Toyota Tacoma: best & worst years

No Toyota Tacoma model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2023. Below is every year (2005–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Toyota Tacoma year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2015 Recommended 8 Secondary-air-injection (AI) system valve failures, often from moisture and corrosion, on the 4.0L V6 trigger check-engine codes and costly repairs, most reported on early-2010s trucks.; Valve-cover gasket oil leaks and modest oil consumption become common as the 4.0L V6 ages. Full report ↗
2014 Recommended 8 Secondary-air-injection (AI) system valve failures, often from moisture and corrosion, on the 4.0L V6 trigger check-engine codes and costly repairs, most reported on early-2010s trucks.; Valve-cover gasket oil leaks and modest oil consumption become common as the 4.0L V6 ages. Full report ↗
2013 Recommended 8 Secondary-air-injection (AI) system valve failures, often from moisture and corrosion, on the 4.0L V6 trigger check-engine codes and costly repairs, most reported on early-2010s trucks.; Valve-cover gasket oil leaks and modest oil consumption become common as the 4.0L V6 ages. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 7 Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.; The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.; Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 7 Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.; The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.; Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 7 Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.; The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.; Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 7 Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.; The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.; Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 7 Secondary-air-injection (AI) system valve failures, often from moisture and corrosion, on the 4.0L V6 trigger check-engine codes and costly repairs, most reported on early-2010s trucks.; Valve-cover gasket oil leaks and modest oil consumption become common as the 4.0L V6 ages. Full report ↗
2011 Recommended 7 Secondary-air-injection (AI) system valve failures, often from moisture and corrosion, on the 4.0L V6 trigger check-engine codes and costly repairs, most reported on early-2010s trucks.; Valve-cover gasket oil leaks and modest oil consumption become common as the 4.0L V6 ages. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.; The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.; Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.; The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.; Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.; The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.; Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.; Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.; Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 6 Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.; Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.; Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 6 Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.; Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.; Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 6 Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.; Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.; Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks. Full report ↗
2024 Caution 5 Early-build 8-speed automatics have failed early with rough/shuddering shifts, jumping to neutral, stuck-in-gear behavior and metal shavings, traced to manufacturing debris (since corrected); replacement transmissions have been backordered.; The redesigned turbocharged i-FORCE four-cylinder and new drivetrain show the typical first-model-year refinement issues of an all-new platform. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.; The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.; Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 5 Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.; Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.; Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.; Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.; Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks. Full report ↗

Toyota Tacoma problems by year

2024 Toyota Tacoma Caution

All-new fourth-gen Tacoma with turbo power and modern tech, but early-build 8-speed transmission failures (debris, hard shifts, backordered replacements) make the first model year a wait-and-see.

  • Early-build 8-speed automatics have failed early with rough/shuddering shifts, jumping to neutral, stuck-in-gear behavior and metal shavings, traced to manufacturing debris (since corrected); replacement transmissions have been backordered.
  • The redesigned turbocharged i-FORCE four-cylinder and new drivetrain show the typical first-model-year refinement issues of an all-new platform.

2023 Toyota Tacoma Recommended

Best of the third generation: lowest complaint volume, class-leading resale and reliability. The rear-axle weld-debris recall applies and the ride stays stiff, but a strong used pick.

  • Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.
  • The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.
  • Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks.

2022 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Strong late third-gen year with low complaints, legendary resale and off-road ability; note the rear-axle weld-debris recall and the firm, bouncy ride.

  • Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.
  • The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.
  • Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks.

2021 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Refined later third-gen Tacoma with low complaint volume, top resale and real off-road capability; the 6-speed automatic still shifts busily.

  • Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.
  • The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.
  • Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks.

2020 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Refined later third-gen Tacoma with much lower complaint volume, legendary resale and off-road capability; transmission still hunts for gears.

  • Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.
  • The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.
  • Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks.

2019 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Capable third-gen truck with excellent resale; the 6-speed automatic's gear-hunting plus fuel-system and brake complaints temper it.

  • Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.
  • The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.
  • Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks.

2018 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Capable third-gen Tacoma with strong resale and off-road ability; transmission shift behavior and fuel-system/brake complaints are the main watch-outs.

  • Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.
  • The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.
  • Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks.

2017 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Third-gen Tacoma with strong resale and off-road ability, but the 6-speed automatic's gear-hunting and a rear-differential recall persist.

  • Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.
  • The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.
  • Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks.

2016 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Redesigned third-gen launch year hampered by 6-speed automatic gear-hunting/harsh shifting and a rear-differential recall, the weakest third-gen year.

  • Rear-differential safety recalls span the generation: improperly torqued fasteners can let the diff leak and seize on 2016-2017 trucks, and welding debris in the rear axle can loosen the retaining nuts on 2022-2023 trucks.
  • The 6-speed automatic hunts and shifts harshly, especially on grades and at light throttle; Toyota addressed it with ECM software reflashes rather than a mechanical fix.
  • Fuel-system and service-brake complaints cluster on the mid-cycle (2018-2019) trucks.

2015 Toyota Tacoma Recommended

Final second-gen year and one of the best used Tacomas: low complaint volume, bulletproof 4.0L V6, unmatched resale and longevity.

  • Secondary-air-injection (AI) system valve failures, often from moisture and corrosion, on the 4.0L V6 trigger check-engine codes and costly repairs, most reported on early-2010s trucks.
  • Valve-cover gasket oil leaks and modest oil consumption become common as the 4.0L V6 ages.

2014 Toyota Tacoma Recommended

A sweet-spot second-gen Tacoma: very few complaints, durable 4.0L V6, class-leading reliability, longevity and resale.

  • Secondary-air-injection (AI) system valve failures, often from moisture and corrosion, on the 4.0L V6 trigger check-engine codes and costly repairs, most reported on early-2010s trucks.
  • Valve-cover gasket oil leaks and modest oil consumption become common as the 4.0L V6 ages.

2013 Toyota Tacoma Recommended

A sweet-spot second-gen Tacoma: very few complaints, bulletproof 4.0L V6, class-leading reliability, longevity and resale.

  • Secondary-air-injection (AI) system valve failures, often from moisture and corrosion, on the 4.0L V6 trigger check-engine codes and costly repairs, most reported on early-2010s trucks.
  • Valve-cover gasket oil leaks and modest oil consumption become common as the 4.0L V6 ages.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Excellent, long-lived second-gen V6 truck with top resale; watch the secondary-air-injection valve failures and valve-cover oil leaks common to this year.

  • Secondary-air-injection (AI) system valve failures, often from moisture and corrosion, on the 4.0L V6 trigger check-engine codes and costly repairs, most reported on early-2010s trucks.
  • Valve-cover gasket oil leaks and modest oil consumption become common as the 4.0L V6 ages.

2011 Toyota Tacoma Recommended

One of the strongest second-gen years: frame issues largely behind it, bulletproof 4.0L V6, class-leading resale and longevity.

  • Secondary-air-injection (AI) system valve failures, often from moisture and corrosion, on the 4.0L V6 trigger check-engine codes and costly repairs, most reported on early-2010s trucks.
  • Valve-cover gasket oil leaks and modest oil consumption become common as the 4.0L V6 ages.

2010 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Final frame-recall-era second-gen year; durable 4.0L V6 and top resale, but confirm the corrosion-recall frame inspection or replacement was completed.

  • Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.
  • Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.
  • Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks.

2009 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Reliable second-gen V6 truck with excellent resale; the frame-rust recall era and an exterior-lighting complaint cluster apply, verify frame inspection.

  • Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.
  • Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.
  • Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks.

2008 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Durable second-gen Tacoma with the bulletproof 4.0L V6 and strong resale; frame and leaf-spring corrosion recalls apply, confirm the frame work was done.

  • Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.
  • Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.
  • Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks.

2007 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Second-gen Tacoma with the bulletproof 4.0L V6 and strong resale; frame and leaf-spring corrosion recalls still apply, so confirm the frame work was done.

  • Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.
  • Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.
  • Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks.

2006 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Capable, durable second-gen truck, but frame/underbody corrosion, leaf-spring failures (extended-warranty/recall) and unintended-acceleration reports define it, verify the frame.

  • Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.
  • Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.
  • Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks.

2005 Toyota Tacoma Caution

Capable, durable launch-year second-gen Tacoma, but frame/underbody corrosion, leaf-spring failures (recall) and unintended-acceleration reports define it, verify the frame was inspected or replaced.

  • Frame and underbody corrosion can perforate the frame, the subject of Toyota's extended corrosion warranty and recalls on 2005-2010 trucks. Confirm frame inspection or replacement before buying.
  • Reports of unintended acceleration tied to floor-mat entrapment and sticking accelerator pedals, the focus of Toyota's 2009-2010 recall campaigns.
  • Rear leaf springs can corrode, crack and separate; a broken leaf can puncture the fuel tank or brake line, covered by a safety recall on these trucks.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Toyota models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.