YotaVerse knows Toyota like the back of his hand. He specializes in upgrading newer Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runners. In the last few years, he has seen a drop in the Tacoma's build quality. Check out quality issues he finds in the interior and exterior.
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Does Toyota have build quality issues with the Tacoma?
That's the question some Tacoma truck owners are asking, and Toyota specialist Yotaverse (@yotaverse) says he sees it as he works on the truck in his shop. Yotaverse, a Toyota accessory company, has been around since 2016, and he knows a quality product when he sees it.
And visa versa.
He asks this question in his recent TikTok video. "When was the last year that Toyota built a high-quality Tacoma?"
Over the last few years, he has seen the quality of the Tacoma truck decline. It's been gradual, but it has dropped off nonetheless.
He asks the question because he sees fit and finish issues with the newer Tacoma. Most are inside the cabin. In the video, he shows a 2024 Tacoma and points out its interior quality flaws.
He doesn't need to say anything as he lets the images tell the story.
The first issue is the loose-fitting glove box cover.
As the camera rolls, "Tacoma build quality issues" is the overlay. The Toyota specialist pushes the glove box cover back and forth, revealing the glove box door doesn't fit properly. He jiggles the door back and forth as it moves a quarter of an inch in and out, suggesting the fit and finish is clearly inferior.
The door handle is loose.
As the Yotaverse tech continues, he holds Tacoma's door handle as if anyone were grabbing it to shut the door. The door handle moves back and forth, showing the gap between the handle and the upper frame that houses the window switch and door lock.
The seat release tab hangs loose.
Next, he shows the small tab that comes out the side of the Tacoma's front seat. The seat release lever, when pulled, allows the driver to easily move the seat forward or backward to access the rear passenger area or adjust your driving position more comfortably. He holds the tab, flips it up, and lets it fall down against the seat. He's not impressed with how it simply hangs there.
The center console is loose.
He then shows the center console, unlatches it, and raises it upright. He moves the console cover back and forth from side to side, revealing that it doesn't fit tight enough to keep it from jiggling even when closed. It also moves more than a quarter of an inch.
The upper door armrest is loose.
At the top of the door near the truck's window, he jiggles the piece and it easily moves up and down. Again, he shows that the workmanship was poor when constructing the door.
Below the armrest is a small cubby in the door for storing small items. The whole door assembly is made of plastic, and the front part has holes. He easily moves the piece back and forth. If it's pulled much farther, it would break.
Finally, he moves to the exterior of the truck. Right next to the Toyota logo, he demonstrates that the truck's front grill, which is also made of plastic, can be pulled out when pulled on.
Are all Toyota Tacoma owners unhappy?
Several users commented on the video, and the responses were diverse. While not everyone agreed that the quality of the Tacoma has slipped, there were more positive comments than negative.
cjhud3232 - 2024 Tacoma here … and absolutely zero of those problems.
Yoru Okami - 2020 Tacoma owner here, and I have none of these issues!?!?
ybncorona - My 2023 is rock solid
However there are a number of owners who agree about the build quality issues showcasing the range of experiences and opinions among Tacoma owners.
fearlchristman - My 2020 Toyota Tundra Platinum had the "leather" on the driver's door melt! How does leather melt in 83° weather? I paid for leather but got something that's not leather.
J. Dillinger - I bought a brand new Tacoma once! Never make that mistake Again! I sold it and bought myself a used F-150. I have been beyond satisfied with my F-150. It has more room, and the built quality is great!
Ayanna - I work for Toyota. Not gonna lie; it just isn't the same (smh).
Ab Gonzalez - They're using very cheap plastics that break easily. I have a 2023 Tundra. I got it brand new with 4 miles on it, now 8,000 miles, and the seat is BROKE!!
Brandon Lewis - Welcome to the club. I own a 23 tundra and it rattles and makes all kinds of noise. On top of the catastrophic engine failure recall!
user25549751346 - My 2024 Tacoma transmission has died twice.
Speaking of the Tacoma transmissions, does the Tacoma with the 8-speed transmission also have problems?
In my earlier report, I said that Toyota had not officially recalled the Tacoma for transmission issues. However, some owners are reporting problems.
One of my readers, P. H., wrote, "I have a 2024 Tacoma SR5, bought pretty much out of the gate. It has been a migraine since. The transmission shifts rough and slips constantly, at 5,000 miles."
"Bad alignment from the factory, the steering wheel faces about 20-30 degrees to the left to go straight with 7 miles on the odometer, and dealer claims they can't see a problem and won't fix it."
"Hypersensitive automatic collision prevention, slamming the brakes on me on the highway when oncoming traffic is slightly too close to the line, etc., also prevents me from driving through tall grass, slamming the brake on me randomly."
"Absolutely the worst truck I've ever had. Worst car I've ever had. Pray a meteor falls on it every day."
Another reader, Mark Berinsky, says, "I purchased a 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR the day before Thanksgiving. On the drive home from the dealership, I noticed a rocker arm/lifter/valve rattling as soon as I entered the interstate. I'm not sure which, but it sounds more like a rocker arm. My particular model has an i-force 2.4 4cyl. Turbo. And I also have the eight-speed tranny this article speaks of."
"I promptly took it back to the dealer with 400 miles on it and was brushed off, being told it was normal. It's making this noise consistently every time I drive it. Very disappointed. I traded a quality vehicle for this one, and I'm already considering getting rid of it."
Where is the Toyota Tacoma pickup manufactured? The Taco is built in Mexico (pun intended).
In late 2021, Toyota moved all Tacoma pickup production from San Antonio, Texas, to its plant in Baja, Mexico.
Hagerty says that the Tacoma is currently built in two manufacturing facilities. The first is the Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California facility in Tijuana, Mexico, which has been assembling Tacomas since 2004.
The second Mexico-based plant tasked with building the Tacoma is located in Guanajuato, Mexico. That plant's Tacoma line began running in December of 2019.
I will ask the question. Has Tacoma's quality slipped since then?
So, I'll also ask you the same question that YotaVerse asked.
When was the last year Toyota built a high-quality Tacoma? Do you own a newer Tacoma? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and tell us about your truck.
Check out my Toyota quality report titled: Toyota is Desperately Trying to Stop Their Brand Image From Taking a Straight Dumpster Dive, Now The Tacoma Transmissions Are Failing
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via YotaVerse
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