2018 Toyota Tacoma

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
3.5L V6
Oil Type & Capacity
0W-20 Full Synthetic (6.2 qts)
Transmission
Automatic (S6)
Wheel Torque
83
ft-lbs

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Toyota Tacoma.

For oil changes, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 6.2 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Pink Long Life Coolant (OAT), and transmission fluid is ATF WS. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Toyota Tacoma, torque the lug nuts to 83 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma have reported 5 common issues including "Automatic Transmission Deceleration Vibration", "Rear Axle Shaft Separation" and "Coolant Leak from Rear of Engine". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 3 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2018 Toyota Tacoma uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (6.2 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 83 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2018 Toyota Tacoma Specifications
Motor Oil0W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity6.2 qt
Lug Nut Torque83 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantPink Long Life Coolant (OAT)
Transmission FluidATF WS
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
ATF WS
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Pink Long Life Coolant (OAT)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
10,000 mi / 12 mo
0W-20 synthetic (2.7L) or 0W-20 (3.5L V6), 6.1 qt V6
Tire Rotation
5,000 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every 5,000 mi; check alignment if off-road
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
Replace more often in dusty conditions
Engine Air Filter
40,000 mi / 48 mo
Inspect at 20,000 mi; more often if off-road
Brake Fluid
30,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 3
Transmission Fluid
60,000 mi
6-speed automatic or manual; check level at 30,000 mi
Transfer Case Fluid
60,000 mi
4WD models only; 75W gear oil
Coolant
100,000 mi
Toyota SLLC; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
120,000 mi
Iridium-tipped
Serpentine Belt
75,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Inspect annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma.

Common problems reported by 2018 Toyota Tacoma owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

Automatic Transmission Deceleration Vibration

Some 2016-2023 Tacoma vehicles with the 6-speed automatic transmission exhibit a vibration felt through the steering wheel, floorboard, and seat during deceleration, typically between 30-10 mph. The vibration is described as a shudder or judder while coasting or braking.

Solution

Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0083-22 addressing the deceleration vibration. The fix involves replacing the torque converter and updating the transmission ECU software. A steering wheel damper replacement per TSB T-SB-0220-19 may also be performed.

Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $1,200 - $2,500 if out of warranty
2

Rear Axle Shaft Separation

The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris preventing proper fastener torque during assembly. If the axle shaft separates, the rear wheel may lock up or the vehicle could lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Solution

Toyota issued a recall (NHTSA 22V-861) for certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. Dealers inspect and re-torque or replace the axle shaft fasteners free of charge. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov or Toyota.com/recall.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall
3

Coolant Leak from Rear of Engine

Some 2022 Tacoma vehicles may exhibit a coolant leak from the rear of the engine that drips down the transmission bell housing. Owners may notice coolant dripping onto the ground, a sweet smell, or eventually an overheating condition.

Solution

Toyota issued a TSB to replace the coolant outlet pipe and gasket at the rear of the engine. The repair involves removing the intake manifold to access the coolant outlet. Covered under the powertrain warranty.

Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $500 - $900 if out of warranty
4

Child Seat Anchor Insufficient Welds

One or more of the individual welds on the upper child seat anchors (LATCH system) may be insufficient. If a weld fails during a collision while a child seat is anchored, the child restraint may not be properly secured.

Solution

Toyota issued a recall (NHTSA 23V-014) for certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the upper child seat anchor brackets free of charge.

Est. Cost: Covered under recall
5

Infotainment System Glitches

The infotainment system may exhibit intermittent issues including the screen freezing, the backup camera displaying a black screen, navigation errors, and Bluetooth phone connection drops. Some owners also report GPS position inaccuracy and slow system response.

Solution

Check for software updates at your Toyota dealer. Toyota has released multiple firmware updates that improve system stability, Bluetooth reliability, and camera display. A hard reset of the head unit can temporarily resolve a frozen screen.

Est. Cost: $0 for software updates

3 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign: 20V682000 Date: 04/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

2

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign: 20V012000 Date: 13/01/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

3

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Campaign: 18V888000 Date: 13/12/2018

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.

Consequence

Reduced brake performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began January 28, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J16/J06.

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See Also
2018 Toyota Tacoma Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2018 Toyota TacomaAll Vehicles Using 0W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2018 Toyota TacomaWiper Replacement: 2018 Toyota Tacoma