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2021 Toyota Tacoma problems

What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.

81owner complaints
0safety recalls
9involved a crash

Also reported: 0 fires, 15 people injured, 1 deaths. Each complaint is counted once even if it lists several components.

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Most reported problems

Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 81.

Power train14
Usually 6,038–19,250 miles (middle half of 4 reports with mileage)
Engine12
Usually 20–20 miles (middle half of 1 reports with mileage)
Service brakes12
Usually 5,300–23,700 miles (middle half of 3 reports with mileage)
Unknown or other12
Usually 2,015–6,005 miles (middle half of 2 reports with mileage)
Electrical system9
Usually 102,000–102,000 miles (middle half of 1 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Starter assembly (1)
Forward collision avoidance9
Usually 788–15,500 miles (middle half of 4 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Automatic emergency braking (4); Warnings (3); Adaptive cruise control (2)
Air bags7
No mileage given in these reports
Fuel/propulsion system6
No mileage given in these reports
Structure6
Usually 171–390 miles (middle half of 2 reports with mileage)
Parts named: Body (5); Frame and members (1)
Vehicle speed control5
Usually 150–150 miles (middle half of 1 reports with mileage)

When problems show up

Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.

Power train

4 reports with mileage · median 9,000 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Engine

1 reports with mileage · median 20 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Service brakes

3 reports with mileage · median 9,400 miles
025k50k75k100k125k150k175k200k+

Safety recalls (0)

Recalls that cover the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.

Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov

No safety recalls on file for this model year.

Questions to ask the seller

Has the transmission been serviced or repaired? On the test drive, watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts.

14 owner complaints mention the transmission or drivetrain.

Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.

12 owner complaints mention the engine.

When were the brakes last serviced? On the test drive, check for pulsing, grinding, a soft pedal, or ABS warnings.

12 owner complaints mention the brakes.

Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.

9 owner complaints mention the electrical system.

Has the automatic emergency braking ever activated with nothing ahead, or shown sensor errors? Ask about windshield or sensor repairs.

9 owner complaints mention the forward collision avoidance system.

Other Toyota Tacoma years

Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.

2010294 complaints2011186 complaints2012295 complaints2013125 complaints201493 complaints2015101 complaints2016323 complaints2017243 complaints2018209 complaints2019219 complaints202090 complaints202181 complaints202259 complaints

Compare all years on one chart

Source: NHTSA complaints file (FLAT_CMPL, updated 2026-10-21) and NHTSA recalls file. Page generated 2026-10-22.

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