that’s causing me a $10,000 bill. The timing cover is leaking and there is a coolant bypass hose that is leaking. I have spend a lot of maintenance on this truck on maintaining it to have to remove the engine. As for the forward collision warning ive had it go off multiple times witout a vehicle there. While in cruise control ive had it unexpectedly break on me when there was no visible vehicle infront or next to me.
NHTSA complaint #11755683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vista, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Having two issues major issues that’s causing me a $10,000 bill. The timing cover is leaking and there is a coolant bypass hose that is leaking. I have spend a lot of maintenance on this truck on maintaining it to have to remove the engine. As for the forward collision warning ive had it go off multiple times witout a vehicle there. While in cruise control ive had it unexpectedly break on me when there was no visible vehicle infront or next to me.
NHTSA complaint #11755683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake master cylinder is leaking in the interior of truck on driver side floor mat. Oil is come from brake master cylinder seal.
NHTSA complaint #11750147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Multi-Information Display (MID) on the instrument cluster (combination meter) has failed completely. The display shows full-width horizontal RGB scan lines across the entire screen with no readable information. The analog gauges (speedometer and tachometer) remain functional but all digital display information is unavailable including speed, warnings, fuel economy data, and safety system status indicators. This failure occurred suddenly with no prior warning. Vehicle has approximately 50,000 miles. I am aware that Toyota issued Safety Recall 25V595 in September 2025 covering the identical combination meter failure on 2023-2025 model year Tacomas and other Toyota vehicles. The root cause identified in that recall — accelerated deterioration of the memory device inside the combination meter due to improper programming — appears to be the same failure mechanism present in my 2021 model year vehicle. I am filing this complaint to formally document that this known defect extends to 2021 model year Tacoma vehicles and to request that NHTSA investigate expanding recall 25V595 to include earlier model years. Toyota should be required to repair or replace the combination meter on affected 2021 vehicles at no cost to owners, consistent with the remedy already established for 2023-2025 vehicles. A Toyota case has been opened with the Brand Engagement Center at [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11746832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Spey, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Digital instrument panel speedometer screen has gone blank. No longer displays speed. This occurred while driving the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11746375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Topsham, VT
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
About a month ago the Blind spot monitoring system failed, dealer said $2500.00 to repair, about 10 days ago, backup sonar parking system failed, dealer cost to repair $2200.00
NHTSA complaint #11743192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Topsham, VT
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
About a month ago the Blind spot monitoring system failed, dealer said $2500.00 to repair, about 10 days ago, backup sonar parking system failed, dealer cost to repair $2200.00
NHTSA complaint #11743192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Topsham, VT
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
About a month ago the Blind spot monitoring system failed, dealer said $2500.00 to repair, about 10 days ago, backup sonar parking system failed, dealer cost to repair $2200.00
NHTSA complaint #11743192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
ENGINE
The plastic coolant crossover valve or pipe failed at 66,000 miles and 5 years of usage. This led to the radiator cracking. After researching online, I read about thousands of Tacoma 3rd generation users with the same issue. Also, the same issue was recalled for several other models of Toyotas but not the Tacoma.
NHTSA complaint #11740269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Bay, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After I purchased my 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport with 4 miles on it and at 1,332 miles on 11/26/21, the Check Engine light with Traction Control Off light came on while I was driving. I immediately pulled over and on the truck media screen it read this: "A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer and have your vehicle inspected." The truck was rough idling and had no acceleration. I had the truck towed to dealership where it was purchased and upon diagnostic, it was determined that #3-cylinder injector was reading "Open Circuit" with code P020313. Being under warranty the dealership repaired the bad injector. No further issues until 4/22/26. On 4/22/26 with mileage at 48,361, I started my truck in my driveway and immediately recognized that the truck was rough idling and the Check Engine Light along with the Traction Control Light Off being on. The exact same message displayed on the screen as above, "A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer and have your vehicle inspected.". The truck was towed back to the same dealership and upon diagnostic the same issue of #3-cylinder injector "open circuit" with code P020313 was revealed. It was recommended to replace the bad #3-cylinder injector and also recommended to go ahead and replace all of the spark plugs. The total repair bill we be ~$2600 when I go to pick it up in 3 days. This is not just a coincidence that the exact same #3-cylinder injector has gone bad at 1,332 miles and then again at 48,361 miles. Seems to be a connection between the injector going bad and the issues that they have had with the High Pressure Fuel Pumps. Toyota needs to acknowledge this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11733332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midway, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
when I push the brake pedal, it goes to the floor. I have had the brakes and master cylinder replaced. after about one month the brakes started failing again. I am going to take it back to the mechanic to have them re-evaluate the brakes. No kind of official has inspected my truck. I have been having braking issues for about a year.
NHTSA complaint #11722917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Topsham, VT
POWER TRAIN
There are three concerns in this write up: at 117000 miles the blind spot monitoring system has fails and will cost $300 to repair. More concerning is that it was recommended I replace the Power Steering Lines at a cost of $927 and the Transmission Lines at a cost of $797 due to severe rusting and corrosion. Its recommended before they rust through and break/leak.
NHTSA complaint #11720723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Topsham, VT
STEERING
There are three concerns in this write up: at 117000 miles the blind spot monitoring system has fails and will cost $300 to repair. More concerning is that it was recommended I replace the Power Steering Lines at a cost of $927 and the Transmission Lines at a cost of $797 due to severe rusting and corrosion. Its recommended before they rust through and break/leak.
NHTSA complaint #11720723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Topsham, VT
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
There are three concerns in this write up: at 117000 miles the blind spot monitoring system has fails and will cost $300 to repair. More concerning is that it was recommended I replace the Power Steering Lines at a cost of $927 and the Transmission Lines at a cost of $797 due to severe rusting and corrosion. Its recommended before they rust through and break/leak.
NHTSA complaint #11720723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florence, SC
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
FRONT RADAR RECALL- NO BACK COVER AND GOES DEFECTIVE
NHTSA complaint #11715783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
1 injured
AIR BAGS
Vehicle was in car accident where airbags did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11707694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When vehicle is driven at 85 mph (cruise control set) speedometer jolts. Speed must be reduced to 84 to resolve issue.
NHTSA complaint #11707691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 miles
Manalapan Township, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle stalled with the engine oil warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that her husband detected a fuel odor coming from the vehicle after the failure. The driver was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle to the dealer. While at the dealer the vehicle was test driven and the failure was acknowledged. The vehicle was then diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired but remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11705044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Heated seat stopped working after smelling a slight burning smell. I investigate and found discolored and burnt electrical connections on the heated seat wires. This happened on the driver's seat. I'm worried the same thing could happen on the passenger side.
NHTSA complaint #11701925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fonda, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
truck is under 20 thousand miles right front brake shoes are loose and not in place. the whole brake assembly is completely rusted .brake lines are leaking.
NHTSA complaint #11700509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 miles
Anna, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 – 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.
NHTSA complaint #11700086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 miles
Irmo, SC
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, after depressing the accelerator pedal and then attempting to depress the brake pedal to make a left turn, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. An independent mechanic was contacted. The contact pulled over into a church parking lot. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #11699491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 miles
Van Nuys, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11690504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 miles
Van Nuys, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11690504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Rutherford, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AC compressor pressure release discharges gas. Dealer states new compressor needed. Vehicle is only 4 years old.
NHTSA complaint #11688907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.