Complaint volume
196 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
196 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma, grouped by component category.
Buyer interpretation
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
196 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
The most common categories are fuel/propulsion system, service brakes, fuel system, gasoline. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Enriched records include 6 crash reports, 0 fire reports, 1 injury report, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage is available on 90 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 26,383 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
196 total complaints on record
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | STRUCTURE | Paint has been peeling from door handles and front bumper | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | STEERING | am filing this complaint regarding a power steering rack leak on my [2018] Toyota Tacoma with [83,000] miles, which I purchased used three months ago from Fred Anderson Toyota of Greer in South Carolina. The dealer represented the vehicle as having passed a 160-point inspection and implied CPO-level standards, but it was not actually Certified Pre-Owned. The steering rack is now leaking power steering fluid, with visible accumulation in the boots, despite stable fluid levels in the reservoir during my ownership. This issue appeared very shortly after purchase, raising concerns that it was a pre-existing defect. Power steering leaks can lead to loss of assist and increase crash risk if they worsen. I request that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a safety defect affecting Toyota Tacomas, as similar complaints appear common in owner forums | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 77,000 |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,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). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Truck has strong smell of fuel in the cab | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | While driving I can here a ticking sound coming from the motor and it gets worse while I pick up speed | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | 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). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The 3rd generation Tacomas rear cabin vents (2 vents) allow water to enter the cabin because they are not tight to the body or sealed properly. The water leaks down the back wall and forward onto the floor soaking the carpet and padding underneath. The water in the carpet/padding has yielded mildew/mold throughout (water goes all the way to the front of the truck). The water also leaks through a floor grommet into a section where the cab mount bolts are and significant rust develops. Not only is the exposure to mold a health hazard, but the corrosion/rust on the cab mount bolts is a significant structural concern. There are many online posts with this problem, and i have just recently found this on my Tacoma. My vehicle has had the 3rd brake light recall, and this issue is completely separate from that recall. Toyota has a history on these vehicles not sealing them as they should. 1. The 2 rear cabin vents fail to keep water from entering the cab. I am happy to provide the vehicle for inspection. 2. Exposure to toxic mold is a health concern. Significant structural damage to the cab mount bolts is a concern if the vehicle were to be in an accident. 3. Numerous people online have confirmed this issue, and they have indicated dealerships are well aware of the issue. I put a garden hose to the back of my truck myself and saw water entering the vehicle. 4. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance, etc. 5. Unknown when water leak first started. In the past 2 years i have started to notice a mildew smell after a rainy day. I am happy to provide additional photos, but the internet is full of this very issue. Please see the following sites with photos/videos/descriptions of other Tacoma owners having the exact same issue. Thank you very much for your time. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon retrieving the Carfax report after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy, and the vehicle seller was not the title holder. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 32,000, and the contact later discovered that the mileage was over 200,000 through the Carfax report. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The fuel pump as stopped working the vehicle will not start and the 4x4 is showing that it is not working. The vehicle is available for inspection. Thankfully this happened while the vehicle was sitting over night but we had driven it the evening before it just stopped running. the Fuel system could have failed while we were driving anywhere. It has not been inspected by anyone else. it is sitting in our driveway and my husband has done a lot of trouble shooting as to what could be wrong and all arrows point to the fuel pump. there have been no check engine light or nothing this came out of nowhere. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | After a couple of years of owning my truck, the paint started on my hood and roof started to turn white and fade. I don’t understand why Toyota uses this type of paint that’s going to get messed up after a couple of years. Also after 4 years of owning the truck, the suspension is all messed up (never took the truck off road or driven it anywhere else but the streets and now they make noises like crazy | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Third break light has started to leak inside the cab of vehicle. Causing a wet musty smell, possibly mold, and staining. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STRUCTURE | The clear coat on the exterior paint of the truck has failed. This has left the base coat paint exposed which means the metal frame is susceptible to rusting now. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | yes has been inspected by the manufacturer and they fixed it but I want to file a claim. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Paint defect Hi, This 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X4 has a premium Cement Grey color. The clear coat from the paint is gone and it’s causing damage to my paint on the roof and doors of the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | On June 26, 2025, around 9:30 AM, I was driving my Tacoma on the highway at approximately 70 mph when the truck suddenly lost power. I was in the center lane and nearly got hit as I tried to exit the highway. After exiting, the engine warning light came on, and the truck eventually stalled. I was able to restart it with limited power and drove it to a nearby shop. The shop's diagnosis revealed several warning codes, and the fuel pressure was found to be only 14 psi. They recommended replacing the low-pressure fuel pump. After researching known fuel pump issues, I had the truck towed to a local Toyota dealership. The dealership confirmed the codes but couldn’t replicate the low-pressure reading after driving for about 30 miles. Because of this, they stated that it didn’t qualify for the extended recall offered by Toyota. Toyota refused to replace the pump, arguing that the recall had already been performed in 2020 and that the low pressure reading came from a non-Toyota repair shop. My response was: how can they be sure that the pump replaced under the recall wasn’t faulty as well? No answer In the end, I had no choice but to cover the repair costs myself. However, I made sure to get the old pump back from the dealership and documented its manufacturing details to support my claim moving forward. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The.truck won’t turn on. We checked it with a diagnostic tool and it was confirmed that it was the fuel pump. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown 35,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 35,000 |
| Apr 2025 | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The vehicle was purchased via private sale via Facebook marketplace. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 57,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 254,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 254,000 |
| Mar 2025 | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 68,000 |