Toyota Tacoma water leak problems

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · FL

Rear cabin air vents not sealed properly from factory. Water leaks in and soaks interior carpet and gets moldy.

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Body · FL

The cabin pressure vents, located at the rear of the cab below the rear window on the body frame have failed. The seal on the exterior of the vents has dry rotted. This has caused an extensive amount of water intrusion that is undetectable until it has been present long enough to cause mildew issues. Being that water enters below the vehicle carpet and padding you cannot see it, your first warning sign is smell. When I began to assess the issue I pulled up my carpet to find standing water and mold. This is supposed to be a safe environment where I can transport myself and my family and I now I have to be concerned about mold inhalation each time my toddler sits in my truck. Toyota needs to do an immediate recall to the cabin vents and replace them with a product that can actually with stand the elements. Additionally they need to replace all the carpet, twill, and padding that has been compromised.

Filed May 19, 2026 · Body, Seats · LA

Water leak from cabin pressure vents behind rear seats. Water leaks directly into carpet causing unknown mold growth. This mold growth is a safety issue due to the cognitive and respiratory problems associated.

Filed Apr 11, 2026 · Seat belts, Seats · GU

Dear Toyota Japan Customer Experience Team, I am the owner of a 2016 Toyota Tacoma currently registered in Guam, U.S.A. I am writing to request your assistance regarding a water leak issue from the rear brake light area, which has caused the carpets and seats to become wet and develop mold. I originally purchased this vehicle in Saipan and recently relocated to Guam. When I visited the Guam Toyota Service Center, they kindly inspected my vehicle and informed me that this issue is related to the 3rd brake light gasket recall; however, the recall period has already expired. Unfortunately, I was never notified of this recall while the vehicle was in Saipan. Continuous exposure to mold has seriously affected both my health and my daughter’s health. Because of this, I had the vehicle professionally cleaned and sanitized by a specialist company. The Tacoma has always been our family’s favorite car, but now I drive it only because I have no choice. Every time I get in, I feel anxious and uneasy. The water leak itself is concerning, but the mold issue worries me even more. I truly hope this water leak and the mold problem can both be resolved so that I can once again enjoy driving my Tacoma with peace of mind. The blue circles in the attached photos indicate areas suspected of mold. These photos were taken right before I sent the car for cleaning. According to the cleaning company, when they removed the seats, they found water underneath the seats and carpets. Whenever I drive the vehicle, I experience persistent coughing and headaches due to mold exposure. This has become a serious health and safety concern. Since this issue is directly related to a previously recalled safety defect, I kindly request Toyota Japan to consider a Goodwill Repair or Safety Exception to address the water leak and the resulting interior damage.

Filed Nov 13, 2025 · Body · HI

The 3rd generation Tacomas rear cabin vents (2 vents) allow water to enter the cabin because they are not tight to the body or sealed properly. The water leaks down the back wall and forward onto the floor soaking the carpet and padding underneath. The water in the carpet/padding has yielded mildew/mold throughout (water goes all the way to the front of the truck). The water also leaks through a floor grommet into a section where the cab mount bolts are and significant rust develops. Not only is the exposure to mold a health hazard, but the corrosion/rust on the cab mount bolts is a significant structural concern. There are many online posts with this problem, and i have just recently found this on my Tacoma. My vehicle has had the 3rd brake light recall, and this issue is completely separate from that recall. Toyota has a history on these vehicles not sealing them as they should. 1. The 2 rear cabin vents fail to keep water from entering the cab. I am happy to provide the vehicle for inspection. 2. Exposure to toxic mold is a health concern. Significant structural damage to the cab mount bolts is a concern if the vehicle were to be in an accident. 3. Numerous people online have confirmed this issue, and they have indicated dealerships are well aware of the issue. I put a garden hose to the back of my truck myself and saw water entering the vehicle. 4. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance, etc. 5. Unknown when water leak first started. In the past 2 years i have started to notice a mildew smell after a rainy day. I am happy to provide additional photos, but the internet is full of this very issue. Please see the following sites with photos/videos/descriptions of other Tacoma owners having the exact same issue. Thank you very much for your time. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 5, 2025 · Electrical · FL

Water leaked through the third brake light assembly into the cab roof, soaking the ceiling, seats, and carpet. This caused extensive mold growth and electrical corrosion near the control modules. The affected systems include the third brake light seal, cab roof, interior materials, and ECM (documentation attached). The truck remains at the dealer and is available for inspection upon request. The entire interior is contaminated with mold, creating a serious health hazard, and the vehicle cannot be safely driven or occupied. The leak also damaged electrical components, posing a risk of malfunction or short-circuit while operating the vehicle, and it is currently undrivable due to this damage. The problem was confirmed by Toyota of Clermont, which inspected the truck, documented the damage, and provided a written estimate exceeding $8,000 for repairs (copy attached). The vehicle was at the dealership while the manufacturer’s Limited Service Campaign 21TD03—issued to address this same defect—was still active, but the required inspection and seal repair were not performed. The failure of Toyota of Clermont to perform the mandated remedy under Campaign 21TD03 while the vehicle was in its possession resulted in a serious safety hazard. The entire interior of the cab—including the seats, ceiling, and carpet—is covered in mold, and the vehicle is undrivable due to water intrusion and electrical damage. There were no warning lamps or error messages before the failure, only a strong musty smell inside the cab shortly before the leak became visible. Toyota Motor North America was notified but declined responsibility. This case represents a potential noncompliance with federal defect-remedy obligations under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. § 30120) and should be investigated as such.

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Body, Visibility · FL

The rear cabin pressure vent leaks water into the cabin creating an unsafe vehicle to drive during rainy days. I took the vehicle to Sarasota Toyota and was told that my claim to get it fixed thru the Toyota warranty was denied because it is considered trim. I contacted the warranty company and Toyota about this issue but was told the same.NOT COVERED. I am also concerned that the water intrusion can affect the safety and health hazard of more drivers with this problem if not addressed by Toyota as soon as possible.

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Body · FL

Pressure release vents mounted on rear of the cab are leaking water during rain storms causing mold build up in carpet.

Filed May 29, 2025 · TN

Hi there, I am reaching out as I am super frustrated. I received a text from Capital Toyota stating my 2017 Toyota Tacoma had a safety recall for a water leak. I contacted the dealership and they told me my vehicle wasn't eligible for this recall to reach out to cooperate, in which I did and they told me it was only for certain vehicles. However I have been texting with the service dept at Capital Toyota and they are saying it was apart of the recall but it has expired. Now I am left with a constant leaking from the third break light, and I have a [XXX] baby and it is a huge safety concern as mold is a serious health hazard. I can be reached at [XXX] if you need further information. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 1, 2024 · Body, Seats · FL

Noticed that my floor is getting soaked for no reason. After bring my truck to Arlington Toyota I found out that is was the cabin pressure vent that was leaking. The cabin pressure vent is found between the truck bed and cab. They recalled the third break light in 2019 for leaking water into the cabin but Toyota won’t recognize this pressure vent as a recall which is also leaking water into the cabin. After pulling up all of the carpet I have black mold all under the carpet where my newborn baby was riding. Black mold is a huge health concern. Looking online this is a known issue with Toyota tacomas. My parts to fix this issue have been back ordered for two mths so far, still with no ETA on when they will be available. According to The service rep, I am one of nine people currently dealing with this same issue at Arlington Toyotas dealership alone. so no time frames have been provided. When I was quoted the 5800 to fix this issue they suggested I go through insurance. This seems to be a known issue with product quality and instead of recalling they are pushing it to insurance Companies. Seems to be a shady practice Toyota is pulling and no one is big enough to stop them.