2018 Toyota Tacoma
Common Problems
Ranked from 82 federal NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
12 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Fuel Pump Failure
21complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe fuel pump may stop operating, causing the engine to stall at idle.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 20V682000, 20V012000
- 2
Vehicle stalling during driving
17complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe vehicle may stall while driving, especially at higher speeds, due to fuel pump issues.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 20V682000, 20V012000
- 3
Fuel pump recall issue
12complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe fuel pump may stop operating, leading to engine stalling or rough running.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 20V682000, 20V012000
- 4
Brake Fluid Leaking into Cab
9complaintsHigh severityBrakesBrake fluid is leaking into the cab, posing a safety hazard.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V888000
- 5
Transmission downshifting issues
9complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission downshifts unexpectedly to 4th gear while cruising, causing vibrations and engine RPM spikes.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Transmission hesitancy and surging
7complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission hesitates when shifting gears and surges at certain speeds, causing delays and loss of power.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Brake Booster Failure
6complaintsHigh severityBrakesBrake booster failure leading to loss of brake assist and potential brake failure.
$500–$1,300est. brake booster replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V888000
- 8
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
6complaintsHigh severityOtherForward collision avoidance system malfunctions leading to warning lights and system failures.
- 9
Paint Defects and Peeling
5complaintsLow severityOtherClear coat finish on exterior paint peeling and failing, leading to exposure of base coat and potential rust.
- 10
Structural Water Intrusion
5complaintsMedium severityOtherWater intrusion through structural vents and seals leading to water damage and mold growth in the cabin.
- 11
Engine hesitation and misfire at low RPM
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine hesitates and misfires at low RPM, affecting throttle response and overall performance.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Engine oil circulation issues
2complaintsLow severityEngineThe engine oil does not circulate properly when ascending hills, leading to potential overheating and wear issues.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.