2018 Toyota Tacoma Safety Report
2018 TOYOTA TACOMA Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Toyota Tacoma. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (191) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 6 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Fuel/Propulsion System | Compare fuel/propulsion system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Toyota Tacoma with 71 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Toyota Tacoma before buying across this generation. |
Toyota Tacoma Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Toyota Tacoma years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Toyota Tacoma | 205 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Toyota Tacoma | 228 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Toyota Tacoma | 83 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Toyota Tacoma | 319 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Toyota Tacoma | 71 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Toyota Tacoma | 95 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2018 Toyota Tacoma Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Toyota Tacoma, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Fuel/Propulsion System
28 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Toyota onlyService Brakes
27 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Toyota onlyFuel System, Gasoline
22 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel System, Gasoline issues Toyota onlyEngine
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Toyota onlyPower Train
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Toyota onlyUnknown Or Other
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Toyota onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability Score
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma receives a reliability score of 82 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing has recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Highlander, and 2018-2019 Tacoma vehicles due to fuel pump failures. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Master Cylinder Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing has recalled certain 2018-2019 Tacoma vehicles due to leaking master cylinders. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Rear Cabin Vents Water Intrusion Water can enter the cabin through improperly sealed vents, leading to water damage and mold. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Odometer Fraud A 2018 Toyota Tacoma was reported to have odometer fraud, where the actual mileage was not accurately reflected. |
Medium | Common | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Toyota Tacoma:
Fuel pump failures are a common issue, leading to recalls and potential vehicle inoperability.
Master cylinder leaks are frequent, causing brake fluid to leak into the cab and onto the floorboard.
Water can enter the cabin through improperly sealed vents, leading to water damage and mold.
Fuel pump failures are a common issue, leading to recalls and potential vehicle inoperability.
Recall Details for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma by NHTSA:
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus I...
Consequence: 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 available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota cust...
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna...
Consequence: 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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.
Consequence: 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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
The Break booster has failed or started since the break fluid is leaking inside the cab. And other trucks from the same year as my truck did have a recall for the break master cylinder failing. My breaks could potentially go out fully and I wont be able to stop. My problem has been confirmed by my independent service center. And also there's alot of other people having the same issue online. Sinc...
Truck has strong smell of fuel in the cab
While driving I can here a ticking sound coming from the motor and it gets worse while I pick up speed
The brake actuator assembly is leaking brake fluid and is dripping onto the brake lever and onto the floorboard. This concern has been inspected and confirmed by a local Toyota dealership. This problem is a known safety recall by Toyota (Safety Recall J06).
The brake master cylinder seal is broken and causing brake fluid to leak into the floorboard of the cab near the brake pedal.
The 3rd generation Tacomas rear cabin vents (2 vents) allow water to enter the cabin because they are not tight to the body or sealed properly. The water leaks down the back wall and forward onto the floor soaking the carpet and padding underneath. The water in the carpet/padding has yielded mildew/mold throughout (water goes all the way to the front of the truck). The water also leaks through a f...
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon retrieving the Carfax report after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy, and the vehicle seller was not the title holder. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 32,000, and the contact later discovered that the mileage was over...
The fuel pump as stopped working the vehicle will not start and the 4x4 is showing that it is not working. The vehicle is available for inspection. Thankfully this happened while the vehicle was sitting over night but we had driven it the evening before it just stopped running. the Fuel system could have failed while we were driving anywhere. It has not been inspected by anyone else. it is sittin...
The master cylinder is leaking brake fluid into the cab and is dripping behind the brake pedal. There is brake fluid in the wiring harness that goes to the brake switch as well. This is a known fire hazard from other vehicle manufacturers.
After a couple of years of owning my truck, the paint started on my hood and roof started to turn white and fade. I don’t understand why Toyota uses this type of paint that’s going to get messed up after a couple of years. Also after 4 years of owning the truck, the suspension is all messed up (never took the truck off road or driven it anywhere else but the streets and now they make noises like c...
Third break light has started to leak inside the cab of vehicle. Causing a wet musty smell, possibly mold, and staining.
The clear coat on the exterior paint of the truck has failed. This has left the base coat paint exposed which means the metal frame is susceptible to rusting now.
yes has been inspected by the manufacturer and they fixed it but I want to file a claim.
Paint defect Hi, This 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X4 has a premium Cement Grey color. The clear coat from the paint is gone and it’s causing damage to my paint on the roof and doors of the vehicle.
On June 26, 2025, around 9:30 AM, I was driving my Tacoma on the highway at approximately 70 mph when the truck suddenly lost power. I was in the center lane and nearly got hit as I tried to exit the highway. After exiting, the engine warning light came on, and the truck eventually stalled. I was able to restart it with limited power and drove it to a nearby shop. The shop's diagnosis revealed sev...
The.truck won’t turn on. We checked it with a diagnostic tool and it was confirmed that it was the fuel pump.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired...
I own a 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road and am experiencing a minor brake fluid leak within the cab which is leaking brake fluid from above the brake pedal. An independent mechanic determined the issue is associated with the brake booster and brake master cylinder which is related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V888000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN is not included in the r...
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The vehicle was purchased via private sale via Facebook marketplace. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 57,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 254,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive and starting to accelerate, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger’s side wheel. The contact became aware that the rear passenger’s side wheel was not rotating. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The ve...
Showing 20 of 191 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Opened 2019-04-19 · Closed 2024-09-19
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Elec...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Toyota Tacoma
Has the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA have?
The 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA has 191 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 6 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA involve fuel/propulsion system (28 complaints), service brakes (27 complaints), fuel system, gasoline (22 complaints). Other affected components include engine, power train, unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA have?
There are 6 crash reports associated with the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA out of 191 total complaints (3.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 191 complaints, 3 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA are: 1. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (28 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES (27 complaints), 3. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (22 complaints), 4. ENGINE (11 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (11 complaints). FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 28 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?
Be cautious of fuel system and brake issues, as they are frequent. Check for fuel odors and ticking engine sounds. Ensure the odometer is accurate. The 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA has 191 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA receives a reliability score of 82/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 191 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 6 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump and Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Master Cylinder.
What are the known issues with the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA?
Known issues with the 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA include: Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump, Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Master Cylinder, Rear Cabin Vents Water Intrusion, Odometer Fraud. These are based on patterns found across 191 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2018 Toyota Tacoma?
Fuel system and brake issues are the most common, including fuel pump failures and leaking master cylinders.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma?
Yes, there are recalls for fuel pump failures and leaking master cylinders.
What should I do if I notice water intrusion through the rear cabin vents?
Have the vents inspected and sealed to prevent water damage and mold.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of fuel system and brake issues, as they are frequent. Check for fuel odors and ticking engine sounds. Ensure the odometer is accurate.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Toyota Tacoma
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The data includes 191 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16