2021 Toyota Tacoma: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11770043 (filed 10/09/2026): “Engine developed a loud knock while under normal driving conditions at 61,000 miles. oil was changed every 5k miles since new. dealer says my oil rings on piston skirt have failed and heavy scoring on cylinder #5 replaced short block under my aftermarket warranty. toyota refused to cover it becaus…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11755683 (filed 08/08/2026): “Having two issues major issues that’s causing me a $10,000 bill. the timing cover is leaking and there is a coolant bypass hose that is leaking. i have spend a lot of maintenance on this truck on maintaining it to have to remove the engine. as for the forward collision warning ive had it go off mult…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11740269 (filed 05/26/2026): “The plastic coolant crossover valve or pipe failed at 66,000 miles and 5 years of usage. this led to the radiator cracking. after researching online, i read about thousands of tacoma 3rd generation users with the same issue. also, the same issue was recalled for several other models of toyotas but n…”
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)
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Sources
Page last updated .