Toyota Tacoma Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 171 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Toyota Tacoma across 23 model years. The 2006 model year has the most (27). The words owners use most often: “head gasket” (6% of reports).
- 171engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 5mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 37%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Head gasket: mentioned in 11 of 171 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 104 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 171 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 2 an injury.
Toyota Tacoma engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Tacoma | 2 | 2% | 19,600 |
| 2023 Tacoma | 1 | 2% | 300 |
| 2021 Tacoma | 2 | 2% | 76,000 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 1 | 0% | 106,000 |
| 2014 Tacoma | 1 | 1% | 170,000 |
| 2012 Tacoma | 2 | 1% | 48,122 |
| 2011 Tacoma | 2 | 1% | 900 |
| 2010 Tacoma | 3 | 1% | 4,222 |
| 2009 Tacoma | 8 | 2% | 2,250 |
| 2008 Tacoma | 11 | 2% | 10,569 |
| 2007 Tacoma | 12 | 2% | 19,320 |
| 2006 Tacoma | 27 | 3% | 10,000 |
| 2005 Tacoma | 14 | 2% | 33,000 |
| 2004 Tacoma | 5 | 1% | 23,000 |
| 2003 Tacoma | 14 | 4% | 57,000 |
| 2002 Tacoma | 4 | 1% | 54,000 |
| 2001 Tacoma | 3 | 1% | 80,000 |
| 2000 Tacoma | 8 | 4% | 66,000 |
| 1999 Tacoma | 9 | 4% | 110,674 |
| 1998 Tacoma | 15 | 5% | 50,000 |
| 1997 Tacoma | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1996 Tacoma | 20 | 8% | 153,460 |
| 1995 Tacoma | 6 | 3% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists engine and engine cooling for the Toyota Tacoma. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact stated that while driving in the rain, when passing another vehicle, the vehicle began shuddering and experienced a loss of power. The check engine light illuminated and multiple other warning indicators. The vehicle pulled over to the vehicle was stopped and eventually restarted. The…
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the check engine and the traction control warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and failed to exceed 45 MPH while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that there was a coolant leak, and the coolant level in the reservoir was low. The coolant reservoir was topped off; however, the failure reoccurred. While having an oil change at Keys Toyota (5855 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401); the…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the contact raised the hood to inspect the engine and became aware that the coolant bypass valve was leaking coolant. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Toyota Tacomas have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 171 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Toyota Tacoma. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Toyota Tacoma engine and engine cooling?
No recall currently lists engine and engine cooling for this vehicle.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Toyota Tacoma?
The most frequent phrase is “head gasket”, in 11 of 171 complaints.
Other Toyota Tacoma problems
- Structure problems (2,204)
- Suspension problems (1,533)
- Power Train problems (941)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (779)
- Air Bags problems (556)
- Steering problems (476)
- Electrical System problems (434)
- Engine problems (433)
See all Toyota Tacoma problems.