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.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 2, 2019
WHILE DRIVING UNDER VARIOUS SPEEDS THE TRUCK WILL VIOLENTLY JOLT FORWARD. A STOP CONTROL MALFUNCTION WARNING APPEARS, THE TRACTION CONTROL, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE. THE TRUCK WILL IMMEDIATELY ENTER LIMP MODE WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW THE TRUCK TO SHIFT ABOVE 3/4TH GEAR. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED 8 TIMES SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PURCHASED AND TOYOTA IS REFUSING TO COVER THE REPAIRS UNDER THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY.
Other or unspecified, Nov 26, 2019
RADIO COME OFF AND ON OFF. THIS IS A DISTRACTION AS YOU DRIVE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO RECONNECT YOU DEVISE
Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2019
THERE IS A CLUNK NOISE COMING FROM PASSENGER SIDE AT START UP. THE NOISE SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK.
Power train, Engine, Nov 13, 2019
VEHICLE EXHIBITS A STUMBLING CONDITION AND LOSS OF POWER WHEN APPLYING HEAVY THROTTLE TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP OR SLOW VEHICLE SPEEDS. WHILE DRIVING UNDER MODERATE THROTTLE AT APPROX. 45-60MPH THE VEHICLES ENGINE FEELS AS IF IT IS MISFIRING AND NOT RUNNING ON ALL CYLINDERS WITH A HEAVY DELAY IN THROTTLE RESPONSE WHEN THE THROTTLE IS APPLIED TO INCREASE VEHICLE SPEED. ISSUE HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP WITH MULTIPLE TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS AND ALSO WITH TOYOTA CORP CUSTOMER SERVICE. THERE IS A SOFTWARE FLASH TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE BUT TOYOTA REFUSES TO OFFER IT TO CUSTOMER WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS BECAUSE THEIR TSB'S DO NOT LIST THAT MANUAL TRANS. THERE IS A 145 PAGE FORUM THREAD REGARDING THIS ISSUE WHERE CUSTOMERS ARE RESORTING TO FLASHING THEIR TRUCKS ON THEIR OWN TO AVOID THE DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION THESE TRUCKS ARE EXHIBITING. HERE IS A LINK TO THE THREAD: HTTPS://WWW.TACOMAWORLD.COM/THREADS/SOFTWARE-UPDATE-FOR-THE-MANUAL.562550/ TSB 1 LISTING CONDITION: HTTPS://TOYOTATALK.COM/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2018/07/TACOMA-T-SB-0062-18.PDF TSB 2 LISTING CONDITION: HTTPS://TOYOTATALK.COM/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2018/07/TACOMA-T-SB-0058-18.PDF
Structure, Nov 12, 2019
3RD GENERATION TACOMA AC CONDENSATION OUTLET TUBE IS POSITIONED OVER THE TACOMA FRAME RAIL. THEREFORE CONDENSATION DRIPS RIGHT ONTO THE FRAME RAIL EVENTUALLY CAUSING RUST. I HAVE NOTIFIED TOYOTA OF THE MATTER TO REQUEST A FIX.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2019
I HAVE OWNED MY TOYOTA TACOMA FOR 18 MONTHS AND MY RADIO HAS HAD PROBLEMS EVERY SINCE I BOUGHT IT. TOYOTA SUPPOSEDLY HAS RAN TESTS ON IT EVERY TIME I BROUGHT IT IN AT 5,000 MILE OIL CHANGES AND TIRE ROTATIONS. IT STILL RANDOMLY CUTS OFF AND TAKES FOREVER TO COME BACK ON. IT ALSO WILL END A CALL WHILE I'M ON THE PHONE WITH SOMEONE OR DISCONNECT MY PHONE WHILE I'M ON THE PHONE WITH SOMEONE AND WON'T CONNECT BACK. TODAY I TOOK IT UP THERE AND I JUST HIT 37,000 MILES TODAY AND NOW THEY WANT TO TELL ME I NEED A NEW RADIO BUT IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY AFTER I HIT 37,000 MILES SO I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF. IT IS NOW BEING TAKEN UP WITH TOYOTA SINCE I HAVE TOLD THEM ABOUT IT SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK.
Power train, Oct 21, 2019
FEELS VERY UNDER POWERED FOR A V6 ENGINE. THE PICK UP SEEMS DETERIORATING AFTER FEW MONTHS OF APPLYING TRANSMISSION PROGRAMMING UPGRADE. DOESNT FEEL CONFIDENT TO PASS OR MERGE TO A BUSY HIGHWAY.
Service brakes, Oct 18, 2019
VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE BRAKE SHUDDER WHILE DECELERATING FROM FREEWAY SPEEDS. AS THE BRAKES HEAT UP, THE BRAKE SHUDDER GETS MORE AND MORE PRONOUNCED. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE ON THIS ISSUE 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. TSB HAS BEEN DONE TO ADDRESS REAR AXLE ISSUES, ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND REAR DRUMS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ONCE. VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER'S 2YR/25,000 MILE TOYOTACARE WARRANTY, BUT MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE DRUMS/ROTORS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT SHOP AND HAD FRONT ROTORS/PADS REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE REAR DRUMS AND THERE IS STILL A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE BRAKES WHILE DECELERATING. PLEASE ADVISE.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 18, 2019
2018 TOYOTA TACOMA I4, WHEN COOL OR COLD ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION WILL STALL & STUMBLE WHILE ACCELERATING YOU CAN BE SMOOTH OR AGGRESSIVE & IT WILL OCCUR, IT HAS ALSO OCCURRED WHEN IT HAS BEEN VERY HOT OUTSIDE 85-95 DEGREES AND OCCURS EVEN AT NORMAL ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO WILL DOWN SHIFT TO 4TH GEAR FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE CRUISING @ 55-65MPH ON FLAT AND LEVEL ROADS, IT ALSO CONSTANTLY HUNTS 4 GEARS. I HAVE BEEN TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CANT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TOYOTA THAT BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS A (4 CYLINDER) THAT THEY ARE NOT AS MANY ON THE ROAD AS THE V6'S MODELS SO TOYOTA ENGENEERING WONT EVEN LOOK INTO THE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING. THEY JUST SAY THAT'S NORMAL TOYOTA PERFORMANCE.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE SPEED ERRONEOUSLY INCREASED TO MORE THAN 90 MPH. ALSO, THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN APPROACHING A SECOND VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY DECELERATE AFTER THE CRUISE CONTROL ERRONEOUSLY DEACTIVATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (CHATHAM PARKWAY TOYOTA, 7 PARK OF COMMERCE WAY, SAVANNAH, GA) WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED TO REPAIR A WAVE RADAR SENSOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,957.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 10, 2019
THE TRUCK VIBRATE AS IF IT HAS BIG OFF ROAD TIRES, THE VIBRATION IS VERY STRONG FORM 15 OR 20 MPR AT TIMES IS SO STRONG THAT THE DASHBOARD MAKE NOYCE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAKES NOYCE. IN THE MORNING AND SOMETIMES AT ANY TIME THE ENGINE IS KING OF MISSING FOR SMALL TIMES, MISSING , LIKE GOING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE NEASE. ALL THIS HAPPENING IN CITY DRIVING OR HWY. ALL HIS HAPPENS ON AND OFF .
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2019
TAILGATE DOSE NOT OPEN AFTER A TINY ROCK GOT IN THE DOOR HINGE IT SHOULD BE RE CALL TRUCKS ARE MADE FOR HAULING . AND SHOULD WORK FIND SINCE IT'S ONLY 10 MONTHS OLD. IT'S A 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA .
Engine, Sep 5, 2019
HE TRUCK IDLE SPEED MANAGEMENT UNDER LOAD FROM COLD START IS ERRATIC. IF I PUT VEHICLE INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF GARAGE IDLE SPEED JUMPS 200-300 RPM AND JERKS BEFORE SETTLING DOWN. IF I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AT CREEP SPEED (ENGINE AT IDLE) IDLE SPEED JUMPS 200-300 RPM. I TOOK TO DEALER 8/7/19 AND DEALER SAYS NO PROBLEM FOUND. THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN COOLANT TEMP IS STONE COLD. IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE NEW.
Service brakes, Aug 22, 2019
HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE MY VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL, SHOWED UP TO DO THE RECALL ON THE DRIVE, SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THEY CAN'T DO THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. WHY CALL AND EMAIL ABOUT THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE TO HAVE ME DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE TOLD NO. WASTE OF TIME. THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE IS "SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN K0B (REMEDY NOTICE) - CERTAIN 2018 ' 2019 MODEL YEAR TACOMA AND TUNDRA - MILLIMETER WAVE RADAR SENSOR". I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE COME TO A STOP AND HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT ON IN THE MORNING WITH MORNING DEW, HAPPENED A FEW TIMES IN THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2019
POSSIBLE OIL LEAKS IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIALS AND KNOCKING SOUND WHEN CHANGING FROM PARKING TO DRIVE AND TURNING THE WHEELS. SOUNDS SEEMS TO COME FROM THE FROM AXLE, WHEN STRAIGHTEN THEM . EX. BACKING UP FROM A PARKING AND TURNING YOUR TIRES, YOU CAN HEAR A SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 15, 2019
THE HOOD BULGE ON THE TRD HAS SEVERE GLARE WHEN THE SUN IS RAISING OR SETTING. MANY TIMES I HAVE ROUNDED A CORNER AND THE SUN REFLECTS OFF THE HOOD BULGE AND BLINDED ME. TODAY I WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN STATIONARY OR IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET OR A HIGHWAY.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jul 11, 2019
WITH LASER CRUISE CONTROL ON, VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY SLAM ON THE BRAKES AND RELEASE WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED 8 OR 9 TIMES IN THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE IT AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE TO BRING THE TRUCK TO TOYOTA TO REPAIR A FRONT SENSOR FOR THIS PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT WATER WAS GETTING INTO THE FRONT GRILL SENSOR AND THEY GLUED A PIECE OF RUBBER/FOAM OVER THE SENSOR. A FEW DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. MY WIFE AND I ARE AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE THE TRUCK AND TOYOTA HAS SAID EVERYTHING IS OK. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS WITH LASER CRUISE ON AND SET AT 75 MILES AN HOUR TRAVELING UP A GRADE, THE VEHICLE WILL DOWNSHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR RUNNING THE TACH TO 300 RPM'S OVER THE REDLINE. TOYOTA SAYS THAT THIS IS FINE AND THE TRUCK HAS A GOVERNER TO KEEP THE TRUCK FROM OVER REVVING 300 RPM'S ABOVE REDLINE AT 5800 RPM. I EXPLAINED THAT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL IT SAYS TO NEVER RUN THE ENGINE TO REDLINE. AGAIN TOYOTA SAYS THIS IS NORMAL AND THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. REDLINE IS 5500 RPM.
Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2019
PRE COLLISION SYSTEM CAME ON
Power train, Jun 7, 2019
WHEN SITTING ON A HILL, WHEN YOU MOVE FROM THE BRAKE TO THE GAS THE TRANSMISSIN (AUTOMATIC) APPEARS TO GO IN NEUTRAL AND THE TRUCK WILL ROLL BACKWARDS A WAYS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES AGAIN. I TOLD A SERVICE TECH AT DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT AND HE SAID THEY ALL DO IT AND THERE IS NO FIX. HE ASKED ME IF I HAD IT IN THE MOUNTAINS YET AND I TOLD HIM NO AND HE SMILED AT ME SO NOW I AM SCARED TO GO INTO THE MOUNTAINS. THIS COULD BE A PROBLEM IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR VERY DANGEROUS IN AN OFF ROAD SITUATION. THE TECH SAID THEY HAVE HAD 4 OTHERS IN THIS WEEK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY GIVE ME AN APPT. FOR NEXT WEEK SO THEY CAN PUT MY TRUCK ON THE LIST.
Service brakes, Jun 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF WYLER TOYOTA OF SPRINGFIELD (2237 W 1ST ST, SPRINGFIELD, OH 45502, (937) 525-4642) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE ROTATED, RESURFACED, AND THE DRUMS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1905151322. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V888000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT REQUESTED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,900.
Vehicle speed control, May 24, 2019
I JUST CALLED MY DEALER FOR A 6 MONTH SERVICE APPT AND WAS INFORMED ABOUT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE THAT IS NOT SHOWN IN YOUR WEBSITE TOOL. MY TOYOTA TACOMA 2018 WAS RECALLED FOR "KOB MILLIMETER RADAR SENSOR" WHICH REPORTEDLY COULD AFFECT BRAKING. YOUR SITE IS NOT REPORTING THIS RECALL ON MY VEHICLE BUT THE DEALER IS.
Service brakes, May 14, 2019
THE CAR TAKES TIME TO STOP COMPLETELY AFTER PRESSING THE BREAK.
Power train, May 11, 2019
THE CLUTCH FOR THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION STAYS AT THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED IN COLD WEATHER. BELOW 20 DEGREES F. IT BECOMES VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ALL TRAFFIC TO CLEAR BEFORE TRYING TO PULL OUT ONTO A LARGE ROAD AS I DON'T KNOW WHEN OR IF THE CLUTCH WILL ENGAGE. THE DEALER WON'T TOUCH IT AS THEY DO NOT HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM TOYOTA REGARDING THE ISSUE.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, May 11, 2019
VEHICLE SURGES WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED, ALSO IS HESITANT TO SHIFT GEARS ON HIGHWAY. FRUSTRATING AS IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE EFFICIENTLY WHEN YOUR CAR DOES NOT SHIFT AS EXPECTED. TIRING TO DRIVE IN THIS WAY.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 22, 2019
I WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK AND IT JUST TOOK OFF 'LIKE A RUNAWAY VEHICLE OVER 100 MPH" AND IT DID THIS TWICE.I WAS DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY APPROX 65 MPH. MY INJURY IS THAT I AM PARANOID TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK. THE TRUCK DOES WHAT IT WANTS.