2022 Toyota Tacoma Problems and Top Complaints

The Toyota Tacoma has ranked as one of the leading multi-purpose vehicles and top pickup trucks for 16 years. Designed and built in the U.S. it has been a popular pickup truck throughout the country ever since then.

While it’s been an excellent seller for all these years, the Tacoma hasn’t been without problems. There wasn’t a recall in 2021, but 1,525,742 vehicles were identified as at risk of the fuel pump failing in 2020.

In 2019, there were four recalls, including two for faulty fuel pumps. In 2018, there were three recalls, and two of these were due to potential fuel pump risks.

Remarkably, there are no fuel pump problems mentioned in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints record for 2021.

It’s impossible to identify what might be wrong with any vehicle before you buy it. But if you end up with a lemon, Lemberg Law can help you.

What’s New for 2022?

There are two new mid-size Toyota Tacoma trucks that aim at different ends of the price range.

1. The design of the 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro is for serious off-road usage. It is also the most expensive model available. Parts are designed and tested by the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) team, and Toyota warns that the model is not suitable for amateurs.
2. The 2022 Tacoma 4×4 Trail Edition, specifically designed for use on trails. Launched in 2021, the Trail Edition was originally based on the budget SR5 trim level. It featured several off-road features including lockable bed boxes. There is only one package for 2022, a 4×4 with a double cab.

What’s the fuel economy for the 2022 Toyota Tacoma?

There are two engine options for Toyota Tacoma trim levels:

1. 2.7-liter cylinder engine that offers 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque
2. 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 278 hp and has more the double (265 lb-ft) of torque

There is also a choice between a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with intelligence. Your choice varies with the various trim levels.

It stands to reason that the V6 is less fuel-efficient than the 4-cylinder engine, but what’s the difference?

EPA Assessment of Fuel Economy

We had a look at what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says about the 2022 Toyota Tacoma’s assessed fuel economy.

• The most fuel-efficient models, that get 21 MPG combined city and highway driving get 4.8 gals per 100 miles. They are:
  • The 2WD, 6-cylinder, 3.5-liter, automatic, that gets 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
  • The 2WD, 4-cylinder, 2.7-liter, automatic, that gets 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.
• Two models get 5 gals per 100 miles with 20 MPG when driving on the highway and in the city. They have the same specs as those above but are manual models.
  • The 6-cylinder model gets 18 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.
  • The 4-cylinder model gets 19 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.
• Those that are heaviest on fuel get 5.6 gals per 100 miles. They only get 18 MPG with combined city and highway driving.
  • The 4WD, 6-cylinder, 3.5-liter, manual 6-speed gets 17 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway.
  • The 4WD double-cab MT TRD-ORP/PRO with 6 cylinders and a 3.5-liter, manual 6-speed model. It gets 17 MPG in the city and slightly less (20 MPG) on the highway.

What are the Trim Packages & Pricing for the 2022 Tacoma?

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is available in six trim levels, the SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) with notable features of each.

• SR $26,500
  • Projector-beam headlights. Deck rail system. Front dual-zone automatic climate control for the V6.
• SR5 $28,290
  • Integrated fog lights. 4-way power-adjustable driver’s, 10-way on V6. Front dual-control automatic climate control (V6).
• TRD Sport $33,410
  • Smart key system. 17-inch machined alloy wheels. Optional panoramic view monitor with camera.
• TRD Off-Road $34,690
  • Locking rear differential. 16-inch machined contrast allow wheels. Multi-terrain select with Crawl Control (CRAWL).
• Limited $39,255
  • Panoramic view monitor with camera. Premium JBL audio with dynamic navigation. 18-inch polished alloy wheels.
• TRD Pro $45,935
  • Machine-forged upper control arm. Heritage-inspired front grille with camera. 16-inch black alloy wheels.

What Technology does the 2022 Tacoma Have?

The tech features of the 2022 Tacoma depend on the trim. For instance, audio multimedia features vary a lot. But, even the basic SR comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system is Amazon Alexa compatible, and the phone has a hands-free capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, Sirius XM with a 3- month trial subscription.

The TRD Off-Road trim has the same offering except that it has an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited has all this and more, including a 3-month trial of Premium Audio and Dynamic Navigation.

The smart key system on the driver and front passenger doors aren’t available on the SR or SR5 and any manual transmission vehicles.

There is wireless mobile device- and smartphone-charging on most trims except the SR and SR5. All models have three USB ports. One is a media port, and two are charge ports.

Some trims have a urethane tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls.

Common Problems from Last Year’s Model

Last year we looked at the most common issues Toyota Tacoma drivers were complaining about. The foremost problems were related to defective engines, poor steering, and malfunctioning powertrains.

While Toyota decided that there was nothing serious enough to warrant recalls of last year’s model, NHTSA has received complaints that relate to numerous issues.

Complaints for Last Year’s Model:

Complaints about last year’s model were categorized into 15 groups, all of which are listed below. There were only 20 complaints, but when you consider the current recalls on Toyota’s Takata that are in the spotlight right now, just 2 complaints about Tacoma airbags last year could be more serious than any of us might imagine.

Right now, NHTSA reports that tens of millions of Toyota Takata airbags are being recalled. The problem is that when airbags are exposed to high heat and humidity long-term they can cause them to explode when they are deployed. So, instead of saving lives, they have potentially caused injuries and death.

In 2019, a different group of defective Toyota Takata airbags was recalled. According to NHTSA, the defect in these can result in airbags exploding or under-inflating when deployed.

Airbag issues cannot be taken lightly.

Tacoma Airbags, Seat Belts, & Seats Problems

The first Toyota Tacoma airbag complaint was in July 2021 after the front airbags failed to deploy in an accident where the truck was rear-ended at 80 MPH. Additionally, the seat belt failed and the driver’s seat collapsed. The driver was badly injured and was in a Florida trauma unit for three weeks.

The most recent complaint was in December 2021. Four people were injured when this Tacoma was rear-ended and none of its airbags deployed.

Tacoma Structure Problems

Two complaints about vehicle structure led to one being returned after only 500 miles on the clock. The owner got a full refund.

Tacoma Engine & Electrical System Problems

The first engine complaint was issued in March 2021 after the owner of a Toyota Tacoma noticed white smoke and a strong gas smell from the exhaust on start-up. There is no explanation on record to explain why this happened.

In August, another Tacoma owner complained about problems with the engine, powertrain, and electrical system. The issue is related to a malfunction of the brake pedal and acceleration of the engine at the same time. The story indicates an accident waiting to happen.

Tacoma Powertrain & Vehicle Speed Control Problems

Other powertrain complaints also involve acceleration issues. But there are other variables, making it difficult to pinpoint common problems. For example, one complaint was a visible oil leak and another was a “clunking noise” when starting and stopping.

Another powertrain complaint was coupled with suspension and steering issues.

Tacoma Forward Collision-Avoidance & Vehicle Speed Control Problems

NHTSA reports four complaints between February and April 2021. Three of these involved accidents:

1. When the vehicle’s brakes and collision prevention system failed, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The airbags did deploy, but there were two injuries.
2. Another accident where the collision safety system was faulty cost $7,000 to repair. According to the vehicle owner, it still wasn’t working in March 2021. They feared that someone would inevitably get hurt unless repair work was successful.
3. After two near-misses, the third complaint was that a forward collision-avoidance failure coupled with automatic braking issues led to the driver losing control and sliding into a ditch.

Other issues involved lane departure and problems that relate to wheels and tires.

What to Expect From Your 2022 Toyota Tacoma – Will You Buy a Lemon?

We are here to help people, like you, who buy a lemon.

There are various routes we can take. For instance, we can help you negotiate a settlement or a buy-back, depending on the circumstances.

Contact us on our Helpline so that we can assess your issues and advise what we recommend you do. It’s not going to cost you anything. Toyota will have to pay your legal fees.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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