2018 Toyota Tacoma · symptom sheet
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early
- 46owner reports
- 14,900median miles
- 5involved a crash
Newest report Apr 27, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
46 of the 202 complaints on this car describe brake wear, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Tacoma.
Tick what matches of 46 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the master cylinder (11 reports), the booster (6 reports) and the pads and rotors (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the brakes covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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 and remedy
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.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 5,000 and 23,500 miles, from the 23 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“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).”
Filed Nov 26, 2025
“The brake master cylinder seal is broken and causing brake fluid to leak into the floorboard of the cab near the brake pedal.”
Filed Nov 17, 2025
“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.”
Filed Sep 6, 2025
“yes has been inspected by the manufacturer and they fixed it but I want to file a claim.”
Filed Jul 17, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 5 of 46 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 28 reports
- Fuel pump failure 26 reports