My Brand-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid With Just 5,000 Miles Suddenly Wouldn’t Start, Leaving Me Stranded

Is the 2024 Toyota Tacoma having reliability issues?

The Toyota Tacoma has a legendary reputation for reliability, with many owners praising its long-lasting performance. However, recent reports suggest that the Tacoma and Tacoma hybrid may be showing early signs of battery problems. 

In this report, I'll cover the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid battery issues. Some owners, like Chandler Bruce on his Toyota Tacoma Owners Facebook page and The Tacoma Enthusiast on his YouTube channel, have said they've had battery problems. Here is what all Tacoma owners need to know.

Chandler Bruce asks this question,  

"Has anyone else had battery issues with their 2024 Tacoma?  I have the non-hybrid with the start/stop feature, which only has 6,000 miles.  Mine died a couple of times last week. I took it to my local Toyota dealership Monday morning, and they said it did need a new battery and that there were no batteries in stock within a 300-mile radius.  I'm currently in a loaner Tacoma, so I'm not too mad. Hopefully, it was just a lemon battery."

"I'm assuming it has to be a Toyota OEM battery since that is what they are replacing, and it's under warranty. I would be raising more hell, but they put me in another Tacoma, so I will use their truck at no cost for as long as they want."

Here is Another Tacoma Owner with Battery Problems

On The Tacoma Enthusiast YouTube channel, this 2024 Tacoma owner says he purchased a 2024 Toyota Taco Hybrid with only 5,000 miles and one day, it suddenly wouldn't start. 

"My brand-new Tacoma Hybrid with just 5,000 miles suddenly wouldn’t start, leaving me stranded!" 

Here is his explanation. 

He says, "Thankfully, I was at my house, so I wasn't somewhere far away. It was inconvenient because I was late for work because of it. So, I got in my truck, and everything was fine. All the dash lights came on, and when I tried to start the truck, the hybrid light started flashing, which is normal when it starts." 

"It usually takes three or four seconds to start. Well, it didn't start, and then it flashed and said, "Power on," which usually pops up once the truck starts. It had an air message on my iPhone (Toyota Service Connect) that I recorded when it happened." 

"The message said something about the sensors. So, I researched it and thought there may be dirt on the sensors. I looked around the truck, and they were all clean." 

The truck wouldn't start.

"So, I shifted it into reverse and then drive, and it said "Hybrid System Stopped." So I turned the ignition switch off and then turned it back on. The same thing happened again. I did this multiple times with the same result."

"My first thought was, maybe the battery is dead because that's what typically happens with a dead battery. The next thing I looked at was the lights; if there weren't any clicking sounds, everything was just dead."

More Warnings on the Dash 

"On the dash, it says "Parking Brake Unavailable." The Hybrid ready light is flashing, and the power on the system is off. It reads the EPB Activation Stopped Incompletely, and nothing is happening." 

"When I shift it into drive, it says Hybrid System Stopped Shift into Park. Then the reverse backup camera comes on in Park. Whatever I try, the same messages come on the dash. The truck will not power on at all."

He Called the Toyota Dealer Before Having It Towed 

"I called my Toyota dealer and told them about the on-air message I was getting and that my truck was dead and wouldn't start. I asked them if there was any quick fix so I don't have to have it towed to the dealer." 

"They said they haven't heard of this happening. So, I had my new 2024 Tacoma Hybrid towed to the dealer because this truck would not start. I asked if I could have a loaner truck because I need to get to work." 

"The service department said we can't give you a loaner vehicle until we diagnose the problem with your truck. I said the truck is under warranty; you should cover this. So, you'll have to fix the problem, so why can't you give me a loaner?" 

The Toyota Dealer Fixes the Problem

"It's already after 9:00 am, and I don't hear back from them until 11:00. They tell me it's all fixed, you're all good, and you can come and pick it up. So when I look at the paperwork for the warranty work they did, it says there was a bad cell in the auxiliary battery." 

"This is the auxiliary battery for the Hybrid pack. Something with the stop/start switch when it changes from hybrid to regular mode. So, thankfully, it wasn't anything serious." 

His is not the only truck with battery problems.

"I've heard stories of other Tacoma owners who have had electrical problems and found it took two to three months to get replacement parts for their trucks. Thankfully, that wasn't the case with mine. The dealer had the auxiliary battery to replace the defective one in stock. It wasn't too bad; it was just a one-day repair. However, it was an inconvenience," he concludes. 

Does the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Have Battery Problems?

Some Reddit users report battery issues.

While there's no widespread, confirmed issue, some 2024 Toyota Tacoma owners have reported battery issues, including dead batteries and malfunctioning auto power-off function. 

Here's a more detailed look at the situation:

• Reports of Dead Batteries: Some owners have reported their 2024 Tacomas waking up with dead batteries, even after short periods of inactivity. 
• Auto Power-Off Issues: Some owners have experienced the auto power-off function stopping working, with the truck displaying a "battery charging" message even after prolonged driving. 
• Possible Causes: Some owners suspect a combination of factors, including a bad alternator, parasitic drain, or the truck's 12v battery being in a low voltage state. These issues could be exacerbated by the start/stop feature in non-hybrid models, which may put additional strain on the battery. 
• There Is No Recall: While these issues are being reported, it's important to note that there doesn't appear to be a widespread recall or official statement from Toyota about a specific battery problem with the 2024 Tacoma. 
• Other Issues: Some owners have also reported other issues, such as transmission problems and a recall for a brake fluid leak 

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. 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. 

We Want To Hear From You

Have you experienced battery problems with your 2024 Toyota Tacoma or Tacoma Hybrid? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Toyota Tacoma story: I Didn't Think My 2024 Toyota Tacoma Off Road Would Lose So Much Value After Just One Year, the Dealer Only Offered Me $38,000 Trade-In

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 Toyota dealer