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.
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 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.
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 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.
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