2023 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 54 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 25th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 5 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Steering, columnJan 29, 2025
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
Campaign 25V040000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assemblyFeb 27, 2024
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.
Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle retaining nuts as necessary, and repair or replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB05 and 24TA05.
Campaign 24V152000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, columnJul 12, 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Campaign 23V480000 on NHTSA.gov
Child seat, vehicle latch anchorJul 21, 2022
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."
An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect the upper child seat anchors and reweld the child seat anchors, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TB09/ 22TA09.
Campaign 22V520000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
54 reports, newest first.
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
ONLY 1 catalytic converter cover is on my truck. This could cause a fire in tall grass or combustible areas. Not everyone goes to parks for picnics or parties where there is taller grasses. This could start a forest fire if the weather is just hot and dry. Every Car or truck I owned with a catalytic converter had a cover on each of them. Dealer said that's the way it came from the factory. Doing some research the cover was missing on the right side of other trucks. Mine is missing the Left drivers side. Please advise, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 25, 2025
Brake booster failure. When pressing and holding onto brake, it makes a buzzing/clicking noise. Just like the toyota prius brake booster recall/failure. Toyota claimed to be normal.
Air bags, Mar 24, 2025
My 2023 Toyota Tacoma creates an error message on my console screen "A Malfunction in the SRS Airbag System has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected." In 2024, the first error message appeared. Same as above. By January 2025, there also appeared a red indicator light on the dashboard displaying something about the seat belt or airbag. It stayed continually on. I took it to the Lonestar Toyota dealership and they told me the airbags were considered part of the drive train and the issue was still under warranty. They returned my pick up to me while we ordered the airbag parts they needed to fix the issue. The parts arrived in February and on Thursday, February 20th I dropped off my vehicle and picked it up on Friday, February 28. When I picked up the tacoma, the notes on the invoice said, "Tech replaced the passenger side airbag, airbag light is off." Later that evening, the error message on the console screen returned. Same as above, "A malfunction in the SRS airbag system has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected." On Monday morning, March 3 I returned the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and left it there for a week when I picked it up the following Monday, March 10th. This invoice said, "could not duplicate customer concern at this time". Even though the error message was not on the Console screen by the time I took it to the service department it was still visible within the notification history. The very next Wednesday, March 12th, the error message on the console screen appeared once again, and I arrived at the dealership within the hour with the error message still within the history, even though it was not on the main console screen. The notes on this last invoice states, "history of airbag system malfunction was cleared. The computer was reset and no message is currently populating." I picked up my vehicle March 21. This morning, Monday, March 24 the same error message.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2024
2023 Tacoma TRD Off-Road engine shut off and the High transmission fluid temperature warning popped up. Toyota Dealer did not find any error codes. The incident did not happen again for about a month.
Service brakes, Oct 25, 2024
This vehicle has had judder issues since new when braking. It has been in the shop over 10 times for this issue with the last being this week. I conducted an internet search and see other new owners complaining about the same issue with no resolve. I was told I would be getting new rotors and when I picked my vehicle up from Toyota of Las Vegas on 10/24/24, however, they are only resurfaced, not new. They have been resurfaced 3 times, with the first being performed around 500 miles. With other owners having the same issue when the vehicle is still new, it has to be a defect in the original part. Even though my vehicle is under warranty, Toyota has yet to change this part out. It is a safey issue because it causes judder, sometimes severe while braking. Lastly, my vehicle was one of the first to have the welding debris recall issue. My issue started long before that recall. As you can see, my vehicle has lived in Toyota service centers since purchase and it's getting old. I hope you all can please help. Thank you.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 15, 2024
Twice, while backing out of my driveway, the brakes have locked up. The brakes stay locked until you tap them repetitively for a few minutes. Then the brakes will slowly release while going forward, but only lock up again when put in reverse. The vehicle cannot be driven until the next day, then it performs normally. luckily this happened in my driveway before I got on to the street. When the brakes lock, it is violent, throwing me against the seat back. The vehicle has been to two different dealers, but they could not duplicate the issue. When this happens multiple brake warning messages pop up on the dash. The manufacture has not inspected the vehicle. In fact, when I reported it to them, and sent pictures of the warning messages, they insinuated that the pictures were not from my vehicle. The manufacture stated that they do not consider this a safety issue. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. If the brakes lock while out on the hi-way it could cause an accident.
Power train, Jul 20, 2024
This concerns a non-complete recall #24V152. The dealership has had the vehicle for over 60-days.
Steering, Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving maintenance by a local dealer, the technician became aware of a leak coming from the steering wheel. The technician stated that he needed to verify the vehicle a second time to confirm if the failure was a manufacturer’s defect. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while reversing, the RPM and engine surged while turning the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there was no coverage for the failure of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: 0125-18. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 300.
Engine, Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started jerking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the check engine warning light was not illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 2,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 21, 2024
When starting the truck and warming up a minute or so and then putting in reverse to back out or forward to pull into a carport, idling in gear with your foot only on the brake, the engines surges/revs up with just the slight turn of the steering wheel causing an unintended speed increase. I believe that this could cause a minor accident. It does not appear to be caused by the engine having a fast idle when cold as the idle drops when you shift into a gear. What appears to be happening is the ECU over compensates for the slight strain caused by the power steering pump when you turn the wheel. My carport is narrow and does not align exactly with the driveway, you have to jog left a foot or two and then right to pull in or back out. At the second service visit on 12/12/23 the dealer then checked and observed this behavior and reported "This is normal operation and directly related to power steering pump activation when wheel is turned in any direction" The vehicle was purchased new last May and currently has 3,995 miles on it. I think it probably had this problem from new but I had mostly just pulled straight in and out of the driveway until the fall when it was mostly parked in the carport as it was not being driven as regularly. I don't think it does it as bad when fully warmed up which takes quite a while for this engine.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Apr 3, 2024
The camera is horrible. Very gritty and grainy I took it to the dealership they agreed. Tried replacing but it is still bad. I previously owned a 2020 Rav 4 and the camera was very crisp and clear. Camera should be just as good if not better for a truck. They have more blind spots. This has been an issue since I purchased the vehicle in December 2023 which is only about 5 months.
Seats, Mar 26, 2024
The front driver's seat is loose and has movement/play. Described by dealer service tech as a 'wobble'. Seat is not fully secure/stable. Vehicle was taken to original delivery dealer (Dublin Toyota, 4321 Toyota Dr, Dublin CA 94568) for inspection, RO#[XXX]. The vehicle was returned without the issue being corrected. Received verbal response that the dealer was not able to do anything about it (incl replacement of components, etc. and was told other 2023 Model Year Tacomas exhibit the same behavior of the loose driver's seat). Called and spoke with Toyota Brand Engagement (800) 331-4331 as instructed by the service advisor. Ticket was recorded as case [XXX] and was closed without solving the issue. I was advised by the Toyota case in that case [XXX], where the agent recommended I speak with another dealer (Livermore Toyota) to get a second opinion before the case could get escalated. The vehicle was not repaired and I was sent home with the loose seat. Per the description from Repair Order [XXX], on [XXX]: "Cause: DRIVER'S SEAT SEEMS LOOSE AND WOBBLES.REMOVE SEAT ASSEMBLY AND CHECK ALL HARDWARE.EVERYTHING CHECKED OK.REINSTALL SEAT AND TIGHTEN MOUNTING BOLTS.CHECK WITH ANOTHER 2023 TACOMA VIN [XXX] . DRIVER'S SEAT OPERATION IS THE SAME. THANK YOU 2426" I strongly believe that a loose driver's seat that exhibits 'wobble' is unsafe and also causes discomfort / lack of confidence for the driver. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V152000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2024
Well there’s a recall for potential axle separation, but they say there’s no remedy, and they explain in the description what the dealership will do wondering why it will take until the end of April to start resolving the issue
Power train, Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle in the morning, he heard an abnormally loud clicking sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and the front wheels would roll but the rear wheels would seize. The contact engaged and disengaged the 4WD function for the vehicle to respond as needed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost stability and started swaying from right to left in the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated the rear wheels would independently seize as if the brake pedal was depressed, causing instability and steering control difficulty. Additionally, the contact observed that while braking while following a curve in the roadway to the right or to the left, there was excessive vibration in the steering wheel and with the vehicle. The contact stated that the vibration was accompanied by an abnormal throbbing noise. The contact stated that once the steering wheel was straightened the abnormal sound stopped. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the vehicle needed to be re-aligned. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact drove the vehicle back to the same dealer and was advised that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact researched online and related the stability failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V152000 (Power Train). The contact had not yet received the notification but observed that the VIN was associated with the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,436.
Suspension, Power train, Mar 4, 2024
I received a recall notice saying that welding debris on the rear axle could cause bolts to loosen resulting in parts falling off the truck and crashing. I have called servco Toyota Honolulu service department 3 separate times. Talked to a number of managers and representatives. The first time they said they cannot do the recall yet and are waiting for parts and procedures, would not give me a date and said I cannot schedule a service appointment. In the recall it is clearly laid out to inspect and retighten bolts, and replace any damaged parts. I asked why they cannot inspect my truck and retighten the bolts now, and they don’t have an answer. They said I would receive a call back so I waited from last week 2/27 and did not hear anything back. After calling again today I was told there is nothing they can do because they don’t have parts. However the recall clearly states that the truck needs to be inspected and the bolts need to be tightened. There are no additional parts necessary unless components have become damaged. Servco has shown Hawaii customers countless times that they truly do not care about their customers as this is the only dealership on island and people do not have any other choice but to return for terrible service. This recall is a safety issue and I do not feel “wait till April” is an acceptable solution to this problem as my truck is driven daily
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Feb 17, 2024
Wiring harness on the vehicle is being completely replaced due to "rodent damage" according to the dealer. I am not an automotive engineer but if compromised wiring finally fails while driving I suspect a number of systems could be affected. There was no indication of this problem during vehicle operations. My insurance company agreed to pay for this about $7200. I have owned the vehicle for ten months.
Electrical system, Jan 18, 2024
Bearing failure inside heater blower motor causing fan motor to burn out and filling the cabin with toxic electrical smoke
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2023
This Toyota Tacoma's soy based wiring attracts rodents and I have had to have repairs for the wiring. My 2 other older vehicles in the same location that does not have the soy based wiring there no problem. This is a world wide issue and no one has done nothing about. This is a safety issue that can be potentially dangerous, if some of the safety systems fail due to soy based wiring attracting rodents.
Air bags, Oct 26, 2023
Toyota issues the airbag recall in july for 2023 tacomas and said a remedy would be available in august. Ive call once a week since the start of august to schedule my drive side airbag recall repair and they keep saying toyota doesnt have a remedy yet and it could be upwards of a year. FOR A DRIVE SIDE AIR BAG DEFECT. This should be blatantly illegal as it puts fear into driving my vehicle as i may not have a airbag so in a accident I can be further injured because of a corporation’s negligence. Im embarrassed to own a Toyota after this. Peoples lives are at stake and dragging this recall on will cost customers their health or even worse their lives.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 26, 2023
The camera system is sub par. The video is grainy fuzzy and jumpy. It looks as though you are looking through a dark tunnel. Much worse that my 2021. Service advisor agrees the clarity and quality was unacceptable. The head unit was replaced but nothing changed. TAS case [XXX] was opened. Tech states quality was the same as other 2022 Tacomas when compared. I guess if everyone’s is the same that makes it ok. I feel the quality of the video might be 200x300 and is unsafe at this quality. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V480000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Sep 5, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75-80 MPH, he fell asleep behind the wheel when the vehicle proceeded through a wired fence and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained soreness to his neck. No medical attention was required however, the contact stated that he went to see a doctor the following day. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,844.
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2023
2023 Toyota Tacoma's doors are not holding in the open position on a 10 degree pitch of our driveway, slamming shut on the legs of the driver. Passenger side doors are holding open fine, but the driver side doors are closing on me in the driveway. When I took it to the Toyota dealership, I am told that this perfectly fine. Meanwhile, we have never had this problem with any of our other vehicles, since we've lived in this home from 2005. Can you please tell me what is the pitch that the doors are required to hold by law? The dealership is of no help, and my left leg is constantly covered in bruises. This has been happening since I bought the car in late May.