2018 Toyota Tacoma brakes problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V888000Dec 13, 201844,121 vehicles
  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.

  Risk: Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 21, 20268,000 miNVBrakes

   The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle continued moving forward. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was repaired under NHTS Campaign Number: 18V888000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); but the contact had evidence that the repair was not performed. There was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside of the vehicle before the failure, which continued…

   NHTSA complaint #11765873 · source
2. Filed Apr 27, 202677,000 miLABrakes

   The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the brake pedal was spongy while depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted, and the contact discovered oil on the bottom of his shoe before discovering oil in the driver’s side footwell. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that oil was leaking from the engine firewall onto the brake pedal. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was initially informed that the…

   NHTSA complaint #11733984 · source
3. Filed Apr 2, 2026NYBrakesOther / Unknown

   The vacuum pump. This vehicle was inspected by Dunn Tire. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. The safety issue that occurs is the loss of power assist to your brake system, and if not repaired, can impact the camshaft or the oiling system. (Please see attachment).

   NHTSA complaint #11728861 · source
4. Filed Mar 5, 2026CABrakes

   The Break booster has failed or started since the break fluid is leaking inside the cab. And other trucks from the same year as my truck did have a recall for the break master cylinder failing. My breaks could potentially go out fully and I wont be able to stop. My problem has been confirmed by my independent service center. And also there's alot of other people having the same issue online. Since the floor mats show oil stains just like how I found out I was having a…

   NHTSA complaint #11722232 · source
5. Filed Nov 26, 2025CABrakes

   The brake actuator assembly is leaking brake fluid and is dripping onto the brake lever and onto the floorboard. This concern has been inspected and confirmed by a local Toyota dealership. This problem is a known safety recall by Toyota (Safety Recall J06).

   NHTSA complaint #11701669 · source
6. Filed Nov 17, 2025TNBrakes

   The brake master cylinder seal is broken and causing brake fluid to leak into the floorboard of the cab near the brake pedal.

   NHTSA complaint #11699815 · source
7. Filed Sep 6, 2025FLBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   The master cylinder is leaking brake fluid into the cab and is dripping behind the brake pedal. There is brake fluid in the wiring harness that goes to the brake switch as well. This is a known fire hazard from other vehicle manufacturers.

   NHTSA complaint #11685491 · source
8. Filed Apr 12, 2025TXBrakes

   I own a 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road and am experiencing a minor brake fluid leak within the cab which is leaking brake fluid from above the brake pedal. An independent mechanic determined the issue is associated with the brake booster and brake master cylinder which is related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V888000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN is not included in the recall. No warning lights are illuminated. The leak was noticed at approximately…

   NHTSA complaint #11654298 · source
9. Filed Mar 10, 202568,000 miPABrakes

   The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive and starting to accelerate, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear passenger’s side wheel. The contact became aware that the rear passenger’s side wheel was not rotating. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the parking brake…

   NHTSA complaint #11647502 · source
10. Filed Dec 6, 202485,000 miCABrakes

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11629242 · source
11. Filed Nov 19, 2024CABrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

    I have had below issue at 57000 miles on my tacoma. I was told by the dealer that i am not under the warranty, and coporate that there is no recall for my truck by search vin, but its clear im experiencing the same issues as below and seeing other videos on youtube experiencing the same issue, so its clear this truck was built with the same defects. The plano, texas-based manufacturer sent a safety recall report to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa)…

    NHTSA complaint #11626240 · source
12. Filed Sep 20, 2024VABrakes

    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 complaint #11615689 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology