2021 Toyota Tacoma
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 177 |
| 1996 | 253 |
| 1997 | 131 |
| 1998 | 300 |
| 1999 | 249 |
| 2000 | 210 |
| 2001 | 396 |
| 2002 | 333 |
| 2003 | 359 |
| 2004 | 414 |
| 2005 | 707 |
| 2006 | 782 |
| 2007 | 540 |
| 2008 | 445 |
| 2009 | 519 |
| 2010 | 292 |
| 2011 | 186 |
| 2012 | 295 |
| 2013 | 125 |
| 2014 | 93 |
| 2015 | 101 |
| 2016 | 323 |
| 2017 | 239 |
| 2018 | 203 |
| 2019 | 216 |
| 2020 | 87 |
| 2021 | 79 |
| 2022 | 57 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 145 |
| 2025 | 94 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
18% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving in town 30 to 40mph, (while in drive) the vehicle revâd up like it was in neutral then went back to normal.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260908
15% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was about to park. press the break pedal in order to move gear to Parking. However, My Tacoma accelerated and I was unable to control it. Finally, it stop after hitting a tree.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231204
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 TOYOTA TAKOMA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210224
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Brake master cylinder is leaking in the interior of truck on driver side floor mat. Oil is come from brake master cylinder seal.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260713
14% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Having two issues major issues thatâs causing me a $10,000 bill. The timing cover is leaking and there is a coolant bypass hose that is leaking. I have spend a lot of maintenance on this truck on maintaining it to have to remove the engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260808
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
11% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing starter assembly.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The cabin vent system appears to have a design defect, specifically the passenger-side vent located in the back of the cabin. This component is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240516
Also filed under STRUCTURE
11% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I PURCHASED A NEW 2021 TOYOTA TACOMA IN DECEMBER 2021 WITH A PRE COLLISION SAFETY SYSTEM. LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LATER, MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION ACCIDENT (DAUGHTER AT FAULT).
NHTSA ODI report, 20210318
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Toyota Tacoma — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (11 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.