# Toyota Tacoma brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 43 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (7) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 43 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Toyota Tacoma (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (7). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Toyota Tacoma brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 102 | 1% | | 2016 | 6 | 324 | 2% | | 2017 | 1 | 244 | 0% | | 2018 | 7 | 210 | 3% | | 2019 | 7 | 219 | 3% | | 2020 | 6 | 90 | 7% | | 2021 | 3 | 81 | 4% | | 2022 | 2 | 59 | 3% | | 2023 | 3 | 54 | 6% | | 2024 | 6 | 155 | 4% | | 2025 | 1 | 116 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota Tacoma recalls related to the brake warning light **[25V058000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V058000)** (2024-2025 models, reported 2025-02-06): A brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace both rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 1, 2025. **[18V888000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V888000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2018-12-13): Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. **[18V211000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V211000)** (2017 models, reported 2018-04-03): A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota Tacoma owners report - "During the crash, no air bags in the vehicle deployed, the collision avoidance systems did not operate, and twelve error messages were activated, including a brake error, a Four Wheel Drive error, and an ABS error. The driver sustained a concussion from the head contacting the steering wheel and lacerations from..." -- owner of a 2025 Toyota Tacoma, complaint filed 2026 - "After the failure, the low brake and the low brake power message were displayed. The driver had not sustained any injuries. The occupant in the passenger seat sustained spinal injuries and neck irritation; medical attention and surgery were provided. There was no reported fire, police report filed, or air bag..." -- owner of a 2024 Toyota Tacoma, complaint filed 2025 - "Dealer intake records document a PCS warning and no brakes upon arrival. Event Data Recorder (EDR/CDR) data shows continuous brake pedal application for approximately 5 seconds prior to the event, accelerator at 0%, and brake system hydraulic pressure reaching approximately 12.14 MPa (maximum recorded). Despite..." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Tacoma, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Tacoma brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (25V058000, 18V888000, 18V211000) covering 2017-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota Tacoma years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2018 and 2019 Tacoma model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 7 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Tacoma with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Toyota Tacoma has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota Tacoma warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/toyota-tacoma): 7 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-tacoma): 12 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-tacoma): 68 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-tacoma): 19 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-tacoma): 16 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-tacoma): 30 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Toyota Tacoma - [Toyota Tacoma specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-tacoma) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-tacoma Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.