I Parked My 2024 Toyota Tacoma for a Week and Now the Battery Is Dead, It Only Has 5K Miles, Now I’m Afraid To Drive It

Ab is wondering why his 2024 Toyota Tacoma battery is dead. His truck has only 5,000 miles, and the battery died after he left it parked for a week. 

Ab Sengsavang asks the other 4th-generation Toyota Tacoma owners on the Tacoma Owners Facebook page if there is a problem with his truck or if it's normal for the battery to drain after sitting for a week.

Ab says, "I parked my 4th generation Toyota Tacoma for a week. Now, it doesn't start. No juice at all. I intend to charge my battery and see if that works. Any recommendation?", he asks. 

Picture Ab, who has a 2024 Toyota Tacoma, is afraid to drive it because the battery won't stay charged. He drives it once a week, and when he comes out, the battery is dead. 

You can imagine his frustration. Is it normal? The answer is no. Any car or truck battery should not be dead after a week of sitting without being started, especially a new vehicle with only 5,000 miles. 

Ab Is Not Alone

The 4th generation Toyota Tacomas (typically 2016-2023 models) can experience battery drain issues. However, not all owners report it. Various factors, including an aging battery, parasitic electrical drain, or a malfunctioning charging system, can cause a dead battery. 

Ab wonders if his dash cam is the issue. He only has 5,000 miles on his truck and doesn't drive it daily. "Only once a week," he says.

"I have my dash cam connected all the time. I didn't think it would drain the battery that much."

Vinnie Childz says, "Mine does as I set it to a high resolution. I will change that soon and turn it off at home, as the same thing happens to me."

Greg Aldubo says, "No, that's not enough to kill it. I drive mine twice monthly, have left it over a month several times, and have never had a problem. Have your battery tested and get a new battery."

In an update, Ab says, "I put my battery on the charger. It seems ok. It's about 80% charged. But now I am afraid to drive it." 

Does the 4th-generation Toyota Tacoma pickup have a battery drain issue?

Examples from Tacoma Owners:

• Some owners have reported their batteries dying after only a few days of sitting, even with the truck not being used. 
• Others have experienced dead batteries on new vehicles with low mileage, suggesting a potential factory issue. 
• Some have noticed the "auto shutoff" feature not working, potentially leading to battery drain. 

Here's a more detailed look:

Reasons for a Tacoma Battery Drain:

• Aging Battery: Like all batteries, they naturally degrade over time and lose their ability to hold a charge. However, this is not true with Ab's new 2024 Tacoma with only 5,000 miles. 

It Could Be a Bad Battery From the Factory

A Reddit user, freakingspacedude, says, “I bought a Tacoma four months ago. Now, my battery is dead. After 4 months? On a brand new truck?”

“I took it to the Toyota dealer, and they checked the battery and found it was trash. They replaced it free of charge. Shout out to the Toyota dealership service for making the situation pretty painless. Squeezed me in on a slammed Friday with 15 minutes' notice and had me out within 2 hours.”

Parasitic Draw: Electrical components like radios, interior lights, or aftermarket accessories can draw power even when the vehicle is off, leading to battery drain. 

If a parasitic draw is identified, investigate the source and repair or disconnect the offending component. Ab's dash cam is left on, which could be the source of the problem. 

Can leaving the dash cam on drain the Tacoma's battery?

Wireless Links says a dash cam can drain a car battery, especially if left on in parking mode, which is a feature that allows the dash cam to record while the car is parked. This is because parking mode can draw power from the battery when the car's engine is off, potentially depleting it over time. 

Here's why and how to prevent it:

• Parking Mode and Power Draw: Parking mode often uses features like motion detection or continuous recording, which require constant power when the car is not running. 
• Extended Parking: If you park for extended periods without driving, the dash cam's power draw can deplete the battery, especially in older or undercharged batteries. 
• The Easy Solution: Simply unplug the dash cam when you're not driving the truck. It can prevent unnecessary power draw. 

More Reasons For A Drained Tacoma Battery

• Faulty Charging System: A malfunctioning alternator or charging system may not be able to keep the battery fully charged, primarily if the vehicle is driven short distances frequently. 
• Extreme Temperatures: Extremely hot and cold temperatures can negatively impact battery performance and lead to premature failure. 
• Address Electrical Issues: 

Ab Should Have His Tacoma's Charging System Inspected:

Check for a Parasitic Draw: A Toyota tech will use a clamp-on ammeter to measure current draw when the engine is off. Any significant draw (more than a few milliamperes) signifies a problem. 

What Should Tacoma Owners Do?

If you're experiencing battery issues with your 2024 Tacoma, it's recommended to contact your dealership and have them diagnose the problem. There are solutions. The Toyota dealer can test the alternator and charging system to ensure they function correctly. Your truck is under warranty, and all issues will be covered for free. However, don't expect to get a loaner vehicle. You are on your own. 

How About You?

Do you own a fourth-generation Toyota Tacoma? Have you experienced battery drain issues? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and tell us about your experience. 

Check out my 2024 Toyota Tacoma story with a drained battery: My Brand-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid With Just 5,000 Miles Suddenly Wouldn’t Start, Leaving Me Stranded

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