Your Tacoma's Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 uses multiple camera and radar sensors to provide collision avoidance, lane keeping, and adaptive cruise features. When warning indicators appear, here's how to tell the difference between environmental conditions you can fix yourself and actual system malfunctions requiring dealer service.
(Reference: Owner's Manual, pg. 570-572)
Your 2024+ Tacoma comes standard with TSS 3.0, Toyota's most advanced driver assistance package:
When these systems detect malfunctions or conditions preventing operation, warning indicators appear on your instrument cluster.
What It Looks Like: Yellow PCS icon (flashes or illuminates) with warning buzzer
What It Means:
Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System). If the PCS or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate.
What To Do:
Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Critical understanding: This light can indicate either a system malfunction or that PCS has been disabled (for example, when VSC is manually turned off). Check your multi-information display to determine which situation you're experiencing.
What It Looks Like: Yellow LDA icon with warning buzzer
What It Means:
Indicates a malfunction in the LDA (Lane Departure Alert). Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Important note: LDA can be turned off manually via steering wheel controls. The indicator should differentiate between manual disable and actual malfunction. Check your multi-information display for specifics.
What It Looks Like: Yellow LTA icon with warning buzzer
What It Means:
Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist). Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
System requirements: LTA is the active steering assist feature. It requires clear lane markings on both sides, DRCC engaged, and hands on the steering wheel. Many LTA "malfunctions" are temporary unavailability due to weather conditions or poor road markings.
What It Looks Like: Exclamation mark in steering wheel icon
What It Means:
This is a combined indicator covering multiple systems. The following systems may be malfunctioning: PCS (Pre-Collision System), LDA (Lane Departure Alert), PKSB (Parking Support Brake) [if equipped], RCD (Rear Camera Detection) [if equipped], BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) [if equipped], RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) [if equipped].
Special case: When towing another vehicle.
What to do: Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Critical: This indicator doesn't tell you which system triggered it. You must check the multi-information display to see the specific system message.
What It Looks Like: Yellow PDA icon (if equipped) with warning buzzer
What It Means:
Indicates a malfunction in the PDA (Proactive Driving Alert). Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
PDA explained: PDA is new in TSS 3.0 (not present in TSS 2.0 or 2.5). It provides gentle brake and steering input when the system anticipates risks (vehicle ahead slowing, curve approaching, etc.). Unlike LTA, PDA operates even when cruise control is off. A PDA malfunction indicator suggests camera or radar issues affecting multiple TSS systems.
What It Looks Like: Yellow DRCC icon (car with waves in front) with warning buzzer
What It Means:
Indicates a malfunction in the Dynamic radar cruise control. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
DRCC vs. regular cruise: If DRCC malfunctions, you may still have regular fixed-speed cruise control available. DRCC uses the front radar sensor, while conventional cruise is a simpler system.
Investigation across Toyota TSB databases, NHTSA complaint records, TacomaWorld, and Tacoma4G forums revealed no documented TSS 3.0-specific malfunctions for 4th gen Tacoma PCS, LTA, or LDA systems.
Context: While the 4th gen Tacoma has experienced major recalls affecting 222,000 units (brake lines) and transmission issues (multiple DTCs), the TSS 3.0 electronic safety systems show no failure patterns as of November 2025.
This suggests either exceptional system reliability or insufficient data due to the platform's newness (2024-2025 model years).
Historical comparison: 3rd gen Tacoma (2018-2019 model years) had a documented March 2019 recall (K0B) for radar sensor moisture intrusion, but no analogous TSS 3.0 issue exists for 4th gen platforms.
Research shows the vast majority of TSS indicators are triggered by environmental conditions, not component failures:
1. Snow, Mud, or Dirt Obstruction
When the front radar sensor is covered with snow, slush, or mud, warnings appear even after physically clearing the obstruction. The warnings may persist until a drive cycle completes or manual reset is performed.
Official cleaning procedure: "you should clean the front of a radar sensor or the front or back of a radar sensor cover if it is dirty or covered with water droplets, snow, etc., and when cleaning the radar sensor and radar sensor cover, use a soft cloth to remove dirt so as to not damage them."
Owner experience: "When the front radar sensor is covered with snow or slush, a warning appears that the front radar sensor is covered and PDA is disabled, but brushing off the slushy mix from the sensor shield solves the problem. The annoying aspect is that the warnings never go away and keep popping up even after clearing them."
2. Camera Misalignment
In at least one documented case, TSS failures were resolved by reseating the windshield-mounted camera: "the camera itself was crooked and may have been partially obstructed by the black paint around the windshield aperture... I tried out all of the TSS systems and none of them failed on a 15 minutes drive."
Standard owner troubleshooting sequence before dealer visits:
CRITICAL WARNING FOR HYBRID OWNERS: If you disconnect the battery on a hybrid, you have to take the vehicle back to the dealer and have them reboot the entire ECU.
If you have the camera below the rear view mirror, it will need to be recalibrated after windshield replacement on vehicles equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).
Cost: Calibration costs $300-500 depending on service provider (Safelite vs. Toyota dealer quotes).
Critical restriction for modified vehicles: Glass shops may not be able to calibrate TSS on lifted trucks with modified tires due to tool limitations. Toyota will not recalibrate a sensor that isn't in the factory configuration.
Planning advice: If you plan to lift your Tacoma and need windshield replacement, get the TSS calibration done first while the truck is stock, then perform suspension modifications.
Drivability: When TSS malfunctions occur, the vehicle drives fine but sensors don't work in terms of auto braking, side mirror, and other features, though it doesn't limit the car from driving and functioning. Dealerships have indicated it was safe to continue driving with these warnings.
Important distinction: "Safe to drive" does not mean "recommended to drive long-term."
Your collision avoidance features are disabled. Schedule dealer service as soon as practical, but you're not in immediate danger if the light comes on during a trip.
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile Comprehensive New Vehicle Warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty. Coverage also includes Toyota Care, which offers two years or 25,000 miles of Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance and 24/7 Roadside Assistance.
Key point: TSS diagnostics are free during the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty period. No diagnostic fees should be charged for investigating TSS indicators.
Warranty protection for modified vehicles: Vehicle warranties aren't a monolithic thing that is only valid or void; instead, it comes down to whether or not your modification could've caused the failure, in which case warranty coverage might be denied. The burden would be on the dealership (TMC) to show that the modifications directly led to whatever failure was being repaired.
Highest warranty risk: ECU tuning. Anything that goes wrong with engine, transmission, or ECU can potentially be blamed on performance tuning.
Q: What multi-information display messages might I see?
A: The manual doesn't specify exact messages. Based on owner reports, common messages include:
The display will instruct you to either clean the sensor, visit a dealer, or acknowledge the warning.
Q: How do I know if it's a malfunction vs. just disabled?
A: Check these scenarios:
Q: Can I use an OBD2 scanner to read TSS codes?
A: Yes. Carista OBD2 scanner works with 4th gen Tacoma. Users have successfully gotten Carista to work with the 4th gen Tacoma, though it requires a $14.99/month subscription. Even though the app may only list up to 3rd gen, users report that plugging it in allows everything to work.
Q: What if the light comes on while I'm driving on a road trip?
A: You can safely continue driving. Your safety features are disabled, so drive more defensively (maintain extra following distance, pay closer attention to lane keeping). Schedule dealer service when you return, but you don't need to stop immediately unless the multi-information display says "Pull over safely."
Q: Are there any known TSBs or recalls for TSS 3.0 on 4th gen Tacoma?
A: As of November 2025, no. While 4th gen Tacoma has major recalls for brake lines (222,000 units affected) and transmission solenoid issues, there are no documented Technical Service Bulletins or recalls for TSS 3.0 PCS, LTA, LDA, PDA, or DRCC malfunctions.
Where the sensors are located:
Why this matters: Most TSS indicators relate to these two sensor locations. If you've had windshield work, front-end collision repair, or grille damage, those events can affect TSS operation.
See attached pages-reference.pdf for the original manual pages.
Owner's Manual: Pages 570-572
Additional Sources:
Disclaimer:
This thread combines official owner's manual information with verified research from Toyota forums and owner experiences. Always defer to your vehicle's owner's manual for safety-critical procedures. When in doubt, contact your Toyota dealer for professional diagnosis. This is a reference guide only.
(Reference: Owner's Manual, pg. 570-572)
PCS Warning, LTA Malfunction, LDA Light, TSS 3.0, Pre-Collision System
Your 2024+ Tacoma comes standard with TSS 3.0, Toyota's most advanced driver assistance package:
- PCS (Pre-Collision System): Automatic emergency braking with motorcycle detection
- LTA (Lane Tracing Assist): Active steering to keep you centered in lane
- LDA (Lane Departure Alert): Warns when you drift without signaling
- PDA (Proactive Driving Assist): New in TSS 3.0, gentle brake/steering input for anticipated risks
- DRCC (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control): Adaptive cruise with distance management
- RSA (Road Sign Assist): Recognizes speed limit and road signs
When these systems detect malfunctions or conditions preventing operation, warning indicators appear on your instrument cluster.
PCS Warning Light (Pre-Collision System)
What It Looks Like: Yellow PCS icon (flashes or illuminates) with warning buzzer
What It Means:
Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System). If the PCS or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate.
What To Do:
Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Critical understanding: This light can indicate either a system malfunction or that PCS has been disabled (for example, when VSC is manually turned off). Check your multi-information display to determine which situation you're experiencing.
LDA Indicator (Lane Departure Alert)
What It Looks Like: Yellow LDA icon with warning buzzer
What It Means:
Indicates a malfunction in the LDA (Lane Departure Alert). Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Important note: LDA can be turned off manually via steering wheel controls. The indicator should differentiate between manual disable and actual malfunction. Check your multi-information display for specifics.
LTA Indicator (Lane Tracing Assist)
What It Looks Like: Yellow LTA icon with warning buzzer
What It Means:
Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist). Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
System requirements: LTA is the active steering assist feature. It requires clear lane markings on both sides, DRCC engaged, and hands on the steering wheel. Many LTA "malfunctions" are temporary unavailability due to weather conditions or poor road markings.
Driving Assist Information Indicator
What It Looks Like: Exclamation mark in steering wheel icon
What It Means:
This is a combined indicator covering multiple systems. The following systems may be malfunctioning: PCS (Pre-Collision System), LDA (Lane Departure Alert), PKSB (Parking Support Brake) [if equipped], RCD (Rear Camera Detection) [if equipped], BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) [if equipped], RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) [if equipped].
Special case: When towing another vehicle.
What to do: Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
Critical: This indicator doesn't tell you which system triggered it. You must check the multi-information display to see the specific system message.
PDA Indicator (Proactive Driving Assist)
What It Looks Like: Yellow PDA icon (if equipped) with warning buzzer
What It Means:
Indicates a malfunction in the PDA (Proactive Driving Alert). Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
PDA explained: PDA is new in TSS 3.0 (not present in TSS 2.0 or 2.5). It provides gentle brake and steering input when the system anticipates risks (vehicle ahead slowing, curve approaching, etc.). Unlike LTA, PDA operates even when cruise control is off. A PDA malfunction indicator suggests camera or radar issues affecting multiple TSS systems.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Indicator
What It Looks Like: Yellow DRCC icon (car with waves in front) with warning buzzer
What It Means:
Indicates a malfunction in the Dynamic radar cruise control. Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.
DRCC vs. regular cruise: If DRCC malfunctions, you may still have regular fixed-speed cruise control available. DRCC uses the front radar sensor, while conventional cruise is a simpler system.
Key Discovery: Exceptional TSS 3.0 Reliability
Investigation across Toyota TSB databases, NHTSA complaint records, TacomaWorld, and Tacoma4G forums revealed no documented TSS 3.0-specific malfunctions for 4th gen Tacoma PCS, LTA, or LDA systems.
Context: While the 4th gen Tacoma has experienced major recalls affecting 222,000 units (brake lines) and transmission issues (multiple DTCs), the TSS 3.0 electronic safety systems show no failure patterns as of November 2025.
This suggests either exceptional system reliability or insufficient data due to the platform's newness (2024-2025 model years).
Historical comparison: 3rd gen Tacoma (2018-2019 model years) had a documented March 2019 recall (K0B) for radar sensor moisture intrusion, but no analogous TSS 3.0 issue exists for 4th gen platforms.
Most Common Causes (Environmental)
Research shows the vast majority of TSS indicators are triggered by environmental conditions, not component failures:
1. Snow, Mud, or Dirt Obstruction
When the front radar sensor is covered with snow, slush, or mud, warnings appear even after physically clearing the obstruction. The warnings may persist until a drive cycle completes or manual reset is performed.
Official cleaning procedure: "you should clean the front of a radar sensor or the front or back of a radar sensor cover if it is dirty or covered with water droplets, snow, etc., and when cleaning the radar sensor and radar sensor cover, use a soft cloth to remove dirt so as to not damage them."
Owner experience: "When the front radar sensor is covered with snow or slush, a warning appears that the front radar sensor is covered and PDA is disabled, but brushing off the slushy mix from the sensor shield solves the problem. The annoying aspect is that the warnings never go away and keep popping up even after clearing them."
2. Camera Misalignment
In at least one documented case, TSS failures were resolved by reseating the windshield-mounted camera: "the camera itself was crooked and may have been partially obstructed by the black paint around the windshield aperture... I tried out all of the TSS systems and none of them failed on a 15 minutes drive."
Standard owner troubleshooting sequence before dealer visits:
- Disconnect battery and discharge system (touch positive and negative terminals together)
- Check every fuse
- Clean windshield and front emblem thoroughly
- Clean radar sensor with soft cloth
- Restart vehicle and test drive
CRITICAL WARNING FOR HYBRID OWNERS: If you disconnect the battery on a hybrid, you have to take the vehicle back to the dealer and have them reboot the entire ECU.
Windshield Replacement Requires Calibration
If you have the camera below the rear view mirror, it will need to be recalibrated after windshield replacement on vehicles equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).
Cost: Calibration costs $300-500 depending on service provider (Safelite vs. Toyota dealer quotes).
Critical restriction for modified vehicles: Glass shops may not be able to calibrate TSS on lifted trucks with modified tires due to tool limitations. Toyota will not recalibrate a sensor that isn't in the factory configuration.
Planning advice: If you plan to lift your Tacoma and need windshield replacement, get the TSS calibration done first while the truck is stock, then perform suspension modifications.
Is It Safe To Drive With TSS Indicators?
Drivability: When TSS malfunctions occur, the vehicle drives fine but sensors don't work in terms of auto braking, side mirror, and other features, though it doesn't limit the car from driving and functioning. Dealerships have indicated it was safe to continue driving with these warnings.
Important distinction: "Safe to drive" does not mean "recommended to drive long-term."
Your collision avoidance features are disabled. Schedule dealer service as soon as practical, but you're not in immediate danger if the light comes on during a trip.
Warranty Coverage
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile Comprehensive New Vehicle Warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty. Coverage also includes Toyota Care, which offers two years or 25,000 miles of Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance and 24/7 Roadside Assistance.
Key point: TSS diagnostics are free during the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty period. No diagnostic fees should be charged for investigating TSS indicators.
Warranty protection for modified vehicles: Vehicle warranties aren't a monolithic thing that is only valid or void; instead, it comes down to whether or not your modification could've caused the failure, in which case warranty coverage might be denied. The burden would be on the dealership (TMC) to show that the modifications directly led to whatever failure was being repaired.
Highest warranty risk: ECU tuning. Anything that goes wrong with engine, transmission, or ECU can potentially be blamed on performance tuning.
Common Questions
Q: What multi-information display messages might I see?
A: The manual doesn't specify exact messages. Based on owner reports, common messages include:
- "Front radar sensor covered" (snow/mud obstruction)
- "PDA disabled" (Proactive Driving Assist temporarily unavailable)
- "Camera obstructed" (windshield camera blocked)
- "TSS unavailable" (general system malfunction)
The display will instruct you to either clean the sensor, visit a dealer, or acknowledge the warning.
Q: How do I know if it's a malfunction vs. just disabled?
A: Check these scenarios:
- Did you manually turn off VSC? PCS light will illuminate (this is normal, not a malfunction)
- Is it snowing, raining heavily, or very muddy? Likely environmental (temporary)
- Did you recently replace your windshield? Calibration required (not a malfunction)
- None of the above? Likely actual malfunction, dealer diagnosis needed
Q: Can I use an OBD2 scanner to read TSS codes?
A: Yes. Carista OBD2 scanner works with 4th gen Tacoma. Users have successfully gotten Carista to work with the 4th gen Tacoma, though it requires a $14.99/month subscription. Even though the app may only list up to 3rd gen, users report that plugging it in allows everything to work.
Q: What if the light comes on while I'm driving on a road trip?
A: You can safely continue driving. Your safety features are disabled, so drive more defensively (maintain extra following distance, pay closer attention to lane keeping). Schedule dealer service when you return, but you don't need to stop immediately unless the multi-information display says "Pull over safely."
Q: Are there any known TSBs or recalls for TSS 3.0 on 4th gen Tacoma?
A: As of November 2025, no. While 4th gen Tacoma has major recalls for brake lines (222,000 units affected) and transmission solenoid issues, there are no documented Technical Service Bulletins or recalls for TSS 3.0 PCS, LTA, LDA, PDA, or DRCC malfunctions.
TSS 3.0 System Components
Where the sensors are located:
- Front Camera: Behind rearview mirror, mounted to windshield
- Millimeter-Wave Radar: Front grille area (behind Toyota emblem)
- Processing Unit: Integrated with camera module
Why this matters: Most TSS indicators relate to these two sensor locations. If you've had windshield work, front-end collision repair, or grille damage, those events can affect TSS operation.
Manual Reference
See attached pages-reference.pdf for the original manual pages.
Source Attribution
Owner's Manual: Pages 570-572
Additional Sources:
- Toyota Official Press Releases
- Toyota of Marin warranty documentation
- Tacoma4G.com
- TacomaWorld.com
- 4GTaco.com
Disclaimer:
This thread combines official owner's manual information with verified research from Toyota forums and owner experiences. Always defer to your vehicle's owner's manual for safety-critical procedures. When in doubt, contact your Toyota dealer for professional diagnosis. This is a reference guide only.
