DrivetrainLow
Rear differential/CV and driveline vibration.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for driveline clunk and feel for vibration at speed.
2021 Toyota Tacoma problems
A 2021 Toyota Tacoma is now 5 years old, so an average example has covered around 67,500 miles. A late-run car · the most reliable part of the generation, but higher-mileage wear items are usually the deciding factor. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2021 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is 5 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 67,500 miles. At that mileage 1 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first. A further 1 typically appear later in the car's life.
Faults a 2021 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~68k miles an average 2021 car has covered.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
TransmissionMedium
6-speed automatic hunting/lurching at low speeds.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test-drive in stop-go traffic and feel for erratic shifts or hesitation.
BodyMedium
Bed/frame surface rust in salt regions (earlier Toyotas had frame issues).
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect the frame and bed underside for corrosion.
Faults still ahead of this car
Typically appear later than this year's average mileage · worth budgeting for rather than inspecting.
EngineLow
Occasional carbon buildup on the 3.5L direct-injection V6.
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Watch for rough idle; ask about intake cleaning.
Inspecting a 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carToyota Tacoma · frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota Tacoma reliable?
Yes — it's known for exceptional durability and resale, with only the transmission feel as a common complaint.
What's wrong with the Tacoma transmission?
The 6-speed auto can hunt between gears at low speed; it's a drivability quirk more than a reliability failure.
Should I check the frame?
Yes — inspect the frame for rust, especially on trucks from salt-belt states.