Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid
We analyzed 1895 owner complaints and 45 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Toyota Tacoma model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2012 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in powertrain & transmission.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Powertrain & Transmission
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Tacoma Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Toyota Tacoma Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Tacoma | 295 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Toyota Tacoma | 125 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Toyota Tacoma | 93 | 4 | 60/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Toyota Tacoma | 102 | 4 | 76/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Toyota Tacoma | 324 | 4 | 90/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Toyota Tacoma | 244 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Toyota Tacoma | 209 | 3 | 57/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Toyota Tacoma | 219 | 4 | 77/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Toyota Tacoma | 90 | 1 | 28/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2021 Toyota Tacoma | 81 | 0 | 27/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2022 Toyota Tacoma | 59 | 3 | 47/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2023 Toyota Tacoma | 54 | 4 | 45/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
Buying a Used Toyota Tacoma: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Toyota Tacoma years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Toyota Tacoma model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring powertrain & transmission issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Toyota Tacoma?
The most reliable used model year for the Toyota Tacoma is 2021 (as well as 2021), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Toyota Tacoma?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Toyota Tacoma are Powertrain & Transmission, Unknown Or Other, Engine & Cooling. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Toyota Tacoma?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 45 safety recall campaigns and recorded 1895 official owner complaints for the Toyota Tacoma.