2017 Toyota Tacoma
The Verdict
The 2017 Toyota Tacoma has 243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (66 complaints) and engine (57 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 48/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Toyota Tacoma, consider the 2023 model year which has 77% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2023 has 77% fewer complaints
View the 2023 Toyota Tacoma dashboard →
Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution
About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 152 | 10 | 34 | 14 | 11 |
| 2001 | 331 | 21 | 24 | 13 | 16 |
| 2002 | 274 | 21 | 25 | 15 | 25 |
| 2003 | 260 | 19 | 33 | 39 | 20 |
| 2004 | 311 | 18 | 25 | 40 | 19 |
| 2005 | 527 | 22 | 63 | 42 | 51 |
| 2006 | 535 | 41 | 92 | 60 | 50 |
| 2007 | 340 | 37 | 63 | 33 | 65 |
| 2008 | 321 | 28 | 50 | 30 | 18 |
| 2009 | 260 | 32 | 130 | 22 | 72 |
| 2011 | 99 | 13 | 59 | 8 | 7 |
| 2012 | 71 | 19 | 20 | 164 | 21 |
| 2013 | 54 | 17 | 21 | 12 | 21 |
| 2014 | 46 | 15 | 9 | 11 | 11 |
| 2015 | 53 | 11 | 17 | 14 | 6 |
| 2016 | 86 | 14 | 50 | 57 | 117 |
| 2017 | 66 | 27 | 36 | 57 | 57 |
| 2018 | 48 | 40 | 14 | 86 | 20 |
| 2019 | 34 | 41 | 20 | 92 | 32 |
| 2020 | 27 | 12 | 10 | 33 | 8 |
| 2021 | 25 | 12 | 12 | 20 | 12 |
| 2022 | 24 | 6 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| 2023 | 18 | 6 | 13 | 10 | 7 |
| 2024 | 48 | 28 | 15 | 10 | 52 |
| 2025 | 76 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 19 |
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Worst Problems
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Complaints
Rear pressure vents leak and can cause mold with can cause breathing problems.
Description of the Problem: I am filing this safety complaint regarding severe, premature clear coat failure on my 2017 Toyota Tacoma (Magnetic Gray Metallic). The factory paint defect is actively creating two distinct safety hazards involving driver visibility and cabin air quality. First, the clear coat on the hood has failed in uneven, patchy areas, exposing the base coat. The stark contrast between the dull exposed paint and the remaining clear coat creates highly irregular, fractured sun glare. When driving in direct sunlight, this uneven reflection casts unpredictable, blinding glare directly into my line of sight through the windshield, temporarily compromising forward visibility. Second, the clear coat is actively chalking and degrading into a fine chemical dust. Because this deterioration is occurring heavily on the hood, aerodynamic airflow during normal driving sweeps this micro-particulate dust directly into the cowl intake vent located at the base of the windshield. As a result, the HVAC system pulls these deteriorating clear coat particles into the passenger cabin. This introduces airborne chemical dust into the enclosed vehicle, creating a continuous inhalation and respiratory hazard for the driver and passengers. Toyota is aware of widespread paint adhesion and clear coat issues. They have issued Customer Support Program (CSP) ZKG to repair peeling paint on specific white colors (040/070), but they are refusing to acknowledge the exact same chemical failure occurring on their Magnetic Gray Metallic vehicles. Dealerships and the Brand Engagement Center routinely dismiss these failures as "environmental damage." This is a structural failure of the exterior coating that actively impairs safe vehicle operation due to visibility hazards and the ingestion of chemical particulates into the cabin air supply. I am urging the NHTSA to investigate this widespread defect on Magnetic Gray Metallic Toyota vehicles.
Vehicle: 2017 Toyota Tacoma Issue: Persistent water intrusion, extensive mold contamination, and unresolved condition following Toyota Limited Service Campaign 21TD03. Approximately 12–18 months ago, Gray-Daniels Toyota in Brandon, Mississippi, performed Toyota's service campaign addressing water intrusion through the rear center high-mounted brake light. At that time, the vehicle's carpeting was wet and mold-contaminated. The dealership replaced all carpeting as part of the campaign repair. Within two days of receiving the vehicle, I contacted the dealership's service department and reported that the interior remained wet and the condensation problem had not improved. The service department advised me by telephone that Toyota was aware of another water-intrusion problem involving the rear cabin vents. I was informed that nothing further could be done unless I paid for an expensive additional repair. The dealership did not reinspect the vehicle. The water intrusion continued, and the vehicle now has extensive visible mold contamination, particularly in the rear floor area. I no longer consider the vehicle safe to occupy or operate because of concerns about exposure to mold and airborne contaminants. I am concerned that the original manufacturer-authorized repair failed to resolve the water intrusion, that an additional known source of water intrusion was not investigated, and that the resulting contamination presents a potential occupant health and safety hazard. I request that NHTSA review this condition to determine whether the water-intrusion defects and resulting contamination warrant further safety investigation, including whether other Toyota Tacoma owners have experienced similar problems following completion of the service campaign.
While driving at highway speeds on the interstate, the driver-side sun visor suddenly experienced an internal mechanical failure, snapping at the pivot point. Instead of detaching completely, the visor dropped down into a vertical position, completely blocking my forward windshield view. Because this occurred while driving directly into blinding sunlight, the combination of the obstructed windshield and the sudden, unshielded sun glare caused an immediate and severe loss of forward visibility. This created an imminent crash hazard on a high-speed roadway, requiring an emergency reaction to blindly clear the obstruction from my field of vision while attempting to maintain vehicle control.
My 2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road (manual transmission) makes a constant chirping sound when the engine is running and increases chirping sound when accelerator is pressed. The chirping sound ceases when the clutch is pressed in. It's clear through research that this is a "throw out bearing" issue. Toyota dealership confirmed the same issue and replaced the throw out bearing on 6/24/26 through 7/2/26 (as covered by extended warranty). On 7/3/26, the chirping sound remains, possibly worse/louder. On 8/28/26 through 8/31/26, a different Toyota dealer changed the throw out bearing again, but added changing the entire clutch system (being clutch disc assembly, clutch cover assembly, pressure plate, fly wheel and fly wheel sub assembly). Car was picked up and still makes chirping noise. Research of this issue notes: Quill Wear: The aluminum snout (quill) the bearing slides on can groove and wear down over time; and Toyota TSB: Dealerships previously addressed this under technical service bulletins with updated OEM replacement parts, though the noise can sometimes return if the core design interaction isn't changed. This is a design flaw, using an aluminum snout/quill versus a steel snout. This issue is all over the internet, although when I called Toyota Brands, they said they cannot help me. This should be a recall item for Toyota to fix.
The parking brake sticks. This is an issue because the vehicle automatically applies the parking brake briefly when switching from neutral to first gear or reverse to prevent rollback. When this happens, the parking brake sticks, and the rear wheels lock. I believe the brake cables have been infiltrated with water resulting in rust/corrosion.
Common issue reported amongst 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma owners. Noticed brake fluid dripping from under driver's side dash directly under brake pedal onto floor mat. Upon inspection, found brake fluid dripping down from what appears to be brake booster. Leaking brake booster should be a safety recall with replacement covered by Toyota.
Truck has 116k miles, started losing power and acceleration diminished. CEL and Trac Off light came on. Pulled over twice after experiencing same issue. Took to mechanic and diagnostic code P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). Replaced 6 spark plugs to be safe, and replaced broken coil in cylinder 1. Drove less than a mile and CEL came back on. Brought to dealership this time and they found a leak in the head gasket and noticed warping in cylinder 1, along with code P0301 still present. They reported back to me stating it needed a machinist to resurface the the cylinder head, that the repair is mechanical. Even outside of warranty this fix should not be costing $13,000. The truck has been properly maintained for the past 9 years, all oil services and replacing any wear and tear items. Mechanical (warping) is manufacturing issues.
Clear coat and paint began to oxidize and fade after 4 years of ownership even when maintaining with wax
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving, the engine revved lightly. Over time the vehicle began to lunge forward, and the revving had become more intense. The RPM increased and revved. While reversing, the vehicle lunged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the map sensor and throttle body. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Water leak from cabin pressure vents behind rear seats. Water leaks directly into carpet causing unknown mold growth. This mold growth is a safety issue due to the cognitive and respiratory problems associated.
Product identification: Brand: Dasaita Model: HA2161H3 ASIN: B0CQNWQR8D Purchased: September 4, 2025, via Amazon Aftermarket Android head unit installed in a 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport caused electrical interference with the vehicle's brake stop switch circuit (DTC C1425), resulting in autonomous braking without driver input, simultaneous ABS and Traction Control warning lights, and a dashboard warning indicating simultaneous accelerator and brake input. Two independent repair facilities confirmed the head unit as the probable cause. Symptoms resolved upon removal of the head unit and reinstallation of the factory OEM unit. The product is currently listed as unavailable on Amazon. Injury or accident: None, but describe it as a near-safety incident since the vehicle was braking itself while in motion.
Vehicle stalled on highway bridge. Took to mechanic shop. They put the diagnostic code machine on and the code indicated fuel pump failure. Toyota does have a recall notice for the year, make, and model of my vehicle. But not showing on my VIN.
My 2017 Tacoma extra cab has paint peeling around the both windows and both fenders. Toyota states the four door trucks are covered under the customer support program 23TE08 but the extra cabs are not. My truck currently has 13,500 miles. They need to include the extra cabs.
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 I was looking for something in my rear seat and noticed the seat was damp. I couldn't figure out the cause so I goggled it and found out that Toyota had a limited service campaign called LSC21TD03 on my 2017 Tacoma because of the third brake light having a gasket issue causing water to enter the vehicle. I called a local Toyota dealer and was told that the fix for my vehicle had expired in 2025. This water intrusion from the high third brake light can cause mold, interior damage, or electrical issues. This is an issue that Toyota previously acknowledged but has now stopped covering it. I called Toyota Corporate and was again told yes the repair fix was expired. I asked why wasn't I notified and was told that Toyota sent out letters. I told the representative that I never received a letter and was told the mailing was done by an outside company. I asked what could Toyota do to help me and was told to go back to the dealer and maybe they "would give me a discount or reduced price on the fix". The dealer offered nothing. Upon further research I found that several Toyota Tacoma owners state they were not aware of the service campaign and ended up changing the light themselves or paying out of pocket to have it repaired. I feel that this is an issue that Toyota is aware of and they should take care of it. This should have been a recall issue rather than just a service campaign that the public was not fully aware of. I still don't know the extent of damage to my vehicle because the dealer gave me a quote of $690 to repair. I questioned why so much to change a light and gasket and was told they have to take the panels down and clean the vehicle to make sure no mold was there. The quote was given without even examining the vehicle. I'm asking you to please look into this situation.
2017 Toyota Tacoma painted in MGM (MG1). The trucks paint/clearcoat are quickly failing from the factory paint application. This is a garage kept vehicle with 75k miles. Toyota refuses to accept any ownership of the factory paint application. This is a common issue amongst all Tacoma's, regardless of year or color.
Have had engine issues such as stalling, rattling, limp mode, rough idling and engine missing. Have had repairs done but continues to have major issues where it is not functioning properly.
Premature factory paint and clear coat failure on Toyota MGM paint. Issue affects vehicle value and body protection. Manufacturer notified.
There is a leak the rear differential. There is a recall on this issue
I was driving on the highway when my vehicle suddenly lost power. The engine light and traction control light came on, and I lost power, and the engine started sputtering. I had to pull off to the side and put on hazards. My Tacoma would only drive about 25 MPH after this happened. Based on a quick search, this is a very common problem in 3rd-generation Tacomas!
243 total