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Toyota Tacoma abs comes on

79 of the 8,489 owner complaints about the Toyota Tacoma describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2006 model year.

owner complaints
79
worst model year
2006
typical repair cost reported
$3,000
typical mileage
35,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2025
    1
  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    1
  • 2020
    2
  • 2019
    3
  • 2018
    2
  • 2017
    3
  • 2016
    4
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    4
  • 2013
    6
  • 2012
    6
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    2
  • 2009
    3
  • 2008
    7
  • 2007
    7
  • 2006
    7
  • 2005
    6
  • 2004
    3
  • 2002
    2
  • 2001
    2
  • 2000
    1
  • 1999
    1
  • 1997
    1
  • 1996
    1
  • 1995
    1

What owners say

Filed May 12, 2026 · WI

Product identification: Brand: Dasaita Model: HA2161H3 ASIN: B0CQNWQR8D Purchased: September 4, 2025, via Amazon Aftermarket Android head unit installed in a 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport caused electrical interference with the vehicle's brake stop switch circuit (DTC C1425), resulting in autonomous braking without driver input, simultaneous ABS and Traction Control warning lights, and a dashboard warning indicating simultaneous accelerator and brake input. Two independent repair facilities confirmed the head unit as the probable cause. Symptoms resolved upon removal of the head unit and reinstallation of the factory OEM unit. The product is currently listed as unavailable on Amazon. Injury or accident: None, but describe it as a near-safety incident since the vehicle was braking itself while in motion.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 4,000 miles · CA · crash · 4 injuries

The contact owned a 2025 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, a Semi Truck attempting to merge onto the highway crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle, causing the driver to lose control of the steering and cross three lanes of traffic before crashing into the concrete median. During the crash, no air bags in the vehicle deployed, the collision avoidance systems did not operate, and twelve error messages were activated, including a brake error, a Four Wheel Drive error, and an ABS error. The driver sustained a concussion from the head contacting the steering wheel and lacerations from shards of glass entering the vehicle during the crash. The front seat passenger sustained lacerations to the legs and arms, the rear driver side passenger sustained fractured ribs and lacerations to the arms leg, and face. The rear passenger side occupant sustained lacerations to the arms and legs. All occupants in the vehicle were transported to the hospital with injuries, along with the semi-truck driver. No further information was available. A Police report was taken, and the vehicle was towed away. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the incident. A representative from the manufacturer was sent to inspect the vehicle and deemed no failure had occurred. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 4,000.

Filed Dec 15, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · AZ

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

Filed May 15, 2025 · Wheels · MS · crash

The contact owned a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while his son was driving 40 MPH, the rear driver-side wheel rim detached. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle veered to the right, accelerated independently, and went up the embankment, hit a tree, and accelerated independently down the embankment when the vehicle flipped on the passenger side, where it came to a stop.  The driver-side and passenger-side air bags deployed, and the side curtain air bags deployed. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company was contacted, and pending results. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jun 9, 2024 · Brakes · MO

The other day I was slowing down on an off-ramp and all the sudden had no brakes, or at least no power brakes for maybe 30 feet and then all of the sudden power assist came back and slammed hard on the brakes. If there would have been a car at the stop sign I would have rear ended them. Pavement was dry, No ABS light, no codes, everything has been normal since then. I have noticed that the electronic brake booster on this truck "cycles" every few brake applications resulting in inconsistent braking power, which is especially noticeable at low speeds. I have been told this is normal for these trucks. Has not been inspected by anyone as I cannot replicate the issue.

Filed Oct 9, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL

I currently own a 2019 Tacoma with around 70,000 miles on it. I keep up with all the Toyota recommended maintenance services to make sure my vehicle is well taken care of. So, while driving the vehicle on the interstate it drastically slowed down on its own and I could not get the gas pedal to engage almost causing a rear end collision. This also happened on two other occasions at lower speeds. My display stated I was having issues with ABS, Collision, and that I was pressing the gas pedal and break at the same time. My vehicle has been at the dealership for 4 days now with no resolve or any answers to why the vehicle is slowing down on its own. I feel the vehicle is a health/safety issue and I will not drive it until the issue is resolved. The computer was also flashed by Toyota a year earlier as I was experiencing a lag in engine engagement and high rpm's when the vehicle shifted from first to second gear. Something the tech noted he experienced driving it. It's also an issue I've had since purchasing the vehicle. I had to bring the vehicle back a month later as it started doing the same thing but was told they could not find any issues. I have found many other forums and spoke with other Tacoma owners who have had similar issues. I feel Toyota is definitely aware of the issues but not addressing them! I hope to get some answers soon!

Filed Sep 26, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

My car while driving every so often miles will have the abs light go on with the traction control light and the amb symbol going off. When plugged into device at auto zone code C1422 stating the master cylinder pressure sensor zero point high. I’ve tried replacing the break light switch which is a common repair for people with that problem I’ve checked all harness and wiring all is intact and undamaged/ no water damage. When I look up my vin number in kellybluebooks website a recall appears for a brake master cylinder recall for improper machining of the brake master master cylinder. Which will cause internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance. It affected 44121 of vehicles of my year. But when looked up in this website and Toyota no recalls appear which is strange. The defect it has when the abs light and etc. lights go off is it will force the car to stop moving by locking the brake system and smoking out the calipers till brought to 0mph which is very dangerous when operating in the freeway as cars behind my aren’t expecting a sudden stop. The repair is to replace the whole master cylinder. Which Toyota would want me to pay but it should be a defect from a recall.

Filed Jun 8, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 92,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the ABS activated at approximately 35 MPH while making a turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V054000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Filed Apr 9, 2023 · Brakes · NC

I was at a stop light and when the light turn green I started driving forward and the ABS/ Brake lights on instrument cluster came on with repeated blinking. I slowed off the gas to apply the brakes. Brake pedal went to the floor with no brakes or slowing down at all. Luckily no one was in front of me and I had to pull the emergency brake. It was the only brakes I had at all. Once vehicle was towed to the nearest Toyota Dealer I had them diagnose the problem. Right rear wheel had leaked out fluid due to the rear brake cylinder failing. Upon repair of all brake pads, rotors, brake shoes, brake drums, both rear brake cylinders the problem was still an issue. Costly amounts of money already being spent to find out another failure with the Brake Master Cylinder/ Module. That part alone is also very expensive. Research has shown that the 2018 and 2019 Toyota Tacoma’s did have history of faulty brakes in turn possibly causing an accident. For my case on the road I was lucky. I can’t understand a loyal customer of years with Toyota that the company refuses any sort of aid and assistance in the matter. Why did the recalls end? Especially if this affected not just the 2018 model but the 2019 model like my Tacoma as well. For such low miles and no abuse this vehicle has faced other failures not only with the brakes alone. Vehicle is still with the Dealer at this time. Requesting some assistance in the matter please. Thank you!

Filed Mar 15, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · AK

Vehicle is designed in such a way as to allow moisture accumulating in drivers side floor mat and carpeting to wick upward and be deposited on the primary vehicle wiring harness located in the drivers side kick panel. The moisture collected travels down into the backside of the various female connectors and corrodes the conductors and receptacles that result in short circuits between the various vehicle components including the ignition, engine shutoff, temperature sensors, Antilock Breaking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Fuel Gauge, Forward Vehicle Lighting (high and low beam), Security, Traction Control and other critical vehicle systems. On February 5th, 2023 I returned to my vehicle to find the security alarm sounding in the parking lot of a local business, both the keyless entry system and key-fob were unresponsive and would neither silence the alarm or unlock the vehicle. After manually unlocking the door handle the alarm ceased, the vehicle started as normal and then began indicating a failure of the BSM system, while underway the ABS indicated it had also failed and upon arrival at our destination the engine would not turn off even with the emergency shutdown routine prescribed for unintended acceleration cases. In addition, the high beams would be triggered by unrelated button operation occasionally fail to turn off, the fuel gauge, temperature readouts and climate control provided unintelligible values. The vehicle was returned to to dealership where it was determined that water from the floormats was able to contaminate and cause systemwide failure. The repair was to replace the entire wire harness which would not be covered by warranty. On 3/15/2023 I reached out to Toyota Headquarters' Customer Engagement team and was advised that Toyota was aware of the problem and had no interest or obligation in rectifying the situation, regardless of my concerns that this presented a clear safety hazard to both operators and the general public.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported February 6, 2025 · 221,846 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Tacoma 4-wheel drive vehicles. The rear brake hoses can be damaged if mud and dirt builds up inside the rear wheels. This can result in a brake fluid leak.
Risk
A brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 1, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB04 and 25TA04.

Recall number 25V058000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported December 13, 2018 · 44,121 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.
Risk
Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.

Recall number 18V888000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuumReported April 3, 2018 · 6,046 vehicles affected
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

Parking brakeReported February 11, 2005 · 22,228 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain pickup trucks equipped with an automatic transmission, there is a possibility that the parking brake pedal cable lock nut may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification. In this condition, the lock nut may loosen and come off, which will reduce the effectiveness of the parking brake.
Risk
This condition could allow the vehicle to roll if the transmission is not placed into the "park" position and the vehicle is parked on a slope, thus raising the possibility of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the parking brake pedal cable lock nut to the proper torque specification free of charge. The recall began on march 3, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 05V050000 · Recall details

Questions about the Toyota Tacoma abs

Why does the abs come on in the Toyota Tacoma?

Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, sudden unintended acceleration and engine stalls while driving, and the codes they mention most are C1425 and C1422.

Which Toyota Tacoma years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2006 (7 complaints), 2007 (7 complaints) and 2008 (7 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Toyota Tacoma?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,000 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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