2018 Toyota Tacoma: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11769379 (filed 10/06/2026): “2018 toyota tacoma sr 4wd double cab, 3.5l v6 (2gr-fks). at about 87,000 miles the check engine light came on with code p11ec, cylinder 1 air-fuel ratio imbalance (port). cylinder 1 failed compression. leakdown and coolant tests had passed earlier; borescope did not show heavy scoring. the toyota de…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11729880 (filed 04/08/2026): “The engine in my 2018 toyota tacoma failed at 39000 miles and toyota is refusing to cover the repair costs. i have records of all regularly scheduled maintenance performed and i have never done anything that would put additional stress on the engine such as off-roading or towing. this engine is defe…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11704749 (filed 12/12/2025): “While driving i can here a ticking sound coming from the motor and it gets worse while i pick up speed…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .