Toyota Tacoma engine failure problems

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 Feb 9, 2026 · Engine · 89,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clattering sound coming from the engine, with a misfire coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to several mechanics, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector in cylinder #3 had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Engine · IN

The engine in my 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road suffered internal damage that appears linked to Toyota’s low-pressure fuel pump recall (issued 10/28/2020, repaired 581 days later on 6/10/2022). While out on personal lease, the truck was driven over 16,000 miles with the defective pump, which can cause lean running conditions and elevated combustion temperatures. The result was metallic contamination and a damaged wrist pin in cylinder #6, requiring full engine replacement. All failed components remain available for inspection upon request. The fuel pump defect and resulting internal engine damage continues to place my safety and others’ at risk by creating potential for loss of power, engine stall, or total failure while driving. The problem was confirmed by two separate Toyota dealerships, both of which diagnosed the need for engine replacement. The vehicle has been inspected by multiple Toyota service centers and the Toyota Brand Engagement Center, which opened and later denied my case. No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the ticking noise that first appeared around 62,000 miles. In fact, no warning lights have ever illuminated on the dash. Despite clear evidence that the recall-related defect likely caused the damage, Toyota has refused to provide any assistance or coverage toward repairing or replacing the failed engine, leaving me with a $21,000 repair for a vehicle that was otherwise maintained and operated responsibly.

Filed Jun 8, 2025 · Engine · CA

Engine began making abnormal ticking noise, heard primarily on the passenger side of vehicle. Upon removal of valve cover for inspection, found that there are chunks of camshafts breaking off causing the noise. Appears to be a manufacturing defect. Local dealer said they have seen this issue before. This issue could result in catastrophic engine failure and/or loss of power and cause a crash. My truck has 70k miles on it, regularly maintained and operated.

Filed Feb 21, 2025 · Transmission · NV

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The "coolant bypass hose/joint" (Part #: 16356-31051) located at the rear of the engine, connecting the two heads, failed. This part is made of plastic and is known to be a weak point in the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine. The failed component is still in the vehicle and can be inspected upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A coolant leak from this component can lead to engine overheating, which could cause sudden engine failure while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. Since the leak is not easily visible under the hood, a driver may not notice the issue until significant overheating occurs, potentially leaving them stranded in unsafe conditions. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue was confirmed by the dealership after an inspection. They identified the coolant bypass hose/joint as the source of the leak. Many users on the forum TacomaWorld have also experienced the same issue with their vehicles. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected by the dealership, but it has not been inspected by Toyota directly, the police, or an insurance representative. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages indicating a problem. The only symptom was a small puddle of coolant on the ground a week after purchasing the vehicle. Upon further inspection, a trail of coolant was observed running down onto the passenger side of the transmission bell housing. Would've costed me 1,000 dollars if didn't have warranty.

Filed Nov 25, 2024 · Engine · 160,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact, who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved a DTC code for a cylinder #3 misfire. The contact swapped the spark plugs and the code indicated misfires in four cylinders. The contact stated while inspecting around the top intake manifold, the contact noticed that the flap used to regulate the air to the engine had detached. The contact was afraid of driving the vehicle and was concerned that the unknown plastic piece could cause engine failure, was also detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact research the instructions. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2024 · Transmission · OH

Eight speed transmission exhibited difficulty in downshifting to lower gears. Loud rumbling sound could be hard inside of truck cabin. Also, upon my inspection, found transmission fluid leaking on the garage floor. All of this occurred at less than 400 total miles on the vehicle. Vehicle was inspected by the local dealer Toyota Service Department and determined to be a defective transmission that must be replaced. It is possible that the transmission could have seized up while driving, causing the vehicle to be uncontrollable. No warning lamps or messages ...only the loud audible sound coming from the transmission. To date, it is unknown as to the cause of failure. At my request, Toyota has assigned a Case Number (#240809001043) and is investigating the failure.

Filed Nov 21, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Fuel injector(s) leaked without any warning, causing engine to loose power on freeway. We were fortunate to be able to move over to the shoulder before the truck lost all power. Vehicle was towed to dealer and it was determined that the injector leaked fuel into engine causing engine failure. Repairs needed include engine block, heads sub assembly, injectors and assorted other parts total for parts and labor $19,256 No warning lights or symptoms prior to this problem. Truck has been running fine with no problems, only has 41,000 miles.

Filed Aug 2, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 1,200 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the brake message and alarm were displayed on the infotainment screen. While driving, the blind spot warning light illuminated, and the brake seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to the left. While driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was slow to respond. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure, but the contact was informed there was a code for a caliper malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was started; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200.

Filed Dec 14, 2021 · Engine · 133,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 - 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with rod knock, valve train, and engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.