Toyota Tacoma Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls β NHTSA Data
Comparing used Toyota Tacoma options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017β2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Toyota Tacoma you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Toyota Tacoma has 1,097 owner complaints and 24 safety recalls across model years 2017β2026. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2023 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Tacoma
- Model years analyzed
- 2017β2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,097
- Safety recall campaigns
- 24
- Crash-related complaints
- 66
- Fire-related complaints
- 10
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (236 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2023 (46 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- POWER TRAIN
- Reliability signal
- Poor
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 β 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 β lower risk starting points.
β 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.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
PoorThe TOYOTA TACOMA has 1,097 NHTSA complaints and 24 recalls on record. 66 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,097 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 24 federal recall campaigns
- 66 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
π NHTSA Safety Recalls
24 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.
Safety Recall
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017β2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
π§ Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 1,097 NHTSA complaints.
π NHTSA Complaint Reports
1,097 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.
Front passenger door handle broke under normal use exiting truck resulting in inability to open door from inside, entrapping occupant. Warranty claim filed with Toyota dealership. Dealer service advisor stated this is a common failure on Gen 4.Tacomas, and Tundras. Part is on backorder. Service advisor stated backlog is large and no time estimate can be given when the repair can be made. This can result in entrapment in an accident if side windows lose power to roll down if capable of opening door from, or crawl in rear and exit through rear doors if child locks are not engaged. Recall is warranted.
The contact stated that while driving in the rain, when passing another vehicle, the vehicle began shuddering and experienced a loss of power. The check engine light illuminated and multiple other warning indicators. The vehicle pulled over to the vehicle was stopped and eventually restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer were it was diagnosed with an air intake failure. Shortly after, the vehicle experienced the same issue. Again and was returned to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed with a turbo mud and water found inside the air intake, water is covering the filter and there was no additional repairs that could be completed so the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 19,600.
The interior driver side door handle on my 2025 Toyota Tacoma failed and wouldn't open the door from the inside. I had to roll down my window to open from the outside. The dealership replaced the handle assembly under warranty. This happened at around 9300 miles on the odometer.
Interior drivers side door handle broken. I thought it was the locking mechanism having issues and i had to hold the locking plastic tab in the unlock position to open the door from the inside. After the 3rd time exiting my tacoma the door handle snapped. Now i how to open the door from the outside by rolling down the window, making it inconvenient in the rain.
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that she received an email for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V656000 (Power Train). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the dealer failed to alert her of the recall prior to the sell. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the local dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure.
In October of 2025 I was notified of a safety based recall for my 2025 Tacoma related to the front axle shafts possibly breaking which could cause loss of steering control should an incident occur. The recall is listed as 25TA11, (Interim notice 25TB11) and is attached to NHTSA ID 25V656. As of May 6th, Toyota lists this situation as still preparing the remedy. If the situation is truly a safety concern, I believe the length of time Toyota is taking to provide the remedy is unacceptable. I would like to politely suggest that Toyota have pressure put on them to provide the proper remedy in an actual timely manner for something that can cause loss of control or a rolling vehicle in the 'Limited' trim models.
The driver's side window switch panel failed and caught on fire. It is available for inspection.It will be towed to a toyota dealership tomorrow. Nobody was in the vehicle when the fire started. The problem has not been confirmed or reproduced by a dealer. The vehicle has not been inspected, is going in for inspection tomorrow. There was no warning or indication prior to the fire starting.
Vehicle recalled, left at Dealership on October 10th 2025. Dealership and Toyota corporate have failed to rectify the recall.
*Steering system - tie rod / steering nut lock was loose and discover after alignment service * Loose tie rod nut created a potential safety risk because it involves a steering component related to vehicle control. This could have put me, my passengers, and others drivers at risk if the condition had worsened while driving. *No, the condition has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. I noticed abnormal steering/handling, inspected the vehicle myself, and discovered a loose tie rod nut. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. *No the vehicle I available upon request *No
Driver's side interior door handle mechanism broke during normal usage at 8 months/6,300 miles. Breakage occured within the door panel, leaving a non-functioning handle. After breakage, the door cannot be opened from the inside of the vehicle and the occupant cannot easily exit the vehicle.
Less than 5000 miles - seat popping and cracking noise. If you look it up online, a lot of the 4th Gen Tacomas are doing this but when you take it to a dealership they say that is normal. It feels like the seat will break and moves around alot but Toyota will not acknowledge the issue at the dealership and has no fix. Seems unsafe.
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V656000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it remained since October 2025, while the contact drove a rental vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
My 2025 Toyota Tacoma engaged the emergency braking/pre-collision system system while my vehicle was going under 10 mph on a steep road in winter conditions. My vehicle was completely under control before the system engaged and there was no risk of a collision with any vehicles in front of me. The emergency braking system engaged and rendered my vehicle completely out of control. I tried desperately to pump the brakes in hopes I could regain control of the vehicle, but the brakes were fully locked. Had the brakes dis-engaged, I could have easily avoided the collision. The car not only did not decelerate, it accelerated down the hill while the brakes were locked for several seconds. My vehicle eventually slid into another vehicle that had been parked on the side of the road. From doing extensive research I believe a perfect storm of events caused this malfunction. Previously on this day, several inches of snow had fallen. The road had not been plowed and cars were parked on the side of the road. There was also a curve in the road near my vehicle's collision where the other vehicle was parked. My windshield was also still defrosting in the uppermost section near the rear view mirror. It is also possible the radar block on the front of the vehicle had snow or ice on it. It was also actively snowing. From what I have read, any of the above factors can cause a malfunction in the emergency braking pre-collision system. I had never been in an accident in over 20 years of driving and my vehicle did the least safe maneuver it could have in the given situation. There is no circumstance where one would purposefully slam the brakes on a snowy/icy down hill road if they know how to drive in the snow (even if you were going under 10mph as I was). At the most basic level of failure, I can't imagine this system should ever engage if going as slow as I was. Also, the system is designed to decelerate (was accelerating) and I was pumping brakes in effort to disengage
On Sunday March 22, 2025 at around 1340, I was leaving my house and driving on a small incline and noticed my vehicle had a jerk when down shifting. This happened four times while traveling up hill. I have not yet had any repeat issues since this date.
My rear backseat driverβs side door handle broke on March 16th, 2026. I either have to roll down the window and open the door from the outside or I have to let passengers out from exiting from the front seat. I took it in for inspection by the dealer, West Kendall Toyota on March 17th, 2026. They had to order a new part. They tried repairing it on March 31, 2026 but failed to do so and had to reorder the part. It is still broken as of today April 1st, 2026. My front seat driverβs side door handle also broke in August of 2025 and I could only get out through opening the window and unlatching the door from the outside door handle. This is a serious safety issue as passengers could become trapped should the car be hit on the other side and if even more so if the power goes out on the car. I feel Toyota is not doing enough to fix the issue and is not making a quick effort to repair this and is showing a lack of concern for consumer safety.
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V656000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
transmission is very rough, especially when going into a stop to where there is a loud clunk, and feels like a bowling ball falling out of the transmission. this happened from new until now.
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V656000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Toyota issued this recall about six months ago, and they have been dragging their feet for something that should be rather simple. They have not handled this recall in a timely manner we were originally told it was gonna be corrected in November that obviously didnβt happen and now we were told first quarter of twenty six and obviously that hasnβt happened
Due to my husband driving the vehicle, ISP states it looks like he crossed into an oncoming semi-chip truck trailer, causing a fatal accident and killing him instantly. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma's Safety Sense obviously failed since my husband is now dead. We had the 2025 Tacoma in the prior week due to my complaints that the lane assist was not working properly and the screen did not respond to my touch to turn it on. After the fatal accident, ISP removed the black box to download information for the accident report. I am now waiting for isp report. No jaws of life was used to extract husband they didn't need it Tacoma metal already peeled back like a tuna can.
Showing 20 of 1,097 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Toyota Tacoma
These pages show model-year patterns across 10years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
π Understanding This Data
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 β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Toyota Tacoma has 1,097 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 24 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. 66 of the Toyota Tacoma's 1,097 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β 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 β 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 β 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 β 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.
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π 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.