2021 Toyota Tacoma problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 80 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, filed between 2021-02-17 and 2026-09-08. The most common problem areas are the power train (14, 18%), service brakes (12, 15%) and engine (11, 14%). Owners reported 9 crashes, 15 injuries and 1 death in these complaints. NHTSA lists 0 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Toyota Tacoma complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 14 | 18% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 12 | 15% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 12 | 15% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 11 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 9 | 11% | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Air bags | 7 | 9% | 5 | 0 | 12 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 6 | 8% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 4 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 3 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Steering | 3 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 80 (18%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 2 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma covers this system.
Service brakes: 12 complaints
- 12 complaints of 80 (15%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- Owners reported 2 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma covers this system.
Engine: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 80 (14%) name the engine.
- 3 of them also name the fuel/propulsion system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma covers this system.
Electrical system: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 80 (11%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 2 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma covers this system.
Forward collision avoidance: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 80 (11%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 2 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma covers this system.
Air bags: 7 complaints
- 7 complaints of 80 (9%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 3 of them also name the seats; owners reported 5 crashes, 12 injuries and 1 death in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 12 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names TACOMA, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Toyota Tacoma recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma's most common problem areas are the power train (14 of 80 complaints), service brakes (12 of 80 complaints) and engine (11 of 80 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma have?
NHTSA has 80 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, including 9 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma's problems?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. Complaints alone do not trigger a free repair.