VehicleVerdict

2018 Toyota Tacoma problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma sits mid-pack among Tacoma years: 275 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 302, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (65), brakes (47), and transmission (29), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

275

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Tacoma years?

Tacoma NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted977 complaints1995: 214 complaints1996: 321 complaints1997: 148 complaints1998: 358 complaints1999: 303 complaints2000: 274 complaints2001: 504 complaints2002: 443 complaints2003: 479 complaints2004: 545 complaints2005: 871 complaints2006: 977 complaints2007: 676 complaints2008: 556 complaints2009: 612 complaints2010: 343 complaints2011: 226 complaints2012: 406 complaints2013: 169 complaints2014: 133 complaints2015: 140 complaints2016: 416 complaints2017: 318 complaints2018: 275 complaints2019: 299 complaints2020: 124 complaints2021: 113 complaints2022: 77 complaints2023: 65 complaints2024: 182 complaints2025: 89 complaints2026: 10 complaints
Tacoma NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tacoma years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Toyota Tacoma problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System6524%
Brakes4717%
Transmission2911%
Engine269%
Other228%
Speed Control197%
Driver Assistance187%
Electrical System155%
Body & Structure114%
Suspension62%
Steering62%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Seat Belts21%
Lighting21%
Airbags21%
Seats21%

Does the 2018 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V682000Fuel SystemNovember 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

20V012000Fuel SystemJanuary 13, 2020 · 1,830,752 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

18V888000BrakesDecember 13, 2018 · 44,121 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.

Consequence

Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY 2018 TACOMA HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON, THEN THE TRAC LIGHT CAME ON. CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING AND ENGINE RUNS ROUGH. WHEN DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGINS TO LOSE ACCELERATION AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGINS FLASHING. WHEN IDLING, ENGINE RUNS WITH WITH A MISS, AND WHEN DRIVING, AT LOWER SPEEDS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 29, 2020

“CROSSING STREET GOING STRAIGHT EASTBOUND ON GREEN LIGHT, ROAD CONSTRUCTION GOING ON. TRUCK STOPPED COMPLETELY ON MIDDLE OF ROAD, THINKING THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. NO VEHICLE IN FRONT JUST SHADOW OF THE BRIDGE, THAT MADE CAR STOP AUTOMATICALLY. BY THEN NORTH TRAFFIC STARTED MOVING GOT HIT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 12, 2018 · crash

“MY 2018 TACOMA HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON, THEN THE TRAC LIGHT CAME ON. CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING AND ENGINE RUNS ROUGH. WHEN DRIVING, VEHICLE BEGINS TO LOSE ACCELERATION AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGINS FLASHING. WHEN IDLING, ENGINE RUNS WITH WITH A MISS, AND WHEN DRIVING, AT LOWER SPEEDS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 29, 2020

“The engine in my 2018 Toyota Tacoma failed at 39000 miles and Toyota is refusing to cover the repair costs. I have records of all regularly scheduled maintenance performed and I have never done anything that would put additional stress on the engine such as off-roading or towing. This engine is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 1, 2026

“HAVE NOT PAID ONE LONTH YET AND IT HAS 2000 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING ON ROUGH OR SENI ROUGH ROAD THERE IS A NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LIKE A RATTLE OF A CAN OR LOOS METAL PLATE. BROUGHT IT FOR WARRANTY CHECK AND THEY SAID IT IS THE BRAKE PADS BUT THIS NOISE KEEPS ON EVEN WHEN BRAKE IS PRESSED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 17, 2018

2018 Toyota Tacoma — common questions

Is the 2018 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

It is close to typical for the Tacoma: 275 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2018 Tacoma problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (65 complaints), brakes (47 complaints), transmission (29 complaints).

Does the 2018 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Toyota Tacoma. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Toyota Tacoma under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Tacoma years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tacoma years to avoid are 2006, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2001, 2003. The cleanest record among Tacoma years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2018 Toyota Tacoma?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.