P0571 Code: Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

No recalls found in NHTSA database

No owner complaints found in NHTSA data for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma with code P0571.

This guide uses general automotive knowledge for P0571 and what typically applies to the Tacoma family, but the data you provided shows no complaints and no recalls in the official database. Treat the symptom patterns and repair guidance as common expectations for this code but balance with vehicle-specific inspection.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• Code: P0571

• Description: Cruise Control Brake Switch A Circuit Range/Performance

• What it means for the Tacoma: The engine control module (ECM/PCM) sees the brake switch A signal outside its expected range or timing when the brake switch is actuated. In practical terms, this commonly prevents the cruise control from engaging or causes it to disengage unintentionally. The brake switch input is also used by other vehicle systems (often including the brake lights and certain safety/brake-logic circuits), so a faulty signal can produce intermittent behavior.

• Severity (practical): Moderate. It primarily affects cruise control operation and may also affect related brake-switch dependent logic. It does not typically disable braking itself, but a faulty brake switch can cause nuisance cruise control behavior, intermittent engagement/disengagement, or a failure to engage cruise at all. Because the brake switch also controls the brake lights, a faulty switch can produce visible symptoms (brake lights on when not braking or not illuminating when braking). The data you provided has no complaints or recalls, so there’s no record-backed frequency for this model/year in the dataset.

• Data limitation note: No complaints or recalls are listed in the provided NHTSA data. Treat observed symptoms as vehicle-specific possibilities based on standard P0571 behavior rather than statistically-backed Tacoma-specific frequency.

COMMON CAUSES ON TOYOTA TACOMA

• Faulty brake pedal position switch (Brake Light Switch A): The most common cause. If the switch is worn, misadjusted, physically damaged, or binding, the A circuit signal can be out of range.
• Wiring harness or connector fault: Damaged insulation, corroded pins, loose connections, or shorts between the brake switch circuits (A and/or B) and the PCM can trigger P0571.
• Misadjusted brake switch alignment: The brake pedal position may not fully actuate the switch, or it may trigger prematurely.
• Intermittent ground or power supply issue to the switch circuit: A poor ground or a marginal power supply can cause erratic readings.
• Faulty brake switch signal interpretation by PCM: In rare cases, internal PCM software or a hardware fault can misinterpret a good signal.
• Related control modules: Infrequently, a fault in the cruise control module or vehicle speed signal (VSS) path can complicate the interpretation of the brake switch data, though P0571 typically points to brake switch wiring or switch itself.

SYMPTOMS

• Cruise control won’t engage or disengages unexpectedly
• Cruise indicator light on the dash remains off when you expect it to engage, or it disengages during a drive
• Brake lights behave abnormally: On when you’re not braking or not coming on when braking
• Intermittent cruise control behavior: intermittent engagement, brief drops, or reset during highway driving
• No obvious driveability symptoms beyond cruise control issues
• In some cases, related ABS/vehicle stability systems could show warning interactions if the brake switch signal is degraded, but braking performance generally remains unaffected

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

Note: Start with simple, safe checks and progress to electrical diagnostics. Use a quality OBD-II scanner to confirm P0571 and view freeze-frame data.

• Step 1: Confirm and document

  • Verify P0571 is present with a scan tool. Note the freeze-frame data: brake switch status, vehicle speed, cruise control status, and any other stored data.
  • Confirm whether brake lights operate normally when the pedal is pressed and when released.

• Step 2: Inspect brake pedal switch and brake-light circuit

  • Visual inspection of the brake pedal switch and its mounting. Look for obvious damage, looseness, or misalignment.
  • Check the brake lights: Do they illuminate when you press the pedal? Do they stay on when the pedal is not pressed? abnormal brake-light operation is a strong clue.
  • If brake lights are abnormal, inspect the switch plunger alignment and adjust or replace as needed.

• Step 3: Test the brake switch circuits (A and B) with a DVOM or scan tool live data

  • With the ignition on (engine off) or at idle (depending on your testing approach), monitor the brake switch A circuit signal with the pedal at rest and with the pedal pressed.
  • Typical expectation: one circuit changes state when the pedal is pressed; the other circuit may have a different state according to the vehicle’s brake-switch design. If signals are erratic, intermittent, or do not switch properly, suspect the switch or its wiring.
  • Check continuity and resistance of the brake switch circuits in both pedal positions. Look for open circuits, shorts to ground, or shorts to power.

• Step 4: Inspect wiring harness and connectors

  • Inspect the wiring from the brake switch to the PCM/ECU and to the brake-light circuits for damaged insulation, pin oxidation, corrosion, or loose connectors.
  • Disconnect and reseat connectors; if possible, reseat the relevant connectors to ensure a solid contact.
  • Check for any signs of moisture or corrosion near the pedal assembly or under-dash harness routing.

• Step 5: Look for mechanical misadjustment

  • If the switch has adjustability, recheck the alignment relative to the pedal’s position at rest and when fully pressed.
  • Re-adjust per factory/service manual recommendations if misalignment is suspected.

• Step 6: If switch and wiring test OK, consider PCM/cruise-control module

  • If the brake switch and wiring test cleanly pass, the PCM may be interpreting a clean signal incorrectly due to software or internal fault. This is less common but possible.
  • In such cases, consult Toyota service information for any model-year-specific diagnostics. Since TSBs aren’t cited in the provided data, general diagnostic steps involve re-flashing software or, in rare cases, module replacement after confirming with further diagnostics.

• Step 7: Clear codes and test drive

  • After any repair, clear the DTCs and perform a controlled test drive to verify the issue is resolved and P0571 does not recur.
  • Re-scan after test drive to confirm the code does not return.

RELATED CODES

• P0570 Cruise Control A Circuit Malfunction (if present, indicates a broader issue with the A circuit that can co-exist with P0571)
• P0572 Cruise Control B Circuit Range/Performance (B circuit related to the brake-switch signal path in some systems)
• P0573 Cruise Control Brake Switch B Circuit Malfunction (instrumentation dependent; may appear with P0571 in some cases)
• Note: The exact sub-codes and naming can vary by vehicle and scan tool interpretation. In practice, P0571 is the primary descriptor for Brake Switch A Circuit Range/Performance, with P0570/57x variants representing related brake-switch circuitry.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICES)

Important: Prices vary by region, shop, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used. The ranges below are rough market expectations for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma and may differ in your area.

• Brake pedal switch (Brake Light Switch A)

  • Parts: $15–$45 (OEM or aftermarket)
  • Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours
  • Typical total: $60–$180

• Brake switch harness or connector repair

  • Parts: usually minimal (if you can repair wiring, glue or replace a connector)
  • Labor: 0.5–1 hour
  • Typical total: $40–$150

• Brake pedal switch adjustment/ alignment

  • Parts: none or minimal
  • Labor: 0.25–0.75 hours
  • Typical total: $20–$100

• Replacing the brake switch due to failure (non-adjustable)

  • Parts: $20–$60
  • Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours
  • Typical total: $60–$170

• Cruise Control Module or ECM-related fix (if switch/wiring tests OK and fault persists)

  • Parts: $150–$600 (ECM or cruise control module pricing varies widely; OEM can be higher)
  • Labor: 1–3 hours
  • Typical total: $350–$1,200
  • Note: This is a less common escalation and usually only after thorough electrical testing rules out switch and harness as the fault.

• Miscellaneous shop fees or diagnostic charge

  • Typical: $50–$100 per visit (in categories where diagnostic time is charged separately)

DIY VS PROFESSIONAL

• DIY feasibility:

  • Moderate difficulty. If you’re comfortable with basic electrical testing (multimeter, continuity tests) and working around a vehicle’s interior near the dash, you can inspect and test the brake switch, adjust the switch, and inspect wiring.
  • Tools you’ll want: DVOM/multimeter, test light, same basic tools for dash access, possibly a wiring diagram for your specific Tacoma year to identify circuit continuity.
  • Cautions: Disconnect the battery or follow proper procedure before disconnecting airbag-related circuits or near SRS; avoid spilling fluids near wiring, ensure the vehicle is safely supported if you need to work under panels.

• Professional considerations:

  • A Toyota technician can quickly confirm brake switch input signals, use OEM wiring diagrams, and check for PCM interpretation issues with specialized scan tools.
  • If the issue is intermittent or if a module replacement becomes necessary, a professional shop can ensure proper programming and vehicle reconfiguration.

• When to seek professional help (practical signs):

  • Brake lights show abnormal behavior (staying lit or not lighting) and you cannot correlate it with pedal position.
  • The brake switch tests appear normal but P0571 persists after multiple cycles and clears.
  • You’re not confident performing electrical diagnostics near the dash, or the vehicle has additional electronic warning indicators.

PREVENTION

• Keep brake switch properly adjusted and inspect the mounting periodically, especially after suspension work or brake maintenance.
• Inspect the brake light circuit for corrosion and ensure the connectors are clean and seated firmly.
• When performing any brake service, re-check the brake pedal position and switch alignment to ensure proper operation.
• Use high-quality replacement parts from reputable suppliers; OEM parts tend to fit the brake-light and brake-switch geometry precisely.
• Protect wiring harnesses from heat sources, moisture, and abrasion. Use loom or conduit as needed to minimize wear.
• After any electrical service, always clear the codes and perform a road test to ensure no reoccurrence.

Data limitations recap

• The provided data shows no NHTSA owner complaints and no recalls for the specified model years with this code. This means there is no dataset-backed frequency or safety recall basis to draw conclusions from for the Tacoma in 2016-2023. The diagnostic guidance above relies on standard P0571 behavior and typical brake-switch-related failure modes across modern Toyota vehicles.

If you’d like, I can tailor this guide to your exact Tacoma year (e.g., 2016 vs 2023) or help you create a micro-checklist you can print and carry for a DIY diagnosis.