Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Tacoma vs Toyota Sienna
How the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Sienna compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Toyota Tacoma vs Toyota Sienna: The Tacoma averages 119 complaints per year and 25 recalls, while the Sienna averages 77 complaints per year and 44 recalls. The Tacoma has more crash-related reports (71 vs. 36) and injuries (93 vs. 43). Both have real issues, so inspect carefully. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Sienna more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup that owners often buy for its rugged reputation, but NHTSA data shows a steady stream of complaints over 10 years—about 119 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train, brakes, and fuel system, with owners reporting shuddering transmissions, brake vibrations, and sudden power loss. While many trucks run fine, the volume of complaints suggests that some Tacomas develop expensive issues early, even under 40,000 miles.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan built for family hauling, and its complaint rate is lower—about 77 per year over the same decade. However, the top complaint area is the seats, with reports of loud popping noises and seats jamming on floor mats, plus some power train and brake issues. The Sienna also has more recalls (44 vs. 25), but fewer crash-related complaints and injuries than the Tacoma. Overall, it appears to have fewer owner-reported problems per year, though certain safety-related defects still appear.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Tacoma | Toyota Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,194 | 766 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 44 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 71 | 36 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 119.4 | 76.6 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 93 | 43 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Toyota Tacoma
- 01POWER TRAIN258
- 02SERVICE BRAKES211
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM158
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER156
- 05ENGINE138
Owners report shuddering under load, especially uphill or from a stop, often linked to a failing torque converter. Some also find black, burnt transmission fluid at low mileage (e.g., 35,000 miles) without warning lights, which can lead to costly repairs if ignored.
Complaints include vibrations felt through the seats when braking, sometimes traced to rear brake drums. Another report describes a brake apply on a snowy driveway that led to little sliding, but the concern is inconsistent brake feel that could affect control.
Owners describe sudden loss of engine response while turning or accelerating, with dashboard lights flickering as if the key was turned off. Others get check-engine lights for fuel system faults, which can strand a driver or cause hesitation in traffic.
Some complaints repeat the torque converter shudder, while others report paint peeling on 2022 models (e.g., Super White). These issues may not be safety-critical but can be frustrating and expensive to fix outside warranty.
“Vehicle exhibits symptoms typically associated with (at least in older vehicles) of a failing torque converter. Initial onset was around the 5k mile mark, the truck was purchased brand new. Vehicles shudders under load, especially uphill or from a stop, the t…”
“Transmission is failing, fluid was black and burnt at 35k miles (dealer did not provide a large enough sample to allow for testing the fluid because I didn't specify the amount I needed), and vehicle is not throwing a CEL or MIL so therefore Toyota says that…”
Toyota Sienna
- 01SEATS234
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER118
- 03POWER TRAIN80
- 04SERVICE BRAKES74
- 05STRUCTURE60
Owners report loud popping noises from the driver's seat when moving it forward or backward, suggesting loose hardware. Another complaint says second-row seats can jam on all-weather floor mats, trapping a child in the third row—a serious safety concern.
A power sliding door closed on a child's hand, and water leaked from a seat belt and stained the headliner near an air bag. These issues point to potential injury risks and water damage that could affect air bag performance.
Some owners experience shuddering and jumping RPMs on ignition, or the engine suddenly shuts off while driving, causing a dangerous loss of power. These symptoms can be intermittent and hard to diagnose, but they affect drivability and safety.
Complaints include skidding when braking at low speeds (around 15 mph) with the ABS warning light on, and abnormal brake noises. Such behavior could reduce stopping control in emergencies, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
“We brought our 2022 Toyota Sienna in for service January 2024 for the driver's seat. The seat would make really loud popping noises that sounded like something was loose when the seat moved forward and backward. We brought the vehicle in, and the service tech…”
“PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TOYOTA ALL WEATHER FLOOR MATS INCLUDED WITH THE 2020 SIENNA DO NOT ALLOW THE 2ND ROW SEATS TO SLIDE BACK AND FORTH ON THE RAILS WITHOUT GETTING JAMMED ON THE MATS. MY SON WAS IN THE 3RD ROW AND THE SEAT GOT JAMMED N THE MAT AND HE COULD N…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Toyota Tacoma — 25 recalls
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor V…
The risk: An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may con…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225…
The risk: An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the upper child seat anchors and reweld the child seat anchors, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toy…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.
The risk: Axle shaft separation can cause a loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rear axle assembly, tighten the axle retaining nuts as necessary, and repair or replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota custo…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225…
The risk: An insufficient weld may prevent the child seat from being anchored properly, allowing the seat to move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the upper child seat anchors and reweld the child seat anchors, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 02, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toy…
Toyota Sienna — 44 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2…
The risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models wil…
The defect: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain modified 2017-2020 Toyota Sienna vehicles. The steering shaft extensions may have been improperly manufactured, possibly causing the extensions to fracture.
The risk: If the steering shaft extension completely fractures, it can cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Braun has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft extensions, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2019. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles. The bolts for the seatbacks on the third-row seat assemblies may not be tightened properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
The risk: An improperly tightened seatback may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the seat assembly bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA05.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Sienna vehicles equipped with seating for eight passengers. An incorrect seat belt webbing guide may have been installed on the outboard second-row seat belt assemblies.
The risk: During seat belt pre-tensioner deployment, the incorrect webbing guide may damage the seat belt webbing, causing it to tear and increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the outboard second-row seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are…
Buyer analysis
Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Sienna: which should you buy?
The Toyota Sienna has fewer complaints per year (about 77 vs. 119 for the Tacoma) and fewer crash-related reports, but it has more recalls. In practice, the Sienna may be less likely to leave you stranded by a major mechanical failure, while the Tacoma’s higher complaint rate suggests a greater chance of transmission or brake issues. However, both vehicles have real safety-related complaints, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
Key differences
- The Tacoma has a higher complaint rate (119/year) than the Sienna (77/year), with power train issues like torque converter shudder being a common theme.
- The Sienna’s top complaint area is seats, including a report of a child trapped by a jammed second-row seat, while the Tacoma’s top area is power train.
- The Sienna has more recalls (44 vs. 25) but fewer crash-related complaints (36 vs. 71) and injuries (43 vs. 93) than the Tacoma.
- Both have brake complaints, but Tacoma owners report vibrations and Sienna owners report skidding with ABS warnings—different symptoms that require different inspections.
- During a test drive, accelerate uphill or from a stop and feel for shuddering or hesitation—this could indicate a failing torque converter.
- Check the transmission fluid color and smell; black or burnt fluid at low mileage is a red flag for internal damage.
- Move the driver's seat forward and backward and listen for loud popping or clunking noises, which may mean loose seat hardware.
- Test the power sliding doors and check for proper operation, especially with children present—reports describe a door closing on a hand.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for power train and seat issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission (Tacoma) or seat mechanisms and sliding doors (Sienna) before purchase.
- Test drive on varied roads, including hills and stops, to feel for transmission shudder (Tacoma) or brake skidding (Sienna).
- Check for water leaks around the seat belts and headliner (Sienna) and inspect paint condition (Tacoma) for peeling.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially transmission fluid changes on the Tacoma and seat repairs on the Sienna.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Toyota Tacoma | Toyota Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 100 | 267 |
| 2024 | 151 | 66 |
| 2023 | 54 | 66 |
| 2022 | 59 | 15 |
| 2021 | 80 | 43 |
| 2020 | 87 | 38 |
| 2019 | 218 | 45 |
| 2018 | 206 | 72 |
| 2017 | 239 | 154 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Sienna in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Tacoma vs Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Tacoma total complaints
- 1,194
- Toyota Sienna total complaints
- 766
- Toyota Tacoma total recalls
- 25
- Toyota Sienna total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Tacoma avg complaints/year
- 119.4
- Toyota Sienna avg complaints/year
- 76.6
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Sienna
- Toyota Tacoma top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Toyota Sienna top complaint area
- SEATS