Pre Purchase Inspection for 2021 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota recalled some 2016 and 2017 V6 Tacomas because the crank position sensor can malfunction and stall the engine (17V-356). Dealers replace it with an improved sensor.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for 17V-356 and scan for crank sensor codes.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 17V-356

Toyota recalled 2016 and 2017 Tacomas because oil can leak where the rear differential carrier bolts to the axle housing (17V-285). NHTSA lists 227,732 trucks. Driving with low oil can make the differential seize. Dealers inspect for leaks and tighten or replace the nuts and gasket, or replace the carrier if it is damaged.

WE CHECK We look for gear oil at the rear differential, check the VIN for 17V-285, and listen for whine or clunks on the road test.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 17V-285

Toyota recalled 2022 and 2023 Tacomas because welding debris can keep the rear axle retaining nuts from staying tight, and the axle shaft can separate from the housing (24V-152). NHTSA lists 381,199 trucks. Dealers inspect the axle, tighten the nuts and repair damaged parts.

WE CHECK We look for gear oil at the rear axle ends, check the VIN for 24V-152, and listen and feel for vibration or noise on the road test.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-152

Toyota recalled some 2018 and 2019 Tacomas because the brake master cylinder may have been machined wrong, which can damage a seal and weaken braking (18V-888). Dealers replace the master cylinder.

WE CHECK We check pedal feel and brake fluid, test stops on the road, and check the VIN for 18V-888.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 18V-888

Two Toyota fuel pump recalls cover these trucks: 2018 and 2019 Tacomas under 20V-012, and 2017 to 2020 Tacomas under 20V-682. The pump in the tank can fail and stall the engine. Dealers replace the pump.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for both recalls, and note any hard starting, rough running or stalling on the drive.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-012 · NHTSA recall 20V-682

Some 2022 and 2023 Tacomas may have weak welds on the upper child seat anchors (22V-520). Dealers inspect and reweld them as needed.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for 22V-520 and look at the upper anchors.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 22V-520

Some 2016 Tacomas built August 20 to September 10, 2015 have the wrong bolts on the driver knee air bag (15V-656). Some 2023 Tacomas have a steering column spiral cable that can lose connection and turn off the driver air bag (23V-480), and 25V-040 covers trucks that may have been repaired wrong the first time.

WE CHECK We check the air bag light at startup, scan the air bag module, and check the VIN for each recall.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 15V-656 · NHTSA recall 23V-480 · NHTSA recall 25V-040