603 of the
10,741 complaints filed about the Toyota Tacoma
are about the engine —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2012.
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.
I was driving down the freeway and the motor suddenly stopped working, had to wait for hours in the 100 degree heat for a tow truck. I was informed by Toyota that a fuel injector failed and that it was leaking fuel into the cylinder.
NHTSA complaint #11753222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, while starting or while driving the vehicle, the vehicle was making a ticking sound. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, the screen froze, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a failure with the steering, the vehicle lost motive and electrical power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an unspecified steering failure and the vehicle was repaired under warranty, however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to a dealer but was not initially diagnosed; however, a mechanic duplicated the failure during a test drive. The pulley system and other undetermined parts were replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to a dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle was operating normally, but the pulley system was replaced a second time, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to a dealer, and the entire pulley system was replaced, and the display screen was re-flashed, but months later the failure recurred and became worse. The vehicle was repaired another time, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer and was diagnosed with an air conditioning compressor failure which caused the ticking sound. The vehicle was repaired, but the dealer declined to accept fault if the air conditioning compressor failed again. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.
NHTSA complaint #11747781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Truck has 116k miles, started losing power and acceleration diminished. CEL and Trac Off light came on. Pulled over twice after experiencing same issue. Took to mechanic and diagnostic code P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). Replaced 6 spark plugs to be safe, and replaced broken coil in cylinder 1. Drove less than a mile and CEL came back on. Brought to dealership this time and they found a leak in the head gasket and noticed warping in cylinder 1, along with code P0301 still present. They reported back to me stating it needed a machinist to resurface the the cylinder head, that the repair is mechanical. Even outside of warranty this fix should not be costing $13,000. The truck has been properly maintained for the past 9 years, all oil services and replacing any wear and tear items. Mechanical (warping) is manufacturing issues.
NHTSA complaint #11741962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact stated that while driving in the rain, when passing another vehicle, the vehicle began shuddering and experienced a loss of power. The check engine light illuminated and multiple other warning indicators. The vehicle pulled over to the vehicle was stopped and eventually restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer were it was diagnosed with an air intake failure. Shortly after, the vehicle experienced the same issue. Again and was returned to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed with a turbo mud and water found inside the air intake, water is covering the filter and there was no additional repairs that could be completed so the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 19,600.
NHTSA complaint #11741639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
The contact stated that while driving in the rain, when passing another vehicle, the vehicle began shuddering and experienced a loss of power. The check engine light illuminated and multiple other warning indicators. The vehicle pulled over to the vehicle was stopped and eventually restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer were it was diagnosed with an air intake failure. Shortly after, the vehicle experienced the same issue. Again and was returned to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed with a turbo mud and water found inside the air intake, water is covering the filter and there was no additional repairs that could be completed so the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 19,600.
NHTSA complaint #11741639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving, the engine revved lightly. Over time the vehicle began to lunge forward, and the revving had become more intense. The RPM increased and revved. While reversing, the vehicle lunged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the map sensor and throttle body. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11739290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While attempting to cross 3 lanes of oncoming traffic from a standstill the vehicle lost all power and barely moved 2 feet, irrespective my efforts of stabbing at the throttle, and almost got us killed. Fortunately I slammed on the brakes and barely missed being hit head on. No warning lamps or codes popped up. This is now the 3rd such incident in the 2 months we have owned this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11737961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The engine in my 2018 Toyota Tacoma failed at 39000 miles and Toyota is refusing to cover the repair costs. I have records of all regularly scheduled maintenance performed and I have never done anything that would put additional stress on the engine such as off-roading or towing. This engine is defective and should be recalled. There are numerous reports online of the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11729880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On Sunday March 22, 2025 at around 1340, I was leaving my house and driving on a small incline and noticed my vehicle had a jerk when down shifting. This happened four times while traveling up hill. I have not yet had any repeat issues since this date.
NHTSA complaint #11729199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clattering sound coming from the engine, with a misfire coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to several mechanics, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector in cylinder #3 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11716829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am having same issue as the incident i found here 12/06/2025, LISTED UNDER COMPLAINTS-I live in Rio Rancho NM- Concern it involves the automatic transmission torque converter specifically torque-converter lock-up behavior, The issue presents as a vibration/shudder during steady -speed driving , we are driving around 30-40 miles per hour when it happens, The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection upon request. The vibration/shudder occurs during steady cruising at moderate speeds which affects vehicle smoothness and driver confidence, while no accident has occurred yet, the behavior is unexpected and distracting and could impact safe vehicle operation, particularly during highway driving or when maintaining steady speed in traffic, I Took it to my Toyota dealer a few months ago they said they could not find any issues, I am taking it again tomorrow and now I CAN SHOW THEM THAT I FOUND THE SAME ISSUE UNDER COMPLAINTS, I NEED TO TOYOTA TO FIX MY ISSUE ASAP,
NHTSA complaint #11716242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Have had engine issues such as stalling, rattling, limp mode, rough idling and engine missing. Have had repairs done but continues to have major issues where it is not functioning properly.
NHTSA complaint #11715462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toyota has a manufacturing defect going on with their v6 in Gen 3Tacoma's. I have a 2020 Limited with 48,200 miles that needs a new cylinder head. It threw a check engine light on me, and luckily enough I took it to the dealership within about 30 miles, otherwise my engine could have exploded. I have videos from the dealership inspection that I cannot attach here. I have since found via the error code a history of these issues on newer trucks. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I believe that this issue could pose serious safety issues for someone who is not as immediate on stopping driving, as it was just a check engine light. If you were to drive on this light down the highway, and have catastrophic failure, the Tacoma becomes a completely unpowered hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11712671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deep knocking noise they call the taco tick is actually the a problem with the motor. There is an issue valve train and timing chain, tensioners and pulleys. Toyota USA decide to tell all consumers it’s just the way they sound. So they do not have to repair millions of these trucks on recall they refuse to repair under manufacture warranty or power train warranty they wait until it becomes the consumers problem
NHTSA complaint #11710839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle accelerated on its own at highway speed, had to hit the brake in order for it to stop accelerating. Other more common issue is that vehicle RPMs go up when trying to accelerate but vehicle does not accelerate, just RPMs go up. This happened about 5 times over the past year and a half. Most noticeable time was where I couldn’t accelerate after at all until I pulled over and put it in park. Then back to drive again and worked fine. This car has been brought over to Lia Toyota of rockland numerous times with this second issue and they can never duplicate nor fix the problem
NHTSA complaint #11708785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.