Last updated: 2026-03-04

2018 Toyota Tacoma Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma scores 55/100 ("Mixed"). With 3 recalls and 190 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
2018 is year 3 of the Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330).
Recalls
3
Complaints
190
Complaint Rate
113.7
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
$478
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
17%
NHTSA Rating
4/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues
3 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is year 3 of the Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330).
- Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2020.
- 3rd generation Tacoma (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330)
Should You Buy the 2018 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma scores 55/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2018 is year 3 of the Third generation (N240/N260/N300/N310/N320/N330).
With 190 owner complaints and 3 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in service brakes (31) — can be costly to repair.
An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on service brakes (31) is essential before committing.
Compared to the 2019 Toyota Tacoma, which scored the same.
Pros
- $70 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize trucks
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
Cons
- Below-average reliability score
- Moderate recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for Truck
- SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (32 complaints)
Compare 2018 Toyota Tacoma With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- SERVICE BRAKES (32)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (29)
- POWER TRAIN (25)
- FUEL SYSTEM (24)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (12)
- ENGINE (12)
- STRUCTURE (7)
- SUSPENSION (5)
- STEERING (5)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- PARKING BRAKE (1)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- VISIBILITY (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
113.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 18.4
Safety Incidents
Crashes
6
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Toyota Tacoma Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
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 customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
Consequence
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.
2018 Toyota Tacoma NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.1%
Safety Technologies
Toyota Tacoma Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$478
vs $548 avg for midsize trucks
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
17%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2018 Toyota Tacoma
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect brake master cylinder for leaks into the cab
- Test transmission for shuddering or hesitation at 30-60 mph
- Check for fuel pump recall completion and verify effectiveness
- Test forward collision avoidance system for unexpected activations
- Inspect for rodent damage to wiring, especially soy-based coatings
- Verify odometer accuracy with service records or Carfax report
Check Any 2018 Toyota Tacoma's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 Tacoma in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Toyota Tacoma with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2018 Toyota Tacoma Common Problems by Component
190 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
SERVICE BRAKES
32 complaintsSafety-relatedMultiple owners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma report issues with brake fluid leaking into the cab, often from above the brake pedal, which can affect braking performance. Complaints frequently mention that the brake pedal requires more force to engage and sometimes goes to the floor, indicating potential brake system failures. These issues are often observed around 49,000 to 87,500 miles. Some reports associate these symptoms with previously recalled components, but several vehicles experiencing these issues are not covered under the recall. Safety implications are significant, with five reported crashes and one injury, highlighting potential loss of braking control. This information is crucial for used car buyers considering a 2018 Tacoma, especially regarding brake system inspections and recall status verification.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
29 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the fuel propulsion system, particularly concerning the low-pressure fuel pump. Common symptoms include a strong smell of fuel in the cab, sudden loss of power while driving, stalling, and the inability to start the vehicle. Many complaints reference issues occurring around the time of a recall announced in January 2020, with some owners experiencing ongoing problems despite recall repairs. Safety implications are significant, as multiple reports describe stalling at high speeds, which poses a risk of crashes. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring fuel pump issues and verify if recall work has been completed effectively.
POWER TRAIN
25 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving the transmission and clutch. Common symptoms include transmission hesitation, shuddering, jerking, and difficulty with gear shifting, often occurring at speeds between 30-60 mph or during acceleration from a stop. Some manual transmission owners describe clutch pedal problems, especially in cold weather, and both manual and automatic transmission users report issues with throttle response and engine stalling. These issues often appear as early as 8,000 miles and can persist beyond 57,000 miles. Safety concerns arise from the potential for loss of power or unintended acceleration, which could lead to dangerous driving situations. This information is particularly useful for used car buyers assessing the reliability and performance of the 2018 Tacoma's power train.
FUEL SYSTEM (24 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
24 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues related to the fuel system, primarily involving delays in recall repairs due to unavailable parts. Many complaints highlight that the manufacturer has exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide parts for the repair, with no failures experienced by most owners. However, some owners describe symptoms such as vehicle hesitation, stalling, and rough driving, often occurring around 6,500 to 56,000 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, these issues may affect vehicle reliability and performance. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential delays in recall repairs and consider the impact on vehicle operation.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13 complaintsOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Toyota Tacoma. Odometer discrepancies are noted in two cases, with significant differences between displayed and actual mileage. Multiple complaints mention problems with the pre-collision system, describing false activations and failure to engage when necessary, which could pose safety risks. Rodent damage to soy-based wiring, issues with the wireless charging pad overheating, and a malfunctioning fuel pump running without ignition are also observed. These complaints arise at varying mileages, with some issues appearing as early as 3,000 miles, indicating potential concerns for used car buyers regarding vehicle reliability and safety features.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (12 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving unintended acceleration and delayed engine response. Several complaints describe the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly when the cruise control is activated, sometimes exceeding 100 mph, while others mention significant delays in engine response, taking up to 8 seconds to accelerate from a stop. These issues often occur at mileages ranging from approximately 10,000 to 21,000 miles. Additionally, some owners note problems with the Pre-Collision System (PCS) erroneously activating, causing sudden braking without clear cause. These symptoms suggest potential safety implications, including the risk of rear-end collisions and loss of control.
ENGINE (12 complaints)
ENGINE
12 complaintsOwners report several engine-related issues with the 2018 Toyota Tacoma. Common symptoms include engine hesitation during acceleration, often described as surging or bogging, particularly in lower gears and when shifting early. Multiple owners mention misfires, particularly on cylinders #2 and #3, with some experiencing the vehicle entering limp mode or stalling. Issues often arise around 10,000 to 70,000 miles. Some complaints include ticking sounds from the engine and metal shavings found in the oil, raising concerns about potential long-term engine wear. Safety implications are noted, as hesitation and stalling can occur during critical driving maneuvers, such as merging or turning across traffic.
STEERING (5 complaints)
STEERING
5 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the steering system. Common symptoms include increased effort required to maneuver the vehicle due to electronic power steering failure, and vibrations in the steering wheel, particularly noticeable between 10-30 mph. Some owners also note vehicle surges when turning the steering wheel and hesitancy in shifting gears on the highway. These issues are reported at varied mileages, with some occurring as early as 2,000 to 4,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted in instances where steering issues coincide with loss of power at highway speeds, posing potential risks of loss of vehicle control.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma frequently report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly involving unexpected activation of the collision braking system and system malfunctions. Common symptoms include sudden braking at highway speeds, as described by one owner who experienced a sudden deceleration from 82 mph to 60 mph, and another who nearly got rear-ended when the system activated without cause. These issues often occur when the adaptive cruise control is engaged, and some owners mention a malfunction indicator on the display. Problems have been reported as early as 2019, suggesting they can occur within the first few years of ownership. Safety implications are notable, with risks of rear-end collisions due to unexpected braking. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially if the vehicle's forward collision avoidance system has undergone recall-related repairs.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma report issues with airbag deployment and recall-related delays. One owner describes a crash where side and front airbags failed to deploy after a T-bone collision, resulting in a concussion and ongoing headaches. Another owner reports delays in obtaining parts for a Takata airbag recall repair, with the parts being unavailable despite the recall notification. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, particularly in crash scenarios, and suggest delays in remedying known airbag defects.
When Do 2018 Toyota Tacoma Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Toyota Tacoma Years
Best Toyota Tacoma Years to Buy
The best Toyota Tacoma year is 2025 with a reliability score of 70/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2021 (70/100) and 2023 (68/100).
Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid
The worst Toyota Tacoma year is 2024 with a score of 55/100, primarily due to power train (50) issues. Also avoid 2019 (55/100).
2024
4 recalls · 126 complaints
2019
4 recalls · 203 complaints
Toyota Tacoma Reliability Score Trend
Toyota Tacoma reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 63/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2025 | 70/100 | Good |
Toyota Tacoma Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Toyota Tacoma?
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Tacoma have?
Is the 2018 Toyota Tacoma expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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