Toyota Tacoma Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Toyota Tacoma options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Free VIN check
Found a Toyota Tacoma? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Toyota Tacoma has 1,194 owner complaints and 25 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2023 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Tacoma
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,194
- Safety recall campaigns
- 25
- Crash-related complaints
- 71
- Fire-related complaints
- 11
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (239 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2023 (54 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Toyota Tacoma: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe TOYOTA TACOMA has 1,194 NHTSA complaints and 25 recalls on record. 71 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,194 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 25 federal recall campaigns
- 71 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
25 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
STEERING:COLUMN
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
STEERING:COLUMN
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,194 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,194 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
2022 Tacoma paint peeling on all doors. Manufactured 1 months after current paint recall 23TE08 for 2016-2022 Tacomas. Quoted $7,000 for new paint job by Maita Toyota in Sacramento Ca and Toyota Corp only offered me $2500, which I declined. This is stupid!
Car has difficulty starting and at times won't start in hot weather. Was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed as a bad low pressure fuel pump. Had codes stored for low pressure fuel pump.
My 2022-Toyota Tacoma has a paint peeling issue that is known to Toyota. My particular model was manufactured in Mexico with a paint code of 040. I have paint peeling in my engine compartment and on several fenders. Toyota has indicated on several websites that this has been an ongoing issue with models between 2016-2022. I took my vehicle to the ELK Grove, CA Toyota Dealership. The Service Manager said this has been an ongoing issue with my particular white (040) paint color. The Service Manager took several pictures. They instructed me to take my vehicle to their dealership collision center. I went to that facility, more pictures were taken and after setting me up for a repair paint job they instructed me that my VIN was not apart of their Customer Care program? I strongly feel that Toyota is now treating me unfairly and that my 2022-Tacoma should be repaired accordingly.
Long crank start. Loss of power. Stalling. Priming fuel system 3x before cranking results in normal start. Suspect low pressure fuel pump failure 115k km/ 70k miles
Component/system: Rear tires — traction and wet-weather grip performance. Tires are available for inspection upon request. Tire size: 265/70R16 Four BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A 265/70R16 112T all-season tires were purchased new and professionally installed at a retail warehouse tire center in August 2025. The vehicle is a 2022 Toyota Tacoma. Approximately nine months after installation, both rear tires began exhibiting severely degraded traction during heavy rain conditions on paved roads. On at least one occasion, the rear of the vehicle broke loose during a normal turn at low to moderate speed in heavy rain, resulting in a near-loss-of-vehicle-control incident. The front tires, from the same set and installation, did not exhibit the same level of traction loss during the same conditions, suggesting the failure is concentrated in the rear axle tires. Safety risk: The rear tire traction failure created a sudden and unexpected vehicle handling instability on a public road. The near-loss-of-vehicle-control incident posed a direct risk of collision to the driver and other road users. Dealer/service confirmation: The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or service center — a tire center inspection appointment is scheduled. Results will be available following that appointment. Manufacturer/police/insurance inspection: The vehicle and tires have not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning symptoms prior to failure: No warning lamps, messages, or audible warnings appeared prior to or during the traction loss event. The failure occurred without any prior indication of a problem. Tread wear appeared visually normal at the time of the incident. Assessment: The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is marketed and sold as an all-season tire suitable for wet road conditions. The tire's performance in heavy rain is inconsistent with that representation and appears to constitute a safety defect. Multiple independent tire testing sou
Component/system: Rear tires — traction and wet-weather grip performance. Tires are available for inspection upon request. Tire size: 265/70R16 Four BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A 265/70R16 112T all-season tires were purchased new and professionally installed at a retail warehouse tire center in August 2025. The vehicle is a 2022 Toyota Tacoma. Approximately nine months after installation, both rear tires began exhibiting severely degraded traction during heavy rain conditions on paved roads. On at least one occasion, the rear of the vehicle broke loose during a normal turn at low to moderate speed in heavy rain, resulting in a near-loss-of-vehicle-control incident. The front tires, from the same set and installation, did not exhibit the same level of traction loss during the same conditions, suggesting the failure is concentrated in the rear axle tires. Safety risk: The rear tire traction failure created a sudden and unexpected vehicle handling instability on a public road. The near-loss-of-vehicle-control incident posed a direct risk of collision to the driver and other road users. Dealer/service confirmation: The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or service center — a tire center inspection appointment is scheduled. Results will be available following that appointment. Manufacturer/police/insurance inspection: The vehicle and tires have not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning symptoms prior to failure: No warning lamps, messages, or audible warnings appeared prior to or during the traction loss event. The failure occurred without any prior indication of a problem. Tread wear appeared visually normal at the time of the incident. Assessment: The BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A is marketed and sold as an all-season tire suitable for wet road conditions. The tire's performance in heavy rain is inconsistent with that representation and appears to constitute a safety defect. Multiple independent tire testing sou
Read 14 more owner reports
Known manufacturing defect which results in paint flaking off and exposing bare metal to the body. This will eventually result in corrosion and structurally compromise the safety of occupants inside the cabin. This is a known defect which the manufacturer has set an arbitrary cut-off for production date despite the issue ongoing beyond the limit of their recall dates.
Coolant bypass duct leaking at just 52,000 miles. Part is made of plastic and is a very common problem.
The 2016-2022 White double cab Toyota Tacomas have a known paint flaking/peeling issue. On 2/1/2026 while drying my truck after its wash, on the driver’s rear door by the window rubber trim my paint was flaking off. On 2/2/26 I spoke with an agent at Toyota Corporation (but she was on the Lexus side) about my issue and was told my VIN was not part of the Customer Support Program 23TE08 and she didn’t know of Tacomas paint failure. On 2/3/26 I spoke with another agent at Toyota Corporation (this time Toyota side) about my issue and she knew about the paint issue but told me that my VIN was not part of that program. I told her that my paint flaking/peeling issue was the same issue that Toyota was having on their 2016-2022 and mine is a 2022 Tacoma. The Location of my paint flaking/peeling issue the same place where other white Tacomas were experiencing the same problem. It’s a know problem and Toyota needs to fix my paint issue but they seem to not want to extend to include my VIN. I’m frustrated with the fact that my truck only has 35,132 miles at the time of me writing this complaint and spent well over $45,000 for a truck that’s 4 years old for the paint to fail.
Sunroof window exploded and shattered the whole glass
I am requesting executive-level review and assistance regarding a documented paint failure on my 2022 Toyota Tacoma, finished in paint code 040 (Super White). Toyota has informed me that my VIN is not included in Customer Support Program #XXX. However, this determination does not align with the physical condition of my vehicle, which exhibits the same defect described in that program. The paint on the upper door frame surrounding the driver’s side rear cab window is actively peeling, with bare metal exposed. This is not cosmetic wear, environmental damage, or owner neglect. It is a manufacturing paint failure, occurring in a non-wear area and consistent with issues documented on other 2022 Tacoma vehicles with Super White paint. Exposed metal presents legitimate concerns regarding corrosion, long-term durability, and diminished resale value—none of which should occur on a vehicle of this age. Toyota’s reputation for quality is the reason I purchased this truck, and this experience has been both disappointing and frustrating. I am requesting that Toyota acknowledge the defect based on physical evidence, not solely VIN eligibility criteria, and provide a fair resolution, including inspection and repair or repainting of the affected area. I respectfully ask that this matter be escalated for review and resolution consistent with Toyota’s commitment to customer satisfaction and product quality. Sincerely, [XXX] Owner, 2022 Toyota Tacoma Toyota Brand Engagement Center Reference # 251105002053 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Transmission blew at 40200 miles under normal driving conditions going approximately 30/35 mph
G
Power steering pump was replaced at 33000 miles 12-7-23. Timing chain seal leak, engine was pulled at 37700 miles 6-19-24. Power steering pump leaking again at 45500 miles 1-3-25. White paint peeling at 45500 miles 1-3-25. Toyota said $1100 for new Power steering pump that is 12500 miles old. They will not cover white paint peeling in 3 areas.
See attached document for complaint.
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 there is no defect. Fluid change did improve the functioning, but it did not correct the problem. Transmission failures are a known problem on numerous Toyota vehicles using an A series transmission. My vehicle has done this and progressively worsened since it had roughly 500 miles on it. Dealership originally refused to document my complaints in their system and Toyota Customer Care's assistance has been minimal at best. My vehicle suffers from numerous of the same complaints that are listed under the 2024 model Tacoma. Before servicing the transmission fluid the vehicle would occasionally have an extremely hard shift around 55mph that would result in the truck spinning tires on the interstate which shouldn't even be possible. I actually managed to capture a short video of the dash as it was doing this once and even sent it to Toyota but they said if they can't replicate it then it doesn't count. I think there needs to be an investigation into Toyota's transmission issues as well as someone should investigate their programming for MIL/CEL activation parameters as their vehicles are alerting the driver's to a problem until there is a complete and total failure which could leave the driver in an unnecessary and dangerous situation that could possibly be avoided if the driver was informed when the "Fail-safe" features activate instead of when they're unable to compensate. I am unable to load the video through this computer; however, I can upload the video from my phone upon request.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and driving up a steep incline, there was an engine misfire and the vehicle almost stalled. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that it was like a clanging metal-on-metal sound. The contact stated that no warning was illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was idling roughly and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
I have a 2022 white Toyota Tacoma trd4x4. The paint is chipping in the inside fender on the left side. I did some research and looks like there was a recall for this very issue and that Toyota was reimbursing for the repairs. I called Toyota today and they said that I’m vin doesn’t fall in that recall. A vehicle that is less that 3 years old new shouldn’t have the paint chipping. I don’t drive the vehicle much and don’t use it in extreme conditions. They refused to help and stated I’m out of warranty. The recall was for the same issue I am having on all white tacomas on the inner fender and window areas. They didn’t want to help because my white is not the same code. But thought it was funny because it’s the same issue, same color and defective in the same place. On top of that, paint shouldn’t chip in 3 years from new to now when the vehicle has been garage kept and has only 20k miles. I would really appreciate you guys opening an investigation on this please. Thank you!
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle failed to stop at a red light. Consequently, the other vehicle collided with the vehicle on the passenger's side door and front quarter panel, sending the vehicle careening and nearly tipping over before coming to a complete stop. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who submitted a request to the manufacturer to have an engineer inspect the vehicle. The engineer reviewed the incident recorder and informed the contact that the air bags did not deploy because the occupancy sensor did not detect a passenger. The contact disputed the findings, stating that her son was occupying the passenger seat and had been wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported to an area hospital by EMT and treated for back pain. She later followed up with her primary care physician and neurosurgeon who located a tear just below where a previous surgery was performed stating that the tear was not present as of her most recent evaluation before the accident. The contact stated that she previously had back surgery to repair and/or remove discs L3, L4, and L5. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was later informed by the manufacturer that there was no data from the incident recorder on the date of the collision. The failure mileage was 24,000.
Known issue of paint peeling around the window frame on white vehicles. However, Toyota indicates that this VIN is not affected by this reported issue. They cannot explain why and deny it could be happening based on the VIN number alone.
Showing 20 of 1,194 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Toyota Tacoma
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Toyota Tacoma, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Toyota Tacoma has 1,194 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Toyota Tacoma has 25 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 71 of the Toyota Tacoma's 1,194 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Toyota Tacoma vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Toyota Tacoma vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Toyota Tacoma has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
Compare
Buyers also compare
How does the Toyota Tacoma stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
Explore
Other Toyota models
By state
Check a Toyota Tacoma by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Toyota Tacoma.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Toyota Tacoma reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota Tacoma reliable?
Poor. The Toyota Tacoma has 1,194 NHTSA owner complaints and 25 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Toyota Tacoma years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (239 complaints), 2019 (218 complaints), 2018 (206 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Toyota Tacoma problems?
Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (258 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (211 complaints); FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (158 complaints).
Does the Toyota Tacoma have recalls?
Yes — 25 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Toyota Tacoma. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.