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Toyota Tacoma knocking problems

55 of the 8,489 owner complaints about the Toyota Tacoma describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
55
worst model year
2005
typical mileage
50,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    2
  • 2023
    2
  • 2021
    2
  • 2019
    5
  • 2018
    2
  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    4
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    2
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    1
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    2
  • 2008
    3
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    6
  • 2005
    6
  • 2004
    2
  • 2003
    1
  • 2002
    2
  • 2001
    1
  • 1999
    1
  • 1998
    1
  • 1997
    2
  • 1995
    2

What owners say

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Engine · NY

Engine developed a loud knock while under normal driving conditions at 61,000 miles. Oil was changed every 5k miles since new. Dealer says my oil rings on piston skirt have failed and heavy scoring on cylinder #5 Replaced short block under my aftermarket warranty. Toyota refused to cover it because I was 1k miles over factory warranty

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Engine, Visibility · 23,000 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, while starting or while driving the vehicle, the vehicle was making a ticking sound. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, the screen froze, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle experienced a failure with the steering, the vehicle lost motive and electrical power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with an unspecified steering failure and the vehicle was repaired under warranty, however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to a dealer but was not initially diagnosed; however, a mechanic duplicated the failure during a test drive. The pulley system and other undetermined parts were replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to a dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle was operating normally, but the pulley system was replaced a second time, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to a dealer, and the entire pulley system was replaced, and the display screen was re-flashed, but months later the failure recurred and became worse. The vehicle was repaired another time, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer and was diagnosed with an air conditioning compressor failure which caused the ticking sound. The vehicle was repaired, but the dealer declined to accept fault if the air conditioning compressor failed again. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Electrical · OH

The key fob separate from the key dangles while driving and with manual seats there is no way to adjust the seat up or down and while accelerating or braking, while moving leg and foot the knee hits the key fob and causes the key to turn while driving leading to a hazardous safety condition, Toyota needs to integrate the key fob into the key so nothing is dangling to get hit by the knee and knock key out of position

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · Engine · FL

Deep knocking noise they call the taco tick is actually the a problem with the motor. There is an issue valve train and timing chain, tensioners and pulleys. Toyota USA decide to tell all consumers it’s just the way they sound. So they do not have to repair millions of these trucks on recall they refuse to repair under manufacture warranty or power train warranty they wait until it becomes the consumers problem

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 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 Nov 8, 2024 · Body, Lights · VT

Some of the interior door light switches don't light @ night. I can probably take the door panel off & fix it... (buy bulbs)...? Door hinge on the gas cap breaks way to easily. Could fly off & hit someone\thing... Clunking sound coming from the rear end & I can't find where it's coming from... Gas cap gets loose & throws a p0333 code knock sensor bank 1 or 2 or both. Who put them under the manifold... ? Scary to get the code. That's a hr+ job that's doing it myself.$ Expensive from a shop $ Nothing to serious. 2nd Owner. Runs strong for the miles on it. Thank you, [XXX] , INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 27, 2024 · Engine · MS

Engine is noisy during take off sounds like a rod knock the truck has 5k miles on it.

Filed May 8, 2024 · Body · CA

These vehicles have frame rot. It was addressed in cold weather states with a recall but the recall was not available in California. My vehicle was a california only truck. The corrosion if undressed will result in the frame breaking in half behind the rear left passenger seat. Toyota should have included all states in this recall and there are an abundance of toyotas manufactured from 2005 to 2010 on the road with this issue that are ticking time bombs. My vehicle only has 145K miles on it.

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 knocking

Which Toyota Tacoma years have engine knocking or ticking problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (6 complaints), 2006 (6 complaints) and 2019 (5 complaints).

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