What problems should I keep an eye on a 2021?

So traded my 2017 TRD Sport DC SB for a 2021 TRD OR DC SB.
Just got it beginning of March.
The 2017 had the regular known issues plus a timing chain cover leak that kept coming back.

The 2021 has a much nicer ride and seems more solid. I don’t hear the road as much. The doors seem heavier. Even the sound from the TRD cat back muffler is not as loud in the cabin as it was in the ‘17. I had it moved over.

Hopping I won’t have to deal with another big issue like the oil leak. And wondering what people have seen in the 2020’s and hopefully some 2021’s with more miles and not brand new like mine.
Are the low fluid levels still happening? Any mechanical issues I should keep an eye on?
I know the trans is still not perfect.. but it is a huge improvement from the ‘17. Had all the TSB’s done on that one and it never rode as nice as this one. I don’t know what they did. But they did something.. and so far I like it.

 

I am probably just stating the obvious but...

Take care of your frame! Apply that Fluid Film or whatever you use every fall if they treat the roads for snow and ice in your area.

All fluids in my 2020 OR DCSB are at the proper level and staying there so far. I am very happy with it.

Where was the oil leak you had?

 

Follow the maintenance schedule in the Owner's manual. You start looking for issues you'll find them.

 

Only at 7500 miles on my 21. My 2012 was solid for 200k. I'd like to think that a truck Toyota has been building since 2005, with an engine whose basic architecture dates back to 2002 would be pretty well shaken out by 2020-21. The engine has had many forms, from a truck engine, to nearly every Toyota/Lexus sedan and SUV to Supercharged & Turbo versions in the Lotus Evora and Exige. There will always be wear items, but I dont think I'm crazy expecting this truck to go 200k like my 2012 did with only basic upkeep. If you had to make a list of the most reliable and durable engines, gas or diesel for sale today the Toyota GR series is in the top 3 and it makes a strong case for the #1 spot.

Once you get past skin deep, a 2021 is nearly identical to the 2nd gen Tacomas that came out in 2005. The frame is nearly the same, suspension swaps over, axles are the same, etc. They look different, its been updated. But the differences dont go any deeper than sheet metal and interior plastics.

One thing I have been doing is paying attention to all the bolts that were a pain in the ass to get out of my 2012 after a couple NY winters. I greased the brake caliper pins when I rotated my tires. Put anti seize on my skid plate bolts, ordered greasable bolts for my leaf springs, etc. When you fluid film the truck, make sure to get a good spray onto any bolt that you may have to remove at some point like the front suspension.

 

I'm 8K in on my '20 and other than one oil filter change (which I did myself and wasn't hard) the only wrenching I've done on my OR has been to install a few mods (locking center console, in-bed tool box, front receiver hitch). It's been a great truck! I agree, the OR's must have some extra dampening or insulation then the Sports do as the Sport I drove prior to my OR felt and sounded a lot different.

 

I’m about 10k in with my 1 year old Tacoma. There’s some complaints that I have with mine, can’t say it’s like that with all the others maybe just mine, probably got a lemon or something.
-rear diff howl, I drive on the freeway at 56-60mph, while feathering the gas pedal you notice a slight howl noise.
- A slight thump when I brake into a complete stop, I don’t brake hard either.
- Another slight thump when I accelerate after coasting, but not from a complete stop.

It honestly sounds like I have some drive train issues Idk because toyota can’t tell me what’s wrong... I did go to the dealership at my 5k service and complained, they told me they couldn’t find anything wrong and just to “break it in some more and drive the shit out of it” and no one else had the problems I had, but all over subreddits and the internet tell me otherwise… I’m now almost at 10K miles and the sounds of the howl is a bit louder and I can feel the thumps more often and quite aggressive. It’s very annoying and pisses me off, because you expect perfection on something new and expensive especially from a notable company that’s known for “reliability”.

 

don't run out of gas.

Don't run over feral hogs

Enjoy your new truck!

 

your new truck is prone to all of the same problems of your old truck. toyota hasn't done anything to address issues that started with the 2005 model year! it will just depend which issues pop up on each individual truck. my 2009 had a bunch of work under warranty, then eventually toyota sent me a letter saying there was nothing wrong with my truck, i asked then why did you change all of those parts. there was no answer. my 2018 was only in the shop to attempt to address the pathetic transmission, which of course they didn't, so now i drive a different brand of mid sized truck, heck, i even have a front locker and a diesel in this other brand... but it has it's own issues. prices go up, quality doesn't, this seems to be across the board with brands

 

Sounds like the preload on ring and pinion gear was not properly set or you have no lubrication in the rear differential.

 

These problems are all considered normal after one attempt at part swapping!