TSB: All 2020 ? 2023 model year 4Runner, 2018 ? 2022 model year Sequoia, 2018 ? 2023 model year Tacoma, and 2018 ? 2021 model year Tundra vehicles are equipped with Pre-collision System (PCS) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) as part of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package. The PCS and DRCC systems are designed to help mitigate a potential collision and maintain a pre-determined traveling distance. It is recommended to disable the PCS and DRCC systems on vehicles that have been modified (ride height, oversized wheels/tires, brush bars, etc.) in a way that potentially disrupts the functionality of these systems. Vehicle owner?s written consent is required before performing the calibrat
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Toyota Tacoma airbags problems
critical Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma have filed 7 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Tacoma | 10 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 3 |
| 2019 Tacoma | 3 |
| 2020 Tacoma | 4 |
| 2021 Tacoma (this page) | 7 |
| 2022 Tacoma | 8 |
| 2023 Tacoma | 8 |
5crashes
12injuries
1fatality
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags 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.
TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This service bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle prior to an odor remediation being performed, as well as contact information for an approved vendor who will arrange the remediation, and instructions on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle for reassembly once the remediation has been completed. Refer to all model and
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SSC: SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 22TC01 Over-the-Air (OTA) pilot program. This pilot program would enable you to complete Special Service Campaign 22TC01 for DCM (Data Communication Module) Reprogramming for Safety Connect, which includes your vehicle. With your active telematics account, you are encouraged to complete this campaign using this Over-the-Air (OTA) update by following these steps: 1) To complete this update, each Team Member will use the Toyota/Lexus App installed on their phone. 2) Within a few days of this E-Mail, we will send a notification to your Toyota/Lexus app to schedule and install the update on your vehicle. 3) Click on either the notification on your lock screen or the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DL: Due to improper programming of the Data Communication Module (DCM), which provides cellular communication in various situations, including emergencies, the driver and Safety Connect operator may not be able to hear each other?s voices during a Safety Connect call
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Vehicle was in car accident where airbags did not deploy.
I was rear ended in my Tacoma and then hit at about 30-35mph in the front driver side. No air bags deployed anywhere in the vehicle and the driver head rest that was fully installed went flying out of the seat. Vehicle is currently waiting to be inspected by insurance representatives.
Could feel and hear the front passenger seat (including the supplemental restraint system airbag) and seat belt move side to side and making a noise. I took the vehicle to Toyota of Denton, in Denton Texas for evaluation. Here is what they found from the service manager's email "Yours will need the seat frame replaced. The seat was removed, we found the seat track has play in it and is non…
Had airbags trouble with your 2021 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 airbags problem on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a serious issue. 7 complaints have been filed, including 5 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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/2021/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.