# Toyota Tacoma check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 68 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (13) - **Related recalls:** 5 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 68 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Toyota Tacoma (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (13). There are **5 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Toyota Tacoma check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 5 | 102 | 5% | | 2016 | 9 | 324 | 3% | | 2017 | 6 | 244 | 2% | | 2018 | 13 | 210 | 6% | | 2019 | 12 | 219 | 5% | | 2020 | 7 | 90 | 8% | | 2021 | 3 | 81 | 4% | | 2022 | 3 | 59 | 5% | | 2023 | 1 | 54 | 2% | | 2024 | 8 | 155 | 5% | | 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 check engine light **[25V656000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V656000)** (2025 models, reported 2025-10-01): A broken driveshaft can impair steering. Vehicles with full-time 4WD may experience a vehicle rollaway while parked without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace both front driveshaft assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 11, 2026. **[24V152000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V152000)** (2022-2023 models, reported 2024-02-27): Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle retaining nuts as necessary, and repair or replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. **[20V682000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V682000)** (2017-2020 models, reported 2020-11-04): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be... **[20V012000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V012000)** (2018-2019 models, reported 2020-01-13): If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. **[17V285000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V285000)** (2016-2017 models, reported 2017-04-27): If the vehicle is operated with an insufficient amount of oil in the rear differential, the differential may seize and cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear differential for oil leakage. Based on the inspection, dealers will either tightening the fastening nuts or replace the fastening nuts and gasket. If the rear differential components are damaged, the rear differential carrier assembly will be replaced. The... 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 - "The check engine light illuminated and multiple other warning indicators. The vehicle pulled over to the vehicle was stopped and eventually restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer were it was diagnosed with an air intake failure. Shortly after, the vehicle experienced the same issue. Again and was returned to a..." -- owner of a 2025 Toyota Tacoma, complaint filed 2026 - "Engine stalled check engine light came on with "engine control system malfunctioning warning" . car will not start or completely turn off." -- owner of a 2024 Toyota Tacoma, complaint filed 2024 - "The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started jerking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the check engine warning..." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Tacoma, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Tacoma check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 5 related recalls (25V656000, 24V152000, 20V682000, 20V012000, 17V285000) covering 2016-2025 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 check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2018 and 2019 Tacoma model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 13 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 check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### 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 - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-tacoma): 43 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 ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Toyota Tacoma - [Toyota Tacoma specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-tacoma) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-tacoma Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.