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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Toyota Tacoma engine problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
1fire
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Package: 09/14/2018 The note in the ?Parts Ordering Process? section to reference POL17-16 to determine the applicable U-joint kit part # has been removed. T-SB-0302-17 has been updated with this information. Toyota has received a number of reports regarding Propeller Shaft Universal Joints on certain 2005 ? 2011 model year Tacoma vehicles. In these reports, customers have indicated that there is a drivetrain vibration and/or drivetrain noise. If the vehicle continues to be driven with the aforementioned condition, there is risk of severe damage to the propeller shaft. Although the Propeller Shaft Universal Joints are covered by Toyota?s Powertrain Limited Warranty for 5 years or 60,0
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Uncontrolled acceleration is the dominant complaint. Owners describe sudden RPM spikes to 4,500+ exceeding 85 mph with foot off the pedal, sometimes with pedals appearing floored on their own. One owner nearly collided at an intersection after the truck inched forward despite both feet on the brake; another struck a stopped vehicle. Braking and clutch engagement temporarily restore control, but the problem vanishes on restart with no warning lights. Dealers consistently cannot reproduce these incidents or find fault codes.
Engine surging linked to AC/heater activation occurs at stops with foot on brake. Stalling accompanied by loud revving and forward lunge has sent at least one owner to the dealer three times without resolution.
One catastrophic failure involved engine compartment fire at 115,000 miles, resulting in hospitalization for smoke inhalation and heart attack.
Mechanical wear shows up in timing cover oil leaks (dealers cite expired warranty despite owner claims this is a manufacturing defect), blown head gasket at 42,700 miles, and ECM failure requiring replacement after a year of oxygen sensor cycling faults. An abnormal engine roar upon AC engagement persisted after air filter replacement.
Transmission jumping at stops and smooth acceleration is reported as intermittent but daily. No diagnostic codes appear in most complaints; Toyota engineers have inspected vehicles but found nothing.
Same Toyota Tacoma engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Uncontrolled engine acceleration / runaway RPM
Engine RPMs spike and vehicle accelerates uncontrollably when driver's foot is off the accelerator pedal, at stops, or while braking. RPMs exceed 4,500 and vehicle speeds reach 85+ mph. Clutch engagement or engine shutdown required to regain control. Problem disappears on restart with no diagnostic codes.
When: Multiple occurrences reported between 0–62,000 miles; some during new vehicle ownership; intermittent recurrence
Symptoms owners cite: RPM surge to 4,500+ within seconds; Vehicle accelerates to 85+ mph without driver input; Pedal appears floored on its own; Engine rears up on downshift during passing attempts; Rear wheels spin while both feet on brake; Truck inches toward intersection despite full brake pressure; Problem ceases on engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to reproduce or diagnose; Toyota engineer inspection unsuccessful; one owner noted Toyota stated electronic chip limits excessive RPM; no repairs completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota engineer sent for inspection but unable to diagnose; stated electronic limiter prevents engine damage; investigation promised by manufacturer in one case
Engine idle surge when electrical accessories engaged
Engine surges and truck lurches forward when heater, fan, or AC is turned on while vehicle is stopped with foot on brake. Occurs immediately upon accessory engagement. Dealer unable to reproduce complaint.
When: Occurred from new vehicle purchase; present at 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surges when AC/heater/fan activated; Truck feels like bumped from behind; Forward lunge while stopped and braking; Behavior tied to specific electrical loads
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to reproduce; no diagnosis or repair performed
Sudden deceleration during driving
Vehicle suddenly decelerates independently while driving at highway speed. Occurs during passing attempt with kickdown feature engaged; engine downshifts abruptly then loses power, returning to idle with accelerator floored.
When: 45 mph cruising and during passing maneuver; 62,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power at speed; Abrupt downshift during passing; Engine reverts to idle; Recurred twice
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs; dealer and Toyota engineer unable to diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota engineer dispatched for inspection but could not diagnose failure
Engine compartment fire
Fire emerged from engine compartment while driving at 20 mph. Owner pulled over and evacuated. Fire started at bottom of vehicle. Fire department extinguished blaze but vehicle destroyed. Owner transported to hospital with smoke inhalation and heart attack; hospitalized 8 days.
When: 115,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment; Fire at bottom of vehicle; Total vehicle destruction
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; no root cause identified
Head gasket failure
Head gasket blew during routine maintenance inspection. Discovered during oil change.
When: 42,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Head gasket failure
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired by Toyota dealer under extended warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty covered repair
Timing cover oil leak
Oil leak around timing cover discovered during brake and tire inspection. Toyota informed owner warranty had expired and dealer refused assistance. Leak confirmed by dealer technician but unrepaired.
When: 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak around timing cover
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refused repair; vehicle out of warranty. Owner reports this is a common defect in 2007 Tacoma from lack of proper seal application.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer directed owner to dealer but no warranty coverage provided
Engine stall with loud revving and forward lunge
Engine stalls after loud revving noise and vehicle lurch forward. Oil and engine lights illuminate during event. Occurs while stopped at traffic light; earlier episode while parking in reverse resulted in complete engine shutdown.
When: 900 miles (first incident); 17,000 miles (second incident with traffic light stall)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud revving noise; Vehicle jerks forward; Engine stalls; Oil and engine lights illuminate; Complete engine shutdown during reverse parking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer visited three times; unable to duplicate failures; no repairs performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated investigation would be opened
Continuous acceleration without kickdown release
Vehicle continues to accelerate up to 45 seconds after driver releases accelerator, with RPMs reaching 3,400. Issue present from day of purchase. Dealer states vehicle operating normally despite continuous complaint.
When: From new vehicle purchase; 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Continued acceleration after pedal release; Delayed deceleration lasting up to 45 seconds; RPM climb to 3,400
Codes mentioned: ECU issue (per owner)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed vehicle performing normally; no repair attempted
High idle racing and unintended acceleration
Engine idles at abnormally high RPM and vehicle lunges forward when driver has foot on brake. Occurs during normal operation.
When: 28,280 miles
Symptoms owners cite: High idle racing; Vehicle lunges forward while braking; Unintended acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate; no repair performed
Unintended acceleration causing collision
Vehicle accelerated while driver applied brakes, striking a stopped vehicle ahead. Acceleration stopped only after impact. Minimal damage and no injury reported, but owner frightened to drive vehicle.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Acceleration while braking; Loss of braking authority; Vehicle collision with stopped vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer found nothing wrong
Abnormal engine roar when AC activated
Loud, abnormal roar from engine when air conditioning system is activated. Failure emerged with no prior warning.
When: 18,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud abnormal roar when AC engaged; Noise persists after air filter replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced air filter; noise persisted; no further action
Transmission jumping at stops and acceleration
Vehicle exhibits jerky, jumping sensation when stopped or accelerating from complete stop. Intermittent behavior that occurs daily but not every stop.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Jumping sensation at stops; Rough engagement from dead stop; Intermittent but daily occurrence; Variable severity
Oxygen sensor malfunction with ECM failure
Oxygen sensor fault light cycled continuously on and off for over one year. Eventually required ECM replacement.
When: Unknown mileage; one-year duration before repair
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light cycling on and off; Oxygen sensor fault
Codes mentioned: P0xxx range (oxygen sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: ECM replaced; Part #89661-04C44; originally quoted repair price $1,100
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2007 Toyota Tacoma?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2007 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 28,280 and 62,000 miles, with the median around 48,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 28,280; a quarter make it past 62,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Toyota/Tacoma.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.