The Lemon Index

All cars · Toyota Tacoma · 2018

2018 Toyota Tacoma. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index55100 = average car
Complaints137NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold245,659U.S. model year
Per 100K sold56complaints
Year rank#14 of 23#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 5

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.7L 4-cylAuto (S6)RWD20 / 23 / 21Regular$2,950
2.7L 4-cylAuto (S6)4WD19 / 22 / 20Regular$3,100
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S6)RWD19 / 24 / 21Regular$2,950
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S6)4WD18 / 22 / 20Regular$3,100
3.5L 6-cylManual 6-spd4WD17 / 21 / 18Regular$3,450

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,600 and 27,800 miles. Median 13,500, from 92 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Brakes9,0003,200–19,10020
Fuel or ev drive system24,0009,600–42,00019
Transmission & drivetrain5,8003,300–16,00022
Engine14,5003,900–18,60016
Fuel system, gasoline17,5006,900–37,2006

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Fuel or ev drive system23%
Transmission & drivetrain18%
Brakes18%
Fuel system, gasoline17%
Engine15%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
20970207

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 3

  • 20V682000 Nov 2020 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump

    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

    Risk. 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 cust

  • 20V012000 Jan 2020 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump

    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

    Risk. 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.

  • 18V888000 Dec 2018 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Master Cylinder

    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.

    Risk. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedElectrical overstress20192024

Manufacturer communications 294

Toyota filed 294 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • REVISION NOTICE July 2, 2018 Rev1: ?

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Toyota Tacoma PU/EC 4WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆
Toyota Tacoma PU/EC 2WDnot ratednot ratednot rated★★★★☆
Toyota Tacoma PU/CC 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Toyota Tacoma PU/CC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandardStandard

YouTube repair topics

96 videos about the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma, 21.1M views.

TopicVideosViews
Driveshaft, axles & 4x46869K
Transmission & shifter5726K
Brakes & ABS1572K
Cooling system1156K
Steering & suspension2134K
Infotainment, battery & electrical1112K
Timing chain & engine161K
Intake, EGR & engine sensors159K

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20152849179,562Body structure
2016114218191,631Transmission & drivetrain
201770147198,124Transmission & drivetrain
201855137245,659Fuel or ev drive system
201959149248,810Fuel or ev drive system
20202556238,806Fuel or ev drive system
20212254252,490Brakes

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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