YearToAvoid

2021 Toyota Tacoma Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 15 engine-area complaints for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, 19% of its 80 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 25,075 miles. No engine-related recall is currently on file for this model year.

Engine complaints
15
19% of 80
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
25,075 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden unintended acceleration during highway and stop-and-go driving, sometimes without cruise control engaged.
  • Several complaints describe the coolant bypass valve or pipe leaking, in some cases before 50,000 miles.
  • Some drivers report the engine stalling or completely shutting off at speed, with dealers citing cylinder misfires.
  • Owners describe rough idle and misfire codes that force the truck to lose power while climbing hills in cruise control.
  • A few complaints mention RPM surges to around 4,000 when coasting to a stop, followed by unexpected downshifts.

When 2021 Toyota Tacoma engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 1, 2021, latest Aug 8, 2026.

2021 Toyota Tacoma engine complaints: complaints filed per month1Mar 2021Aug 2021Apr 2022Jan 2023Feb 2024Dec 2024Sep 2025Aug 2026
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2021 to Aug 2026; peak Mar 2021 (1).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Tacoma model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2005121 (17%)
  2. 2006188 (24%)
  3. 2007128 (24%)
  4. 200899 (22%)
  5. 200974 (14%)
  6. 201040 (14%)
  7. 201114 (8%)
  8. 2012135 (46%)
  9. 201315 (12%)
  10. 201411 (12%)
  11. 201519 (19%)
  12. 201653 (16%)
  13. 201746 (19%)
  14. 201840 (19%)
  15. 201938 (17%)
  16. 202022 (25%)
  17. 202115 (19%)
  18. 20228 (14%)
  19. 202311 (20%)
  20. 20248 (5%)
  21. 20254 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine complaints for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA logs 15 engine-area complaints for the 2021 Tacoma, which is 19% of the 80 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma engine?
No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for the engine area on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2021 Tacoma?
The median mileage at failure for engine-area complaints on the 2021 Tacoma is 25,075 miles.
What specific engine issues do owners report on the 2021 Tacoma?
Owners describe unintended acceleration, coolant bypass valve leaks, stalling with misfire codes, and RPM surges when coasting to a stop.
Have any crashes or injuries been reported with these engine complaints?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the 2021 Tacoma engine complaints.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.