While driving on a freeway I step down on the as needed I got a message on my dash board that my braking power is low Stop in a safe place and see Owen's manual, A few seconds later I lost my brakes I have to use my hand brak to stop, came to a complete stop and called a tow truck, upon arrival the tow truck driver inspected my truck and realized there were brake fluid leaking out of my back…
2021 Toyota Tacoma brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Tacoma | 26 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 34 |
| 2019 Tacoma | 34 |
| 2020 Tacoma | 11 |
| 2021 Tacoma (this page) | 11 |
| 2022 Tacoma | 6 |
| 2024 Tacoma | 29 |
| 2025 Tacoma | 4 |
2crashes
2injuries
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2021 Toyota Tacomas are reporting brake failures at extremely low mileage—some under 20,000 miles. The most common complaint is loss of brake pressure: the brake pedal drops to the floorboard or gives way after a brief stop, then the vehicle creeps forward. One owner at 51,000 miles had the master cylinder replaced, only to have identical failures return about a month later. Another owner reports a year of ongoing brake problems.
Brake fluid leaks are also turning up. One owner was driving on the freeway when a "low braking power" warning appeared, followed by complete brake loss; the mechanic found fluid leaking from the rear drum and brake cylinder. At 9,400 miles, a dealer told another owner that brake lines, pads, and rotors all needed replacement.
Some owners describe sudden uncontrolled vehicle motion tied to brake system failure—one owner stepped on the brake when parking and the truck accelerated into a tree; another's brakes and collision prevention system both failed at 38,000 miles during a traffic stop, resulting in a crash with injuries.
Less common but serious: brake caliper seizure at 1,200 miles (dealer found a caliper malfunction code but couldn't duplicate it), brake shoes loose and assembly rusted at under 20,000 miles, and strong, unpredictable brake pull during light braking. Dealers have been unable or unwilling to replicate some issues, and the manufacturer has not been responsive when contacted.
Same Toyota Tacoma brakes reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Brake Master Cylinder Failure
Master cylinder loses pressure and fails to hold brakes; brake pedal goes to floorboard or gives way after brief stops. Vehicle continues moving forward or requires emergency brake to stop.
When: 38,000–51,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal drops to floorboard; Brake pedal gives way and presses further down after stopping; Vehicle starts forward again while at red light or stopped; Requires emergency brake to prevent forward motion
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced brake master cylinder (cost not stated in narratives)
Brake Line Leakage / Brake Fluid Loss
Brake fluid leaks from brake cylinder or brake lines, causing loss of braking pressure and low brake fluid warning on dashboard. Vehicle may lose brakes entirely during highway driving.
When: Low mileage (complaint suggests relatively new vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Low brake power warning message on dashboard; Loss of brakes requiring emergency brake to stop; Brake fluid leaking from rear drum or brake cylinder
Repairs/costs cited: Brake fluid leak from brake cylinder diagnosed; fluid loss from rear drum area noted
Brake Caliper Malfunction
Caliper seizes, slowing brake response and causing vehicle to pull to one side. Brake message and alarm displayed on infotainment screen; blind spot warning light illuminates during event.
When: 1,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake message and alarm on infotainment screen; Brake seized or slow to respond when pedal depressed; Vehicle pulling to the left; Blind spot warning light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Code for caliper malfunction (dealer found but did not specify)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate failure; no repairs performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and case started; no assistance provided
Brake Pad and Rotor Wear / Replacement Need
Brake pads and rotors require replacement at low mileage; brake lines also flagged for replacement. Failure at low mileage suggests premature wear or defect.
When: 9,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal went to floorboard
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer informed that brake lines, brake pads, and brake rotors needed replacement; vehicle not repaired
Brake Pulling / Uneven Braking
Brakes pull strongly and unpredictably during light braking, compromising consistent stopping ability. Event occurs without warning during normal driving.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes tug or pull very strong during light braking; Pulling prevents reliable braking
Loose Brake Shoes and Rusted Brake Assembly
Right front brake shoes are loose and not seated properly; brake assembly exhibits corrosion and rust. Brake lines are leaking. Defects present at low mileage.
When: Under 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Right front brake shoes loose and out of place; Brake assembly heavily rusted; Brake lines leaking
Brake System Failure with Collision / Loss of Control
Brakes and collision prevention system fail together, preventing driver from stopping vehicle. Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly when brake pedal is pressed or brakes fail to arrest forward motion, resulting in collision.
When: 38,000 miles; also reported at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail when pressed at moderate speed (35–40 mph); Collision prevention system fails simultaneously; Vehicle accelerates when brake pedal pressed; Unable to control vehicle; Air bags deployed (one incident)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; not officially diagnosed. No repairs completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware of issue
Recurring Brake Master Cylinder Failure
Master cylinder replaced but brakes fail again within about one month, suggesting either defective replacement part or underlying systemic issue. Brake pedal goes to floor; owner has had braking issues for approximately one year.
When: Brake pedal issue ongoing for about one year; failure recurs approximately one month after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor; Brakes fail after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Brakes and master cylinder replaced; failure recurred after approximately one month. Owner plans to return for re-evaluation.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
I was about to park. press the break pedal in order to move gear to Parking. However, My Tacoma accelerated and I was unable to control it. Finally, it stop after hitting a tree.
truck is under 20 thousand miles right front brake shoes are loose and not in place. the whole brake assembly is completely rusted .brake lines are leaking.
When stopping vehicle (for instance, at a stop light), vehicle would stop normally when pressing the brakes, but after a few seconds, the vehicle would start forward again. The brake pedal would give way and press down further, stopping briefly before starting forward again - so I had to use the emergency brake or else vehicle would move into oncoming traffic. I consulted a mechanic, and it was…
Hello, I bought a 2021 Toyota Tacoma this year. Soon I discovered that there was a problem with the brake system. We went to this store (Nashville Toyota North) to replace it, but we were told that we had to pay more than $200 for the brake pads ourselves, and My car does not have its own tire unlocking tool, and I was told by this store that I need to pay for it before I can order this…
Had brakes 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 brakes problem on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 16,200 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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.