Hey, I test drove a 2025 Tacoma today and noticed it was emitting white smoke when I accelerated. It only lasted about 10 seconds and then stopped. Any idea what might’ve caused that?
I test drove two 2025s today and noticed the same thing—white smoke out the exhaust when accelerating. Both trucks had like 4 or 5 miles on them. I just assumed it was part of engine break-in.
Sky said:
I test drove two 2025s today and noticed the same thing—white smoke out the exhaust when accelerating. Both trucks had like 4 or 5 miles on them. I just assumed it was part of engine break-in.
Oh that’s weird! I’ll ask them next time I go in. When are you planning on buying? Going for the Off-Road trim?
Sky said:
I test drove two 2025s today and noticed the same thing—white smoke out the exhaust when accelerating. Both trucks had like 4 or 5 miles on them. I just assumed it was part of engine break-in.
Still thinking it over… probably going to cave this week. Definitely leaning Off-Road. Just trying to decide between short bed and long bed now. The short bed looks really short to me. How about you?
Sky said:
I test drove two 2025s today and noticed the same thing—white smoke out the exhaust when accelerating. Both trucks had like 4 or 5 miles on them. I just assumed it was part of engine break-in.
I think I’ll go in this week too, planning to ask for $5500 off MSRP (about 10%). I’m set on the long bed. More utility—I can haul stuff or even sleep back there with a tent or camper shell. It’ll still handle trails fine.
Sky said:
I test drove two 2025s today and noticed the same thing—white smoke out the exhaust when accelerating. Both trucks had like 4 or 5 miles on them. I just assumed it was part of engine break-in.
Smart choice. I’m too tall to even think about sleeping in a short bed anyway. Good luck with the discount—dealerships near me have tons of 2024s still under stop sale, so you might have some leverage.
White smoke can mean coolant is leaking into the engine—possibly a head gasket issue.
Jess said:
White smoke can mean coolant is leaking into the engine—possibly a head gasket issue.
Is that serious? I’m not super familiar with this stuff. Also, is this common on the 4th gens?
Jess said:
White smoke can mean coolant is leaking into the engine—possibly a head gasket issue.
Oops, my bad—I didn’t see the part where the smoke stopped after 10 seconds. That makes it less likely to be a serious issue.
What was the weather like during your test drive? It might’ve just been condensation. Coolant smoke tends to last and smell sweet. If it stopped quickly, that’s a good sign it wasn’t serious.
Hadi said:
What was the weather like during your test drive? It might’ve just been condensation. Coolant smoke tends to last and smell sweet. If it stopped quickly, that’s a good sign it wasn’t serious.
It was about 70°F, nice day, mid-afternoon.
Hadi said:
What was the weather like during your test drive? It might’ve just been condensation. Coolant smoke tends to last and smell sweet. If it stopped quickly, that’s a good sign it wasn’t serious.
Did it only happen once—like when you first accelerated a bit harder—or did it keep happening?
@Hadi
It only happened once, near the end of the test drive, maybe 4–5 minutes in.
White smoke can be a sign of a head gasket failure, which is a big deal. But on a brand-new truck? Super unlikely. I haven’t heard of that being an issue with 4th gens.
More likely it’s just condensation burning off. If you want to be sure, sniff the exhaust—burning coolant has a sweet smell. You can also check the radiator for bubbles (when the engine is cool) or look for milky oil.
If you’re really concerned, get a pre-purchase inspection—even new vehicles can have defects.