This page covers 4 recalls, 194 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma.
18–20 mpg combined
11.8–13.1 L/100km
Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2018 Tacoma, the dominant complaint themes center on the fuel and brake systems. On the brake side, owners frequently report a spongy or unresponsive pedal, with many tracing the problem to brake fluid leaking into the cab, often through the firewall, and a failing vacuum pump that reduces or eliminates power-assist to the brakes. Some owners note the issue is confirmed by independent shops. The fuel system draws a separate cluster of complaints, with owners describing a strong gasoline smell inside the cab, though specific failure points vary across reports. Engine-related complaints also appear in notable volume, with owners reporting early mechanical failures, sometimes before 40,000 miles, despite documented routine maintenance. The brake fluid intrusion into the driver's footwell is a recurring detail that shows up across multiple independent reports.
194
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fuel pump that can fail while driving, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly and raising the risk of a crash.
The remaining recalls both involve the brake master cylinder. A machining defect can damage an internal seal, allowing brake fluid to leak inside the cylinder and reducing front brake performance. The practical result is longer stopping distances, which increases the chance of a collision. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why two separate campaigns address this same brake concern.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved version at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 4 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially affecting fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder may have been machined incorrectly, which can damage an internal seal and reduce braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder may have an internal leak that reduces front brake performance and increases stopping distance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
