2021 Toyota Tacoma
The Verdict
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (24 complaints) and engine (18 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 80/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Toyota Tacoma, consider the 2023 model year which has 36% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2023 has 36% fewer complaints
View the 2023 Toyota Tacoma dashboard →
Klunk Score: Smooth Ride
This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.
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 | 33 | 14 | 11 |
| 2001 | 331 | 21 | 24 | 13 | 16 |
| 2002 | 274 | 21 | 25 | 15 | 25 |
| 2003 | 260 | 19 | 32 | 39 | 20 |
| 2004 | 311 | 18 | 25 | 40 | 19 |
| 2005 | 527 | 22 | 63 | 42 | 51 |
| 2006 | 535 | 41 | 92 | 60 | 50 |
| 2007 | 339 | 37 | 63 | 33 | 65 |
| 2008 | 317 | 28 | 50 | 30 | 18 |
| 2009 | 259 | 32 | 130 | 22 | 72 |
| 2011 | 98 | 13 | 57 | 8 | 7 |
| 2012 | 71 | 19 | 20 | 163 | 21 |
| 2013 | 53 | 17 | 21 | 12 | 21 |
| 2014 | 45 | 15 | 9 | 11 | 11 |
| 2015 | 52 | 11 | 17 | 14 | 6 |
| 2016 | 86 | 14 | 49 | 57 | 117 |
| 2017 | 62 | 26 | 36 | 57 | 56 |
| 2018 | 40 | 39 | 14 | 85 | 20 |
| 2019 | 32 | 37 | 18 | 90 | 32 |
| 2020 | 24 | 12 | 9 | 33 | 7 |
| 2021 | 24 | 11 | 12 | 18 | 11 |
| 2022 | 22 | 6 | 11 | 7 | 8 |
| 2023 | 16 | 5 | 11 | 10 | 6 |
| 2024 | 38 | 27 | 14 | 9 | 49 |
| 2025 | 36 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 18 |
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Compare Against
See how the 2021 Toyota Tacoma stacks up against rivals.
Complaints
The Multi-Information Display (MID) on the instrument cluster (combination meter) has failed completely. The display shows full-width horizontal RGB scan lines across the entire screen with no readable information. The analog gauges (speedometer and tachometer) remain functional but all digital display information is unavailable including speed, warnings, fuel economy data, and safety system status indicators. This failure occurred suddenly with no prior warning. Vehicle has approximately 50,000 miles. I am aware that Toyota issued Safety Recall 25V595 in September 2025 covering the identical combination meter failure on 2023-2025 model year Tacomas and other Toyota vehicles. The root cause identified in that recall — accelerated deterioration of the memory device inside the combination meter due to improper programming — appears to be the same failure mechanism present in my 2021 model year vehicle. I am filing this complaint to formally document that this known defect extends to 2021 model year Tacoma vehicles and to request that NHTSA investigate expanding recall 25V595 to include earlier model years. Toyota should be required to repair or replace the combination meter on affected 2021 vehicles at no cost to owners, consistent with the remedy already established for 2023-2025 vehicles. A Toyota case has been opened with the Brand Engagement Center at [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Digital instrument panel speedometer screen has gone blank. No longer displays speed. This occurred while driving the vehicle.
About a month ago the Blind spot monitoring system failed, dealer said $2500.00 to repair, about 10 days ago, backup sonar parking system failed, dealer cost to repair $2200.00
The plastic coolant crossover valve or pipe failed at 66,000 miles and 5 years of usage. This led to the radiator cracking. After researching online, I read about thousands of Tacoma 3rd generation users with the same issue. Also, the same issue was recalled for several other models of Toyotas but not the Tacoma.
After I purchased my 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport with 4 miles on it and at 1,332 miles on 11/26/21, the Check Engine light with Traction Control Off light came on while I was driving. I immediately pulled over and on the truck media screen it read this: "A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer and have your vehicle inspected." The truck was rough idling and had no acceleration. I had the truck towed to dealership where it was purchased and upon diagnostic, it was determined that #3-cylinder injector was reading "Open Circuit" with code P020313. Being under warranty the dealership repaired the bad injector. No further issues until 4/22/26. On 4/22/26 with mileage at 48,361, I started my truck in my driveway and immediately recognized that the truck was rough idling and the Check Engine Light along with the Traction Control Light Off being on. The exact same message displayed on the screen as above, "A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer and have your vehicle inspected.". The truck was towed back to the same dealership and upon diagnostic the same issue of #3-cylinder injector "open circuit" with code P020313 was revealed. It was recommended to replace the bad #3-cylinder injector and also recommended to go ahead and replace all of the spark plugs. The total repair bill we be ~$2600 when I go to pick it up in 3 days. This is not just a coincidence that the exact same #3-cylinder injector has gone bad at 1,332 miles and then again at 48,361 miles. Seems to be a connection between the injector going bad and the issues that they have had with the High Pressure Fuel Pumps. Toyota needs to acknowledge this problem.
when I push the brake pedal, it goes to the floor. I have had the brakes and master cylinder replaced. after about one month the brakes started failing again. I am going to take it back to the mechanic to have them re-evaluate the brakes. No kind of official has inspected my truck. I have been having braking issues for about a year.
There are three concerns in this write up: at 117000 miles the blind spot monitoring system has fails and will cost $300 to repair. More concerning is that it was recommended I replace the Power Steering Lines at a cost of $927 and the Transmission Lines at a cost of $797 due to severe rusting and corrosion. Its recommended before they rust through and break/leak.
FRONT RADAR RECALL- NO BACK COVER AND GOES DEFECTIVE
When vehicle is driven at 85 mph (cruise control set) speedometer jolts. Speed must be reduced to 84 to resolve issue.
Vehicle was in car accident where airbags did not deploy.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle stalled with the engine oil warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that her husband detected a fuel odor coming from the vehicle after the failure. The driver was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle to the dealer. While at the dealer the vehicle was test driven and the failure was acknowledged. The vehicle was then diagnosed with a defective fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired but remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Heated seat stopped working after smelling a slight burning smell. I investigate and found discolored and burnt electrical connections on the heated seat wires. This happened on the driver's seat. I'm worried the same thing could happen on the passenger side.
truck is under 20 thousand miles right front brake shoes are loose and not in place. the whole brake assembly is completely rusted .brake lines are leaking.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced extended cranking on cold start. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under Toyota Campaign Number: 23TE01(High-Pressure Fuel Pump – Low Pressure Fuel Seepage). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, after depressing the accelerator pedal and then attempting to depress the brake pedal to make a left turn, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. An independent mechanic was contacted. The contact pulled over into a church parking lot. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that there was a coolant leak, and the coolant level in the reservoir was low. The coolant reservoir was topped off; however, the failure reoccurred. While having an oil change at Keys Toyota (5855 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401); the contact was informed about the coolant leak in the rear of the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The vehicle was diagnosed with a coolant leak, and the starter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
AC compressor pressure release discharges gas. Dealer states new compressor needed. Vehicle is only 4 years old.
Transmission constantly seeking a gear usually 5th to 6th while using Cruize control. At times over-reving to near redline. End up having to manuall downshift to fourth back and fourt to drive. End up shifting more frequently that would if driving my mauual 6 speed transmission tacoma with the V6 as well.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the fuel pump was very noisy while having a routine oil change at an independent mechanic. There was an abnormal clacking sound detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that sound was coming from the fuel pump. The dealer informed the contact that the sound was normal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
N/A
76 total