2021 model year · 5,214+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 5,214+ owner reports, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma has 7 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is 6-Speed Automatic Rough Shifting with 1,200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma, 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.
Ensure transmission software is updated. Transmission may need adaptive learning reset. Regular transmission fluid changes help. Toyota has issued TSBs with software updates for some model years.
Parts and tips from 1,200+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma, 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.
Change transmission fluid with Toyota genuine fluid. Bleed clutch hydraulic system if pedal feel is off. Some owners report improved shifting with aftermarket transmission fluid. Synchro replacement in severe cases.
Parts and tips from 720+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2016-2021 Toyota Tacoma, 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 Navigation can crash or display outdated information.
Update Entune software to latest version. Perform system reset. Delete paired Bluetooth devices and re-pair. Some owners report improvement with aftermarket head units. Check for Toyota service campaigns.
Parts and tips from 680+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma, 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.
Use A/C evaporator cleaner spray through the cabin air filter opening or vents. Replace cabin air filter regularly. Run A/C on fresh air mode for a few minutes before turning off to dry evaporator. Professional evaporator cleaning available.
Parts and tips from 620+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma, 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.
Apply rust prevention coating annually before winter. Wash undercarriage regularly to remove salt. Inspect frame yearly for rust progression. If severe, frame replacement or professional rust treatment may be needed.
Parts and tips from 580+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2016-2022 Toyota Tacoma, 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.
Toyota TSB-0077-17 recommends replacing the rear driveshaft assembly with updated part. Check with Toyota dealer for warranty coverage. Aftermarket fix: Replace U-joints with Spicer units and ensure proper grease. For lifted trucks, consider a CV-style driveshaft to handle the steeper angle.
Parts and tips from 534+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma, 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.
Lubricate leaf springs with silicone spray or dedicated leaf spring lubricant. Install aftermarket leaf spring pads/insulators. Some owners apply grease between leaves. This is typically more annoying than harmful.
Parts and tips from 880+ owners who fixed this issue
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.
STEERING:COLUMN
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
STEERING:COLUMN
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 5,214+ owner reports, the 2021-2021 Toyota Tacoma has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Frame Rust (Northern Climates), Rear Driveshaft Shudder / U-Joint Failure, 6-Speed Automatic Rough Shifting. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2021-2021 Toyota Tacoma has 7 known issues documented across 5,214+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common 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. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
