Toyota Tacoma Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Toyota Tacoma years to avoid are 2010, 2012, 2024, and 2025, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 87, 80, 100, and 93. The best years are 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2020, each with complaint index scores under 20.
Avoid 2010Avoid 2012Avoid 2024Avoid 2025Best 2013Best 2014Best 2015Best 2020
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 2,599
- Recall campaigns
- 40
- Crashes reported
- 144
- Fires reported
- 37
- Top problem area
- Transmission & Powertrain
Tacoma Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Toyota Tacoma problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 87 | 286 | 10 | 7 | 12 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 18 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 40 | 186 | 8 | 6 | 9 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 18.5 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 80 | 295 | 16 | 0 | 7 | Engine | 19 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Best | 20 | 125 | 11 | 6 | 6 | Brakes | 19 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Best | 0 | 93 | 10 | 1 | 4 | Structure & Body | 19 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Best | 13 | 101 | 15 | 2 | 4 | Engine | 19 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 67 | 323 | 4 | 4 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 60 | 239 | 12 | 6 | 5 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Good | 33 | 206 | 7 | 0 | 3 | Fuel System | 20 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Caution | 73 | 218 | 11 | 1 | 4 | Fuel System | 20 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Best | 7 | 87 | 6 | 0 | 1 | Fuel System | 20 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Caution | 53 | 80 | 9 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 20 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Good | 47 | 59 | 11 | 0 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Good | 27 | 54 | 5 | 1 | 4 | Electrical System | 20 | 4★ |
| 2024 | Avoid | 100 | 149 | 5 | 1 | 5 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21.5 | — |
| 2025 | Avoid | 93 | 98 | 4 | 2 | 5 | Structure & Body | 21.5 | 4★ |
Tacoma years to avoid: what went wrong
2024 Toyota Tacoma Index 100 · 149 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2024 Tacoma has the highest complaint index in the lineup at 100, from 149 complaints and 5 recalls. Transmission & Powertrain issues lead at 36% of complaints, with a very low median failure mileage of 2,421.5 miles. Brakes follow at 22% of complaints with a median mileage of 18,000. Owners describe the vehicle failing to respond to braking input, sometimes resulting in crashes, and report airbags not deploying in collisions. Recalls cover shock absorber corrosion and CV joint issues shared with the 2025 model year.
2024 transmission & powertrain problems →2024 brakes problems →2024 electrical system problems →
2025 Toyota Tacoma Index 93 · 98 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2025 Tacoma has a complaint index of 93 from 98 complaints and 5 recalls. Structure & Body leads the problem areas at 42% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 5,238 miles. Owners describe lane-keeping and lane-tracing assist systems steering the truck out of its lane without warning, a driver's side window switch panel catching fire, and airbags failing to deploy in high-speed crashes. A recall addresses a front driveshaft CV joint that may deform and break.
2025 structure & body problems →2025 transmission & powertrain problems →
2010 Toyota Tacoma Index 87 · 286 complaints · 12 recalls
The 2010 Tacoma carries a complaint index of 87 with 286 total complaints and 12 recalls. Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area at 35% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 44,946 miles, tied to a rear leaf spring recall. Owners also report daytime running light lenses melting or cracking, sometimes with the wiring not diagnosed until dealer inspection. Electrical System complaints account for 11% of the total, with a median mileage of 45,564. Some owners describe brakes failing to stop the vehicle during hard braking despite the pedal feeling fully depressed.
2010 suspension, wheels & tires problems →2010 engine problems →2010 electrical system problems →
2012 Toyota Tacoma Index 80 · 295 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2012 Tacoma has a complaint index of 80 across 295 complaints and 7 recalls. Engine problems dominate at 46% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 59,707 miles. Fuel System issues make up 18% of complaints at a median of 57,785 miles. Owners describe airbags failing to deploy during crashes at various speeds, and a foot-rest piece near the parking brake pedal sliding loose and partially blocking brake pedal operation. A brake software recall covering the skid control system also applies to this year.
2012 engine problems →2012 fuel system problems →2012 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Toyota Tacoma problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Transmission & Powertrain505 (19%)
- Engine477 (18%)
- Brakes359 (14%)
- Other347 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires315 (12%)
- Electrical System308 (12%)
- Structure & Body308 (12%)
- Fuel System302 (12%)
- Steering127 (5%)
- Airbags126 (5%)
Frequently asked questions
- What Toyota Tacoma years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2010, 2012, 2024, and 2025 Tacoma model years, which carry the highest complaint index scores of 87, 80, 100, and 93 respectively.
- What are the best Toyota Tacoma years?
- The 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2020 Tacoma years rank best, with complaint index scores of 20, 0, 13, and 7, the lowest in the lineup.
- Is the 2024 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
- The 2024 Tacoma has the worst complaint index of any year in the lineup at 100, with Transmission & Powertrain problems reported at a median mileage of just 2,421.5 miles and 5 recalls filed.
- Does the Toyota Tacoma have transmission problems?
- Transmission & Powertrain is the top overall problem area across all Tacoma years, accounting for 505 complaints, or 19% of the 2,599 total complaints logged with NHTSA.
- Are there recalls on the 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
- Yes, the 2025 Tacoma has 5 recall campaigns, including one for shock absorber corrosion and one for a front driveshaft CV joint that may deform and break.