Toyota Tacoma 2005–2015 problems by year and mileage
2nd generation · N220-N270 (shares architecture with 4Runner N210/N280 and FJ Cruiser)
NHTSA data through 24 September 20264,089 complaints, 3,015 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 200582kmedian
- 200671kmedian
- 200762kmedian
- 200857kmedian
- 200936kmedian
- 201040kmedian
- 201165kmedian
- 201257kmedian
- 201340kmedian
- 201428kmedian
- 201510kmedian
The 2005 Toyota Tacoma
Close- Median failure report
- 82,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 707
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
Most reported on the 2005
- Body structure260 reports · median 109,000 mi
- Suspension137 reports · median 102,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control93 reports · median 56,000 mi
10 recall campaigns name the 2005: Suspension — rear; Seat belts; Air bags — frontal. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2006 Toyota Tacoma
Close- Median failure report
- 71,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 782
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2006
- Body structure242 reports · median 93,000 mi
- Suspension154 reports · median 95,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control147 reports · median 38,000 mi
11 recall campaigns name the 2006: Seats — front assembly; Suspension — rear; Seat belts. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2007 Toyota Tacoma
Close- Median failure report
- 62,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 541
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
Most reported on the 2007
- Suspension118 reports · median 96,000 mi
- Body structure109 reports · median 88,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control108 reports · median 24,000 mi
10 recall campaigns name the 2007: Seats — front assembly; Suspension — rear; Seat belts. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma
Close- Median failure report
- 57,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 446
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2008
- Suspension124 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control85 reports · median 19,000 mi
- Body structure77 reports · median 116,000 mi
11 recall campaigns name the 2008: Seats — front assembly; Suspension — rear; Equipment — other. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2009 Toyota Tacoma
Close- Median failure report
- 36,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 519
- Recalls naming this year
- 13
Most reported on the 2009
- Suspension119 reports · median 79,000 mi
- Exterior lighting105 reports · median 45,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline75 reports · median 2,000 mi
13 recall campaigns name the 2009: Seats — front assembly; Suspension — rear; Equipment — other. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2010 Toyota Tacoma
Close- Median failure report
- 40,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 294
- Recalls naming this year
- 13
Most reported on the 2010
- Suspension95 reports · median 45,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control34 reports · median 5,000 mi
- Body structure30 reports
13 recall campaigns name the 2010: Seats — front assembly; Suspension — rear; Equipment — other. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma
Close- Median failure report
- 65,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 186
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 2011
- Suspension60 reports · median 96,000 mi
- Exterior lighting32 reports
- Electrical system22 reports
9 recall campaigns name the 2011: Equipment; Seats — front assembly; Suspension — rear. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma
Close- Median failure report
- 57,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 295
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine122 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system52 reports · median 59,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise43 reports · median 58,000 mi
7 recall campaigns name the 2012: Equipment; Equipment — other; Electronic stability control (esc). Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2013 Toyota Tacoma
Close- Median failure report
- 40,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 125
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2013
- Transmission and driveline22 reports
- Brakes16 reports
- Steering14 reports
6 recall campaigns name the 2013: Equipment; Equipment — other; Electronic stability control (esc). Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2014 Toyota Tacoma
Close- Median failure report
- 28,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 93
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2014
- Body structure20 reports
- Brakes17 reports
- Transmission and driveline13 reports
4 recall campaigns name the 2014: Equipment; Equipment — other; Engine. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
The 2015 Toyota Tacoma
Close- Median failure report
- 10,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 101
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2015
- Problems owners could not categorise29 reports
- Body structure15 reports
- Engine12 reports
4 recall campaigns name the 2015: Equipment; Wheels; Equipment — other. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.
Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. The 2005 reports latest and the 2015 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 2005 has had 10 more years on the road to accumulate mileage.
The short answer
“Is the 2005–2015 Toyota Tacoma reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 58,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 145,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 3,015
- Recalls
- 28
Most reported
- Suspension20.9% of complaints · median 85,000 mi
- Body structure20.7% of complaints · median 95,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control14.1% of complaints · median 26,000 mi
Documented problems
- Frame / Structure2005–2010
- Suspension2005–2010
- Suspension2005–2008
- Steering
Owners filed 4,089 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005–2015 Toyota Tacoma; the suspension leads with 20.9% of them, and half of the 3,015 that record an odometer reading came by 58,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 20,000 and 100,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2005–2015 Toyota Tacoma last?
Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. On the 2005–2015 Toyota Tacoma, half of the 3,015 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 58,000 miles and 90% by 145,000 miles.
267 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 69 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Tacoma reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Toyota Tacoma 2005–2015 · 3,015 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 405 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 69 complaints (2.3%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 2,379
- 25%
- 20,000
- Median
- 58,050
- 75%
- 100,000
- 90%
- 145,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 405 | 13.4% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 143 | 4.7% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 105 | 3.5% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 99 | 3.3% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 87 | 2.9% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 79 | 2.6% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 105 | 3.5% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 94 | 3.1% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 91 | 3.0% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 109 | 3.6% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 114 | 3.8% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 101 | 3.3% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 112 | 3.7% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 104 | 3.4% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 97 | 3.2% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 103 | 3.4% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 68 | 2.3% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 101 | 3.3% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 73 | 2.4% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 71 | 2.4% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 87 | 2.9% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 57 | 1.9% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 58 | 1.9% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 33 | 1.1% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 49 | 1.6% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 36 | 1.2% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 58 | 1.9% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 37 | 1.2% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 36 | 1.2% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 36 | 1.2% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 41 | 1.4% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 15 | 0.5% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 35 | 1.2% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 20 | 0.7% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 22 | 0.7% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 16 | 0.5% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 13 | 0.4% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 12 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 12 | 0.4% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 12 | 0.4% |
| 200,000+ | 69 | 2.3% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Common Tacoma problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Toyota Tacoma 2005–2015
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Transmission and driveline394 reports18,0001,500–63,000Transmission and driveline: 394 reports, median 18,000 miles, middle half 1,500 to 63,000 miles.
- Throttle and speed control578 reports26,0006,500–61,000Throttle and speed control: 578 reports, median 26,000 miles, middle half 6,500 to 61,000 miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise315 reports70,00035,000–116,000Problems owners could not categorise: 315 reports, median 70,000 miles, middle half 35,000 to 116,000 miles.
- Airbag system279 reports76,00050,000–108,000Airbag system: 279 reports, median 76,000 miles, middle half 50,000 to 108,000 miles.
- Suspension854 reports85,00050,000–118,000Suspension: 854 reports, median 85,000 miles, middle half 50,000 to 118,000 miles.
- Steering308 reports85,00055,000–130,000Steering: 308 reports, median 85,000 miles, middle half 55,000 to 130,000 miles.
- Body structure848 reports95,00056,000–138,000Body structure: 848 reports, median 95,000 miles, middle half 56,000 to 138,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 854 | 20.9% | 85,000 | 50,000–118,000 |
| Body structure | 848 | 20.7% | 95,000 | 56,000–138,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 578 | 14.1% | 26,000 | 6,500–61,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 394 | 9.6% | 18,000 | 1,500–63,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 315 | 7.7% | 70,000 | 35,000–116,000 |
| Steering | 308 | 7.5% | 85,000 | 55,000–130,000 |
| Airbag system | 279 | 6.8% | 76,000 | 50,000–108,000 |
| Engine | 216 | 5.3% | 62,000 | 45,000–94,000 |
| Electrical system | 207 | 5.1% | 57,000 | 24,000–91,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 201 | 4.9% | 47,000 | 35,000–66,000 |
System by system, in words
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 58,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The suspension accounts for 20.9% of complaints (854 reports, 429 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 85,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 50,000 and 118,000 miles.
Body structure accounts for 20.7% of complaints (848 reports, 604 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 95,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 56,000 and 138,000 miles.
Throttle and speed control accounts for 14.1% of complaints (578 reports, 496 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 26,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 6,500 and 61,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 9.6% of complaints (394 reports, 335 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 18,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 1,500 and 63,000 miles.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 7.7% of complaints (315 reports, 162 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 70,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 35,000 and 116,000 miles.
The steering accounts for 7.5% of complaints (308 reports, 259 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 85,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 55,000 and 130,000 miles.
Known problems with the 2005–2015 Tacoma
Frame / Structure 2005–2010
Frame corrosion again. A November 2016 class settlement required Toyota to inspect and, where necessary, replace rusted frames on 2005-2010 model year Tacomas, with a 12-year inspection program.
Suspension 2005–2010
Rear leaf spring leaf fracture; a broken leaf can move rearward and puncture the fuel tank, creating a fire and loss-of-control risk. Toyota recall coverage on 2005-2010 trucks.
Suspension 2005–2008
Front lower ball joint separation recall covering the early second generation.
Steering
Steering intermediate shaft and rack clunk/looseness, a very high-frequency complaint across the generation.
Before you buy a 2005–2015 Tacoma: the 3-minute check
Generated from 3,015 mileage-tagged complaints, 28 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 28 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Ask for hydraulic brake circuit repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 10,000 miles — on any car this age it already happened or never will; the question is whether it was fixed under warranty.
- Check frame / structure on 2005–2010 cars. Frame corrosion again. A November 2016 class settlement required Toyota to inspect and, where necessary, replace rusted frames on 2005-2010 model year Tacomas, with a 12-year inspection program.
- Check suspension on 2005–2010 cars. Rear leaf spring leaf fracture; a broken leaf can move rearward and puncture the fuel tank, creating a fire and loss-of-control risk. Toyota recall coverage on 2005-2010 trucks.
- Check suspension on 2005–2008 cars. Front lower ball joint separation recall covering the early second generation.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 20,000 and 100,000 miles, with a median of 58,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the suspension and body structure are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The suspension in particular shows a median failure mileage of 85,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
Tacoma problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi51% below | At 90k mi70% below | At 120k mi83% below | At 150k mi91% below | At 200k mi98% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 50,000–118,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 56,000–138,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 6,500–61,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 1,500–63,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 35,000–116,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 55,000–130,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 50,000–108,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Toyota Tacoma 2005–2015 · 3,015 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 51% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 70% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 83% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 91% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it above
The staircase tops out at 98%: the remaining 2.3% of reports (69) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
2005–2015 Toyota Tacoma recalls (28)
NHTSA records 28 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around equipment (9), the airbag system (5), the tyres (3). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Jul 2017 · 2011–2015 · EquipmentIf the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach…
What can happen. If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000.…
Jun 2016 · 2006–2011 · SeatsIf damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011…
What can happen. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact…
Feb 2015 · 2015 · WheelsImproperly inflated tires may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Tacoma pickup trucks manufactured August 7, 2014, to December 22, 2014. The affected vehicles may have had their tires and wheels changed to TRD PRO accessory tires and…
What can happen. Improperly inflated tires may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will send a revised tire placard with correct tire size and inflation information to owners, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2015. Owners may contact…
Dec 2014 · 2014–2015 · EquipmentAccessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other…
What can happen. Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's…
Nov 2014 · 2006–2011 · SeatsDamage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and…
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4…
What can happen. Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected…
Oct 2014 · 2015 · EquipmentAn incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain model year 2015 Toyota Tacoma vehicles manufactured September 2, 2014, to October 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may contain an incorrect Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label. As a result…
What can happen. An incorrect label may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Gulf States has notified owners, and dealers will install an accurate label, free of charge. The recall began December 1, 2014. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074.
Sep 2014 · 2005–2011 · SuspensionIf the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to…
What can happen. If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Aug 2014 · 2008–2014 · EquipmentIf the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while…
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may…
What can happen. If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall…
Apr 2014 · 2009–2010 · Air BagsIf the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical…
What can happen. If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically…
The free fix. Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall.…
Feb 2014 · 2012–2013 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel…
What can happen. If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact…
Nov 2013 · 2013–2014 · EngineIf the valve springs break, the engine could fail and stall while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the…
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Tacoma vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through October 11, 2013. The engines of the affected vehicles contain valve springs that may break over time.
What can happen. If the valve springs break, the engine could fail and stall while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Oct 2013 · 2012–2013 · TiresIf the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the lug nuts from another wheel, damage to the…
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels. In the affected vehicles, the spare tire requires the use of a different style of lug nut to attach it to the vehicle…
What can happen. If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the lug nuts from another wheel, damage to the wheel could result and may eventually lead to a loose wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. SET will notify owners, and dealers will: (a) Install a Warning Label on the spare tire/wheel, (b) supply a bag containing proper spare wheel lug nuts, and (c) place an Owner's Manual Addendum in the…
Aug 2013 · 2005–2011 · Seat BeltsIf the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are…
What can happen. If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with…
Apr 2013 · 2010–2013 · EquipmentAn inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires.
The defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 RAV4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ…
What can happen. An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property…
The free fix. Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still…
Jan 2013 · 2009–2012 · Air BagsIf the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may…
The defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and…
What can happen. If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This…
The free fix. Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact…
Apr 2012 · 2012 · EquipmentAn incorrect placard could lead to improper spare tire use or replacement which could result in a tire…
The defect. Gulf states Toyota (gst) is recalling certain model year 2012 Tacoma trucks. The tire and loading information placard on each vehicle contains inaccurate spare tire size and cold inflation pressure information. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
What can happen. An incorrect placard could lead to improper spare tire use or replacement which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Gst will notify owners, and send each owner a corrected placard, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 5, 2012. Owners may contact gulf states Toyota, inc. At 1-713-744-3465.
Mar 2012 · 2005–2009 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash, the driver’s side air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Tacoma vehicles, manufactured from september 14, 2004, through august 29, 2008. Over time, steering wheel vibration may damage the spiral cable assembly (clockspring) that powers the driver’s air bag module. If…
What can happen. In the event of a crash, the driver’s side air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spiral cable assembly, free of charge. An interim letter is expected to be mailed to owners during april 2012. Owners may contact Toyota at…
Mar 2011 · 2008–2011 · TiresFailure to warn of tire deflations is a non-compliance with fmvss 138 and could lead to tire failure…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 fj cruiser, land cruiser, Tacoma, sequoia and tundra vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138, "Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)." When…
What can happen. Failure to warn of tire deflations is a non-compliance with fmvss 138 and could lead to tire failure increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. For the land cruiser, sequoia, Tacoma and tundra vehicles, the dealer will re-calibrate the tire pressure monitoring system on affected vehicles and install an updated tire and loading information…
Feb 2010 · 2010 · Power TrainThis may result in a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks. The propeller shaft may develop cracks during the manufacturing process. Over time, the cracks may eventually lead to the separation of the propeller shaft.
What can happen. This may result in a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the front propeller shaft on affected vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on march 22, 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Feb 2010 · 2005–2010 · EquipmentA driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying…
What can happen. A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact…
Feb 2010 · 2005–2010 · EquipmentThis does not meet the standard requirements.
The defect. Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008…
What can happen. This does not meet the standard requirements.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…
Oct 2009 · 2005–2010 · Vehicle Speed ControlA stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the…
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
What can happen. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
The free fix. Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal.…
Jun 2009 · 2005–2009 · EquipmentIncorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing…
The defect. Toyota is recalling 27,080 model year 2005 through 2010 passenger cars built from september 1, 2005 to may 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor…
What can happen. Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on august 18, 2009. Owners may contact Toyota…
Jul 2007 · 2007 · Power TrainThe front side of the rear propeller shaft could separate at the joint and come into contact with the road…
The defect. On certain pickup trucks equipped with four wheel drive, a section of the rear propeller shaft may have been improperly cast.
What can happen. The front side of the rear propeller shaft could separate at the joint and come into contact with the road surface which could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the possibility of a…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the rear propeller shaft with a new one free of charge. The recall began on august 1, 2007. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Apr 2006 · 2005–2006 · Air BagsThis may increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.
The defect. On certain vehicles, due to improper assembly of the air bag inflator, which is used in the side air bag, the curtain shield air bag, and the knee air bag assembly, some inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents necessary for…
What can happen. This may increase the risk of injury to the occupant in the involved seating position in the event of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the specific srs air bag. The recall began on april 6, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371, scion at 1-866-548-1851, or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Mar 2006 · 2006 · TiresIf the vehicle is operated in this condition, there is a possibility that a bulge may be formed on the…
The defect. On certain pickup trucks, the bead of the tire may be damaged due to improper assembly of the tires onto the wheels.
What can happen. If the vehicle is operated in this condition, there is a possibility that a bulge may be formed on the sidewall and air may leak from the area of the damaged bead and a crash could occur.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the tires and replace if necessary free of charge. The recall began on march 27, 2006. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Jun 2005 · 2005 · Air BagsIn this condition, the seat position and seat belt buckle sensor may not function as designed, affecting the…
The defect. On certain regular cab pickup trucks equipped with a bench seat, the seat position and seat belt buckle sensor connector pins are incorrectly positioned due to a wire harness manufacturing process error.
What can happen. In this condition, the seat position and seat belt buckle sensor may not function as designed, affecting the adaptive air bag deployment, which if the vehicle is involved in a crash, could result in…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the seat position and seat belt fastening condition sensor connector. An additional sub-wire harness will be installed to correct the connector pin manufacturing error, if…
Feb 2005 · 2005 · Parking BrakeThis condition could allow the vehicle to roll if the transmission is not placed into the "park" position and…
The defect. On certain pickup trucks equipped with an automatic transmission, there is a possibility that the parking brake pedal cable lock nut may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification. In this condition, the lock nut may loosen and come off, which…
What can happen. This condition could allow the vehicle to roll if the transmission is not placed into the "park" position and the vehicle is parked on a slope, thus raising the possibility of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect and tighten the parking brake pedal cable lock nut to the proper torque specification free of charge. The recall began on march 3, 2005. Owners may contact Toyota at…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 4,089 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 321 (7.9%)
- Fires
- 66
- Injury reports
- 119
- Fatality reports
- 6
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Tacoma problems by model year
The 2006 drew the most complaints of this generation, 782, most of them about body structure, and the 2014 the fewest, 93. A typical year drew about 295.
That makes the 2006 stand out at roughly 2.7 times a typical year. A count like this follows how many cars of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as how often they failed, so it is not by itself evidence of a worse year; what each year's reports name, in its card and row, is the useful part.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 707 | 533 | 82,000 | Body structure (260) | 10 |
| 2006 | 782 | 592 | 71,000 | Body structure (242) | 11 |
| 2007 | 541 | 387 | 62,000 | Suspension (118) | 10 |
| 2008 | 446 | 312 | 57,000 | Suspension (124) | 11 |
| 2009 | 519 | 378 | 36,000 | Suspension (119) | 13 |
| 2010 | 294 | 191 | 40,000 | Suspension (95) | 13 |
| 2011 | 186 | 130 | 65,000 | Suspension (60) | 9 |
| 2012 | 295 | 261 | 57,000 | Engine (122) | 7 |
| 2013 | 125 | 98 | 40,000 | Transmission and driveline (22) | 6 |
| 2014 | 93 | 70 | 28,000 | Body structure (20) | 4 |
| 2015 | 101 | 63 | 10,000 | Problems owners could not categorise (29) | 4 |
What Tacoma owners reported
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle to a service center for a tire replacement, the contact was informed that the entire rear sub frame was extremely rusted. The mechanic informed the contact that the tires could not be replaced because the vehicle was unsafe to…
2008 · 165,000 miles · Body structure
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for inspection, the mechanic informed the contact that the entire subframe was rusted. The contact was advised that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the rust on the subframe. The cause of the failure was not yet determined.…
2010 · 49,000 miles · Body structure
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that over time the horn intermittently became inoperable; however, the horn operated while in the middle of making a turn. The contact was concerned about the failure because the horn and the air bag in the steering wheel were connected by the clockspring. No…
2011 · 88,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while performing a routine engine oil change, extensive corrosion was observed across the entire undercarriage. The severe rust damage fully compromised the vehicle's structural frame, control arms, and several underbody components. The dealer was not…
2011 · 200,000 miles · Body structure
Built from 3,015 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-09-26 · open data · how it is built
Other Tacoma generations
- Tacoma 1995–2004 1,666 reports with mileage, most about body structure
- Tacoma 2016–2023 611 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline