2013 Toyota Tacoma Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2013 Toyota Tacoma has a complaint index of 5, the second-lowest of 21 model years, and earns a Best verdict. NHTSA lists 125 complaints, 6 recalls, and no do-not-drive campaigns, with brakes and transmission the top-reported areas.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 5/100
- #20 of 21 Tacoma years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 125
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 11
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 8
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17.5 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
Top 2013 Toyota Tacoma problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes23 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain22 (18%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires19 (15%)
- Structure & Body16 (13%)
- Engine15 (12%)
- Other15 (12%)
- Electrical System14 (11%)
- Steering14 (11%)
- Airbags10 (8%)
- Fuel System6 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe grabby brakes that led to loss of control on slippery roads, with one failure reported at 21,348 miles.
- Some trucks reportedly rolled away in reverse while parked and struck a stationary object, one case at 50,000 miles.
- Multiple owners report electrical fires or smoke from the dashboard, seat heater, or HVAC wiring, with failures at 50,000, 80,000, and 102,000 miles.
- One owner reported an airbag that deployed and then caught fire after a crash on ice.
- Another owner reported airbags that failed to deploy during a 45 mph intersection collision.
- A separate complaint described the accelerator pedal moving to the floor on its own without contact from the driver.
2013 Toyota Tacoma recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V425000Jul 3, 2017Other3,547 vehicles
Equipment
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 from the vehicle.
Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
- NHTSA 14V475000Aug 4, 2014Other20,000 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
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 list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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 is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
- NHTSA 14V054000Feb 12, 2014Brakes261,114 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
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 cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
2013 Toyota Tacoma fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,400
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
- Among 21 Tacoma model years, 2013 ranks 20th worst (meaning it's one of the better years) with a complaint index of 5 and a Best verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Tacoma?
- NHTSA data shows brakes as the top complaint area (23 complaints, 18% share), followed closely by transmission and powertrain issues (22 complaints, 18% share).
- Does the 2013 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 Tacoma, covering brakes, engine valve springs, suspension wheel/tire labeling, and other components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2013 Tacoma compare to other Tacoma years?
- The 2013 Tacoma's complaint index of 5 is far lower than years like 2024 (index 100) or 2009 (index 95), which carry Avoid verdicts.
- What is the median mileage when 2013 Tacoma problems occur?
- Across all complaints, the median mileage at failure is 40,320 miles, though brake complaints median at 37,000 miles and transmission complaints at 6,500 miles.