My 2022 Toyota Tacoma Has A Weird RPM Play. Dealer Says It's Normal, But I Am Not So Sure

Last night, I stumbled onto a post in the Facebook group, Toyota Tacoma accessories, in which a 2022 Toyota Tacoma owner, Karol Vrba, complained about a play in the RPMs while idling. The third-generation Tacoma has generally been a reliable truck, with very few common problems being reported over the years. That said, most Toyota truck owners are looking to keep their trucks for a long time, due to the brand's (mostly) stellar reputation for reliability. RPM play is something I have experienced in all my cars, although not consistently, so naturally, I was curious to do some digging. The post generated a lot of insightful comments from other members.  

Here's what Karol Vrba said in his post: 

“I have Tacoma 2022 off road. When the engine is warmed up at operating temperature, transmission in neutral or park, with defrost/ legs fan on second setting, my RPM goes up from 600 up to 900 and back down again, every minute or so. Dealership said it is due to the cold weather. I don’t agree with them. Any suggestions so I can make my case?? Thank you.” 

Michael's post is about something that is very common in cars, especially in cold weather. Most people seldom pay attention to the engine RPMs, let alone how, when, and under what conditions they fluctuate. While there are a few instances where RPM play can be a symptom of an issue, e.g. vacuum leak, incorrect fuel mixture, clogged injectors, etc., it seems more likely that the dealership may be right, given the truck's model year is relatively new. 

Karol's post has generated some very insightful feedback. Here's what other group members are saying:  

Rob Lopez: “It’s normal. Don’t worry about it mine does the same. I know it doesn’t seem normal especially if you come from another manufacturer. I wasn’t used to it either.” 

Chris Parker: “My Tacoma does it but my Camry doesn’t”.  

This reply to Rob Lopez’s comment is a reminder that in hybrid vehicles like the 2025 Toyota Camry, most accessories are handled by the electric part of the car's propulsion and not the internal-combustion engine. Assuming the Camry in question has a hybrid powertrain. Using the A/C even in a vehicle powered by a big V-8, like the second-generation Toyota Tundra, can result in a change in the RPMs at idle.

Rick Harmon: “PCM is doing that to compensate for something. Could be temperature, battery voltage, oil temp, a million things. It doesn’t mean there is an issue.” 

Stephen M. Korn: “Defrost uses your ac compressor.” 

Aleksandar Plavljanic: “That's A/C cycling on and off because defrost is on. Most cars/trucks do that.” 

Is RPM play something to worry about? 

There are certain cases where an RPM play at idle speed is indicative of issues. However, it doesn't seem to be the case for this 2022 Toyota Tacoma. Still, a good way to determine for sure is to do a scan and check for errors or/and inspect all accessories, driven by the engine that may have a parasitic effect. Sometimes, failing engine periphery, typically belt-driven on most vehicles, can cause the RPMs to fluctuate at idle. It could be due to a bad pulley (which is usually accompanied by noise and/ or excessive wear of the drive belt) or failure of another part, e.g. A/C compressor clutch. 

These, however, are worse-case scenarios. Like most Toyotas, the Tacoma will last you long if you are religiously changing the oil, like this owner. But what are your thoughts on the matter? If you have any helpful insights, feel free to comment in the comment section below or in the group post. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

The main image is taken from the Facebook group mentioned above and edited with an official Toyota press image.