Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 27% | — |
| 2025 | 4 | 4% | 20,000 miles |
| 2024 | 6 | 4% | 23,000 miles |
| 2023 | 9 | 17% | 2,000 miles |
| 2022 | 7 | 12% | 26,000 miles |
| 2021 | 14 | 17% | 50,000 miles |
| 2020 | 14 | 16% | 3,000 miles |
| 2019 | 29 | 13% | 11,000 miles |
| 2018 | 27 | 13% | 15,000 miles |
| 2017 | 36 | 15% | 10,000 miles |
| 2016 | 47 | 15% | 24,000 miles |
| 2015 | 12 | 12% | 17,000 miles |
| 2014 | 7 | 8% | 133,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 6% | 30,000 miles |
| 2012 | 124 | 42% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% | 8,000 miles |
| 2010 | 9 | 3% | 31,000 miles |
| 2009 | 16 | 3% | 24,000 miles |
| 2008 | 19 | 4% | 30,000 miles |
| 2007 | 20 | 4% | 43,000 miles |
| 2006 | 45 | 6% | 51,000 miles |
| 2005 | 32 | 5% | 141,000 miles |
| 2004 | 16 | 4% | 70,000 miles |
| 2003 | 19 | 5% | 62,000 miles |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% | 100,000 miles |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% | 221,000 miles |
| 2000 | 9 | 4% | 80,000 miles |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% | 101,000 miles |
| 1998 | 16 | 5% | 50,000 miles |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 1996 | 20 | 8% | 277,000 miles |
| 1995 | 7 | 4% | 200,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
2026 Toyota Tacoma (i-FORCE 2.4L turbo, 8-speed automatic), purchased new, 2,051 miles. On the morning of [redacted], I noticed a delay when the transmission shifted gears and shortly after while driving on the highway at approximately 55-57 mph, multiple warnings appeared at once: Check Engine, "Drive-Start Control Malfunction," "System Malfunction" (pre-collision and lane assist), and "Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction." Shortly after, the transmission stopped engaging. When I pressed the accelerator, engine RPM rose but the vehicle did not accelerate, a loss of drive power at highway speed with traffic around me. This created a serious crash risk. The collision-avoidance systems were disabled at the same time. Photos of the warning messages are attached. The vehicle is being taken to a Toyota dealer in [redacted] by AAA for diagnosis. …
While attempting to cross 3 lanes of oncoming traffic from a standstill the vehicle lost all power and barely moved 2 feet, irrespective my efforts of stabbing at the throttle, and almost got us killed. Fortunately I slammed on the brakes and barely missed being hit head on. No warning lamps or codes popped up. This is now the 3rd such incident in the 2 months we have owned this vehicle.
The contact stated that while driving in the rain, when passing another vehicle, the vehicle began shuddering and experienced a loss of power. The check engine light illuminated and multiple other warning indicators. The vehicle pulled over to the vehicle was stopped and eventually restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer were it was diagnosed with an air intake failure. Shortly after, the vehicle experienced the same issue. Again and was returned to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed with a turbo mud and water found inside the air intake, water is covering the filter and there was no additional repairs that could be completed so the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 19,600.
I purchased a brand-new 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road. From the first day, the steering wheel was off-center and the vehicle vibrated while driving. At around 500 miles, I noticed severe instability and abnormal tire wear. A wheel alignment report showed: Thrust angle: +0.15 (spec: 0 0.05 ) Rear toe: Left 0.23 , Right -0.10 (difference: 0.33 , spec 0.15 ) Front caster: Both sides out of specification (shown in red on report) Driving symptoms include: Cannot maintain straight-line driving; requires constant steering correction. Excessive body roll during lane changes or turns. Continuous vibration of the vehicle and steering wheel on smooth roads. Vehicle bounces and momentarily loses control on uneven surfaces. Steering wheel rotation does not match front wheel steering angle. When stationary, turning the steering to full lock causes the body to rise; releasing it causes it to drop. …
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, while starting or while driving the vehicle, the vehicle was making a ticking sound. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, the screen froze, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a failure with the steering, the vehicle lost motive and electrical power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an unspecified steering failure and the vehicle was repaired under warranty, however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to a dealer but was not initially diagnosed; however, a mechanic duplicated the failure during a test drive. …
I was informed by the service manager at Labadie Toyota (Bay City, MI) that the new 2.4L Turbos have injector issues! Some Sienna's Tacoma's, and other models have faulty direct injectors that spray way too much fuel into the cylinders, and it drains into the oil reservoir! I had my oil changed at 1K, 5K and 10K by the dealership. I've had this issue at 5K and I presumed service center incompetence, and they agreed. I recently had my oil changed at 10K and came back in 2 weeks later with check engine light on and excessive engine chatter. I was told this a known Toyota engineering issue, and they are now telling the techs to look into the cylinders to look for clean/washed piston tops. Today they just changed my oil and told me to come back in 3 weeks or if issues arise. I'm concerned about a fire with gas going into the engine oil and potentially causing a fire. …
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.
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.
Related recalls (2)
Engine
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles equipped with a six-cylinder engine. The affected vehicles have a crank position sensor that may malfunction, potentially resulting in an engine stall.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crank position sensor with an improved design, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Engine
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Tacoma vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through October 11, 2013. The engines of the affected vehicles contain valve springs that may break over time.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Tacoma years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (124), 2016 (47), 2006 (45), 2017 (36) and 2005 (32) model years. Engine complaints make up 42% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Toyota Tacoma engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 17V-356 (engine, Jun 1, 2017); 13V-557 (engine, Nov 7, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Tacoma engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles; 51% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (49 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (24).
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.