2013 Toyota Tacoma Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#13 most-complained of 16 Tacoma years
The 2013 Toyota Tacoma has a Complaint Index of 20 and ranks 13th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Best" verdict among Tacoma years. It has 125 complaints, 6 recalls, and no reported deaths.
- Complaints
- 125
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 11 / 6
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17.5 city / 21 hwy
Top 2013 Toyota Tacoma problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in a head-on crash and in a collision at 45 mph, in one case leading to bilateral wrist injuries requiring surgery.
- Owners report unintended acceleration while parking or idling, in one case causing a crash into two vehicles and a restaurant building.
- Vehicles reportedly rolled away on their own while parked, crashing into a tree in two separate incidents.
- Grabby brakes were reported to contribute to loss of control on slippery roads.
- Electrical wiring under the driver's seat and near the heater/AC unit reportedly melted, producing smoke and a burning smell.
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 Tacoma model years, 2013 ranks 13th worst out of 16, with a Complaint Index of 20 and a "Best" verdict relative to other years.
- What problems does the 2013 Toyota Tacoma have?
- NHTSA lists 125 complaints, with Brakes as the top problem area (23 complaints, 18% share), followed closely by Transmission & Powertrain (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/wheels, and other components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the median mileage for failures on the 2013 Tacoma?
- Across all reported problems, the median mileage at failure is 40,320 miles, with Brakes failing at a median of 37,000 miles and Transmission & Powertrain at 6,500 miles.
- How does the 2013 Tacoma compare to other bad years like 2012 or 2010?
- The 2013 model (Complaint Index 20) performs much better than 2012 (80) and 2010 (87), both rated "Avoid," making 2013 one of the stronger Tacoma years.