What are the most common Toyota Tacoma problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 4th Gen 12V Battery Goes Dead / No-Start From Parasitic Drain (2024+), i-FORCE 8-Speed Automatic (AC8) Transmission Failure Requiring Full Replacement (TSB T-SB-0076-24 / T-SB-0094-24), Rear Brake Hose Damage from Mud/Debris Buildup Causing Brake Fluid Leak (Recall 25V058000 / 25TA04-25TB04). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Tacoma reliable?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma has 9 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 4th Gen 12V Battery Goes Dead / No-Start From Parasitic Drain (2024+) and i-FORCE 8-Speed Automatic (AC8) Transmission Failure Requiring Full Replacement (TSB T-SB-0076-24 / T-SB-0094-24) and Rear Brake Hose Damage from Mud/Debris Buildup Causing Brake Fluid Leak (Recall 25V058000 / 25TA04-25TB04) and Front Driveshaft CV Joint Ball-Cage Breakage on 4WD Models (Recall 25V656000 / 25TA11-25TB11). 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 $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 4th Gen 12V Battery Goes Dead / No-Start From Parasitic Drain (2024+), typically costs $0-$400 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma 4th Gen 12V Battery Goes Dead / No-Start From Parasitic Drain (2024+)?
Numerous 2024-2025 (4th gen) Tacoma owners — both turbo and i-FORCE MAX hybrid — report the 12V battery going dead and the truck failing to start after sitting only a few days, sometimes on trucks with just a few thousand miles. Owners describe repeated no-starts, dealers handing… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE 8-Speed Automatic (AC8) Transmission Failure Requiring Full Replacement (TSB T-SB-0076-24 / T-SB-0094-24)?
Early-production 4th-generation Tacomas with the 8-speed automatic transmission can suffer internal failure of the torque converter clutch actuator or pressure-control solenoids, often at very low mileage (some under 15,000 miles). Owners report harsh 1st-to-3rd-gear jerking, sli… Repairs typically run $0-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma Rear Brake Hose Damage from Mud/Debris Buildup Causing Brake Fluid Leak (Recall 25V058000 / 25TA04-25TB04)?
On 4th-generation Tacomas, insufficient clearance between the rear brake hose and the wheel allows mud and dirt to pack inside the rear wheel and abrade the brake hose. Over time the hose can be damaged and leak brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing crash risk. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Front Driveshaft CV Joint Ball-Cage Breakage on 4WD Models (Recall 25V656000 / 25TA11-25TB11)?
Certain 2025 Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid 4WD trucks have front-driveshaft constant-velocity (CV) joints whose ball cages (which retain the front bearing sub-assembly) were manufactured by GKN Driveline from incorrect material. The cages can deform or break under load. A failed front… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma Power Sliding Rear Window Rattle and Spontaneous Glass Shatter (4th Generation)?
Owners of 4th-generation Tacomas equipped with the power sliding rear window report rattling from the window assembly or its operating cables (often relieved by cracking the window slightly, indicating an adjustment is needed). Separately, there have been isolated reports of the… Repairs typically run $0-$1,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster Goes Blank at Startup (Recall 25V595000 / 25TA08-25TB08)?
The 4th-generation Tacoma's 12.3-inch digital combination meter contains improper programming that causes the cluster's memory device to deteriorate faster than normal. Once degraded, the display can fail to show critical information at startup, including vehicle speed and the br… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.
What is the 2024-2026 Toyota Tacoma Front Door Wind Noise, Whistle and Rattle Above 50 mph (4th Generation)?
Many 4th-generation Tacoma owners report wind noise, whistling and rattling originating from the front doors (often the passenger side near the A-pillar/mirror area) that becomes noticeable around 50 mph and intensifies above 65 mph. The cause is typically poor door/weatherstrip… Repairs typically run $0-$250. Severity: low.
What is the 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma 4th Gen OEM Accessory Roof Rack Abnormal Vibration and Wind Noise (TSB T-SB-0016-25)?
4th-gen Tacomas fitted with the factory accessory roof rack (common on Trailhunter and trucks with the OEM rack) develop an abnormal vibration and droning/wind noise at highway speed, typically noticeable above ~60-70 mph and worse in crosswinds. The complaint became widespread e… Repairs typically run $0-$200. 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.
