2020 Toyota Tacoma Problems & Owner Complaints

Fuel/Propulsion System 21

“On Sunday, March 15,2026, I was driving from Houston, TX to Pharr, TX at the speed of 75mph on the left lane to pass an 18 wheeler, with another 18 wheeler behind me, and my truck started idling erratically. I lost speed and my service engine light came on. My truck slowed down and I almost got in a car accident with the 18 wheelers because the truck did this. The truck behind me slowed down on time and it went immediately to the right lane to avoid hitting my truck. I feared for my life. All the vehicles behind me and the 18 wheelers also went to the right lane to avoid me. By this time, the…”
NHTSA complaint #11725081, 2026

“Driving the car on the freeway and upon exiting it stalled going up an incline without any warning. Could have caused a major accident and I am lucky that it did not happen on the freeway. I researched and found out that 2019-2020 Toyota pickups had this known issue in which the fuel pump fails without any warning. As a result, Toyota did issue a recall, however when I contacted them and provided the Vin number, they indicated my truck was not covered under the recall. I am very upset that a 5 year old truck failed on the fuel pump and Toyota is not covering it under the recall since this…”
NHTSA complaint #11687038, 2025

“The check Engine light came on two different times for us on the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. We called Toyota to see if we could continue to drive it and they asked if the light stayed on or was blinking, and if it stayed on we could still drive the vehicle . We did not feel comfortable doing that so made an appointment on February 5th,2025 and after we parked the truck at the dealership, they started it again the check engine light did not come on. They were going to send us home. The service man then asked if we wanted do a Diagnostic test to check the system and that is when they found it was the l…”
NHTSA complaint #11641069, 2025

Power Train 15

“The Clutch in the Manual Transmission makes a "creaking" noise, and you can feel it when driving too, when depressing the clutch pedal... The creaking noise is annoying, but the feel of the creaking is very distracting when driving the manual transmission, depressing the creaky clutch can distract you from the road because you can feel it; and it only get's worse when left alone. This is a recurring issue on my 2020 Tacoma. It was "fixed" by the dealer in 2022, I think, and now it's happening again... same "creaking" issue that starts out small and gets louder and more violent (you can feel th…”
NHTSA complaint #11754665, 2026

“Toyota has a manufacturing defect going on with their v6 in Gen 3Tacoma's. I have a 2020 Limited with 48,200 miles that needs a new cylinder head. It threw a check engine light on me, and luckily enough I took it to the dealership within about 30 miles, otherwise my engine could have exploded. I have videos from the dealership inspection that I cannot attach here. I have since found via the error code a history of these issues on newer trucks. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I believe that this issue could pose serious safety issues for someone who is not as immediate on stop…”
NHTSA complaint #11712671, 2026

“Vehicle accelerated on its own at highway speed, had to hit the brake in order for it to stop accelerating. Other more common issue is that vehicle RPMs go up when trying to accelerate but vehicle does not accelerate, just RPMs go up. This happened about 5 times over the past year and a half. Most noticeable time was where I couldn’t accelerate after at all until I pulled over and put it in park. Then back to drive again and worked fine. This car has been brought over to Lia Toyota of rockland numerous times with this second issue and they can never duplicate nor fix the problem”
NHTSA complaint #11708785, 2026

Engine 14 1 crash 1 injury

“VEHICLE HAD A FRONT/RIGHT COLLISION WITH THE TREES ON A ROAD DURING THE RAINY EVENING. VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY OUR CAR INSURANCE COMPANY ADJUSTER. THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED THEREFORE THERE WERE SERIOUS INJURIES AND FRACTURES AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT. WHY DID THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOY? WAS THERE A BREAKS OR OTHER SAFETY MALFUNCTIONING?”
NHTSA complaint #11394568, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Toyota has a manufacturing defect going on with their v6 in Gen 3Tacoma's. I have a 2020 Limited with 48,200 miles that needs a new cylinder head. It threw a check engine light on me, and luckily enough I took it to the dealership within about 30 miles, otherwise my engine could have exploded. I have videos from the dealership inspection that I cannot attach here. I have since found via the error code a history of these issues on newer trucks. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I believe that this issue could pose serious safety issues for someone who is not as immediate on stop…”
NHTSA complaint #11712671, 2026

“Vehicle accelerated on its own at highway speed, had to hit the brake in order for it to stop accelerating. Other more common issue is that vehicle RPMs go up when trying to accelerate but vehicle does not accelerate, just RPMs go up. This happened about 5 times over the past year and a half. Most noticeable time was where I couldn’t accelerate after at all until I pulled over and put it in park. Then back to drive again and worked fine. This car has been brought over to Lia Toyota of rockland numerous times with this second issue and they can never duplicate nor fix the problem”
NHTSA complaint #11708785, 2026

Service Brakes 13

“Brake fluid leaking into cab from master cylinder”
NHTSA complaint #11697744, 2025

“My brake master cylinder is leaking brake fluid under the steering column and dripping inside. This seems to have a recall but they only did it for trucks up to 2019 and my 2020 has the same exact issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11660258, 2025

“The other day I was slowing down on an off-ramp and all the sudden had no brakes, or at least no power brakes for maybe 30 feet and then all of the sudden power assist came back and slammed hard on the brakes. If there would have been a car at the stop sign I would have rear ended them. Pavement was dry, No ABS light, no codes, everything has been normal since then. I have noticed that the electronic brake booster on this truck "cycles" every few brake applications resulting in inconsistent braking power, which is especially noticeable at low speeds. I have been told this is normal for these…”
NHTSA complaint #11593291, 2024

Electrical System 8

“Started my truck up to go to the store started driving and all of a sudden it acted like it was running out of fuel check engine light came on and a ! Symbol came to barely make it back home it sat for three weeks and had to have it towed to dealer they diagnostic on it and said it was a fuel pump problem the thing is there's a recall on this same vehicle but not mine $1400 is what they want to fix there problem my truck should on the recall”
NHTSA complaint #11631869, 2024

“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The contact became aware that the battery terminal was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced, and the repair was partially covered; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the infotainment system turned off and on independently. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered, and the engine made an abnormal sound. The check engin…”
NHTSA complaint #11631237, 2024

“vehicle fuel pump went out without any notice and fuel gauge and cluster not showing any data on the instrument cluster. vehicle loss power and would not go over 40mph on the freeway take over 5 minutes to reach 60 mph per hour. Always serviced at the Toyota dealer and they won't help to fix the problem since its over 49K. they won't even look at emissions problem even it under warranty for 8 year/ 80K per emission warranty for ecu.”
NHTSA complaint #11631021, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 8 2 crash 2 injury

“the person run away, she left, i took a pic of the car and vin problale she left because doesnt have DL”
NHTSA complaint #11558666, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“My wife was backing up in our driveway, and hit another vehicle parked in our driveway. The backup pre-collision system did not issue any warning, and did not stop the vehicle (as it is supposed to do).”
NHTSA complaint #11461873, 2022 · crash

“Toyota has a manufacturing defect going on with their v6 in Gen 3Tacoma's. I have a 2020 Limited with 48,200 miles that needs a new cylinder head. It threw a check engine light on me, and luckily enough I took it to the dealership within about 30 miles, otherwise my engine could have exploded. I have videos from the dealership inspection that I cannot attach here. I have since found via the error code a history of these issues on newer trucks. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I believe that this issue could pose serious safety issues for someone who is not as immediate on stop…”
NHTSA complaint #11712671, 2026

Unknown Or Other 8

“I am reporting a safety-related failure of an aftermarket bull bar / grille guard purchased through Amazon. The bull bar detached from the vehicle while the vehicle was in motion on a public road. After detaching, the bar was dragged on the road and was only partially held by the fog light wiring. This created a road hazard and could have caused loss of control, damage to other vehicles, or injury to pedestrians or other drivers. The failure appears to be at or near the welded joint / mounting area, suggesting a possible manufacturing or weld defect rather than normal wear. The product was i…”
NHTSA complaint #11742928, 2026

“On Sunday, March 15,2026, I was driving from Houston, TX to Pharr, TX at the speed of 75mph on the left lane to pass an 18 wheeler, with another 18 wheeler behind me, and my truck started idling erratically. I lost speed and my service engine light came on. My truck slowed down and I almost got in a car accident with the 18 wheelers because the truck did this. The truck behind me slowed down on time and it went immediately to the right lane to avoid hitting my truck. I feared for my life. All the vehicles behind me and the 18 wheelers also went to the right lane to avoid me. By this time, the…”
NHTSA complaint #11725081, 2026

“Whenever I’m driving my truck before it hits 40 miles it shakes bad but then when it passes 40 miles it stops and drives like if there’s nothing wrong with it”
NHTSA complaint #11566611, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 8

“On Sunday, March 15,2026, I was driving from Houston, TX to Pharr, TX at the speed of 75mph on the left lane to pass an 18 wheeler, with another 18 wheeler behind me, and my truck started idling erratically. I lost speed and my service engine light came on. My truck slowed down and I almost got in a car accident with the 18 wheelers because the truck did this. The truck behind me slowed down on time and it went immediately to the right lane to avoid hitting my truck. I feared for my life. All the vehicles behind me and the 18 wheelers also went to the right lane to avoid me. By this time, the…”
NHTSA complaint #11725081, 2026

“While traveling with cruise set at 62mph and a truck was in the right turn lane the automatic collision went off and hard brake when nothing was in front of the truck this has happen also with out cruise control on pulling up to a stop light and being first person no other vehicle was on the road I also don't have forward collision turned on or lane departure”
NHTSA complaint #11520877, 2023

“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving approximately 80 MPH, the brakes activated independent of the driver input and the vehicle slowed to 60 MPH abruptly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11434784, 2021

Air Bags 4 3 crash 4 injury

“Was driving doing 35mph and some one ran stop sign T boned Car who ran stop sign my air bags didn't deploy all air bags of other car deployed. My car was totaled . None of the air bags deployed according to recall my vin is not in takata recall. I was tosses all over car”
NHTSA complaint #11510076, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving 50 mph in the morning and in heavy fog, she was unable to visibly see the road which caused her to impact a stationed vehicle in the middle of the road. The contact stated the vehicle was stationed due to a prior crash incident. The contact stated she steered to the right and ended up in a ditch. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. No air bags deployed. The contact stated she thinks she hit her head on the front windshield since it was fractured. The contact stated she sustained a concussion and has bruis…”
NHTSA complaint #11508718, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH ON A SNOW ROAD, HE HAD ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN BUT DUE TO THE ICY CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE SLID OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A DITCH. THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED AT AN ANGLE WHICH HIT HIM IN THE RIGHT EYE AND CAUSED IMMEDIATE BLINDNESS. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG ALSO TRAPPED HIM IN BETWEEN THE SEATBELT AND THE AIRBAG. THE CONTACT WAS RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL ONCE THE AUTHORITIES ARRIVED AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH PERMANENT RIGHT EYE BLINDNESS. THE CONTACT ALSO SUFFERED MINOR ABRASIONS TO THE FACE, THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11382875, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Back Over Prevention 3

“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while in reverse, the rearview camera failed to display a centered rearview image. The contact observed that the rearview image was misaligned, potentially compromising the back over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #11686363, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera failed to display a centered rear-view image. The contact observed that the rearview image was misaligned, potentially compromising the back over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11686377, 2025

“WHEN YOU ARE BACKING UP WITH YOUR HEAD LIGHTS ON DURING THE DAY YOUR BACKUP CAMERA SCREEN GOES ALMOST DARK. LETS SAY IT IS RAINING OR ANY OTHER REASON YOU HAPPEN TO HAVE YOUR HEAD LIGHT'S ON OR WANT THEM ON AND YOU NEED TO BACK UP YOUR SCREEN FOR THE BACKUP CAMERA GOES ALMOST DARK YOU CAN NOT MAKE ANYTHING OUT ON THE SCREEN. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THE CAMERA SCREEN SHOULD REMAIN BRIGHT JUST AS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR HEAD LIGHTS ON. A PERSON SHOULD NOT HAVE TO TURN OFF THE HEAD LIGHTS OFF JUST TO SEE THE BACKUP CAMERA SCREEN. SOME STATES REQUIRE WHEN IT RAINS TO PUT YOUR HEAD LIGHTS ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11339594, 2020

Steering 3

“This is a safety issue and a known issue. Toyota is reporting that it is wear and tear and denying my goodwill repair but it is a technical service bulletin TSB #0082-21 - so it is a safety issue. I emailed and called and have case number with Toyota - 260225002292”
NHTSA complaint #11723258, 2025

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE LEFT CONSIDERABLY AND PERMANENTLY EVEN WHEN IT WAS GOING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO SERVICE, THEY ALIGNED IT AND IN JUST 500 MILES IT BEGAN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT AGAIN EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GOING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT IN SERVICE AGAIN SOON.”
NHTSA complaint #11396189, 2021

“WHEN IN REVERSE AND BACKING UP, ENGINE WILL SURGE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. IN A TIGHT SPACE TRUCK IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11323329, 2020

Structure 3 1 crash 1 injury

“VEHICLE HAD A FRONT/RIGHT COLLISION WITH THE TREES ON A ROAD DURING THE RAINY EVENING. VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY OUR CAR INSURANCE COMPANY ADJUSTER. THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED THEREFORE THERE WERE SERIOUS INJURIES AND FRACTURES AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT. WHY DID THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOY? WAS THERE A BREAKS OR OTHER SAFETY MALFUNCTIONING?”
NHTSA complaint #11394568, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Pressure release vents mounted on rear of the cab are leaking water during rain storms causing mold build up in carpet.”
NHTSA complaint #11679899, 2025

“HOOD VIBRATES ARE HIGHER SPEEDS REFLECTING SUN CREATING A FLASH/STROBE LIGHT TYPE EFFECT BLINDING DRIVER.”
NHTSA complaint #11406509, 2021

Fuel System 2

“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle lost power steering assist and brakes, but was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact stated that the low oil and brake warning lights were illuminated, and a message to “Contact Dealer” was displayed. The vehicle was hauled by a friend's truck to a parking lot. The contact used a hand scanner and retrieved fault codes for the fuel pump, brake override, drive start control malfunction, and low oil pressure. The vehicle was towed back to the residence.…”
NHTSA complaint #11710446, 2026

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION TOYOTA MALL OF GEORGIA (3505 BUFORD DR, BUFORD, GA 30519, (770)674-6083) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVI…”
NHTSA complaint #11387134, 2020

Lane Departure 2 1 crash 2 injury

“the person run away, she left, i took a pic of the car and vin problale she left because doesnt have DL”
NHTSA complaint #11558666, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT AND THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE LEFT CONSIDERABLY AND PERMANENTLY EVEN WHEN IT WAS GOING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO SERVICE, THEY ALIGNED IT AND IN JUST 500 MILES IT BEGAN TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT AGAIN EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS GOING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT IN SERVICE AGAIN SOON.”
NHTSA complaint #11396189, 2021

Seat Belts 2

“Front passenger seat belt/SRS lights flashing and staying on. I recently gave someone a ride and when they adjusted the seat/seat belt these lights on the dash came on and will not go off. My guess it is the SRS/seatbelt/seat pretensioner.”
NHTSA complaint #11649136, 2025

“A child infant passenger car seat was placed in the rear passenger center seat position. The the shoulder/lap-belt was used to install the car seat rear-facing. Once the install was complete. The shoulder belt was slowly pulled and extended all the way out. The purpose was to have the shoulder belt reach its maxed length. This would position the belt to be placed into retracting mode only. This would prevent the child or an infant to possibly extend the belt once its been retracted. This would minimize the free play with the belt such as being tangled with child's arm, head, body parts,…”
NHTSA complaint #11444037, 2021

Seats 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA TACOMA DRIVEN BY HIS SON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HIS SON WAS CLEANING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NEW AND THAT THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SNAP AND CAUSE HIS SON TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE ROSEVILLE TOYOTA DEALER LOCATED AT 700 AUTOMALL DR, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661, WHERE THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT SEAT FRAMES TENDED TO RUST OVERTIME HOWEVER, HE PROCEEDED TO INSPECT OTHER TOYOTA TACOMA'S ON THE LOT BUT FOUND NO VEHIC…”
NHTSA complaint #11354418, 2020

“SEAT BECAME UNLATCHED, WHILE APPLYING BRAKES.”
NHTSA complaint #11311439, 2020

Tires 2

“Tire failed. The tire is not in my possession anymore. The tire was replaced by America's Tire. I had purchased a tire warranty. Tire failed while traveling at 65 MPH in lane 2 of Interstate 5 northbound at the 5/405 split at approximately 12:35 pm. The traffic was moderate. My vehicle was difficult to control and the noise very loud. The tire pressure warning light did come on. P 265 / 65 R17 1127 SL BSW DOT Code: 1APLV00VX4721”
NHTSA complaint #11466158, 2022

“SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE ON INTERSTATE. NO VISIBLE SIGN OF DAMAGE TO THE TIRE. OEM TIRE, NEW TRUCK, 2,500 TOTAL MILES. TIRE NAME "OPEN COUNTRY", MADE IN JAPAN. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11326870, 2020

Exterior Lighting 1

“The issue is that I and as well as many others live in cold winter climates. LED headlights do not put off the heat required to keep snow and ice off of them. This is a hazardous and accident causing issue when you can not see any longer. Getting out of the vehicle every few miles poses a hazard in it's own that you are pulling over on a roadway to clear the headlights. I don't feel the manufacturers thought this through and is getting worse that most newer vehicles & all electrical vehicles have LED lighting. There needs to be a heater system or film/built in heat source for the lens...…”
NHTSA complaint #11503160, 2023

Suspension 1 1 crash 1 injury

“VEHICLE HAD A FRONT/RIGHT COLLISION WITH THE TREES ON A ROAD DURING THE RAINY EVENING. VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY OUR CAR INSURANCE COMPANY ADJUSTER. THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED THEREFORE THERE WERE SERIOUS INJURIES AND FRACTURES AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT. WHY DID THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOY? WAS THERE A BREAKS OR OTHER SAFETY MALFUNCTIONING?”
NHTSA complaint #11394568, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 1

“HOOD VIBRATES ARE HIGHER SPEEDS REFLECTING SUN CREATING A FLASH/STROBE LIGHT TYPE EFFECT BLINDING DRIVER.”
NHTSA complaint #11406509, 2021

Wheels 1

“I recently changed tires from the factory originals. While tightening the lug nuts 4 wheel studs sheared off while tightening (2 on passenger front tire and 2 on passenger rear tire). In light of this issue I decided to replace all 12 wheel studs on the affected tires. The 8 remaining wheel studs that were still intact all had evidence of thread stretch visible to the naked eye.”
NHTSA complaint #11446667, 2022