2019 Toyota Tacoma is a Reliable Pickup, with Only Four Recalls and Many Satisfied Owners

Felix Duppong
Oct 28, 2021

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma has a best-in-class predicted reliability rating and above-average off-road capabilities. But it also comes with four recalls and a few brake and fuel pump issues that may be expensive to fix.

2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-road - Photo by Toyota

Key Points

  • The 2019 Toyota Tacoma currently has four recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association about fuel pumps, a brake master cylinder, and a mislabeled spare tire.
  • The recall concerning the brake master cylinder is a serious one that could compromise the 2019 Tacoma’s braking performance and increase the distance needed to stop.
  • High-profile brake problems have been reported, in addition to jerking and shuddering tendencies with the six-speed automatic transmission.

2019 Toyota Tacoma SX - Photo by Toyota

2019 Tacoma Faced Four NHTSA Recalls Over Brake and Fuel Pump Issues, and an Investigation into Airbag Reliability

From 2005 to 2021, Toyota sold 2,926,156 Tacomas in the U.S. alone, building a strong reputation for dependability, and cementing itself as one of the best midsize trucks in the world. However, despite its good reputation and raves from owners and critics alike, the 2019 Tacoma has had a fair share of problems, including four NHTSA recalls, one open investigation, and nearly 150 consumer complaints.

In April 2019, an NHTSA investigation was launched over an electrical issue with the airbag control units. Reportedly, electrical overstress may affect the reliability of the vehicle’s airbag control unit, which senses a vehicle crash to determine whether airbag deployment is required. Additionally, there are four open recalls for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma issued by the NHTSA:

Damaged Brake Master Cylinder Seal Could Result in Reduced Braking Performance

Issued in late 2018, the recall for a damaged brake master cylinder seal affected over 44,000 2018 and 2019 Toyota Tacomas. As a result of improper machining, there was possible damage done to the interior seal of the brake master cylinder. Compromised units will experience reduced braking performance, which could increase the chances of an accident.

Text on the Load Capacity Label Could Overburden Vehicle and Cause Serious Damage

The NHTSA’s recall concerning an incorrectly labeled load capacity sticker affected significantly fewer 2019 Tacomas, just 3,634 vehicles across all of Toyota. It was issued because if the load capacity label were to become compromised, owners could overload their vehicles and potentially cause damage to the vehicle.

Low-pressure Fuel Pump inside Fuel Tank Could Cause Stalling While Driving

Affecting 1,830,752 units, including other Toyota and Lexus products, the NHTSA’s recall concerns a faulty low-pressure fuel pump that can damage the rest of the fuel system. Consequently, this could cause the vehicle to stall while driving, a serious issue to consider.

Toyota Recalls Fuel Pump Reissued for Previous Problem

Finally, a recall was issued for the same part and the same fuel pump problem. Even though it is an identical recall, it affected fewer Toyota and Lexus models, at 1,525,742 units.

2019_Tacoma_SX_Package

Brake Pedals May Bleed to the Floor in Some 2019 Tacomas, an Issue with a Hefty Repair Bill

The brake-related problems with the 2019 Toyota Tacoma are not restricted to the NHTSA recall. There is a total of 32 brake-related complaints from owners on the 2019 Tacoma’s NHTSA page. One of the most widely reported problems by owners is an odd situation where the brake pedal would sink to the floor at a stop. One owner described the problem as brake pressure “bleeding off” from the system. Other owners shared similar experiences.

Another common 2019 Tacoma problem discussed in online forums, like Tacoma World, is the pulsation of rear and front brakes. One forum member who owns a 2019 TRD Sport 2WD Double Cab described the problem as being, “felt in the floor and the brake pedal mostly at high speeds from around 70-50 mph decelerations with moderate to hard brake application.” Several other owners on this forum attested to this problem.

Unfortunately, there is another step down the rabbit hole of problems related to the 2019 Tacoma’s brakes, specifically maintenance costs. One of the most expensive repairs of this truck is related to the brakes. The cost of replacing the brake booster is between $1,160 and $1,788.

2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport - Photo by Toyota

2019 Tacoma Has a Problem with an Automatic Transmission Prone to Shuddering

A common problem with the 2019 Toyota Tacoma has to do with its six-speed automatic transmission. Specifically, it tends to shudder and jerk. Owners across multiple platforms, including the NHTSA and Vehicle History, have reported this problem with their pickups.

For example, one 2019 Tacoma owner on Vehicle History reported that “The six-speed automatic transmission is really jerky at lower speeds of 20 to 50 mph.” Additionally, some owners reported this issue happening at even lower miles. Another Tacoma owner mentioned, “Transmission is bucking at different speeds, feels like the truck is in too high of a gear for the speed it is going.”

If you’re shopping for a 2019 Tacoma and it’s past the 60,000-mile mark, know that transmission-related repairs are likely at your own expense and are typically some of the most expensive repairs to have performed.

2019 Toyota Tacoma SX - Photo by Toyota

Toyota’s 2019 Tacoma is a Worthwhile and Safe Truck with Only a Few Problems

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma has had a few problems. It has two NHTSA recalls for the fuel pump, one for the brake master cylinder, and one for the capacity label. You also have the varying brake problems, and the transmission being prone to shuddering and jerking. Still, the majority of 2019 Tacoma owners have not experienced these problems.

At the end of the day, the 2019 Tacoma is an excellent truck that is revered by owners on Vehicle History, with an overall rating of 4.58 out of five stars.  If you want a strong truck, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a well-rounded choice.

Photos: Toyota

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Onewheelwilson on January 20, 2022
2020 Tacoma issues
6 times my truck has been in for rear braking issues. Symptoms are a slight surge feedback during braking , this increases with time and in about 2-3k miles the truck shakes hard in the rear ( nothing in the steering wheel) only during braking , then with in days the rear brakes would intermittently lock up. The truck has had 3 complete sets of replacement rear braking systems. It has also had 4 axle shafts replaced along with 2 sets of axle bearings. The truck has been into the dealer 6 times and now they stated it’s an “ outside influence “ and I will have to pay to get it fixed. I have called Toyota and they refused to take ownership now my truck is almost 2 years old and only 9500 miles on it. I now ride an E-bike because I simply don’t trust this Toyota Tacoma. I swear Toyota needs to start stepping up. To stick me with a Lemon and give up, because the local Dealer McCord’s Vancouver Toyota said it’s my fault the rear brakes failed. My last car with rear drum brakes was a 02 KIA Rio. This was the cheapest car in America at the time and I went 100,200 miles before I replace the drums and shoes.Yet the local Toyota dealer said it’s me? I am confused I drive like a grandpa because I am . When on the test ride the technician he pulled on the E brake while going over 40 , this is something I would never do, Yet he did then promptly blaimed me stating there was glazing on the drums. I stated maybe it was from the technician, because These drums only have 3200 miles on them. Then to add insult to injury they forgot to do my 10k service. NOT Happy and can not recommend a Toyota or Vancouver McCord’s Toyota. They both want you cash , but will do little if you have issues.
accountCircle DBS on January 8, 2023
Garbage truck
I have a 2019 trd sport. I’ve had a new replaced shortly after I bought it ( brand new). 44k a new engine, 2 fuel pumps, shuttering ( dealer says it’s nothing) bought 100k extended warranty. Torque converter went. Touch screen bad , replaced and it’s bad too. Electrical problems, dash warning lights will just come on for no reason. The other day 4wd light was on and and haven’t used 4wd the just randomly come on . When the dealer replaced the engine they broke multiple tabs on my front bumper cover so now it’s just off.Front driver break locked up on me now that has to be fixed. I know I’m forgetting many other things but here are some. Major features that could definitely cause a lawsuit with Toyota. Never again will I buy another@#toyota !! Made in Mexico 🤦🏻‍♀️. The dealer doesn’t even want to mess with this garbage truck anymore. @#suntoyota in Holiday, Florida are scam artists andmechanics are clueless ! Lemon junk beware ! Oh and 15 mpg in town now !
accountCircle Garrett H on February 22, 2023
2019 Offroad
Bought used April 2022 with 64k on it. So far only issue I've noticed is that my cruise control feels like it waits too long to shift while using or sometimes just flat out won't shift into a higher gear causing some weird noises when driving. I stoppedusing cruise and haven't noticed a problem since. Also, had a recall with the third brakelight seal dealer fixed it and have had no issues. Have noticed the truck shuttering when turning off the engine but in the tacoma manual I read that some shuddering and knocking can be normal in certain instances. Odd to have that in the manual but glad to know it's not necessarily a lemon. My first truck and I will probably keep to toyota in the future. Just wish they'd have automatic headlights.
accountCircle William on March 19, 2022
2019 shudder
Shudder issue, brought it to the Toyota dealership where I bought my vehicle as a certified used vehicle, they had my vehicle for 4 days, invoice states that the PCM was updated with new software. Vehicle still has the problem. (Not happy) I'm so disappointed. I will continue to try and get this resolved.
accountCircle Barbara P on October 30, 2021
Few problems with 2019 Tacoma
We have brought up in the past about the ac noise on high being very loud. The recall on our model has not been resolved. There can be times that the cruise system totally shuts down while driving and it takes a restart to be able to use it again.
accountCircle Stb on November 2, 2021
2019 TRD OFF ROAD
Check engine light came on after 1000 miles. Transmission is bucking at different speeds, feels like the truck is in too high of a gear for the speed it is going RPMs are around 1100-1200 when it occurs. Very disappointed wish I did not buy it.
accountCircle Ariel M on November 1, 2021
Door hinge and electronics issues
Only issues I have has is with the door hinge, it was covered under warranty. Also with the blind spot sensors, sometimes when it rains the truck will not allow me to use the function.
accountCircle Michael on October 31, 2021
2019 Tacoma Limited Piece of Junk
The new 3.5 liter V6 is horrible! There a horrible lagging when you accelerate and the new 6 speed transmission is horrible! Shifts into 6th gear when you’re only going 35mph.
accountCircle Dave Moor on October 29, 2021
Not at all impressed. Dull.
Gearing ratio is a mess. 0 to 30 is a slug. (Scary slow) 30 to 70 is a rocket. Very loud in idle. Cheap tires. 15000 miles and already need replacing.
accountCircle larry a on October 28, 2021
2 stars on engine noise
Engine noise, tapping sounds like a sewing machine sitting at idle, service dept said it was fuel injection pump all new tacoma's are doing this.
accountCircle M Bell on November 1, 2021
Not happy with my 2019 Tacoma Limited!
2019 Tacoma Limited with every option available. Has horrible engine hesitation and transmission shift way to quick into a higher gear.
accountCircle Matt W on October 31, 2021
Weak engine and bad transmission
The transmission could be smoother, perhaps an 8 speed transmission and the v6 is a little weak.
accountCircle Kylee J on November 2, 2021
Poor transmission in 2019 Tacoma
Only issues we've had is with the rpms not adjusting accordingly with the transmission speed.
accountCircle Rex Davis on May 31, 2022
No problems
I have not of these problems, 4 doors, 4wheel drive. For a 4x4 it gets good fuel mile .
accountCircle Lindsey Durham on November 2, 2021
Bad Transmission
The 6 speed Automatic Transmission is really jerky at lower speeds 20 to 50 mph.
accountCircle Hector f Pineda on January 20, 2022
Bmurphy386@gmail.com
Lol look at all these cry babies.... Go buy a Ford or something loosers...
accountCircle Rob on November 1, 2021
Bad Fuel Pump at 6000 miles
A bad fuel pump already is a major concern.
accountCircle Justin D on October 28, 2021
2019 Tacoma trd sport review.
Only issue is a recall for the fuel pump
avatar Felix Duppong
Felix Duppong has specialized experience in the world of motorsports journalism and recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communications from Northwest University. He is a staff writer producing high-quality Formula 1 editorial content for the print publication Missed Apex F1 Podcast. Felix has also covered the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, Indy 500, Daytona 500, and the Rolex 24. When he’s not busy contributing to Drive Tribe, in his spare time, Felix is an avid Sim Racing enthusiast. He has competed in multiple seasons of F1-league racing and is currently racing in the iRacing VRS GT Endurance series.
  • Articles
  • chevronRightAlternative
  • 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a Reliable Pickup, with Only Four Recalls and Many Satisfied Owners