Most common 2018 Toyota Tacoma problems
Share of the 209 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Tacoma complaints by model year
Best Tacoma years: 2014, 2015, 2020. Years to avoid: 2024, 2016, 2025, 2012, 2017. Compare all years →
2018 Toyota Tacoma recalls (3)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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…
Remedy: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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…
Remedy: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2018 Toyota Tacoma:
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
What 2018 Toyota Tacoma owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 66 →
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made a rattling sound. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the fuel tank cover had detached due to the well nuts being corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
On June 26, 2025, around 9:30 AM, I was driving my Tacoma on the highway at approximately 70 mph when the truck suddenly lost power. I was in the center lane and nearly got hit as I tried to exit the highway. After exiting, the engine warning light came on, and the truck eventually stalled. I was able to restart it with limited power and drove it to a nearby shop. The shop's diagnosis revealed several warning codes, and the fuel pressure was found to be only 14 psi. They recommended replacing the low-pressure fuel pump. After researching known fuel pump issues, I had the truck towed to a local Toyota dealership. The dealership confirmed the codes but couldn't replicate the low-pressure reading after driving for about 30 miles. Because of this, they stated that it didn't qualify for the extended recall offered by Toyota. …
Brakes all 48 →
Pulling vehicle into the garage on a cold morning (15 deg F). Hydraulic booster/brake master cylinder suddenly stopped providing boost pressure and brake pedal dropped to the floor. With no braking effort able to be applied the vehicle was driven into the house at slow speed. No hydraulic leaks are noted and pedal height and brake performance seems to have returned. There is fluid in the master cylinder reservoir and it doesn't appear to be contaminated. Braking capability returned after placing the vehicle in park and then reversing. Waiting for insurance follow up to select a collision repair shop and have the vehicle towed for repair. Dash cam video of the incident is available and clearly shows braking occurring and then the vehicle speeding up or failing to stop. Was unable to upload the video due to size. …
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. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 29 →
I HAVE HAD BELOW ISSUE AT 57000 MILES ON MY TACOMA. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT I AM NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY, AND COPORATE THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY TRUCK BY SEARCH VIN, BUT ITS CLEAR IM EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES AS BELOW AND SEEING OTHER VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE, SO ITS CLEAR THIS TRUCK WAS BUILT WITH THE SAME DEFECTS. The Plano, Texas-based manufacturer sent a safety recall report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stating they will recall 6,046 2018 Toyota Camry, 2018 Toyota Highlander, 2017 Toyota Sienna, 2017 Toyota Tacoma, and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles built between Oct. 2 and Nov. 3, 2017. Toyota stated in the report the affected vehicles contain brake booster vacuum pump assemblies with improperly machined oil galleys. The vacuum pump is supplied oil from the engine to seal and lubricate the pump vane's movement. …
When I go to accelerate at low speed my vehicle shudders shakes and vibrates, no engine lights or codes have popped up, the issue is somewhere from transmission to the rear end. Im guessing transmission or torque converter. With my vehicle only having 136,000 miles and is well taken care of this is ridiculous, I have checked drive line and tires and everything seems to be working as it should so it has to be something internal
2018 Toyota Tacoma engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 18 / 22 / 20 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 19 / 22 / 20 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD | 17 / 21 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Toyota Tacoma a good car?
Based on 209 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Tacoma rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Tacoma at the same age. It is one of the Tacoma years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Toyota Tacoma?
The fuel & propulsion system — 66 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › tank assembly › mounting. Next are the brakes (48) and transmission & drivetrain (29).
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Tacoma have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma, the most recent from November 4, 2020 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Tacoma?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2015 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2016, 2025, 2012 and 2017. See the full Toyota Tacoma years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Toyota Tacoma problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 14,000 miles; 88% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.