2018 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 206 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 7 involved a crash. 2 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 4, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Campaign 20V682000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJan 13, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Campaign 20V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderDec 13, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.
Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.
Campaign 18V888000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
206 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2026
Rear cabin air vents not sealed properly from factory. Water leaks in and soaks interior carpet and gets moldy.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle continued moving forward. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was repaired under NHTS Campaign Number: 18V888000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); but the contact had evidence that the repair was not performed. There was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside of the vehicle before the failure, which continued afterwards. The manufacturer was informed through brand engagement and customer care. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Structure, Sep 18, 2026
I have a clear coat bubbling issue on my mirrors and also multiple clear coat stains on the hood that just developed on my Toyota Tacoma Off Road-Inferno Orange paint after two years that I own it. I called Toyota, there is no recall on my paint color, but I've viewed an online post someone has placed a lawsuit for the same reasons, but a different color. They've had a recall on white paint but not my color and I wanted to document the complaint. I called Toyota corporate and they said to file it with NTSB.
Structure, Sep 8, 2026
I own a 2018 Toyota Tacoma SR, manufactured 11/2017, with factory paint code 1G3 Magnetic Gray Metallic. The factory clear coat is experiencing extensive delamination/failure on the hood and roof. This isn't isolated stone damage or normal cosmetic wear. The clear coat is failing extensively across the horizontal panels. I'm aware Toyota has previously acknowledged clear-coat peeling on Tacoma vehicles through T-SB-0004-20 and Customer Support Program 20TE02, and that there are documented complaints involving 2018 Tacomas experiencing clear-coat failure on the hood and roof. I understand my VIN may not currently fall within those programs, but I'm requesting that Toyota inspect and document the condition and consider goodwill assistance toward repainting the affected factory-painted panels. I'd also like a Toyota case number assigned to the paint failure.
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2026
Vehicle hits a bump in the road and the check engine light comes on, followed by the gas pedal being non-responsive and an error code on the instrument panel saying “Brake Override System Malfunction. Check with dealer.” and “Pre-collision System Malfunction. Visit your dealer. ” When this occurs, have to coast the vehicle to a safe place, turn off and wiggle the Radar Control piece attached to the front grill sometimes multiple times before the truck will clear the code and accelerate. Been an ongoing issue for several months. Have replaced the front grill sensor and plate and the issue persists.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2026
The cab vents failed causing water to soak the carpet and pad from the back wall to the front of the cab. Mold was growing through out the the cab. Carpet & pad had to be removed. This is a known problem by dealerships and owners of Toyota Tacoma. Because the water was under the seats, trim and weather mats it went undetected exposing us to mold. Problem was reported to Toyota dealership and Toyota Corporation. A case was logged 07/10/2026 as Case # 260710001840. The resolution offered was ordering and replacing parts. All parts required for repair and on backorder. Hundreds of orders for these parts in their system. Carpet and under mat had been replaced 05/02/2025 due to a Toyota recall campaign 21TD03.
Structure, Jul 13, 2026
WHAT FAILED: The clear coat finish on the exterior paint of my 2018 Toyota Tacoma has failed (cracking) in two separate locations on the same vehicle, indicating a manufacturing defect rather than normal wear. In late 2024, I discovered clear coat cracking on the roof and hood. I reported this to Toyota (Toyota case #241028000714) and paid approximately $2,000 out of pocket to have an independent body shop repaint the affected panels, as Toyota corporate declined to assist after the repair had already been performed. The clear coat is now cracking again at approximately 48,925 miles, this time on the cab in the pillar/trim area between the tops of the doors and the roofline. The vehicle and affected areas are available for inspection upon request. SAFETY IMPACT: This is a cosmetic exterior paint/clear coat defect. I have not identified any impact on vehicle operation, structural integrity, or visibility, and I am not aware of any safety risk to myself or others resulting from this issue to date. I am reporting it to document a recurring defect pattern on this vehicle. REPRODUCED/CONFIRMED BY A DEALER OR SERVICE CENTER: The 2024 occurrence was inspected and repaired by an independent body shop (not a Toyota dealer). The current occurrence has been reported to Toyota corporate (Toyota Brand Engagement Center) along with photographs, but has not been physically inspected by a Toyota dealer. INSPECTED BY MANUFACTURER, POLICE, OR INSURANCE: Toyota corporate reviewed photographic evidence of the current issue through my correspondence with the Toyota Brand Engagement Center, which I have asked to be linked to prior case #241028000714. Toyota has not physically inspected the vehicle. This is not a crash-related issue, so no police or insurance inspection has occurred. WARNING LAMPS OR PRIOR SYMPTOMS: Not applicable. This is a cosmetic paint/clear coat defect rather than a mechanical or electronic system issue, so there were no dashboard warning lamps or system messages
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2026, crash
I was traveling southbound on I-25 when the flatbed truck in front of me came to a sudden stop. I was unable to stop in time to avoid rear-ending the truck. The airbags did not deploy upon impact.
Structure, Jun 30, 2026
The cabin pressure vents, located at the rear of the cab below the rear window on the body frame have failed. The seal on the exterior of the vents has dry rotted. This has caused an extensive amount of water intrusion that is undetectable until it has been present long enough to cause mildew issues. Being that water enters below the vehicle carpet and padding you cannot see it, your first warning sign is smell. When I began to assess the issue I pulled up my carpet to find standing water and mold. This is supposed to be a safe environment where I can transport myself and my family and I now I have to be concerned about mold inhalation each time my toddler sits in my truck. Toyota needs to do an immediate recall to the cabin vents and replace them with a product that can actually with stand the elements. Additionally they need to replace all the carpet, twill, and padding that has been compromised.
Structure, Jun 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal odor coming from the inside of the vehicle. While the vehicle was being serviced, the dealer discovered that the inner padding on the front passenger side, the rear passenger side, and the rear driver side was soaked with water, and due to the water accumulation, there was mold forming on the floor. The contact had placed towels to soak up the water while driving; however, the contact later discovered that the mold had spread to the towels as well. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the rear cabin pressure bin needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Structure, May 30, 2026
Paint has been peeling from door handles and front bumper
Steering, May 26, 2026
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 27, 2026
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.
Engine, Apr 8, 2026
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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 2, 2026
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).
Service brakes, Mar 5, 2026
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 15, 2026
Truck has strong smell of fuel in the cab
Engine, Dec 12, 2025
While driving I can here a ticking sound coming from the motor and it gets worse while I pick up speed
Service brakes, Nov 26, 2025
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).
Service brakes, Nov 17, 2025
The brake master cylinder seal is broken and causing brake fluid to leak into the floorboard of the cab near the brake pedal.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2025
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)
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2025
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 1, 2025
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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 6, 2025
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.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2025
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