2021 Toyota Tacoma

Introduction

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a popular mid-size pickup truck known for its ruggedness, off-road capability, and reliability. It comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. A 2.7-liter inline-four engine with 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque is available as an option. The Tacoma is offered with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

3.5-liter V6

• Intake manifold runner control actuator issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor fuel economy, and engine stalls.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold runner control actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water pump failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, and reduced engine power.
  • Solution: Replacement of the water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

2.7-liter Inline-Four

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding gears:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, especially into reverse.
  • Solution: Replacement of the clutch assembly or synchronization rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shifting delays:
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation or delays when shifting gears.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the transmission control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear leaf spring failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken leaf springs, resulting in a harsh ride and compromised handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front strut mount failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, vibration, and reduced handling precision.
  • Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, dead battery after short periods of inactivity.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the source of the battery drain (e.g., faulty electronics).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, difficulty starting the vehicle, battery warning light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Frame rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on the vehicle’s frame, especially in areas exposed to salt or moisture.
  • Solution: Rust removal and paint touch-up or frame replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate rattling:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose tailgate that rattles when driving.
  • Solution: Adjustment or replacement of the tailgate latch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard rattles:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noises coming from the dashboard during driving.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the source of the rattle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

While the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a generally reliable vehicle, it has some common issues that owners should be aware of. The most severe issues include intake manifold runner control actuator issues, frame rust, and rear leaf spring failure, which can all compromise the safety or performance of the vehicle. The estimated cost of repairs for these issues can be significant, ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $2,000.