What are the most common Toyota Tacoma problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 5,214+ owner reports, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma has 20 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: P0016 — Bank 1 Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain or VVT-iW Actuator (3.5L 2GR-FKS), Frame Rust (Northern Climates), Rear Driveshaft Shudder / U-Joint Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Tacoma reliable?
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has 20 known issues documented across 5,214+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: P0016 — Bank 1 Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain or VVT-iW Actuator (3.5L 2GR-FKS). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Tacoma problems?
Repair costs for known Toyota Tacoma issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, P0016 — Bank 1 Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain or VVT-iW Actuator (3.5L 2GR-FKS), typically costs $120-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma P0016 — Bank 1 Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain or VVT-iW Actuator (3.5L 2GR-FKS)?
On the 3rd-gen Tacoma's 3.5L 2GR-FKS (2016+), P0016 means the ECM sees the Bank 1 intake camshaft position out of correlation with the crankshaft. Unlike the OCV-driven P0011, P0016 more often reflects a mechanical timing error — a slightly stretched timing chain or a worn/sticki… Repairs typically run $120-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Frame Rust (Northern Climates)?
Tacomas in northern/salt belt climates can develop frame rust, similar to issues on older Tacomas and Tundras. While Toyota improved their frame coating, trucks exposed to road salt still experience accelerated corrosion. Repairs typically run $100-$5,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma Rear Driveshaft Shudder / U-Joint Failure?
Some Tacomas experience a shudder or vibration during low-speed acceleration, traced to the rear driveshaft and U-joints. Toyota issued a TSB recommending driveshaft replacement with an updated design. Repairs typically run $200-$1,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 front timing chain cover oil leak?
The 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 is prone to developing an oil leak at the front timing chain cover, where the block, cylinder head and timing cover converge and the factory RTV/FIPG sealant eventually fails. It typically starts as a slow seep that leaves oil on the front of the engine and on… Repairs typically run $2,400-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 Excessive Oil Consumption (Piston Rings / PCV)?
A subset of 3rd-gen Tacomas with the 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 burn noticeable oil between changes, requiring owners to top off and sometimes finding low oil before the next service. Reported root causes include worn/seated piston rings allowing oil into the combustion chamber, valve-stem… Repairs typically run $100-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma P0430 — Bank 2 Catalyst Efficiency Loss from Aged Converter / Worn Downstream O2 Sensor?
On the Tacoma's V6 engines (4.0L 1GR-FE in 2005-2015 2nd gen, 3.5L 2GR-FKS in 2016+ 3rd gen), Bank 2 is the driver's-side head (cylinders 2-4-6). P0430 sets when the rear (downstream) oxygen sensor voltage begins mirroring the front sensor, meaning the Bank 2 three-way catalytic… Repairs typically run $250-$2,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma P0011 — Bank 1 Intake Cam Over-Advanced from Failed VVT-i Oil Control Valve?
P0011 on the Tacoma (4.0L 1GR-FE and 3.5L 2GR-FKS) means the Bank 1 intake camshaft is timed more advanced than the ECM commanded. On Toyota's VVT-i system this is overwhelmingly an oil-control-valve (camshaft timing OCV / VVT solenoid) problem, not a mechanical one: the solenoid… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma P0302 — Cylinder 2 Misfire from Failed Ignition Coil (2.7L 2TR-FE)?
P0302 flags a detected misfire on cylinder 2. On the 2.7L 2TR-FE four-cylinder Tacoma this is a well-known pattern: the coil-on-plug (COP) ignition coil over cylinder 2 weakens or fails, producing a rough-running, single-cylinder misfire. Worn iridium spark plugs (overdue past th… Repairs typically run $90-$350. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma P0303 — Cylinder 3 Misfire from Failed Ignition Coil / Worn Plugs (3.5L 2GR-FKS)?
P0303 indicates a misfire on cylinder 3. On the 3rd-gen Tacoma 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6, owners commonly trace this to a failed coil-on-plug ignition coil or spark plugs that are worn or past their ~60k-mile service window. Toyota has acknowledged coil-related P0301-P0306 misfires on its… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 6-Speed Automatic Rough Shifting?
The 6-speed automatic transmission can exhibit rough or hesitant shifting, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear at low speeds. Some owners describe it as lurching or jerking. This is related to the transmission's adaptive learning and torque converter behavior. Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Rear Leaf Spring Squeak?
The rear leaf springs can develop a squeaking or creaking noise, especially when going over bumps or when the bed is loaded. This is caused by the leaf spring leaves rubbing against each other and is common on trucks. Repairs typically run $20-$200. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Manual Transmission Grinding/Notchy Shifts?
The 6-speed manual transmission can exhibit grinding when shifting, particularly into 2nd or 3rd gear, and generally notchy shift feel. This is often related to the synchros or the clutch system hydraulics. Repairs typically run $100-$2,500. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma Entune Infotainment Freezing/Lag?
The Entune infotainment system can experience lag, freezing, and connectivity issues. Bluetooth pairing may be unreliable, and the touchscreen can become unresponsive. Navigation can crash or display outdated information. Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma A/C Musty/Mold Smell?
The A/C system can develop a musty or moldy smell when first turned on. This is caused by moisture accumulation and mold/bacteria growth on the evaporator. Common in humid climates and vehicles that use A/C infrequently. Repairs typically run $20-$300. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma Uncomfortable Front Seats / Inadequate Lumbar Support Causing Lower Back Pain (3rd Gen)?
A very high-search owner complaint on 3rd-gen Tacomas is the low-mounted driver seat with a short, flat bottom cushion and weak/absent lumbar support, which causes lower-back and tailbone pain on longer drives. Owners report soreness within 10-15 minutes of driving and resort to… Repairs typically run $30-$1,500. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma Driveline vibration on deceleration (30-10 mph) and 50 mph rear whine (TSB T-SB-0124-20)?
Many 4WD automatic-transmission Tacomas exhibit a vibration felt in the seat, floor and/or steering wheel while decelerating (coasting/braking) roughly between 30 and 10 mph, and separately a distinct whine/howl from the rear of Double Cab models most noticeable at a steady ~50 m… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma Super White (040) factory paint peeling at window frames and inner fender edges (CSP 23TE08)?
Certain Tacomas painted in factory 040 Super White (largely Double Cab models from a specific plant) develop paint peeling along the exterior door window frames and along the front inner fender edges under the hood. The clear coat/paint delaminates and flakes off, exposing primer… Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: low.
What is the 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma P0128 — Engine Runs Cold from Stuck-Open Thermostat?
P0128 is one of the most common Tacoma codes and almost always means the engine thermostat is stuck open (or opening too early), so coolant reaches the radiator before the engine hits its target operating temperature within the expected time/airflow window. It is especially frequ… Repairs typically run $120-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 2016-2025 Toyota Tacoma Headlight Condensation / Moisture Inside Housing?
Tacoma owners frequently report fog, condensation, or standing moisture inside the headlight assembly, sometimes appearing within the first months of ownership. Light fogging from temperature/humidity swings that clears within a few hours is normal, but persistent moisture or wat… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: low.
What is the 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma Exhaust Manifold Heat Shield Rattle?
The thin sheet-metal heat shields over the exhaust manifolds and catalytic-converter/exhaust pipe crack around their spot-welds and mounting tabs from years of heat cycling, then buzz or rattle against the exhaust at idle and under light throttle. The noise is often mistaken for… Repairs typically run $20-$250. Severity: low.
