Problems · NHTSA complaints
2017 Toyota Tacoma problems
Owners filed 244 complaints about the 2017 Toyota Tacoma with NHTSA between Sep 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (68).
Complaints
244
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
12
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
9
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train68
- Engine36
- Service brakes31
- Structure28
- Fuel/propulsion system23
- Electrical system22
- Air bags13
- Vehicle speed control11
- Seats10
- Visibility/wiper8
- Exterior lighting8
- Wheels8
- Suspension6
- Seat belts3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
40
48
26
29
24
7
12
22
13
19
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 40 |
| 2018 | 48 |
| 2019 | 26 |
| 2020 | 29 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 19 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
68 reports3 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“My 2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road (manual transmission) makes a constant chirping sound when the engine is running and increases chirping sound when accelerator is pressed. The chirping sound ceases when the clutch is pressed in. It's clear through research that this is a "throw out bearing" issue. Toyota dealership confirmed the same issue and replaced the throw out bearing on 6/24/26 through 7/2/26 (as covered by extended warranty). On 7/3/26, the chirping sound remains, possibly worse/louder. On 8/28/26 through 8/31/26, a different Toyota dealer changed the throw out bearing again, but added changing the entire clutch system (being clutch disc assembly, clutch cover assembly, pressure plate, fly wheel and fly wheel sub assembly). Car was picked up and still makes chirping noise. Research of this issue notes: Quill Wear: The aluminum snout (quill) the bearing slides on can groove and wear down over time; and Toyota TSB: Dealerships previously addressed this under technical service bulletins with updated OEM replacement parts, though the noise can sometimes return if the core design interaction isn't changed. This is a design flaw, using an aluminum snout/quill…”
Engine
36 reports3 fires1 related recall
“Truck has 116k miles, started losing power and acceleration diminished. CEL and Trac Off light came on. Pulled over twice after experiencing same issue. Took to mechanic and diagnostic code P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). Replaced 6 spark plugs to be safe, and replaced broken coil in cylinder 1. Drove less than a mile and CEL came back on. Brought to dealership this time and they found a leak in the head gasket and noticed warping in cylinder 1, along with code P0301 still present. They reported back to me stating it needed a machinist to resurface the the cylinder head, that the repair is mechanical. Even outside of warranty this fix should not be costing $13,000. The truck has been properly maintained for the past 9 years, all oil services and replacing any wear and tear items. Mechanical (warping) is manufacturing issues.”
Service brakes
31 reports2 crashes
“The parking brake sticks. This is an issue because the vehicle automatically applies the parking brake briefly when switching from neutral to first gear or reverse to prevent rollback. When this happens, the parking brake sticks, and the rear wheels lock. I believe the brake cables have been infiltrated with water resulting in rust/corrosion.”
Structure
28 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the passenger inside the vehicle became aware of fluid leaking inside the cabin of the vehicle from the third rear brake light. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that there was mildew nearby where the failure started. There was an odor inside the vehicle and thought that the failure was coming from the cabin air filter. The contact stated that the instrument panel lights and the display screen were not illuminating properly at night. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failure of the seal on the third brake light. The failure mileage was 55,000.”
Fuel/propulsion system
23 reports
“Vehicle stalled on highway bridge. Took to mechanic shop. They put the diagnostic code machine on and the code indicated fuel pump failure. Toyota does have a recall notice for the year, make, and model of my vehicle. But not showing on my VIN.”
Electrical system
22 reports2 fires
“Clock spring has failed. I've lost all steering wheel button controls as well as cruise control. Air bag light has now come on. I am afraid that if I get into a wreck, the airbag will not deploy. This seems to be a common issue with this select year for this Tacoma.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.