Check a VIN

Toyota Tacoma check engine light comes on

231 of the 8,489 owner complaints about the Toyota Tacoma describe check engine light, most of them for the 2012 model year.

owner complaints
231
worst model year
2012
typical repair cost reported
$2,000
typical mileage
60,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Won't shift 48Loss of power 31Stalling 21Misfire 13Fuel pump 12Jerking 8Won't start 7Transmission failure 5

Trouble codes mentioned

P2442 48P2440 30P2445 4P2441 3P2443 2P2438 2P0420 2P0333 2P2437 1P2436 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine · CO

Engine failure can be catastrophic on I-70. Engine hesitation. Check engine light came on. Code read P11ED - Cylinder 2 Air Fuel Ratio Imbalance (Port). Shop states the cylinder valve is worn. Mileage 190,000 Note - this was "repaired" by Toyota in July 2025. In 2025, P11ED code was read. Cylinder 2 was running rich. Fuel injector was replaced. This made it worse. Caused P219D code. Truck was sent to machine shop to repair cylinder heads, spark plugs were replaced. Mileage 150,000

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · NC

2026 Toyota Tacoma (i-FORCE 2.4L turbo, 8-speed automatic), purchased new, 2,051 miles. On the morning of XXX, I noticed a delay when the transmission shifted gears and shortly after while driving on the highway at approximately 55–57 mph, multiple warnings appeared at once: Check Engine, "Drive-Start Control Malfunction," "System Malfunction" (pre-collision and lane assist), and "Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction." Shortly after, the transmission stopped engaging. When I pressed the accelerator, engine RPM rose but the vehicle did not accelerate, a loss of drive power at highway speed with traffic around me. This created a serious crash risk. The collision-avoidance systems were disabled at the same time. Photos of the warning messages are attached. The vehicle is being taken to a Toyota dealer in [XXX] by AAA for diagnosis. Similar reports from other 2024–2026 Tacoma owners suggest this may not be an isolated issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Sep 30, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

For second time fordt time was in 2024 bow again in September of 2026 while accelerating i loose power while shifting gears. No matter how hard i push accelerator it does not provide power feels almost like seiches to from drive . Worried that loss of power will cause accident since i csn accelerate. Toyoa want me to replicate this condition and is impossible to do. Offed to pay myself to check for metal shavings. I will pay to stay safe if they will deny the issue again. No check engine light

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 40,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shuddered, stalled, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The failure occurred on several occasions. The check engine and the active traction control warning lights were illuminated, with several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer stated that the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the residence, and the contact used a diagnostic tool to retrieve DTC: P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure was too Low). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the octane fuel or spark plugs might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · NV

Vehicle hits a bump in the road and the check engine light comes on, followed by the gas pedal being non-responsive and an error code on the instrument panel saying “Brake Override System Malfunction. Check with dealer.” and “Pre-collision System Malfunction. Visit your dealer. ” When this occurs, have to coast the vehicle to a safe place, turn off and wiggle the Radar Control piece attached to the front grill sometimes multiple times before the truck will clear the code and accelerate. Been an ongoing issue for several months. Have replaced the front grill sensor and plate and the issue persists.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

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.

Filed Jun 2, 2026 · Engine · 19,600 miles · UT

The contact stated that while driving in the rain, when passing another vehicle, the vehicle began shuddering and experienced a loss of power. The check engine light illuminated and multiple other warning indicators. The vehicle pulled over to the vehicle was stopped and eventually restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer were it was diagnosed with an air intake failure. Shortly after, the vehicle experienced the same issue. Again and was returned to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed with a turbo mud and water found inside the air intake, water is covering the filter and there was no additional repairs that could be completed so the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 19,600.

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Fuel system · FL

After I purchased my 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport with 4 miles on it and at 1,332 miles on 11/26/21, the Check Engine light with Traction Control Off light came on while I was driving. I immediately pulled over and on the truck media screen it read this: "A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer and have your vehicle inspected." The truck was rough idling and had no acceleration. I had the truck towed to dealership where it was purchased and upon diagnostic, it was determined that #3-cylinder injector was reading "Open Circuit" with code P020313. Being under warranty the dealership repaired the bad injector. No further issues until 4/22/26. On 4/22/26 with mileage at 48,361, I started my truck in my driveway and immediately recognized that the truck was rough idling and the Check Engine Light along with the Traction Control Light Off being on. The exact same message displayed on the screen as above, "A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer and have your vehicle inspected.". The truck was towed back to the same dealership and upon diagnostic the same issue of #3-cylinder injector "open circuit" with code P020313 was revealed. It was recommended to replace the bad #3-cylinder injector and also recommended to go ahead and replace all of the spark plugs. The total repair bill we be ~$2600 when I go to pick it up in 3 days. This is not just a coincidence that the exact same #3-cylinder injector has gone bad at 1,332 miles and then again at 48,361 miles. Seems to be a connection between the injector going bad and the issues that they have had with the High Pressure Fuel Pumps. Toyota needs to acknowledge this problem.

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Engine · 170,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the check engine and the traction control warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and failed to exceed 45 MPH while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a secondary air injection pump system failure. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to Toyota Campaign Number: 20TC01, and the contact was referred to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the campaign. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with secondary air injection pump system failure, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Related recalls

EngineReported June 1, 2017 · 31,824 vehicles affected
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

EngineReported November 7, 2013 · 3,795 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Tacoma vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through October 11, 2013. The engines of the affected vehicles contain valve springs that may break over time.
Risk
If the valve springs break, the engine could fail and stall while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 13V557000 · Recall details

Questions about the Toyota Tacoma check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Toyota Tacoma?

Owners who report it most often also describe stuck in gear or won't shift, sudden loss of power and engine stalls while driving, and the codes they mention most are P2442, P2440 and P2445.

Which Toyota Tacoma years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2012 (96 complaints), 2003 (17 complaints) and 2018 (14 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the Toyota Tacoma?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 57 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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