The authorized factory campaign repair for the third brake light leak (21TD03) was performed in 2021 but failed due to deficient dealership workmanship. Water intrusion continues to flood the rear interior cab, resulting in severe mold growth throughout the interior. This is a severe health and safety biohazard making the vehicle unsafe to operate. The manufacturer and dealer refuse to communicate or remedy the failed safety repair.
The worst 2017 Toyota Tacoma problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission68
- Engine36
- Brakes32
- Body28
- Fuel system25
- Electrical22
- Airbags13
- Acceleration11
- Seats10
- Visibility10
- Lights8
- Wheels8
- Suspension6
- Seat belts3
- Tires3
- Steering2
- Driver assistance1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Toyota Tacoma
Stalling 13Water leak 9Fuel pump 8Loss of power 8Check engine light 7Sudden acceleration 7No deployment 6Fire or smoke 6Hesitation 6Jerking 6Harsh shifting 5
Recalls 5
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 20V682000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. 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 J0K/JLD.
Recall number 18V211000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.
Recall number 17V831000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles equipped with a six-cylinder engine. The affected vehicles have a crank position sensor that may malfunction, potentially resulting in an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crank position sensor with an improved design, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0H.
Recall number 17V356000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles. Oil may leak from the area where the rear differential carrier is assembled to rear axle housing.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is operated with an insufficient amount of oil in the rear differential, the differential may seize and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear differential for oil leakage. Based on the inspection, dealers will either tightening the fastening nuts or replace the fastening nuts and gasket. If the rear differential components are damaged, the rear differential carrier assembly will be replaced. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall June 19, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0G.
Recall number 17V285000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma
Defect investigations
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V‑668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (âEOSâ) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.  In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V‑668, 18E-043, 18V‑137, 18V‑363, and 20V‑024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
EA19001
Technical service bulletins for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma 379
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames and front inner...
- Customer Support Program 23TE08 Paint Repair Process
- Structure: body
- Condition in which a musty odor is present
- Toyota has received some reports of paint peeling along the exterior door window frames, front inner...
- Some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using Bluetooth Hands Free
- Technical instructions for customer support program 23TE08 coverage for paint peeling on exterior door...
- Customer Support Program 23TE08 Paint Repair Process Job Aid
- Paint peeling along the exterior window door frames, inner fender edges under the hood, and/or A-pillars
- 21TD03
2017 Toyota Tacoma fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 19 | 24 | 21 |
| 2.7L 4‑cyl | RWD | 19 | 23 | 21 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17-18 | 20-23 | 18-20 |
| 2.7L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 19 | 21-22 | 20 |
What 2017 Toyota Tacoma owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the passenger inside the vehicle became aware of fluid leaking inside the cabin of the vehicle from the third rear brake light. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that there was mildew nearby where the failure started. There was an odor inside the vehicle and thought that the failure was coming from the cabin air filter. The contact stated that the instrument panel lights and the display screen were not illuminating properly at night. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failure of the seal on the third brake light. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Rear pressure vents leak and can cause mold with can cause breathing problems.
Description of the Problem: I am filing this safety complaint regarding severe, premature clear coat failure on my 2017 Toyota Tacoma (Magnetic Gray Metallic). The factory paint defect is actively creating two distinct safety hazards involving driver visibility and cabin air quality. First, the clear coat on the hood has failed in uneven, patchy areas, exposing the base coat. The stark contrast between the dull exposed paint and the remaining clear coat creates highly irregular, fractured sun glare. When driving in direct sunlight, this uneven reflection casts unpredictable, blinding glare directly into my line of sight through the windshield, temporarily compromising forward visibility. Second, the clear coat is actively chalking and degrading into a fine chemical dust. Because this deterioration is occurring heavily on the hood, aerodynamic airflow during normal driving sweeps this micro-particulate dust directly into the cowl intake vent located at the base of the windshield. As a result, the HVAC system pulls these deteriorating clear coat particles into the passenger cabin. This introduces airborne chemical dust into the enclosed vehicle, creating a continuous inhalation and respiratory hazard for the driver and passengers. Toyota is aware of widespread paint adhesion and clear coat issues. They have issued Customer Support Program (CSP) ZKG to repair peeling paint on specific white colors (040/070), but they are refusing to acknowledge the exact same chemical failure occurring on their Magnetic Gray Metallic vehicles. Dealerships and the Brand Engagement Center routinely dismiss these failures as "environmental damage." This is a structural failure of the exterior coating that actively impairs safe vehicle operation due to visibility hazards and the ingestion of chemical particulates into the cabin air supply. I am urging the federal safety agency to investigate this widespread defect on Magnetic Gray Metallic Toyota vehicles.
Vehicle: 2017 Toyota Tacoma Issue: Persistent water intrusion, extensive mold contamination, and unresolved condition following Toyota Limited Service Campaign 21TD03. Approximately 12–18 months ago, Gray-Daniels Toyota in Brandon, Mississippi, performed Toyota's service campaign addressing water intrusion through the rear center high-mounted brake light. At that time, the vehicle's carpeting was wet and mold-contaminated. The dealership replaced all carpeting as part of the campaign repair. Within two days of receiving the vehicle, I contacted the dealership's service department and reported that the interior remained wet and the condensation problem had not improved. The service department advised me by telephone that Toyota was aware of another water-intrusion problem involving the rear cabin vents. I was informed that nothing further could be done unless I paid for an expensive additional repair. The dealership did not reinspect the vehicle. The water intrusion continued, and the vehicle now has extensive visible mold contamination, particularly in the rear floor area. I no longer consider the vehicle safe to occupy or operate because of concerns about exposure to mold and airborne contaminants. I am concerned that the original manufacturer-authorized repair failed to resolve the water intrusion, that an additional known source of water intrusion was not investigated, and that the resulting contamination presents a potential occupant health and safety hazard. I request that the federal safety agency review this condition to determine whether the water-intrusion defects and resulting contamination warrant further safety investigation, including whether other Toyota Tacoma owners have experienced similar problems following completion of the service campaign.
While driving at highway speeds on the interstate, the driver-side sun visor suddenly experienced an internal mechanical failure, snapping at the pivot point. Instead of detaching completely, the visor dropped down into a vertical position, completely blocking my forward windshield view. Because this occurred while driving directly into blinding sunlight, the combination of the obstructed windshield and the sudden, unshielded sun glare caused an immediate and severe loss of forward visibility. This created an imminent crash hazard on a high-speed roadway, requiring an emergency reaction to blindly clear the obstruction from my field of vision while attempting to maintain vehicle control.
My 2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road (manual transmission) makes a constant chirping sound when the engine is running and increases chirping sound when accelerator is pressed. The chirping sound ceases when the clutch is pressed in. It's clear through research that this is a "throw out bearing" issue. Toyota dealership confirmed the same issue and replaced the throw out bearing on 6/24/26 through 7/2/26 (as covered by extended warranty). On 7/3/26, the chirping sound remains, possibly worse/louder. On 8/28/26 through 8/31/26, a different Toyota dealer changed the throw out bearing again, but added changing the entire clutch system (being clutch disc assembly, clutch cover assembly, pressure plate, fly wheel and fly wheel sub assembly). Car was picked up and still makes chirping noise. Research of this issue notes: Quill Wear: The aluminum snout (quill) the bearing slides on can groove and wear down over time; and Toyota TSB: Dealerships previously addressed this under technical service bulletins with updated OEM replacement parts, though the noise can sometimes return if the core design interaction isn't changed. This is a design flaw, using an aluminum snout/quill versus a steel snout. This issue is all over the internet, although when I called Toyota Brands, they said they cannot help me. This should be a recall item for Toyota to fix.
The parking brake sticks. This is an issue because the vehicle automatically applies the parking brake briefly when switching from neutral to first gear or reverse to prevent rollback. When this happens, the parking brake sticks, and the rear wheels lock. I believe the brake cables have been infiltrated with water resulting in rust/corrosion.
Common issue reported amongst 2016-2019 Toyota Tacoma owners. Noticed brake fluid dripping from under driver's side dash directly under brake pedal onto floor mat. Upon inspection, found brake fluid dripping down from what appears to be brake booster. Leaking brake booster should be a safety recall with replacement covered by Toyota.
Truck has 116k miles, started losing power and acceleration diminished. CEL and Trac Off light came on. Pulled over twice after experiencing same issue. Took to mechanic and diagnostic code P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). Replaced 6 spark plugs to be safe, and replaced broken coil in cylinder 1. Drove less than a mile and CEL came back on. Brought to dealership this time and they found a leak in the head gasket and noticed warping in cylinder 1, along with code P0301 still present. They reported back to me stating it needed a machinist to resurface the the cylinder head, that the repair is mechanical. Even outside of warranty this fix should not be costing $13,000. The truck has been properly maintained for the past 9 years, all oil services and replacing any wear and tear items. Mechanical (warping) is manufacturing issues.
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2017 Toyota Tacoma
Is the 2017 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
Owners have filed 245 complaints about the 2017 Toyota Tacoma, fewer than a typical Tacoma model year.
What is the 2017 Toyota Tacoma year score?
The 2017 Toyota Tacoma scores 76 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Tacoma: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Toyota Tacoma?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 68 complaints, typically around 5,000 miles. Next is engine (36).
How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota Tacoma have?
5 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, service brakes, hydraulic and equipment.
Was there a recall on the 2017 Toyota Tacoma transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 17V285000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Toyota Tacoma have bad transmission?
The Toyota Tacoma model years with the most transmission complaints are 2016 (136 complaints), 2009 (75 complaints) and 2007 (68 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2017 Toyota Tacoma get?
Official estimates for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma range from 18 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 19 city and 24 highway.
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