2021 Toyota Tacoma Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 15%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, 15% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,400 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“when I push the brake pedal, it goes to the floor. I have had the brakes and master cylinder replaced. after about one month the brakes started failing again. I am going to take it back to the mechanic to have them re-evaluate the brakes. No kind of official has inspected my truck. I have been having braking issues for about a year.”
NHTSA complaint #11722917, filed 2026-03“Hello, I bought a 2021 Toyota Tacoma this year. Soon I discovered that there was a problem with the brake system. We went to this store (Nashville Toyota North) to replace it, but we were told that we had to pay more than $200 for the brake pads ourselves, and My car does not have its own tire unlocking tool, and I was told by this store that I need to pay for it before I can order this unlocking tool that should have been on my car. Thanks!”
NHTSA complaint #11434829, filed 2021-09“I was about to park. press the break pedal in order to move gear to Parking. However, My Tacoma accelerated and I was unable to control it. Finally, it stop after hitting a tree.”
NHTSA complaint #11558361, filed 2023-12“When stopping vehicle (for instance, at a stop light), vehicle would stop normally when pressing the brakes, but after a few seconds, the vehicle would start forward again. The brake pedal would give way and press down further, stopping briefly before starting forward again - so I had to use the emergency brake or else vehicle would move into oncoming traffic. I consulted a mechanic, and it was diagnosed as a bad brake master cylinder. This vehicle has only 51,000 miles on it, being a 2021 model. The brake pads themselves were checked and they are fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11620230, filed 2024-10“While driving on a freeway I step down on the as needed I got a message on my dash board that my braking power is low Stop in a safe place and see Owen's manual, A few seconds later I lost my brakes I have to use my hand brak to stop, came to a complete stop and called a tow truck, upon arrival the tow truck driver inspected my truck and realized there were brake fluid leaking out of my back drum, I took it in for a check up and I was told that my brake fluid is coming out of my braking cylinder, I checked for a recall I don't see it for my truck year but see it a the truck that's a few year…”
NHTSA complaint #11561742, filed 2023-12Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 5 | 4% |
| 2024 | 33 | 21% |
| 2023 | 6 | 11% |
| 2022 | 6 | 10% |
| 2021 | 12 | 15% |
| 2020 | 13 | 14% |
| 2019 | 56 | 26% |
| 2018 | 48 | 23% |
| 2017 | 32 | 13% |
| 2016 | 19 | 6% |
| 2015 | 12 | 12% |
| 2014 | 17 | 18% |
| 2013 | 18 | 14% |
| 2012 | 22 | 7% |
| 2011 | 13 | 7% |
| 2010 | 21 | 7% |
| 2009 | 35 | 7% |
| 2008 | 30 | 7% |
| 2007 | 43 | 8% |
| 2006 | 49 | 6% |
| 2005 | 26 | 4% |
| 2004 | 24 | 6% |
| 2003 | 19 | 5% |
| 2002 | 17 | 5% |
| 2001 | 22 | 6% |
| 2000 | 10 | 5% |
| 1999 | 5 | 2% |
| 1998 | 21 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 5% |
| 1996 | 12 | 5% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
14 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsForward collision avoidance
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology