2013 Toyota Tacoma Brakes Problems
Brakes account for 23 of 125 complaints (18%) on the 2013 Toyota Tacoma, with a median failure mileage of 37,000 miles. A related recall, campaign 14V054000, addresses a brake actuator software issue tied to the Skid Control ECU.
- Brakes complaints
- 23
- 18% of 125
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 37,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- ABS activates on its own during turns at speeds around 35-40 mph, causing the vehicle to vibrate or the steering wheel to pull sideways.
- Front end dives suddenly during turns as the ABS, stability control, or traction control system engages unexpectedly, sometimes at highway speeds.
- Steering becomes hard to turn along with a dragging tire sound and illuminated ABS/traction control warning lights during low-speed turns.
- Brake pedal sinks toward the floor in stop-and-go traffic, in one case linked to a failed brake master cylinder replaced under warranty.
- Brakes feel overly grabby or fail to slow the truck as expected when lightly applied, contributing to a loss of control on slippery roads.
- Owners report the ABS-related pull or vibration recurring repeatedly, with one owner counting at least eight occurrences since 2013.
When 2013 Toyota Tacoma brake complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 10, 2013, latest Dec 21, 2025.
Brakes recalls for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma
- NHTSA 14V054000Feb 12, 2014Brakes261,114 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Brakes complaints by Tacoma model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2013 Toyota Tacoma have?
- NHTSA lists 23 brake-related complaints for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma, which is 18% of the 125 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2013 Toyota Tacoma?
- Yes. Campaign 14V054000, reported February 12, 2014, covers a brake actuator issue tied to the Skid Control electronic control unit; Toyota's remedy is a software update, and it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2013 Tacoma?
- The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 37,000 miles.
- Did the brake issues cause any crashes?
- NHTSA data links 3 crashes to brake complaints on the 2013 Toyota Tacoma, with no reported fires or injuries.
- What kind of brake problems do owners describe?
- Owners describe unexpected ABS activation during turns, sudden front-end dive, steering pull, dragging tire sounds, and in one case a brake pedal sinking toward the floor from a failed master cylinder.