2021 Toyota Tacoma problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is among the quieter years of the Tacoma on NHTSA's books: 113 complaints (62% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 22 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (14), transmission (13), and engine (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
113
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
14
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
22
Injuries
2
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2021 compare to other Tacoma years?
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Tacoma problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Assistance | 14 | 12% | — flat |
| Transmission | 13 | 12% | — flat |
| Other | 12 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 12 | 11% | — flat |
| Brakes | 11 | 10% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 9 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 9 | 8% | — flat |
| Airbags | 7 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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).”
“There are three concerns in this write up: at 117000 miles the blind spot monitoring system has fails and will cost $300 to repair. More concerning is that it was recommended I replace the Power Steering Lines at a cost of $927 and the Transmission Lines at a cost of $797 due to severe rusting and…”
“The paint is starting to peel on the passenger fender. It is on the inside of where the hood gap is in a area that is not exposed to rock chips or would be susceptible to external damage. It is also located right next to where the rubber bump stop is to prevent the hood from contacting the fender…”
“The plastic coolant crossover valve or pipe failed at 66,000 miles and 5 years of usage. This led to the radiator cracking. After researching online, I read about thousands of Tacoma 3rd generation users with the same issue. Also, the same issue was recalled for several other models of Toyotas but…”
“I was about to park. press the break pedal in order to move gear to Parking. However, My Tacoma accelerated and I was unable to control it. Finally, it stop after hitting a tree. ”
2021 Toyota Tacoma — common questions
Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 113 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Tacoma year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2021 Tacoma problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (14 complaints), transmission (13 complaints), engine (12 complaints).
Does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.
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 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.