What are the most common Toyota Tacoma problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 5,214+ owner reports, the 2000-2023 Toyota Tacoma has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Fuel Pump Failure / No-Start from Defective Denso Pump Impeller, Lower Ball Joint Wear/Separation Causing Front Suspension Collapse, Secondary Air Injection Pump and Switching Valve Failure on 4.0L V6. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Tacoma reliable?
The 2000-2023 Toyota Tacoma has 17 known issues documented across 5,214+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Fuel Pump Failure / No-Start from Defective Denso Pump Impeller and Lower Ball Joint Wear/Separation Causing Front Suspension Collapse and Secondary Air Injection Pump and Switching Valve Failure on 4.0L V6 and Brake Master Cylinder Internal Seal Failure Causing Soft Pedal and Reduced Braking. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Tacoma problems?
Repair costs for known Toyota Tacoma issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Fuel Pump Failure / No-Start from Defective Denso Pump Impeller, typically costs $0-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Toyota Tacoma is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Toyota Tacoma. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2000-2023 Toyota Tacoma with 17 documented issues documented across 5,214+ owner reports.
What is the 2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma Fuel Pump Failure / No-Start from Defective Denso Pump Impeller?
Certain later second-generation Tacomas were included in Toyota's large Denso low-pressure fuel pump recall. The impeller can deform, causing the pump to seize or lose output, which may lead to hard starting, rough running, stalling, or a complete no-start. Because the engine can… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2001-2004 Toyota Tacoma Lower Ball Joint Wear/Separation Causing Front Suspension Collapse?
Early first-generation Tacomas had a well-documented problem with front lower ball joints wearing prematurely and, in some cases, separating from the steering knuckle. When this happens, the front wheel can fold outward, causing sudden loss of steering control and major suspensio… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Secondary Air Injection Pump and Switching Valve Failure on 4.0L V6?
Tacomas with the 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 are known for failures of the secondary air injection system, including the air pump and switching valves. Moisture intrusion and valve sticking can trigger check-engine lights and force the truck into reduced-power or limp mode. Owners frequently… Repairs typically run $1,200-$3,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma Brake Master Cylinder Internal Seal Failure Causing Soft Pedal and Reduced Braking?
Multiple 2nd-generation Tacoma owners report a brake pedal that slowly sinks to the floor or feels spongy even after bleeding, often traced to internal bypass failure in the brake master cylinder. Toyota issued service information for diagnosing low or sinking brake pedal concern… Repairs typically run $450-$1,100. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Frame Rust (Northern Climates)?
Tacomas in northern/salt belt climates can develop frame rust, similar to issues on older Tacomas and Tundras. While Toyota improved their frame coating, trucks exposed to road salt still experience accelerated corrosion. Repairs typically run $100-$5,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma Rear Driveshaft Shudder / U-Joint Failure?
Some Tacomas experience a shudder or vibration during low-speed acceleration, traced to the rear driveshaft and U-joints. Toyota issued a TSB recommending driveshaft replacement with an updated design. Repairs typically run $200-$1,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Combination Meter / Instrument Cluster Intermittent Failure and Gauge Dropout?
Some second-generation Tacoma owners report intermittent failure of the combination meter, where gauges, warning lamps, or backlighting stop working or behave erratically. The problem can appear as a dead speedometer/tach, flickering cluster, or a cluster that revives after tappi… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Wear Causing Humming Noise and ABS Concerns?
Second-generation Tacoma owners frequently report front wheel bearing wear that starts as a low humming or growling noise and can progress to looseness, vibration, and ABS sensor issues because the sensor tone ring is integrated with the hub assembly. Heavier tires, off-road use,… Repairs typically run $350-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma Spiral Cable / Clock Spring Failure Triggering Airbag Light and Inoperative Steering Wheel Controls?
Second-generation Tacomas commonly develop failure of the steering wheel spiral cable, also called the clock spring. Owners report the airbag warning light turning on along with loss of horn, cruise control, or steering wheel audio controls because the ribbon cable inside the ass… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2015 Toyota Tacoma Evaporative Emissions Leak Faults from Charcoal Canister, Vent Valve, or Filler Neck Corrosion?
Tacomas in this era commonly develop EVAP system leak faults that trigger a check engine light, often caused by a failing charcoal canister, stuck vent valve, cracked hoses, or a rusted filler neck in salt-belt trucks. Owners usually notice no drivability problem, but the truck w… Repairs typically run $80-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2015 Toyota Tacoma Radiator Tank Cracking and Coolant Leaks from Aging Plastic End Tanks?
Across both first- and second-generation Tacomas, owners commonly report coolant leaks from the radiator's plastic end tanks or the tank-to-core crimp seam as the radiator ages. The leak often starts as a pink crust or dampness near the upper tank, then progresses to visible drip… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 6-Speed Automatic Rough Shifting?
The 6-speed automatic transmission can exhibit rough or hesitant shifting, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear at low speeds. Some owners describe it as lurching or jerking. This is related to the transmission's adaptive learning and torque converter behavior. Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Rear Leaf Spring Squeak?
The rear leaf springs can develop a squeaking or creaking noise, especially when going over bumps or when the bed is loaded. This is caused by the leaf spring leaves rubbing against each other and is common on trucks. Repairs typically run $20-$200. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Manual Transmission Grinding/Notchy Shifts?
The 6-speed manual transmission can exhibit grinding when shifting, particularly into 2nd or 3rd gear, and generally notchy shift feel. This is often related to the synchros or the clutch system hydraulics. Repairs typically run $100-$2,500. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma Entune Infotainment Freezing/Lag?
The Entune infotainment system can experience lag, freezing, and connectivity issues. Bluetooth pairing may be unreliable, and the touchscreen can become unresponsive. Navigation can crash or display outdated information. Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma A/C Musty/Mold Smell?
The A/C system can develop a musty or moldy smell when first turned on. This is caused by moisture accumulation and mold/bacteria growth on the evaporator. Common in humid climates and vehicles that use A/C infrequently. Repairs typically run $20-$300. Severity: low.
What is the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma Tailgate Handle and Latch Failure Preventing Tailgate Opening?
A very common Tacoma problem is a broken plastic tailgate handle or stretched/bound latch rods that leave the tailgate stuck shut or unable to latch properly. Owners frequently report the handle feeling loose or snapping internally, especially in cold weather or after repeated us… Repairs typically run $40-$250. Severity: low.
