TireKick

Problems to check

2021 Toyota Tacoma reported problems

These problems appeared in the records we reviewed. This is not a list of what happens most often, and it does not predict the condition of one car.

What to look for

Airbags owner reports

Moderate severity
Evidence: Limited confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.

Symptom
6 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“I was in a severe T-none car accident and the airbags did not deploy. The power restrain activated, the seat locked in place but no airbag deployment. The car that hit me was going at aprox. 50-60MPH. I could have died and so could have my 11 & 6 year old passengers. My sister got cought in between the cabin space and the impacted door.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“I was rear ended in my Tacoma and then hit at about 30-35mph in the front driver side. No air bags deployed anywhere in the vehicle and the driver head rest that was fully installed went flying out of the seat. Vehicle is currently waiting to be inspected by insurance representatives.”
NHTSAcomplaintDec 2021Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The subject vehicle left roadway and impacted a tree in a pure frontal impact. The front seat passenger airbag failed to deploy. An 11 year old child was seated and properly belted in the front passenger seat. The child was killed as a result of blunt force trauma to his head when his head struck the front dash structure. In addition, the belted occupant seated behind the front passenger seat, while properly belted, impacted the rear of the front passenger seat and the seat deformed forward, limiting the ride down space for the front passenger seat occupant. The other three occupants in the subject Toyota Tacoma suffered non-life threatening injuries.”
NHTSAcomplaintJan 2023Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Vehicle was in car accident where airbags did not deploy.”
NHTSAcomplaintDec 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Another vehicle turned left in front of the Toyota, resulting in a head-on collision at about 30 mph. The forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems did not engage and the airbags did not deploy. Police report has not been completed by GRPD as of today (6/1/2022).”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Tacoma was rear-ended at 80 mph. Tacoma rolled over three times front airbags did not go off.. side curtain bags did.. seat belt on driver side failed after the second rollover.. rear cross traffic warning did not go off.. driver seat collapsed. driver was injured and was in trauma unit for 3 weeks. Vehicle last known is located off of belvedere road in West Palm Beach Florida.. I called up Toyota and a third party got the EDR from the vehicle.. I have a copy of it. As far as I know the problem has not been inspected.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2021Open source record

Electrical System owner reports

High severity
Evidence: Limited confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.

Symptom
5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 50,000 to 50,000 miles.

Based on 1 report that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The cabin vent system appears to have a design defect, specifically the passenger-side vent located in the back of the cabin. This component is available for inspection upon request. The dealership, Santa Cruz Toyota, has declined to replace the part despite acknowledging the issue. The concern lies in the vent's design, as it allows water to enter the cabin instead of just expelling air. The water intrusion caused by this malfunction poses a safety risk in two ways. First, the presence of water on the floor increases the chance of an electrical fire due to the numerous electrical wires running underneath. Second, mildew spores can grow on the wet undercarpet padding, creating a health hazard. This problem has been confirmed by Santa Cruz Toyota, and we have video evidence to support the claim. While Santa Cruz Toyota has inspected the vehicle, our request for a direct inspection from the manufacturer, Toyota, has not been successful. There weren't any warning lights or messages prior to the failure. However, the issue became apparent after the heavy rains of 2023 in California, when we discovered water accumulated under the passenger-side carpet padding.”
NHTSAcomplaintMay 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The Multi-Information Display (MID) on the instrument cluster (combination meter) has failed completely. The display shows full-width horizontal RGB scan lines across the entire screen with no readable information. The analog gauges (speedometer and tachometer) remain functional but all digital display information is unavailable including speed, warnings, fuel economy data, and safety system status indicators. This failure occurred suddenly with no prior warning. Vehicle has approximately 50,000 miles. I am aware that Toyota issued Safety Recall 25V595 in September 2025 covering the identical combination meter failure on 2023-2025 model year Tacomas and other Toyota vehicles. The root cause identified in that recall — accelerated deterioration of the memory device inside the combination meter due to improper programming — appears to be the same failure mechanism present in my 2021 model year vehicle. I am filing this complaint to formally document that this known defect extends to 2021 model year Tacoma vehicles and to request that NHTSA investigate expanding recall 25V595 to include earlier model years. Toyota should be required to repair or replace the combination meter on affected 2021 vehicles at no cost to owners, consistent with the remedy already established for 2023-2025 vehicles. A Toyota case has been opened with the Brand Engagement Center at [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Digital instrument panel speedometer screen has gone blank. No longer displays speed. This occurred while driving the vehicle.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“When vehicle is driven at 85 mph (cruise control set) speedometer jolts. Speed must be reduced to 84 to resolve issue.”
NHTSAcomplaintDec 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Heated seat stopped working after smelling a slight burning smell. I investigate and found discolored and burnt electrical connections on the heated seat wires. This happened on the driver's seat. I'm worried the same thing could happen on the passenger side.”
NHTSAcomplaintNov 2025Open source record

Service Brakes owner reports

High severity
Evidence: Limited confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.

Symptom
4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention service brakes.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 38,000 to 38,000 miles.

Based on 1 report that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 TOYOTA TAKOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH WHEN COMING TO A RED LIGHT APPROXIMATELY 500 YARDS AWAY, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN IN SPEED THEN BEGAN TO PRESS THE BRAKES DUE TO A TRUCK NEARBY SUDDENLY COMING FROM THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES AND COLLISION PREVENTION SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BUT HAD NOT BEEN OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED TOTALED AS OF YET. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THEIR WRIST AND THE ABDOMINAL AREA. THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE RECEIVED NECK, BACK, SHOULDER, AND LEG INJURIES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH A DEALER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSAcomplaintFeb 2021Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Brake master cylinder is leaking in the interior of truck on driver side floor mat. Oil is come from brake master cylinder seal.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“when I push the brake pedal, it goes to the floor. I have had the brakes and master cylinder replaced. after about one month the brakes started failing again. I am going to take it back to the mechanic to have them re-evaluate the brakes. No kind of official has inspected my truck. I have been having braking issues for about a year.”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“truck is under 20 thousand miles right front brake shoes are loose and not in place. the whole brake assembly is completely rusted .brake lines are leaking.”
NHTSAcomplaintNov 2025Open source record

Manufacturer service campaign

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2021.

Symptom
Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 36,250 to 77,750 miles.

Based on 24 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the official record to focus the inspection and service-history review.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements”
NHTSAtsbMar 2021Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements”
NHTSAtsbMar 2021Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements”
NHTSAtsbMar 2021Open source record

Manufacturer warranty extension

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2022.

Symptom
Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames and front inner fenders under the hood on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 25,500 to 77,750 miles.

Based on 28 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the official record to focus the inspection and service-history review.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames and front inner fenders under the hood on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color. Although the vehicle paint is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for three years, or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above.”
NHTSAtsbSep 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames and front inner fenders under the hood on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color. Although the vehicle paint is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for three years, or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above.”
NHTSAtsbSep 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames and front inner fenders under the hood on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color. Although the vehicle paint is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for three years, or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above.”
NHTSAtsbSep 2024Open source record

Manufacturer warranty extension

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2022.

Symptom
Customer Support Program 23TE08 Paint Repair Process
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 25,500 to 77,750 miles.

Based on 28 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the official record to focus the inspection and service-history review.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Customer Support Program 23TE08 Paint Repair Process”
NHTSAtsbSep 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Customer Support Program 23TE08 Paint Repair Process”
NHTSAtsbSep 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Customer Support Program 23TE08 Paint Repair Process”
NHTSAtsbSep 2024Open source record

Manufacturer warranty extension

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2022.

Symptom
In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Customer Support Program to provide coverage for paint peeling on door frames and front inner fenders on certain 2016-2022 model year Tacoma vehicles.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 25,500 to 77,750 miles.

Based on 28 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the official record to focus the inspection and service-history review.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Customer Support Program to provide coverage for paint peeling on door frames and front inner fenders on certain 2016-2022 model year Tacoma vehicles. Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames and front inner fenders under the hood on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color. Although the vehicle paint is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for three years, or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above.”
NHTSAtsbSep 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Customer Support Program to provide coverage for paint peeling on door frames and front inner fenders on certain 2016-2022 model year Tacoma vehicles. Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames and front inner fenders under the hood on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color. Although the vehicle paint is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for three years, or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above.”
NHTSAtsbSep 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Customer Support Program to provide coverage for paint peeling on door frames and front inner fenders on certain 2016-2022 model year Tacoma vehicles. Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames and front inner fenders under the hood on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color. Although the vehicle paint is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for three years, or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above.”
NHTSAtsbSep 2024Open source record

Manufacturer service campaign

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2022.

Symptom
Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames, front inner fenders as can been seen with the hood open, and on the A-pillars on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 25,500 to 75,500 miles.

Based on 28 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the official record to focus the inspection and service-history review.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames, front inner fenders as can been seen with the hood open, and on the A-pillars on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color. Although the vehicle paint is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for three years, or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the conditions described above.”
NHTSAtsbJul 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames, front inner fenders as can been seen with the hood open, and on the A-pillars on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color. Although the vehicle paint is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for three years, or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the conditions described above.”
NHTSAtsbJul 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames, front inner fenders as can been seen with the hood open, and on the A-pillars on certain Tacoma vehicles with 040 Super White paint color. Although the vehicle paint is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for three years, or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the conditions described above.”
NHTSAtsbNov 2025Open source record

The records cannot show the service history, repairs, title, accidents, or condition of the car you found.

Check a 2021 Toyota Tacoma at its mileage