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2018 Toyota Tacoma Brakes Problems

34 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data

34
Complaints
1
Recalls
5
Crashes
Jan 2024Dec 2023
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Brakes Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #18V888000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.

Owner Complaints (34)

criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2026

Your brake booster has failed and brake fluid is leaking inside your cab, causing you to need excessive brake pedal pressure to stop. Your independent service center has confirmed the issue, and you've noticed oil stains on your floor mats. Because your brakes could fail completely, this is a serious safety concern that will likely require replacement of the brake master cylinder and brake booster assembly.

NHTSA #: 11722232
criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2025

Your brake actuator assembly is leaking brake fluid, which drips onto the brake lever and floorboard. A Toyota dealership has confirmed this is happening on your vehicle. This is a known safety issue that Toyota has issued a recall for (Safety Recall J06). The fix will involve replacing the brake actuator assembly.

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NHTSA #: 11701669
criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2025

Your brake master cylinder seal has failed, causing brake fluid to leak onto the floorboard near your brake pedal. This is a serious safety issue since brake fluid loss can reduce your braking ability. The master cylinder will need to be replaced or rebuilt to stop the leak and restore proper brake function.

NHTSA #: 11699815
highSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Apr 2025

Your 2018 Toyota Tacoma is leaking brake fluid from inside the cabin above the brake pedal. An independent mechanic traced the leak to the brake booster and master cylinder, which are the same components involved in a known recall (NHTSA Campaign 18V888000), but your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in that recall. Although no warning lights are on and the leak is small now, it may worsen over time.

NHTSA #: 11654298
highPARKING BRAKE
Filed: Mar 2025

Your rear passenger-side wheel occasionally locks up when you shift into drive and start accelerating, creating an unusual noise and preventing that wheel from spinning. The dealer found the parking brake cable was failing and repaired it, but the problem keeps coming back. The issue happens without any warning lights showing up on your dashboard.

NHTSA #: 11647502
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jul 2025

Your vehicle's service brakes, fuel/propulsion system, and forward collision avoidance system were inspected by Toyota and repaired. You're filing this complaint to document the issue even though the manufacturer has already fixed it.

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NHTSA #: 11674158
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while inside the vehicle, there was brake fluid leaking from above the brake pedal. Additionally, while driving, the brake pedal had to be firmly depressed to stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a brake booster leak inside the cab, and it was determined that the brake booster and brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V888000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA #: 11629242
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2024

The brake system is leaking fluid in the cab of the truck creating a safety hazard; the brake fluid is a slick oily substance that can potentially inhibit the application of the braking system when the foot is applied to the pedal with the brake fluid on the pedal or picked up on the bottom of the foot.

NHTSA #: 11615689
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jul 2024

The Electrohydraulic Brake Booster leak a Brake Fluid in the driver side Cabin near to Brake pedal.. This brake Fluid leak touch de floor paint and cause rust on the metal floor… eventually make the warning light on on dash panel and canceling brake functions and another think on brake system .. is a brake fail dangerous.. to much tacoma owners report that fails but Toyota USA solution is replace a Part but out of warranty ..

NHTSA #: 11603931
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2024

Unknown it changed and I have not kept track of new or old details.

NHTSA #: 11603294
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jan 2024

The brake system is leaking fluid in the cab of the truck creating a safety hazard; the brake fluid is a slick oily substance that can potentially inhibit the application of the braking system when the foot is applied to the pedal with the brake fluid on the pedal or picked up on the bottom of the foot.

NHTSA #: 11563738
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2023

2018 Tacoma DC TRD Off Road, V6, hydraulic brake master cylinder, 49,000 miles: Brake fluid leaking into the cab of the vehicle beneath the brake pedal. Brake fluid is leaking from the rear of the master cylinder, running down the push rod and dripping off of the brake pedal bracket. Brake pedal resistance is slightly reduced. First noticed something dripping on my floor mat in April of 2023. I wasn't sure what it was. It never occurred to me that it could be brake fluid. There shouldn't be any vehicle fluids under the dash. There is the possibility of the system losing enough pressure that the brake system could fail entirely causing an accident and possible injury. (same symptoms as the recall for the vacuum boosted master cylinder-internal seal failure) This part should last at least half the life of the vehicle. 5 years and 49,000 miles is very premature for this part to fail. Took vehicle to the dealership. The dealership was quick to inform me that there are no open recalls on my vehicle, and this is not the same issue as the recall. I have a different style of master cylinder that is not affected by the recall. Toyota will not cover the failure. I should replace the entire master cylinder ($2100) and reevaluate. There have been no warning lamps, messages, or DTC's.

NHTSA #: 11562460
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2023

Brake pedal went to the floor and I lost almost all braking, had to use the hand brake to get home. Brakes had been working fine on outbound trip, failed when preparing to return home.

NHTSA #: 11527695
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Mar 2023

Pulling vehicle into the garage on a cold morning (15 deg F). Hydraulic booster/brake master cylinder suddenly stopped providing boost pressure and brake pedal dropped to the floor. With no braking effort able to be applied the vehicle was driven into the house at slow speed. No hydraulic leaks are noted and pedal height and brake performance seems to have returned. There is fluid in the master cylinder reservoir and it doesn't appear to be contaminated. Braking capability returned after placing the vehicle in park and then reversing. Waiting for insurance follow up to select a collision repair shop and have the vehicle towed for repair. Dash cam video of the incident is available and clearly shows braking occurring and then the vehicle speeding up or failing to stop. Was unable to upload the video due to size. Photos are also available showing the damage and dry garage floors where the accident occurred. Vehicle is equipped with WeatherTech floor mats and I've verified there are no issues with mats and unattended acceleration with photographic documentation. I was the driver during the incident, am ASE Master Certified, and have taught automotive courses at the local community college for the last 12 years, worked as an automotive technician for 10 years prior, and work professionally as a Mechanical Engineer. Leveraging my experience, there is clearly a present concern with the hydraulic brake booster/master cylinder, particularly at cold temperatures.

NHTSA #: 11512521
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2023

My brake master cylinder failed on my 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The Toyota service technician inspected it and said it failed. My brake pedal went to the floor which affected my braking distance. There were no warning lights or indication that my brakes failed.

NHTSA #: 11508295
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2022

Brake fluid is leaking into cab of the truck around the brake pedal area. Brake pedal needs to be pushed in slightly more than normal. My truck has the same issues stated in the 2018-2019 Tacoma brake master cylinder recall. As stated in the original recall braking could be affected which could result in crash. I called Toyota and explain the situation and all I received was “there are currently no open recalls for your vehicle.”

NHTSA #: 11491791
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2022

My vehicles brakes stopped working unexpectedly. The brakes would not stop the truck until my foot was on the floor which caused me to almost rear end another vehicle. They also locked up when I tried to stop. There were no warning lights showing before, during, or after the incident. The dealer has not had a chance to check the vehicle yet but there was a previous recall issued for braking issues for Tacoma's made between February 2018-November 2018, and my Tacoma was manufactured in August 2018.

NHTSA #: 11468048
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after her husband parked the vehicle at a private property and shifted into gear and releasing the clutch, the rear passenger’s side tire locked up. The driver stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver and his son manually replaced the 8 springs, 8 retainers, and 8 pins on the rear brakes. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,500.

NHTSA #: 11456959
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2021

When pressing the brake it takes about 1/4 th of pressing the brake down before the brakes engage.

NHTSA #: 11433518
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving over 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop in a timely manner. The contact stated that there was no collision. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the front driver’s and passenger’s side brake linings, brake pads, and rotors were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA #: 11431209
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
CrashFiled: Jan 2021

I WAS INVOKED IN A FRONT END COLLISION MY BRAKES DIDN'T STOP FAST ENOUGH MY PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE BOTTOM FLOOR AND MY TPS RADAR COLLISION WARNING DIDN'T ACTIVATE WHAT CAN I DO ?

NHTSA #: 11390591
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2020

RECALL ISSUES HAVE BEEN REPORTED VIA PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS TO DEALERSHIP SINCE MARCH-2020 BUT HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY ASSISTANCE ON MATTERS FOR TWO RECALLS, ONE IN DEC2018 FOR THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND ANOTHER IN JAN2020 FOR THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. BRAKES ARE ALWAYS MAKING A LOUD NOISE ESPECIALLY ON REVERSE.

NHTSA #: 11363749
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Sep 2020

THE CAR WAS PUT IN REVERSE IN ORDER TO GET OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. AS I TURNED THE WHEEL AS IT WAS IN REVERSE THE CAR BEGAN TO ACT WEIRD AND THE BRAKES DID NOT SEEM TO WORK. I PUMPED THE BRAKES 3 TIMES, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE AND THE CAR PARKED BEHIND ME WAS HIT. I WAS GOING SLOW WHEN I REVERSED, HOWEVER MY WHOLE BUMPER SNAPPED OFF AND MY TAILLIGHT SHATTERED. THE TRUCK SEEMED TO HAVE ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING USED....THE BRAKES SEEMED TO WORK JUST FINE AFTER, HOWEVER DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WEREN'T ANY CODES INDICATING A LOSS OF BRAKES. THERE WAS NO FLUID OR LEAKAGE ON THE COMPARTMENT EITHER. EVERYTHING WAS FINE I WAS TOLD, BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO ADD UP FOR ME. THIS TRUCK WAS SECOND-HAND FROM THE DEALERSHIP, SO I AM NOT SURE IF IT WAS PART OF THE TRUCKS THAT HAD A RECALL ON BRAKES. THE CURRENT RECALL ON IT HAD TO DO WITH THE PUMP WHICH THERE IS NO REMEDY FOR.

NHTSA #: 11353438
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2020

THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) ENGAGES WHEN ROAD SURFACES ARE SNOWY OR SLICK. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I CANNOT STOP THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE DISTANCE. THE ABS TAKES OVER AND THE CAR COASTS INDEFINITELY. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT IN 40 YEARS OF DRIVING, AND HAVE NOW HAD THREE NEAR MISSES OVER THE LAST TWO WINTERS DUE TO THE ABS.

NHTSA #: 11307450
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2019

VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE BRAKE SHUDDER WHILE DECELERATING FROM FREEWAY SPEEDS. AS THE BRAKES HEAT UP, THE BRAKE SHUDDER GETS MORE AND MORE PRONOUNCED. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE ON THIS ISSUE 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. TSB HAS BEEN DONE TO ADDRESS REAR AXLE ISSUES, ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND REAR DRUMS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ONCE. VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER'S 2YR/25,000 MILE TOYOTACARE WARRANTY, BUT MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE DRUMS/ROTORS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DIFFERENT SHOP AND HAD FRONT ROTORS/PADS REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE REAR DRUMS AND THERE IS STILL A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE BRAKES WHILE DECELERATING. PLEASE ADVISE.

NHTSA #: 11269441
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2019

HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE MY VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL, SHOWED UP TO DO THE RECALL ON THE DRIVE, SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THEY CAN'T DO THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. WHY CALL AND EMAIL ABOUT THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE TO HAVE ME DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE TOLD NO. WASTE OF TIME. THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE IS "SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN K0B (REMEDY NOTICE) - CERTAIN 2018 ' 2019 MODEL YEAR TACOMA AND TUNDRA - MILLIMETER WAVE RADAR SENSOR". I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE COME TO A STOP AND HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT ON IN THE MORNING WITH MORNING DEW, HAPPENED A FEW TIMES IN THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS.

NHTSA #: 11245892
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF WYLER TOYOTA OF SPRINGFIELD (2237 W 1ST ST, SPRINGFIELD, OH 45502, (937) 525-4642) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE ROTATED, RESURFACED, AND THE DRUMS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1905151322. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V888000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT REQUESTED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING ON THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,900.

NHTSA #: 11217829
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2019

THE CAR TAKES TIME TO STOP COMPLETELY AFTER PRESSING THE BREAK.

NHTSA #: 11207631
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Apr 2019

I FEEL THAT THE TOYOTA DEALER IN WAIPAHU, HAWAII IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE DEFECT IN REGARDS TO RECALL NO. 18V-888. I RECEIVED THE RECALL REMEDY NOTICE IN THE MAIL, I THEN CALLED OUR DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE VERY NEXT DAY ON 2/25/19. I WAS TOLD THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER AND THEY HAD NO ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL FOR THE PART. I ASKED FOR A PHONE CALL THAT DAY TO SATISFY MY CONCERN ON NO ETA FOR THE PART SINCE THIS RECALL AFFECTS MY BRAKE PERFORMANCE. NO CALL WAS RECEIVED. ON 3/27/19, I CALLED AGAIN AND WAS TOLD I HAD TO KEEP CALLING SINCE THEY HAVE NO IDEA IN REGARDS TO THE ETA FOR THE PART. SECONDLY, I CANNOT BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST SINCE I NEED TO BE AT THE REMEDY LEVEL. I WAS CONFUSED SINCE OUR RECALL STATES IT IS A REMEDY NOTICE WHICH I EXPLAINED I ALREADY HAD. I WAS PUT ON HOLD ONLY TO BE TOLD SHE MADE A MISTAKE AND THAT A MANAGER WILL CALL ME BACK THE SAME DAY. NO CALL WAS RECEIVED. TODAY IS 4/3/19 AND I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL. I FEEL THAT THIS IS NOT VERY REASONABLE SINCE THIS RECALL AFFECTS BRAND NEW TRUCKS (2018-2019). HOW CAN THIS REPAIR BE PUSHED BACK WHEN IT AFFECTS YOUR BRAKE PERFORMANCE? SECONDLY, HOW CAN YOU SEND OUT A REMEDY NOTICE, HAVE A CUSTOMER MAKE CONTACT RIGHT AWAY, AND STATE THAT THERE ARE ALREADY NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL.

NHTSA #: 11193706
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2019

MY BRAND NEW TACOMA HAS A STICKING BRAKE PEDAL THAT STICKS IN THE PEDAL'S NEUTRAL POSITION. IT NEEDS MORE FORCE TO PRESS IT AT RANDOM TIMES. THIS ISSUE STOOD OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS ON A DIRT ROAD AND CAME ACROSS SOME ICE. I JUST NEEDED TO APPLY MINIMAL PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES TO KEEP FROM SPEEDING UP AS I WAS GOING DOWNHILL OVER THE ICE. THERE WAS NO AREA TO TURN AROUND IN THIS LOCATION AND WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE IT BACK UP THE HILL DUE TO THE ICE. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT STUCK AT FIRST THEN POPPED DOWNWARD MAKING ME APPLY MORE PRESSURE THAN I WANTED TO. THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITH MORE FORCE CAUSING ME TO NOT BE FULLY IN CONTROL AS I BEGAN TO SWERVE WITH THE BRAKES LOCKING UP PRIOR TO THE ABS KICKING IN (TIRES LOCK FOR THE ABS TO WORK). I'VE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND VOICED THE SAFETY CONCERN. THEY DID INSPECT IT, HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD EACH TIME THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONS AS IT SHOULD, PER MANUFACTURER SPECS. CASE FILED DIRECTLY WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE ALSO HAD NO RESOLUTION. ONE VISIT STATED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE LOT HAD THE SAME CONCERN.

NHTSA #: 11184026
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 2019

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE IS NOT EVEN 1 YEAR OLD YET AND BRAKES SHOULD NOT BE HAVING PROBLEMS.

NHTSA #: 11182077
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Jan 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN HIS GARAGE, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO CROWN TOYOTA OF LAWRENCE (3430 IOWA ST, LAWRENCE, KS 66046, (785) 843-7700) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.

NHTSA #: 11171806
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Nov 2018

CROSSING STREET GOING STRAIGHT EASTBOUND ON GREEN LIGHT, ROAD CONSTRUCTION GOING ON. TRUCK STOPPED COMPLETELY ON MIDDLE OF ROAD, THINKING THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. NO VEHICLE IN FRONT JUST SHADOW OF THE BRIDGE, THAT MADE CAR STOP AUTOMATICALLY. BY THEN NORTH TRAFFIC STARTED MOVING GOT HIT. WERE IN A 5 VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

NHTSA #: 11149582
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUTOLAND TOYOTA (170 US 22, SPRINGFIELD, NJ 07081), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.

NHTSA #: 11124349

Other 2018 Toyota Tacoma Issues