Total Complaints
266 filings
TOYOTA TACOMA · model year
2018 TOYOTA TACOMA
266 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2018TOYOTATACOMA carries 266 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 8 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 TACOMA is service brakes with 42 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (41) and power train (29). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2018 TACOMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
266
Complaints
8
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
8 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.
NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated
· Front: Not Rated/5
· Side: Not Rated/5
· Rollover: 4/5
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | 42 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 41 |
| POWER TRAIN | 29 |
| ENGINE | 24 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 23 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 21 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 18 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 12 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 8 |
| SUSPENSION | 6 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 6 |
| STEERING | 5 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 5 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 4 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2 |
Recalls (3)
18V88800013/12/2018
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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.
20V01200013/01/2020
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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,
20V68200004/11/2020
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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, 20
Recent Complaints
20260115FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Truck has strong smell of fuel in the cab
20251212ENGINE
While driving I can here a ticking sound coming from the motor and it gets worse while I pick up speed
20251126SERVICE BRAKES
The brake actuator assembly is leaking brake fluid and is dripping onto the brake lever and onto the floorboard. This concern has been inspected and confirmed by a local Toyota dealership. This problem is a known safety recall by Toyota (Safety Recall J06).
20251117SERVICE BRAKES
The brake master cylinder seal is broken and causing brake fluid to leak into the floorboard of the cab near the brake pedal.
20251113STRUCTURE:BODY
The 3rd generation Tacomas rear cabin vents (2 vents) allow water to enter the cabin because they are not tight to the body or sealed properly. The water leaks down the back wall and forward onto the floor soaking the carpet and padding underneath. The water in the carpet/padding has yielded mildew/mold throughout (water goes all the way to the front of the truck). The water also leaks through a floor grommet into a section where the cab mount bolts are and significant rust develops. Not only is the exposure to mold a health hazard, but the corrosion/rust on the cab mount bolts is a significant structural concern. There are many online posts with this problem, and i have just recently found this on my Tacoma. My vehicle has had the 3rd brake light recall, and this issue is completely separate from that recall. Toyota has a history on these vehicles not sealing them as they should. 1. The 2 rear cabin vents fail to keep water from entering the cab. I am happy to provide the vehicle for
20251113UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The 3rd generation Tacomas rear cabin vents (2 vents) allow water to enter the cabin because they are not tight to the body or sealed properly. The water leaks down the back wall and forward onto the floor soaking the carpet and padding underneath. The water in the carpet/padding has yielded mildew/mold throughout (water goes all the way to the front of the truck). The water also leaks through a floor grommet into a section where the cab mount bolts are and significant rust develops. Not only is the exposure to mold a health hazard, but the corrosion/rust on the cab mount bolts is a significant structural concern. There are many online posts with this problem, and i have just recently found this on my Tacoma. My vehicle has had the 3rd brake light recall, and this issue is completely separate from that recall. Toyota has a history on these vehicles not sealing them as they should. 1. The 2 rear cabin vents fail to keep water from entering the cab. I am happy to provide the vehicle for
20251009ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon retrieving the Carfax report after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy, and the vehicle seller was not the title holder. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 32,000, and the contact later discovered that the mileage was over 200,000 through the Carfax report. Â Â
20251001FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel pump as stopped working the vehicle will not start and the 4x4 is showing that it is not working. The vehicle is available for inspection. Thankfully this happened while the vehicle was sitting over night but we had driven it the evening before it just stopped running. the Fuel system could have failed while we were driving anywhere. It has not been inspected by anyone else. it is sitting in our driveway and my husband has done a lot of trouble shooting as to what could be wrong and all arrows point to the fuel pump. there have been no check engine light or nothing this came out of nowhere.
20250906SERVICE BRAKES
The master cylinder is leaking brake fluid into the cab and is dripping behind the brake pedal. There is brake fluid in the wiring harness that goes to the brake switch as well. This is a known fire hazard from other vehicle manufacturers.
20250906ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The master cylinder is leaking brake fluid into the cab and is dripping behind the brake pedal. There is brake fluid in the wiring harness that goes to the brake switch as well. This is a known fire hazard from other vehicle manufacturers.
20250906FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The master cylinder is leaking brake fluid into the cab and is dripping behind the brake pedal. There is brake fluid in the wiring harness that goes to the brake switch as well. This is a known fire hazard from other vehicle manufacturers.
20250828UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After a couple of years of owning my truck, the paint started on my hood and roof started to turn white and fade. I donât understand why Toyota uses this type of paint thatâs going to get messed up after a couple of years. Also after 4 years of owning the truck, the suspension is all messed up (never took the truck off road or driven it anywhere else but the streets and now they make noises like crazy
20250828SUSPENSION
After a couple of years of owning my truck, the paint started on my hood and roof started to turn white and fade. I donât understand why Toyota uses this type of paint thatâs going to get messed up after a couple of years. Also after 4 years of owning the truck, the suspension is all messed up (never took the truck off road or driven it anywhere else but the streets and now they make noises like crazy
20250828STRUCTURE:BODY
After a couple of years of owning my truck, the paint started on my hood and roof started to turn white and fade. I donât understand why Toyota uses this type of paint thatâs going to get messed up after a couple of years. Also after 4 years of owning the truck, the suspension is all messed up (never took the truck off road or driven it anywhere else but the streets and now they make noises like crazy
20250825EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Third break light has started to leak inside the cab of vehicle. Causing a wet musty smell, possibly mold, and staining.
20250825UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Third break light has started to leak inside the cab of vehicle. Causing a wet musty smell, possibly mold, and staining.
20250820STRUCTURE:BODY
The clear coat on the exterior paint of the truck has failed. This has left the base coat paint exposed which means the metal frame is susceptible to rusting now.
20250717SERVICE BRAKES
yes has been inspected by the manufacturer and they fixed it but I want to file a claim.
20250717FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
yes has been inspected by the manufacturer and they fixed it but I want to file a claim.
20250717FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
yes has been inspected by the manufacturer and they fixed it but I want to file a claim.
Compare 2018TOYOTATACOMA to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA have?▼
The 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA has 266 NHTSA complaints, 8 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?▼
The 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?▼
Yes, the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?▼
The most-complained component for the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA is SERVICE BRAKES with 42 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.