The 2014 Tacoma is generally solid, but the 4.0L V6 has a critical piston slap/ring land failure issue that can destroy engines between 80k-150k miles. Transmission oil coolers also fail more often than expected, contaminating ATF with coolant.
4.0L V6 Piston Ring Land Failure and Piston Slap
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold start knock or rattle that lasts 5-30 seconds then quiets, Excessive oil consumption (1qt per 1000-2000 miles), Misfire codes and rough idle as it progresses, Metal shavings in oil at severe stage
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or replacement. Ring land cracks on pistons #2 and #4 are common. Rebuild involves new pistons, rings, bearings, head gaskets, timing components. 25-35 labor hours for in-frame rebuild, 18-24 hours for short block swap.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure (Internal Leak)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid (coolant contamination), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Overheating transmission temp gauge readings, White smoke from exhaust if ATF enters cooling system severely
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and flush both transmission and cooling system multiple times. Must address immediately to prevent transmission damage. 3-5 labor hours depending on configuration.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Rear Leaf Spring Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud clunking or popping from rear suspension over bumps, Sagging rear end or uneven ride height, Visible cracks in leaf spring main leaf, Wandering or unstable handling
Fix: Replace full leaf spring pack on affected side, often both sides for even wear. Common on trucks that tow or haul regularly. 3-4 labor hours per side.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Frame Rust (Even on 2014 Models in Salt States)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Visible surface rust progressing to scale on frame rails, Rust perforation near rear leaf spring mounts or crossmember welds, Flaking or bubbling frame coating, Most severe in Northeast/Midwest salt belt
Fix: Ranges from wire brush/POR-15 treatment for early stage (2-4 hours) to section replacement welding or frame-off restoration for advanced cases (30+ hours). Inspect thoroughly before purchase.
Estimated cost: $500-6,000
Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, especially when hot, Loss of power under acceleration or climbing hills, Intermittent stalling at idle or when fuel tank below 1/4, Check engine light with low fuel pressure codes
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible torn or separated rubber on transmission crossmember mount
Fix: Replace transmission mount. Simple job on a lift. 0.8-1.2 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $200-350
Owner tips
Check for piston slap on cold starts before buying any 4.0L V6—walk away if present
Inspect transmission fluid color religiously every oil change; pink/milky means immediate cooler replacement needed
Undercoat or fluid film the frame annually if you're in the rust belt, even on 2014+ trucks
Change transmission fluid every 50k miles if you tow, not the 'lifetime fill' Toyota claims
Budget $1,000-1,500/year for deferred maintenance after 100k miles on the V6
Solid truck if you get a 2.7L I4 or inspect a V6 thoroughly for engine knock; avoid high-mileage V6 trucks without comprehensive service records showing the engine is healthy.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard top post battery; located under hood
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Sensor ID registration required after tire rotation or replacement. 2007+ standard.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS · 17V425000
2017-07-03
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
EQUIPMENT · 14V828000
2014-12-30
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 14V475000
2014-08-04
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Consequence: If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
ENGINE · 13V557000
2013-11-07
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Tacoma vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through October 11, 2013. The engines of the affected vehicles contain valve springs that may break over time.
Consequence: If the valve springs break, the engine could fail and stall while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Performance
Horsepower
159hp
Torque
180lb-ft
0–60 mph
10.2sec
Quarter mile
17.8sec
Top speed
109mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
19mpg
Highway
24mpg
Combined
21mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
3,500lb
Payload
1,175lb
Curb weight
4,050lb
Seating
4seats
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Wiper blades
Third generation (2005-2015). Pickup trucks do not have rear wipers.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2014 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.