Is the 2019 Toyota Tacoma a bad year?
219 owner complaints to NHTSA. Transmission complaints: 40, 3.3× a quiet Tacoma year.
Keep it, but watch the transmission
Half of the transmission complaints for this year were filed at 0k–6k miles, where you are now.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2019 Tacoma owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 1,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| BrakesSTANDS OUT | 56 (26%) | 1k–7k miles · around this mileage | Brake pad replacement (one axle) $115–$390 · Brake pads and rotors replacement (one axle) $200–$1,084 |
| Transmission and drivetrainSTANDS OUT | 40 (18%) | 0k–6k miles · around this mileage | CV axle / CV joint replacement (one side) $300–$1,500 · Automatic transmission replacement $2,500–$7,000 |
| Fuel systemSTANDS OUT | 75 (34%) | 5k–14k miles · ahead | Fuel pump replacement $220–$1,500 · Fuel injector replacement (one injector) $300–$1,200 |
| Engine | 29 (13%) | 3k–16k miles · ahead | Valve cover gasket replacement $110–$500 · Timing chain replacement $1,000–$4,000 |
| Electrical system | 21 (10%) | 4k–37k miles · ahead | 12-volt battery replacement $100–$400 · Starter motor replacement $350–$1,200 |
| Speed control | 12 (5%) | 4k–18k miles · ahead | — |
| Body structure | 12 (5%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Steering | 10 (5%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Collision avoidance | 7 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 1,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 219 complaints: 11 mention a crash · 1 mentions a fire · 5 report an injury · 11 say the car was towed.
17 complaints were filed in the last 12 months, the newest in Oct 2026.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
In owners' own words
Having issue with the truck 'lurching and jerking" With rpms fluctuationing between 500 and 1000. This happens primarily in reverse with your foot on the brake with steady prussure.
Loud rattletlin noise heard at undercarriage when moving in neutral thru a bumpy road.
Transmission shutters and jerky when accelerating. Vibration when slowing down and during braking.
Unedited excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, chosen by mileage (nearest 1,000 miles), not by content. Unverified.
Recalls for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma: 4
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance. Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Toyota: 128
Repair instructions Toyota sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2019 Toyota Tacoma. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
Non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 - 2025 model year Toyota vehicles
Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak or creak noise from the clutch pedal when it is depressed or released
Some vehicles may exhibit a knocking noise from the vacuum pump at idle
Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration under deceleration (coasting or braking) typically between 30-10 mph
NHTSA defect investigations: 1
Electrical overstress
Neighbouring years
2018 Tacoma: 210 complaints, keep it · 2020 Tacoma: 90 complaints, keep it.
Every Toyota Tacoma year
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Questions
Is the 2019 Toyota Tacoma a bad year?
219 owner complaints to NHTSA. Transmission complaints: 40, 3.3× a quiet Tacoma year. At 1,000 miles the tool says: Keep it, but watch the transmission. Half of the transmission complaints for this year were filed at 0k–6k miles, where you are now.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Tacoma?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: brakes (56), transmission and drivetrain (40), fuel system (75), engine (29), electrical system (21). Half of the transmission complaints were filed between 0k–6k miles.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Tacoma have?
4 recall campaigns list this model year: Fuel system (NHTSA 20V-682), Fuel system (NHTSA 20V-012), Equipment (NHTSA 19V-244), Brakes (NHTSA 18V-888). A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.