Complaint volume
73 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
2021 Toyota Tacoma Complaints
73 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, grouped by component category.
73 Total complaints
9 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
8 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are service brakes, unknown or other, power train. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 9 crash reports, 0 fire reports, 8 injury reports, and 1 fatality report. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 18 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 26,408 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to service brakes, unknown or other, power train?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Toyota Tacoma
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Toyota Tacoma complaints?
9 Crash
0 Fire
8 Injury
1 Fatality
6 Towed
6 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Tacoma complaint categories?
SERVICE BRAKES 8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 8
POWER TRAIN 6
ENGINE 4
STRUCTURE 4
AIR BAGS 3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS 2
73 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | STRUCTURE | My vehicle was hit on the door frame and rear door on the driver's side by someone who ran a red light. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | SUSPENSION | Rear spring excessive wear at 66,000 miles and needed to be replaced. Both sides worn but left more than the right | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | Driving at approximately 55 mph and dash lights started flickering, radio went off, reset to 530 (am radio). Vehicle started sputtering and slowing down in traffic and completely shut down. Lost all power and coasted to side of road. I had no or little control of vehicle. I have "connected services" that was to warn me about mechanical and electrical failures and no warning of this happening. This enrollment was to give me "services designed to help keep you safe, secure and in control of your Tacoma from almost anywhere". "brand engagement center" not concerned of the incident. Apparently two and half year old battery failed. Replaced by myself. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | TIRES | Firestone Destination Le2 P245/75R16 On February 20, 2021 just 15 days after I purchased my brand new truck the rear passenger side tire dramatically exploded while I was driving in to my neighborhood. I was traveling at approximately 35 mph when out of nowhere a sound similar to a shotgun interrupted my driving and immediately forced me off the road in between two trees. I was narrowly missed by oncoming traffic and scared for my life. My side step of my brand new car was damaged as well as the rim and driver side wheel well where my car brushed the tree. I called Toyota and they said I didn't have tire coverage so I called my insurance company next. USAA sent a tow truck to pick up the vehicle and they brought it to Tire Choice. The associate said the tires were known for exploding and indicated that I needed to at least replace the damaged one and the driver side front for my own safety. The associate also said he didn't think these specific tires were even in circulation anymore. I went to Toyota and they said this was a manufacturers issue. No one was able to help me and I was forced to replace two brand new tires out of pocket. I was lucky I was in the neighborhood and not the interstate. There was absolutely no sign this was going to happen nor did I hit anything in the short time I had the car before the accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The paint is starting to peel on the passenger fender. It is on the inside of where the hood gap is in a area that is not exposed to rock chips or would be susceptible to external damage. It is also located right next to where the rubber bump stop is to prevent the hood from contacting the fender so it would be impossible for the hood to cause the issue and since the hood has no signs of chipping or rubbing in that area. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | While driving on a freeway I step down on the as needed I got a message on my dash board that my braking power is low Stop in a safe place and see Owen's manual, A few seconds later I lost my brakes I have to use my hand brak to stop, came to a complete stop and called a tow truck, upon arrival the tow truck driver inspected my truck and realized there were brake fluid leaking out of my back drum, I took it in for a check up and I was told that my brake fluid is coming out of my braking cylinder, I checked for a recall I don't see it for my truck year but see it a the truck that's a few year older. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | High-pressure and low pressure fuel pumps. Yes it is available for inspection. The truck cannot maintain posted, speed limit, causing a potential rear end collision. I reported the problem they replaced the high-pressure fuel pump for free and then said the low pressure fuel pump needs replaced the truck only has 40,000 miles. I think there’s a defect in this part that could cause lots of accidents. Check engine light is flashing and the ATC light comes on, the engine starts to sputter and cannot maintain speed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | 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. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS | Could feel and hear the front passenger seat (including the supplemental restraint system airbag) and seat belt move side to side and making a noise. I took the vehicle to Toyota of Denton, in Denton Texas for evaluation. Here is what they found from the service manager's email "Yours will need the seat frame replaced. The seat was removed, we found the seat track has play in it and is non serviceable meaning it comes as an assembly and you can not get individual parts for it. The estimate is $2234.28 and the part would take 3-4 weeks to come in as it is on back order. Keep in mind, that time can change along the way, but that is the current ETA. If you want to proceed with the repair, you would need to pre pay for the part and the diagnostic. The total repair would be reduced by the amount prepaid. I did reach out to Toyota and there would be no goodwill offered for this repair. It was just purchased and the selling dealer is who I would recommend you ask them for assistance. Please let me know how you would like to proceed." This same type of issue is found on from multiple owners. How many passenger seat frames have been replaced on 2019-2023 Tacomas, thousands? This is a huge safety issue effecting the safety of the seatbelt and airbag of the front passenger occupant. What is worse TOYOTA Motor Corp. refuses to honor their own SRS fully transferable 5 year - 60,000 mile warranties. leaving owners of these vehicles to pay for the cost on their own or worse driving a vehicle with loose seats, airbags, airbag sensors, and front passenger seat belts. The NHTSA needs to conduct an immediate full safety recall of all 2019-2023 Toyota Tacoma loose passenger seats due to factory defect faulty seat frames, which directly bolt the front passenger seat belt, airbag, and safety sensors to the vehicle. The NHTSA additionally needs to investigate SRS warranty fraud conducted by Toyota Motor Corp, for failing to uphold their own published SRS warranties | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES,LANE DEPARTURE | The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the brake message and alarm were displayed on the infotainment screen. While driving, the blind spot warning light illuminated, and the brake seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to the left. While driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was slow to respond. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure, but the contact was informed there was a code for a caliper malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was started; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200. | Crash: No Fire: No | 1,200 |
| Apr 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Auto Emergency Braking has gotten extremely dangerous and locking breaks when nothing is in front of me. Always while in cruise control mode. On long extended highways, the truck will randomly slam on the brakes and skid the back tires. It has happened 6 times now. This most recent one made us slide into the next lane and I had to turn the truck into a field (~20mph) after the truck brakes went off. To avoid on coming traffic. There was a car turning around half a mile ahead and was nowhere close. Additionally, a severe issue of premature rust and degradation is occurring on the truck. 13,000 miles and the bottom looks like it's been on the road for several years. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | My vehicle stalls (won't accelerate and rough idle) forcing you to roll off the highway without warning. This has happened multiple times while in cruise control going up steep hills. It shows engine misfire and check engine. I took it to the dealer multiple times and it was determined to be bad gas. I and my insurance company paid for this dealer (Hatch Toyota Show Low AZ) for complete clean and replacement of the entire fuel system. Now 5 months later it is doing it again. The safety issue is the stalling in the middle of the highway where there is no way to get out of the way of traffic. I made sure I bought good gas by paying extra money at a new Chevron gas station with new in ground tanks. But dealer claims bad gas again. That is a separate issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I went to my regular Maintenace appt at my local Toyota dealer Newton, NJ on 3/10/2023. They told me that it would be about $700 or more for my 2021 Toyota Tacoma boot leak and an alignment. I was told that it was due me hitting potholes. I did not agree with their opinion, and i was annoyed. They acted weird as well. But i told them to fix it anyway. So they ordered the parts. Much later they said boot leak was under warranty, but just to pay for alignment. I was not happy with the pothole accusation. Thank God the boot leak was covered! I have been taking in my Toyota Tacoma in every 5,000-6,500 miles as suggested. Please keep me informed of any recalls. They fixed boot and alignment on March 15 2023. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Defect in windshield consisting of thousands of tiny bubbles in the laminate which cause the windshield to become slightly opaque in direct sunlight or bright oncoming headlights. Dealer insists this is rock strikes. Toyota says the windshield is out of warranty. This defect began to appear at about 40,000 miles and is getting worse. (Vehicle is now at 54,000 mi.) I have seen other Toyotas (a RAV4 for one) with this defect. A definite safety issue, especially in bright sunlight. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | AIR BAGS,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. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Fatalities: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | - Engine throttle went into wide open throttle causing the Unintended acceleration in traffic - The truck was doing about 45mph the passing gear came on and a second I was doing 60mph I quickly applied full pressure on the brakes and the car did not slow down at all, the truck failed to STOP or slow down and was getting closer to the vehicle in front, it was in the Expressway. My only thought was too press the ON OFF button and instantly shut down the passing gear and slowed down. _ The vehicle was dropped of at the dealer for 2-weeks and was inspected no problem found. - There were no warning lamps messages on the screen or voice message at all. I am afraid to drive this vehicle it became a runaway wild horse. If I didn`t react in milliseconds i would of hit the car in front at a high rate of speed causing damage to everyone. I took pictures after right after having full control of the truck. All the record of my complaints of the Tacomas drive train started more than 1 1/2 years ago the records are the facts of Toyotas negligence. I have total fear and don`t trust this truck with my life. Please check the recorded dealer is Doral Toyota and you can speak with the Service manager [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | I have experienced short periods with my Tacoma accelerating when my foot wasn't on the gas pedal. The floor mat was pinned down correctly and not in the way. I was turning left and my truck started to speed up like the gas was being pressed. I had to hit the brakes as a red light was coming and vehicles were stopped at the Red light. I have also had another issue with the truck not responding when the pedal was pressed all the way down and the truck wouldn't speed up at all for a few seconds. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2022 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | When filling truck at any gas pump or station the pump will not shut off before shoots out from filling port. Gasoline will shoot onto my hand and clothing if at full flow at pump. I have adapted to slow pump to trickle at 11-12 gallons or near full. It will still eject gasoline but less amount and less velocity. Has been evaluated at dealer but they noted two other Tacomas do same so noted not a problem. This is my first vehicle that has ever done this. If I was a smoker this would be huge fire risk if gasoline gets on my clothing. This is not normal. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The accelerator on my truck suddenly accelerates without warning at highway speeds 60MPH and above, as well as residential speeds of 25+ MPH. It also accelerates when coming up to a stop sign and you are slowing down. The Toyota dealership said they were unable to reproduce or duplicate the problem. It is very frightening when it happens because it lasts between 4-5 seconds if you do not apply the brakes hard. There has not been any warning lights or anything that comes up on the dash board. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | AIR BAGS | I was in a severe T-none car accident and the airbags did not deploy. The power restrain activated, the seat locked in place but no airbag deployment. The car that hit me was going at aprox. 50-60MPH. I could have died and so could have my 11 & 6 year old passengers. My sister got cought in between the cabin space and the impacted door. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 4 Medical attention | Unknown |
| Jun 2022 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle purchased less than year ago. Vehicle has approximately 10,000 miles on it. I am on my second rear differential replacement. The original and the first replacement were both making a whining noise. Dealer inspected and found metal shavings in both. There are numerous complaints of similar situation on Tacoma owner websites. A new vehicle that is less than a year old should not be on its 3rd rear differential. A failure of the rear differential at high speed or in congested traffic could have catastrophic consequences for occupants as well as any other nearby vehicles. | Crash: No Fire: No | 10,000 |
| Jun 2022 | AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Another vehicle turned left in front of the Toyota, resulting in a head-on collision at about 30 mph. The forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems did not engage and the airbags did not deploy. Police report has not been completed by GRPD as of today (6/1/2022). | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed | Unknown |
| Apr 2022 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | The truck will accelerate on its own during highway speeds of 60+ MPH and residential 25+ MPH. Also accelerates when coming up to a stop sign causing me to almost hit a child in a crosswalk. There was no cruise control engaged during the incidents. I took it into the Autonation toyota dealership twice and they said they could not reproduce and or duplicate the problem. It is very frightening when it happens as it lasts between 4-5 seconds if you do not apply the brakes hard. There has not been any warning lights or anything that comes up on the dash board. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | PCS malfunction, VSC malfunctions, Data transmitter for codes to dealership doesn't work, Transmisson jerk/lost in gears, from stop to go would jerk into gear, hot air comes out of steering wheel (video proof), air coming through window controls. when the Pre-collision system had its malfunction the truck took complete control which gave me no access to breaks or gas, when PCS system kicked off truck jerked really hard & started accelerating on its own causing very high RPMs then just stopped accelerating. Transmission would occasionally seem to have an improper shift & jerk. I took my vehicle to Toyota of Denton for the 5k service, & stated issues with the PCS & VSC malfunctions shown on the dashbord. Denton Dealership said don't worry we will take care of it. The itemized reciept doesn't show issues were looked at; & I kept having the same issues. So I took my truck back to the Denton dealership 2nd time & was told "no malfunction light so no ssues were there" by the Service Manager. who also said "the truck sends malfunction codes to a computer at the dealership, but no codes were sent." Which made me feel like there was more wrong with the truck, including electronics, data sender/reciever, & vehicle alert system relay via dash board aswell. Contacted Corp. Informing them of my issues & concerns making it the 3rd time trying to resolve ongoing issues & requested a field inspector from Corp. look at it instead of a dealership. When complaining to Corp. I stated hot air comes from the steering wheel after 1 hr driving it. Field inspector only drove it 45 miles & said nothings wrong with it. I drove this truck for 8,557 & he didnt find anything wrong in the little 45 mile test; yet the black box showed several pending codes on my truck & also the inspectors truck which is the same year & model. Black box data shows pending code on 1/12/21, 4 days before I acquired it; none again until 2/6/21 & then pending codes AT LEAST twice a month until 11/22/21. BBD pic proof | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |