673 of the
10,741 complaints filed about the Toyota Tacoma
are about the braking system —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2019.
The parking brake sticks. This is an issue because the vehicle automatically applies the parking brake briefly when switching from neutral to first gear or reverse to prevent rollback. When this happens, the parking brake sticks, and the rear wheels lock. I believe the brake cables have been infiltrated with water resulting in rust/corrosion.
NHTSA complaint #11758934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brake Master cylinder. The brakes lose all pressure and do not stop the truck all of a sudden. This is an open recall on many of these trucks but apparently my specific truck isn’t included in this. Because it just happened we are looking for the parts to fix this. Although it’s to the tune of over $1,000. There are no warnings, no lights nothing. Just went to pull out of my driveway and have no brakes. Although the pads are brand new and professionally installed.
NHTSA complaint #11758799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jumped a curb, went down a riverbank, and crashed into a telephone pole. The air bags did not deploy. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The parking brake was engaged, and the vehicle stopped. The message “Parking Brake Malfunction - See Dealer” was displayed. There was no injury sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that there was abnormal brake wear. The dealer determined that the pistons had detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jumped a curb, went down a riverbank, and crashed into a telephone pole. The air bags did not deploy. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The parking brake was engaged, and the vehicle stopped. The message “Parking Brake Malfunction - See Dealer” was displayed. There was no injury sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that there was abnormal brake wear. The dealer determined that the pistons had detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brake master cylinder failed on 2019 Toyota Tacoma. Vehicle had ~40000 miles at time of failure summer of 2025. Out of pocket expense was over $2000.00.
NHTSA complaint #11756579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V152000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel was firm, the brake pedal was firm, and the vehicle was violently vibrating. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message “Pull Over – Do Not Drive” was displayed before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the battery and alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brake pedal started sinking to the floor. Inspected and no fluid leaks present. If brake pedal is pumped, it will build pressure. Then the check brake system light comes on. That is a sign of brake master cylinder failure.
NHTSA complaint #11753935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Common issue reported amongst 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma owners. Noticed brake fluid dripping from under driver's side dash directly under brake pedal onto floor mat. Upon inspection, found brake fluid dripping down from what appears to be brake booster. Leaking brake booster should be a safety recall with replacement covered by Toyota.
NHTSA complaint #11744979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My father and I both purchased a 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2WD double cab last year brand new from different dealerships, both were in FL. My father was driving his new Tacoma with adaptive cruise control engaged, this was on an interstate, and the vehicle in front of him moved to the left lane next to him and started braking and this caused his vehicle to start braking extremely hard with no vehicles in front of him (he was driving about 55mph when this happened). He said this has happened to him before. I was in the vehicle with him when this happened. When I was driving from his home in GA a few days later, back to my home in FL, I was on the interstate ([XXX]) with the adaptive cruise control engaged and the exact same thing happened with my truck. A semi truck in front of me moved into the lane to the right and started braking. This caused my vehicle to start braking extremely hard with no vehicles in front of me. Had a vehicle been behind me, this could have caused me to be rear-ended going about 70mph. The sudden automatic braking with NO vehicles in front of you is aggressive enough to cause a rear-end collision and possibly cause the driver to make a startled, impulsive, corrective mistake to the sudden aggressive braking. Problem has not been confirmed or reproduced. Neither my father's or my vehicle has been inspected for this issue. Im betting its a software issue. No warning lights or messages before the aggressive braking in either mine or my fathers vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the rear driver's and passenger’s side rotors and brake pads suddenly detached. No warning lights were illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware of metal debris on the ground by the rear wheels. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed to a local dealer for further investigation. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 25V058000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Vehicle Information Vehicle: 2024 Toyota Tacoma VIN: [XXX] ate: January 26, 2025 Repair Completed: October 1, 2025 Safety Complaint Description Beginning on or about February 5, 2025, my 2024 Toyota Tacoma developed a serious braking-related safety issue that substantially affected the safe operation of the vehicle. When I brought the vehicle to the dealership, I reported braking concerns and was advised by dealership personnel that the vehicle may not be safe to drive due to concerns that the rear brakes might not function properly under certain conditions. I was specifically told by dealership staff that they would not recommend driving the vehicle due to safety risks. Despite this warning, I was forced to continue operating the vehicle because no repair remedy was available at that time and no equivalent loaner vehicle or safe alternative transportation was provided. Over the course of several months, I repeatedly contacted the dealership regarding the issue. Each time, I was told that no repair remedy was available and that nothing could be done until Toyota released a repair solution. I was also advised that my only option was to leave the vehicle at the dealership indefinitely, which was not practical because the vehicle was my only means of transportation. As a result, I was forced to continue driving a vehicle that had been identified as unsafe. The defect remained unresolved for approximately eight months. During this time, I experienced significant safety concerns and loss of reliable vehicle use. Because of the prolonged delay in repair and lack of alternative transportation, I was ultimately forced to purchase another vehicle in order to maintain necessary transportation. The braking-related condition was not permanently corrected until approximately October 1, 2025. This situation created significant safety concerns because I was forced to operate a vehicle that dealership personnel advised may not be safe to drive, yet INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
NHTSA complaint #11732160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After having Toyota Tacoma rear brake hose recall performed at Steven Toyota Harrisonburg Va I have very poor braking! This is a huge safety concern for my family and myself. Toyota is not taking this matter seriously. I was told “bring it in and let the tech have another wack at it”. No get a master tech on this problem immediately! I had reservations about having this recall performed by Toyota because in Toyotas pursuit to fix a problem they always make it worse. This has been our family’s experience over the course of many years. I have reported this issues to Toyota corporate and they are oblivious to our families safety concerns. They are more concerned about their protocol.
NHTSA complaint #11731013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
What component failed? The rear brake system (rotors and pads) and the components associated with Safety Recall 25TA04 (rear brake hoses). The parts are available for inspection. * How was safety put at risk? The dealer (Island Toyota, St. Croix) labeled my 2024 Tacoma "UNSAFE TO DRIVE" on Invoice #[XXX] but refused to perform the Federal Safety Recall (25TA04) for rear brake hoses unless I paid for an $800 brake job first. This violates federal law by making a safety recall conditional on customer-paid maintenance. I am currently driving a vehicle the dealer documented as "unsafe" because they withheld the free safety remedy. * Has the problem been confirmed? Yes, the dealer confirmed the rear brakes are failed but refused the recall and the 36,000-mile warranty claim. * Has it been inspected by others? Not yet. However, the dealer’s technician failed to record actual millimeter measurements for the pads or rotors on the official invoice. * Warning lamps or symptoms? Metal on metal grinding noise from the rear brakes. No warning lamps appeared prior to the failure. * Additional Note on Records: The dealer falsified my service records on Line C (Recall 25TC07), claiming I was "unwilling to wait" for a repair that was never even mentioned to me. The dealer also claims I denied service on Line B, but what actually happened is I refused to pay $800 for a premature brake failure that should be covered by my 36,000 mile warranty or as consequential damage from the recall. The dealer then used my refusal to pay for pads as an excuse to withhold the Federal Safety Recall (25TA04). I never denied the safety repair I denied a bill for a factory defect. I have uploaded photos of both rear wheels. The left side is healthy, but the right side is completely destroyed with deep scoring. This uneven wear at only 34,613 miles proves this is a manufacturing defect, not my driving style. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11727935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
The vehicle is a 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road subject to Safety Recall 25TA11 involving the front axle shafts potentially breaking. The manufacturer has confirmed the recall and that a remedy is not yet available. The vehicle has been at a Toyota dealership and out of service for an extended period while waiting for a repair solution. The dealer has confirmed that no repair can currently be performed because Toyota has not released a remedy. This defect creates a safety concern because a front axle shaft failure could result in loss of drive power and potential loss of vehicle control while driving. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership and manufacturer through the active safety recall notice. No warning lights or prior symptoms were observed before the recall notification. The vehicle is currently available for inspection at the Toyota dealership upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11717017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.