1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Common issues with 2021 Tacoma??

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by MJP26, Jan 21, 2025.

  1. Jan 21, 2025 at 1:37 PM
    #1
    MJP26

    MJP26 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2023
    Member:
    #430888
    Messages:
    9
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Meghan
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tacoma SR Double cab
    Hey there, this forum has been super helpful in the past so wanted to post for some feedback. I currently have a 2016 Tacoma that we have had to fully replace the AC system, had leaking in the headliner from the rear light assembly and recently had to replace the 4x4 actuator. The truck has 115k miles so I expected some stuff but this seemed like a lot.

    Recently we have been considering getting a 2021 Tacoma but are worried we might run into big issues again. Any feedback about common issues with the 2021 Tacoma? It’s a sport package with a tow package from a dealer, seems to be in good shape, average rust, 1 owner, no accidents on CARFAX. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Jan 21, 2025 at 1:52 PM
    #2
    T4R_hereforbearings

    T4R_hereforbearings Dale Doback, M.D.

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2024
    Member:
    #443442
    Messages:
    1,071
    WA
    Vehicle:
    08 4Runner
    I’ve bolted some stuff to it *lists cool stuff here*
    Mainly just rubbing after you lift it and put on larger tires :rolleyes:
     
  3. Jan 21, 2025 at 1:54 PM
    #3
    ConantTaco

    ConantTaco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2021
    Member:
    #367811
    Messages:
    404
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tacoma TRD Off-road
    No issues here. Stock 2021 TRD Off-road V6 automatic
    45,000 miles now
     
  4. Jan 21, 2025 at 1:57 PM
    #4
    1994SR54x4

    1994SR54x4 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2024
    Member:
    #453741
    Messages:
    142
    2020 TRD Sport, manual transmission,53,500 miles...no issues to date.
     
  5. Jan 21, 2025 at 1:59 PM
    #5
    Tacosauro

    Tacosauro Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2024
    Member:
    #451119
    Messages:
    542
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    23 SR5 V6 & 24 TRD OR
    roof rack
    Hey, the first years of all new gens are like that for all manufacturer. The 2016-2018 models even had some engine oil gasket leaks, but Toyota updated parts after, so 2021 should be all filtered out.

    Just check maintenance history, see oil change intervals and ask if there has been any adjustments like lift or wiring.
     
  6. Jan 21, 2025 at 2:08 PM
    #6
    Chew

    Chew Not so well known user

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2019
    Member:
    #285575
    Messages:
    8,353
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chewy
    Midwest
    Vehicle:
    19 TRD OR
    Amazon dog poo bed mat mod
    If your front timing chain cover and coolant bypass pipe doesn't leak,, then I would keep on truckin'!
     
    BabyBilly and t0p_d0g like this.
  7. Jan 21, 2025 at 2:14 PM
    #7
    guest_707

    guest_707 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2022
    Member:
    #399136
    Messages:
    382
    Gender:
    Male
    Can confirm, rubbed out quite a few- uh, rubbed slightly against the back of the wheel we'll after installing OME ucas but a good alignment fixed it.20250117_172129.jpg
     
  8. Jan 21, 2025 at 2:34 PM
    #8
    OLDTRAP

    OLDTRAP Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2024
    Member:
    #455213
    Messages:
    189
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD OR
    Stock
    21' is GTG.
     
  9. Jan 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM
    #9
    2021SR5V64WD

    2021SR5V64WD Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2021
    Member:
    #360995
    Messages:
    3,496
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 SR5 V6 4WD ACCESS CAB
    Stock 2021 and it runs fine.

    You start messing with electrical items, or lifting it, or 'tuning it'.... then you start running into issues.
     
  10. Jan 21, 2025 at 2:47 PM
    #10
    TheZara

    TheZara Sebas

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2022
    Member:
    #402347
    Messages:
    38
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sebas
    San Diego, CA / Phoenix, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2022 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4
    Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 265/75/R16 SL
    Had a stock 16' Sport 4x4, put 100k on it, no issues whatsoever.

    Now im currently in a stock 22' Off-Road currently sitting at 56k and the only issue ive had so far which im currently dealing with is my Pre Collision System malfunctioning but that could have totally been caused by me lol :wave:

    No complaints at all.
     
    Junkhead likes this.
  11. Jan 21, 2025 at 8:30 PM
    #11
    abrams2112

    abrams2112 Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2021
    Member:
    #357869
    Messages:
    39
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Mid-East Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2021 Cement Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 w/XP Package
    TRD lift kit
    2021 Sport 4WD (XP Package), 42K miles, San Antonio TX VIN, zero issues with almost 4 years now. Highly recommended.
     
    Junkhead likes this.
  12. Jan 22, 2025 at 2:53 PM
    #12
    toyobilly

    toyobilly New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2020
    Member:
    #349902
    Messages:
    1
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tacoma TRD off-road
    2021 TRD Off Road. Factory lift, 265/70/17 on TRD wheels. 60,000 miles. No issues to date.
     
    Junkhead likes this.
  13. Jan 22, 2025 at 3:51 PM
    #13
    Phlogiston

    Phlogiston There are no victims, only volunteers.

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2020
    Member:
    #316170
    Messages:
    1,891
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Not Karen
    The wild west
    Vehicle:
    2016 SR5 DCSB
    Aesthetically Challenged
    - rash
    - constipation
    - nausea
    - diarrhea
    - dizziness
    - drowsiness
    - insomnia
    - headache
    - dry mouth
    - heart rhythm abnormalities
    - internal bleeding
    - Bleeding from the eyes, ears or brain bleed.
    - Sore feet
     
    BillF1564, TacoTime55 and Junkhead like this.
  14. Jan 22, 2025 at 4:03 PM
    #14
    ironhead181

    ironhead181 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2017
    Member:
    #214632
    Messages:
    123
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Vehicle:
    2021 Tacoma DBL Cab
    none
    Timing cover and coolant pipe leak as mentioned before, clutch pedal squeak if it’s a manual. Depending on the miles I would see if they will do the spark plugs if it’s near the 60,000 mile mark. They are a PITA to do yourself.
     
  15. Jan 22, 2025 at 6:24 PM
    #15
    Junkhead

    Junkhead TRDude

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #284671
    Messages:
    15,667
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Serge
    Prince George, BC
    Vehicle:
    Black 4x4 Sport MT 2018
    Some Serious Tires
    You will be just fine. Get the 2021 and enjoy.
     
  16. Jan 22, 2025 at 6:24 PM
    #16
    Junkhead

    Junkhead TRDude

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #284671
    Messages:
    15,667
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Serge
    Prince George, BC
    Vehicle:
    Black 4x4 Sport MT 2018
    Some Serious Tires
    You forgot bruised shins.
     
  17. Jan 22, 2025 at 6:47 PM
    #17
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A トヨタ純正男娼

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #288172
    Messages:
    12,640
    Gender:
    Male
    District 6ix
    Vehicle:
    3G Tacoma on 35"s, 5G 4Runner
    A/C compressor failure is still a thing with 2021. The 3rd brake light leak had been resolved.

    Other common issues affecting all years including 2021: timing cover leak, steering rack leak, coolant bypass pipe leak, seat heater controller burned out.

    Are you related to @mjp2?
     
  18. Jan 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
    #18
    OLDTRAP

    OLDTRAP Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2024
    Member:
    #455213
    Messages:
    189
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD OR
    Stock
    or 'tuning it'..?? Who the hell would want one that wasn't tuned. Engine and transmission are total crap unless tuned.
     
    STEELeR43 and 3JOH22A like this.
  19. Jan 22, 2025 at 7:25 PM
    #19
    BLtheP

    BLtheP Constantly Tinkering Member

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2022
    Member:
    #394355
    Messages:
    4,414
    Gender:
    Male
    Plano, TX
    Vehicle:
    2021 MGM TRD On-Road DCSB MT
    RC60F Transmission 5.29 R&P FJ Metal Clutch Pedal OEM Mexico-Spec Condenser Fan 265/70R16 Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 OEM 1-Piece Lug Nuts Custom Built Switch Panel for all Electrical Accessories Rigid Amber Pro D-SS Ditch Lights Rigid 30" SAE High Beam Driving Light Bar Rigid SR-Q Pro Back-Up Light Kit (Recessed) VLEDS Tail Conversion VLEDS Bed Light Kit VLEDS Foot Well Light Kit KC HiLites Cyclone V2 Under Hood Lights Customized 2WD Low Operable (Switched) Clutch Safety Bypass
    All years are subject to the exact same leak potential. There is no gasket, it’s all RTV where the timing cover leaks and nothing they did across the years improved the chances of not leaking. Simply luck of how the engine was assembled.
     
    BabyBilly and Phlogiston like this.
  20. Jan 22, 2025 at 7:39 PM
    #20
    Veet-88

    Veet-88 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2015
    Member:
    #155792
    Messages:
    1,613
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Vehicle:
    18 Tacoma DCLB sport
    I found that list comical aswell. All of throw issues i have had were due to bad aftermarket components or doing somthing dumb.
    The only issues you'll have from lifting are from half assing the job and skipping key supporting mods. And fuel economy say goodbye to the majority of that. But thst should be expected with the larger tires that accompany a lift.
     
    TS4x4 likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top