Toyota Tacoma 2023: Retiros, Quejas y Ley de Limón de California

Oil cap went loosed and fell off after a few hundred miles of driving. This is a very common thing in 2023 Toyota tacoma.

NHTSA #11721783

Deep knocking noise they call the taco tick is actually the a problem with the motor. There is an issue valve train and timing chain, tensioners and pulleys. Toyota USA decide to tell all consumers it’s just the way they sound. So they do not have to repair millions of these trucks on recall they refuse to repair under manufacture warranty or power train warranty they wait until it becomes the consumers problem

NHTSA #11710839

Engine began making abnormal ticking noise, heard primarily on the passenger side of vehicle. Upon removal of valve cover for inspection, found that there are chunks of camshafts breaking off causing the noise. Appears to be a manufacturing defect. Local dealer said they have seen this issue before. This issue could result in catastrophic engine failure and/or loss of power and cause a crash. My truck has 70k miles on it, regularly maintained and operated.

NHTSA #11665637

61/2 INCH SCREEN WENT BLANK on start up. Did not reappear until I got home and stopped and restarted car engine. Have on occasions there is no tire pressure showing when i checked that screen.

NHTSA #11689165

Exploded sunroof with no apparent debris hitting it. No vehicles around and clear sky’s. Dealer said that something most have hit it and suggested I use comprehensive part of insurance. The assembly and slide was damaged while trying to clear glass. First estimate is $4,165. Reports that even though windshield was not damaged, this also needs replaced and recalibrated. Sounds strange to replace a windshield when there is no damage to it. Upwards break suggest explosion and not hit with debris.

NHTSA #11654174

2023 Tacoma TRD Off-Road engine shut off and the High transmission fluid temperature warning popped up. Toyota Dealer did not find any error codes. The incident did not happen again for about a month.

NHTSA #11624890

I got into a head-on collision with a cement center median going roughly 45-50MPH after fishtailing on black ice. My airbags did not deploy at that speed, I contact toyota corporate and they only removed the CDR information and did not assess the airbag sensors themselves. I was able to press the SOS button for EMS to arrive. My safety was put at risk as none of my airbags deployed. It was not inspected by my insurance company and was taken to an automotive shop to be repaired. No prior warning systems were enacted,

NHTSA #11728415

On November 14, 2025, at approximately 0200 hours, in Fresno, California, I was driving southbound on Highway 99 at approximately 70 mph using cruise control. It was raining heavily at the time, and visibility was significantly reduced. I was traveling in the middle lane when I suddenly felt what I believed to be an impact on the driver side of my vehicle. Due to the weather conditions, I was unable to visually identify what struck the vehicle. Immediately prior to this event, I noticed faint headlights in lane 1 (fast lane), but I could not determine whether that vehicle made contact with mine. At the moment of the perceived impact, the side curtain airbags deployed unexpectedly. I initially thought the deployment was a collision with another vehicle because the force felt like a physical impact. Once the curtain airbags deployed, I immediately lost control of the vehicle. Steering became impossible, and the vehicle veered off the roadway, ultimately coming to a stop on an embankment adjacent to the highway. California Highway Patrol officers responded to the scene, took my statement, and inspected the vehicle. They reported no exterior body damage consistent with a collision. The following day, I visited the tow yard and conducted a daylight inspection of the vehicle, confirming that there was no visible impact damage on the body panels or exterior surfaces. After the on-scene investigation, the vehicle was towed, and the responding officer provided me with a courtesy ride. As a result of the incident, I sustained minor injuries, including whiplash, road rash on my left shoulder and upper forearm, and soreness in my neck. This event involved unexpected deployment of side curtain airbags without any confirmed collision, leading to loss of vehicle control, roadway departure, and driver injury. I am submitting this complaint for investigation into potential airbag or sensor malfunction.

Reportado presuntamente: 1 lesión (según lo reportado a NHTSA). NHTSA #11699687

My 2023 Toyota Tacoma creates an error message on my console screen "A Malfunction in the SRS Airbag System has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected." In 2024, the first error message appeared. Same as above. By January 2025, there also appeared a red indicator light on the dashboard displaying something about the seat belt or airbag. It stayed continually on. I took it to the Lonestar Toyota dealership and they told me the airbags were considered part of the drive train and the issue was still under warranty. They returned my pick up to me while we ordered the airbag parts they needed to fix the issue. The parts arrived in February and on Thursday, February 20th I dropped off my vehicle and picked it up on Friday, February 28. When I picked up the tacoma, the notes on the invoice said, "Tech replaced the passenger side airbag, airbag light is off." Later that evening, the error message on the console screen returned. Same as above, "A malfunction in the SRS airbag system has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected." On Monday morning, March 3 I returned the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and left it there for a week when I picked it up the following Monday, March 10th. This invoice said, "could not duplicate customer concern at this time". Even though the error message was not on the Console screen by the time I took it to the service department it was still visible within the notification history. The very next Wednesday, March 12th, the error message on the console screen appeared once again, and I arrived at the dealership within the hour with the error message still within the history, even though it was not on the main console screen. The notes on this last invoice states, "history of airbag system malfunction was cleared. The computer was reset and no message is currently populating." I picked up my vehicle March 21. This morning, Monday, March 24 the same error message.

NHTSA #11650273

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V152000 (Power Train). The contact became aware of a weld splatter and that the nuts were rusted. The dealer marked the vehicle repaired; however, the contact stated that the repair was not completed. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where the nuts and bolts were replaced. The contact stated that the torque spec was incorrect. The dealer provided a video of the work order for the repair. The dealer informed the contact that rust could develop on the nuts. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 21,303.

NHTSA #11703876

This concerns a non-complete recall #24V152. The dealership has had the vehicle for over 60-days.

NHTSA #11603525

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V152000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #11579539

The owner and operator of the vehicle, stated that they were driving the vehicle on the Interstate when they noticed white smoke and ashes emanating from the steering column. They pulled into the parking lot to investigate and opened the hood to see no smoke or fire. When they returned to the passenger compartment, the smoke turned black in color, and they observed fire emanating from the steering column. I am the Lead Fire Investigator on this incident for the Edmond Fire Department. The electrical components in the area observed with fire contained electrical arc sites and melting. No other accidental heat sources were present, and natural causes and human involvement were ruled out as well. Incident number is [XXX] in Edmond, OK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11661898

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon refueling, the fuel gauge indicated that there was 1/8 tank full, even though the fuel tank was full. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 4,700.

NHTSA #11672530

Bearing failure inside heater blower motor causing fan motor to burn out and filling the cabin with toxic electrical smoke

NHTSA #11566373

While checking wiper fluid levels for 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road, noticed power steering fluid was below minimum line. No leaks were noticed on the ground where the vehicle is normally parked, underneath the reservoir or along the hoses related to the power steering system. Upon inspecting the tie rod boots, it was noticed that they appeared to be holding fluid, due to signs of moisture on the exterior of the boots. Vehicle was taken to the dealership where purchased. Vehicle was purchased November 2022 and now has approximately 52,000 miles). The dealership service department determined the steering rack seals failed and power steering fluid was dripping into the tie rod boots. Vehicle was out of the 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty and this known issue is not covered by the power train warranty, so 100% of the cost to repair falls upon the owner. Dealer stated that this is a known issue but could not state why a recall was never initiated to alleviate the issue and prevent this costly repair from falling upon the vehicle owners. If not repaired the issue could cause sudden, dramatic increases in steering effort and total loss of vehicle control. Low fluid can also damage internal pump components if not caught early enough.

NHTSA #11744147

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving maintenance by a local dealer, the technician became aware of a leak coming from the steering wheel. The technician stated that he needed to verify the vehicle a second time to confirm if the failure was a manufacturer’s defect. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA #11592382

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V480000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #11545975

Passenger side windshield washer nozzle sprays the lower part of the hood. Only a little of the stream reaches the windshield. Outcome is that dust, grime, debris typically smear on passenger side of the windshield. This causes reduced visibility. Truck is a Toyota Certified Pre-Owned (TPO) delivered 18Mar24 at 13K miles. Washer nozzle problem has been existent since delivery. Repair request was made at first oil change. Unlike many other brands & makes, the nozzle can't be re-aimed by simple bending. Problem could be solved by using a nozzle with a lower "aim," or some sort of adjustment. Nozzle part is difficult for car owner to remove and replace.

NHTSA #11675828

The camera system is sub par. The video is grainy fuzzy and jumpy. It looks as though you are looking through a dark tunnel. Much worse that my 2021. Service advisor agrees the clarity and quality was unacceptable. The head unit was replaced but nothing changed. TAS case [XXX] was opened. Tech states quality was the same as other 2022 Tacomas when compared. I guess if everyone’s is the same that makes it ok. I feel the quality of the video might be 200x300 and is unsafe at this quality. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11551985

Air Bags (Driver and Passenger Curtain Airbags) no other airbags deployed. Been in repair since 3/8/26. Currently 4/21/26. Insurance already sent Body Shop money. Parts on National Backorder and Manufacturer Switch has not been determined yet by Toyota. Truck will not be released back to me until the repair is completed per email. I need adequate transportation provided to continue going to and from work. My insurance has maxed its coverage and cannot extend. I should not be out of pocket more than I already am while waiting on a part that is not in my control. Accident: I hydroplaned and ended in a ditch after going over a T-Intersection. Air bags went off and vehicle was drivable after. Submitted a claim to insurance and here we are.

NHTSA #11732718

On February 16 I started my vehicle to drive home from work and the vehicle threw multiple error codes and shutdown while driving and would not start again. It was towed to the dealership. The dealership advised the problem was remedied. 11 days later the same problem occurred, vehicle threw multiple error codes and shutdown while driving. Vehicle needed to be towed again to the dealership.

NHTSA #11722923

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced due to an oil leak. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer gauge failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the instrument panel had a factory defect. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the rack and pinion recently failed. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the right and the left independently while driving with an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA #11676732

On June 20, 2025, my 2023 Toyota Tacoma (VIN [XXX] ed a sudden loss of effective braking during normal driving conditions (dry roadway, clear weather). The vehicle was being driven by my adult son. While slowing for a turn, the instrument cluster displayed a Pre-Collision System (PCS) malfunction warning and a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) warning. The Driver applied the brake pedal continuously, but the vehicle did no decelerate as expected. ABS did not activate, and braking effectiveness was insufficient. During braking, the driver experienced reduced steering responsiveness. In order to avoid entering a busy roadway without adequate braking capability, the driver applied maximum steering input, fully loading the left side of the steering wheel with as much force as possible in an attempt to redirect the vehicle. Any reduction in speed occurred primarily due to the change in direction and tire to road friction, not effective braking. The vehicle was towed to a Toyota dealership. Dealer intake records document a PCS warning and no brakes upon arrival. Event Data Recorder (EDR/CDR) data shows continuous brake pedal application for approximately 5 seconds prior to the event, accelerator at 0%, and brake system hydraulic pressure reaching approximately 12.14 MPa (maximum recorded). Despite this, the vehicle did not stop as expected. No frontal crash pulse recorded. Toyota Motor North America later denied responsibility, asserting incorrect vehicle speed and stating that a CARFAX report indicated prior front-end damage. The CARFAX vehicle history report, dealer purchase disclosures, and service records show no reported accidents or damage. Toyota declined to provide brake system ECU logs (ABS/VSC/brake control modules). This incident raises concerns regarding a potential safety defect involving electronically controlled braking and its interaction with PCS stability control systems. Supporting documentation available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11705080

Driver's door unlatched during the winter (January 2025) while stopping at an intersection. The incident repeated yesterday April 19, 2025, while driving on the freeway and turning right. The door partially opened and a warning light appeared on the dashboard. Reduced speed / stopped, to be able to completely open the door and close again. The vehicle has approximately 25,200 miles. Vehicle is being taken to a Toyota dealer to have the door latch inspected and to try to reproduce the failure mode. No explanation needed on why a door unlatching on its own, while cruising on a freeway, is a safety risk to the driver and others.

NHTSA #11655670

Brake booster failure. When pressing and holding onto brake, it makes a buzzing/clicking noise. Just like the toyota prius brake booster recall/failure. Toyota claimed to be normal.

NHTSA #11650622

The camera is horrible. Very gritty and grainy I took it to the dealership they agreed. Tried replacing but it is still bad. I previously owned a 2020 Rav 4 and the camera was very crisp and clear. Camera should be just as good if not better for a truck. They have more blind spots. This has been an issue since I purchased the vehicle in December 2023 which is only about 5 months.

NHTSA #11580912

The front driver's seat is loose and has movement/play. Described by dealer service tech as a 'wobble'. Seat is not fully secure/stable. Vehicle was taken to original delivery dealer (Dublin Toyota, 4321 Toyota Dr, Dublin CA 94568) for inspection, RO#[XXX]. The vehicle was returned without the issue being corrected. Received verbal response that the dealer was not able to do anything about it (incl replacement of components, etc. and was told other 2023 Model Year Tacomas exhibit the same behavior of the loose driver's seat). Called and spoke with Toyota Brand Engagement (800) 331-4331 as instructed by the service advisor. Ticket was recorded as case [XXX] and was closed without solving the issue. I was advised by the Toyota case in that case [XXX], where the agent recommended I speak with another dealer (Livermore Toyota) to get a second opinion before the case could get escalated. The vehicle was not repaired and I was sent home with the loose seat. Per the description from Repair Order [XXX], on [XXX]: "Cause: DRIVER'S SEAT SEEMS LOOSE AND WOBBLES.REMOVE SEAT ASSEMBLY AND CHECK ALL HARDWARE.EVERYTHING CHECKED OK.REINSTALL SEAT AND TIGHTEN MOUNTING BOLTS.CHECK WITH ANOTHER 2023 TACOMA VIN [XXX] . DRIVER'S SEAT OPERATION IS THE SAME. THANK YOU 2426" I strongly believe that a loose driver's seat that exhibits 'wobble' is unsafe and also causes discomfort / lack of confidence for the driver. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11579543

Twice, while backing out of my driveway, the brakes have locked up. The brakes stay locked until you tap them repetitively for a few minutes. Then the brakes will slowly release while going forward, but only lock up again when put in reverse. The vehicle cannot be driven until the next day, then it performs normally. luckily this happened in my driveway before I got on to the street. When the brakes lock, it is violent, throwing me against the seat back. The vehicle has been to two different dealers, but they could not duplicate the issue. When this happens multiple brake warning messages pop up on the dash. The manufacture has not inspected the vehicle. In fact, when I reported it to them, and sent pictures of the warning messages, they insinuated that the pictures were not from my vehicle. The manufacture stated that they do not consider this a safety issue. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. If the brakes lock while out on the hi-way it could cause an accident.

NHTSA #11614713

I received a recall notice saying that welding debris on the rear axle could cause bolts to loosen resulting in parts falling off the truck and crashing. I have called servco Toyota Honolulu service department 3 separate times. Talked to a number of managers and representatives. The first time they said they cannot do the recall yet and are waiting for parts and procedures, would not give me a date and said I cannot schedule a service appointment. In the recall it is clearly laid out to inspect and retighten bolts, and replace any damaged parts. I asked why they cannot inspect my truck and retighten the bolts now, and they don’t have an answer. They said I would receive a call back so I waited from last week 2/27 and did not hear anything back. After calling again today I was told there is nothing they can do because they don’t have parts. However the recall clearly states that the truck needs to be inspected and the bolts need to be tightened. There are no additional parts necessary unless components have become damaged. Servco has shown Hawaii customers countless times that they truly do not care about their customers as this is the only dealership on island and people do not have any other choice but to return for terrible service. This recall is a safety issue and I do not feel “wait till April” is an acceptable solution to this problem as my truck is driven daily

NHTSA #11575419

Wiring harness on the vehicle is being completely replaced due to "rodent damage" according to the dealer. I am not an automotive engineer but if compromised wiring finally fails while driving I suspect a number of systems could be affected. There was no indication of this problem during vehicle operations. My insurance company agreed to pay for this about $7200. I have owned the vehicle for ten months.

NHTSA #11572480

This vehicle has had judder issues since new when braking. It has been in the shop over 10 times for this issue with the last being this week. I conducted an internet search and see other new owners complaining about the same issue with no resolve. I was told I would be getting new rotors and when I picked my vehicle up from Toyota of Las Vegas on 10/24/24, however, they are only resurfaced, not new. They have been resurfaced 3 times, with the first being performed around 500 miles. With other owners having the same issue when the vehicle is still new, it has to be a defect in the original part. Even though my vehicle is under warranty, Toyota has yet to change this part out. It is a safey issue because it causes judder, sometimes severe while braking. Lastly, my vehicle was one of the first to have the welding debris recall issue. My issue started long before that recall. As you can see, my vehicle has lived in Toyota service centers since purchase and it's getting old. I hope you all can please help. Thank you.

NHTSA #11621966

When starting the truck and warming up a minute or so and then putting in reverse to back out or forward to pull into a carport, idling in gear with your foot only on the brake, the engines surges/revs up with just the slight turn of the steering wheel causing an unintended speed increase. I believe that this could cause a minor accident. It does not appear to be caused by the engine having a fast idle when cold as the idle drops when you shift into a gear. What appears to be happening is the ECU over compensates for the slight strain caused by the power steering pump when you turn the wheel. My carport is narrow and does not align exactly with the driveway, you have to jog left a foot or two and then right to pull in or back out. At the second service visit on 12/12/23 the dealer then checked and observed this behavior and reported "This is normal operation and directly related to power steering pump activation when wheel is turned in any direction" The vehicle was purchased new last May and currently has 3,995 miles on it. I think it probably had this problem from new but I had mostly just pulled straight in and out of the driveway until the fall when it was mostly parked in the carport as it was not being driven as regularly. I don't think it does it as bad when fully warmed up which takes quite a while for this engine.

NHTSA #11584324

Passenger Side windshield wiper fluid sprayer. It sprays the top of the vehicle hood during operation preventing fluid from the sprayer reaching the windshield. Prevents potential debris from being cleared off the windshield whether dirt, mud, and bugs or Ice and snow in the winter. The dealer confirmed that 2/3 2023 Toyota Tacoma's on the lot had a similar problem and Toyota had no available fix. A fix was attempted by Maguire Toyota on Grand Island NY. Unsuccessful they attempted to contact a Toyota Rep and have no solution available. No warning lamps or messages illuminate.

NHTSA #11532114

My vehicle was T-boned while driving through an intersection. After being hit, my vehicle continued moving forward, but the brakes would not engage or work. I pressed them several times and as firmly as possible, but the vehicle would not stop or slow down. As I approached a nearby curb, I pulled the emergency brake, which slowed down my vehicle slightly before colliding head-on with a fire hydrant and utility pole. The impact completely totaled the vehicle, yet the airbags did not deploy. Bottom line, in period of a few seconds, the brakes completely failed and the airbags did not deploy. The end result could have been devastating, but fortunately was not. The vehicle is set to be released to the insurance representative soon, but no analysis has been completed. A police report was filed. The vehicle is brand new (less than 2 months old) and no indications of fault or malfunction occurred prior to the incident.

Reportado presuntamente: 1 lesión (según lo reportado a NHTSA). NHTSA #11519541

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while reversing, the RPM and engine surged while turning the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there was no coverage for the failure of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: 0125-18. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

NHTSA #11591263

Experience steering wheel vibrations between speeds of 60 mph and 80 mph - have taken vehicle to dealership and they have confirmed problem but said it was a characteristic condition of the suspension on vehicle. It is highly distracting when operating a motor vehicle at freeway speeds and with out warning the steering wheel starts shaking back and forth. Dealership has rebalanced and rotated tires 5 times and performed vehicle alignment - recently they changed the tire and loading information decal which changed the air pressure from 36psi down to 29 psi (did not tell me about that) vehicle rides better but steering wheel vibration still happens unannounced at speeds between 60 mph & 80 mph.

NHTSA #11536202