2018 Toyota Tacoma engine problems

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

2018 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD Double Cab, 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS). At about 87,000 miles the check engine light came on with code P11EC, Cylinder 1 Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance (Port). Cylinder 1 failed compression. Leakdown and coolant tests had passed earlier; borescope did not show heavy scoring. The Toyota dealer said replacing the direct injectors would fix compression (quote about $4,499). After the dealer injector repair, cylinder 1 was still 124 psi (spec about 142-180 psi), so it did not fix compression. The dealer then quoted $11,778 for a short block (+$500 incidentals) and $14,238 for an engine assembly that was not new (about 45,000 miles on the replacement discussed); adding injectors again put the short-block path at about $16,278. I was steered toward buying a new truck and had the injector work reversed because it did not fix what they said it would. Toyota Brand Engagement Center reviewed the case, called the dealer, took VINs for other Toyotas, and denied goodwill; no recall or TSB. An independent shop later pulled the engine and found the cylinder 1 exhaust valves leaking badly; cylinder wall still looked good. Machine shop valve job, new rings, injectors tested (two bad), all six replaced; repair about $8,000. Truck runs normally after. Consequences: loss of power, failed emissions monitors, risk of further engine damage if driven, high repair cost. Not a crash. This appears to be a known pattern on the 2GR-FKS in 2016-2019 Tacomas (P11EC, cylinder 1, leaking/burnt exhaust valves, often after direct-injector washdown). Toyota has not recalled; dealers stop at injectors or quote a short block/used engine, and owners pay out of warranty. Please log this under 2018 Toyota Tacoma: engine, fuel system, and valve train (cylinder head/exhaust valves, fuel injectors), so the pattern is on record. Servicing dealer: Nashville Toyota North. Toyota Brand Engagement case 260521000967.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Engine · MD

The engine in my 2018 Toyota Tacoma failed at 39000 miles and Toyota is refusing to cover the repair costs. I have records of all regularly scheduled maintenance performed and I have never done anything that would put additional stress on the engine such as off-roading or towing. This engine is defective and should be recalled. There are numerous reports online of the same issue.

Filed Dec 12, 2025 · Engine · KS

While driving I can here a ticking sound coming from the motor and it gets worse while I pick up speed

Filed Jul 18, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · FL

Unknown it changed and I have not kept track of new or old details.

Filed Apr 1, 2024 · Engine · FL

Motor tensioner bearings. All of the motor tensioner bearings have completely failed on this vehicle at 70,000 miles. All have to be replaced in an effort to avoid motor seizure and or other grave safety issues

Filed Dec 8, 2023 · Engine · 106,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, who determined that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was also diagnosed and determined that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Filed Dec 5, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · MD

When accelerating on highway check engine light started flashing and engine running rough. Pulled over and stopped vehicle turned off ignition. Restarted vehicle and light was out no longer running rough. Toyota dealer checked computer, cylinder #2 misfired 47 times & cylinder #3 misfired 3 times. They said they could not find what had created this problem and still charged me for engine diagnostics.

Filed Dec 17, 2021 · Engine · TX

Driving down the road and was passing a truck. CEL and TRAC OFF lights came on and truck went into limp mode. Could not accelerate and truck was slowing down. Had to pull over turn truck off and restart and it ran fine until I duplicated the passing and push on the accelerator. Had codes check and was showing misfires on cylinder 3. I changed the spark plugs and checked the coils which were good. Next day was I was driving and truck had the same problems and eventually died and would not restart. I took it to the toyota dealer and they checked numerous things and had found #1 cylinder intake value was leaking. They suggested to replace the entire motor at a cost of $12,000. I declined and took it to another mechanic to see if the head just needed replacing. In that time I found others were having the same problem and it was a malfunctioning part in the intake manifold. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-tacoma-in-limp-mode-fixed.659782/ This is the forum were I found the problem and it fixed it. A piece of it was holding my intake valve open and that was the cause of it not starting and the leaking valve. I went and showed the Toyota dealer and they were not aware of that problem. I would like it to get posted so others don't get con into putting a new motor if it has the same problem. It seems everyone that has this issue is around 17 and 18 year models and all ranges of mileage.

Filed Feb 17, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 31,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started shaking. The contact stated occasionally the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v682000 (fuel system, gasoline) and the vehicle was taken to chuck patterson toyota (200 east ave, chico, ca 95926) where the fuel pump was replaced however, the repair failed to correct the failure. The contact called another dealer hanlees davis toyota (4202 chiles rd, davis, ca 95616) and informed them of the failure. The contact was informed that due to the pandemic there was no technician available to test drive the vehicle for a diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

Filed Jan 19, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 19,000 miles · MA

Driving vehicle on a side street going approx 20 miles per hour . Car started shaking and lost majority of power. Was able to get car back to residence (only got a couple of blocks away) when heading to destination. Had vehicle towed next day to same dealership who had recently replaced fuel pump under a recall (paperwork for this recall is what was experienced /stalling dangers) . Dealership told us not fuel pump but wiring harness needed replacement because rodents ate the wiring ( soy bean covering on newer vehicles )and engine lost power because of this . Thank goodness not on a highway going 75 MPH. When this happened as we very well could of been . Told we need to deter these rodents from continuing any more damage . Wonder why company would use a product . Thank you.