Toyota

Tacoma (N220)

2005-2015 · Midsize Truck · 9 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.6)
4,630 NHTSA Complaints
27 Recalls
79 Fire Reports
340 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

5VZ-FE

3.4L 6-cyl / 183 hp
Recommended (4.6)
4 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1
body
1
transmission
1
other
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)
Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)TOYOTA RAV4 (2000-2000)NISSAN Titan (2004-2015)TOYOTA Toyota Truck (2000-2000)TOYOTA Toyota Truck (2003-2003)TOYOTA Highlander (2001-2007)TOYOTA Prius (2000-2003)TOYOTA Avalon (2000-2004) +32 more

2AZ-FXE+2JM

2.4L 4-cyl / 147 hp
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
cooling
1
body
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)TOYOTA Camry (2018-2024)TOYOTA Highlander (2001-2007)TOYOTA Tacoma (2005-2015)TOYOTA Camry (2007-2011)TOYOTA Avalon (2005-2012)

2GR-FE

3.5L 6-cyl / 278 hp
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1
body
1
safety systems
1
wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)
Wheels/Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)HONDA Pilot (2016-2022)TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)LEXUS IS (2006-2013)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)LOTUS Evora (2014-2014)LOTUS Evora (2017-2017)TOYOTA Venza (2009-2015) +44 more

2AR-FE

2.5L 4-cyl / 268 hp
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1
body
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)TOYOTA Scion Fr-S (2013-2013)TOYOTA Scion Fr-S (2014-2014)TOYOTA Scion Tc (2014-2014)TOYOTA Scion Tc (2013-2013)CHEVROLET Suburban (2007-2014) +27 more

ERB

3.6L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.6)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
1

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHRYSLER 300 (2011-2023)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)CHRYSLER Town & Country (2008-2016)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)RAM 1500 (2019-2025)CHRYSLER 200 (2011-2014)DODGE Journey (2009-2020) +14 more

2ZR-FE

1.8L 4-cyl / 132 hp
Recommended (4.6)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
1

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

FORD Fiesta (2011-2019)SATURN Ion (2008-2008)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)TOYOTA Scion Fr-S (2014-2014)TOYOTA Corolla (2014-2018)TOYOTA Scion Tc (2014-2014)TOYOTA Yaris (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ Sprinter 3500 Cargo Van (2023-2023) +17 more

IGR-FE

4.0L 6-cyl / 236 hp
Avoid (1.3)
154 complaints 30.8 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
43
other
42
body
22
exterior
13
transmission
12

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (43 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (22 complaints)
Exterior Issues (13 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA 4Runner (2003-2009)TOYOTA Tacoma (2005-2015)

1GR-FE

4.0L 6-cyl / 236 hp
Avoid (1.0)
3,068 complaints 278.9 per year Gasoline
52 fire reports 3 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
762
body
617
other
500
transmission
288
engine
230

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (762 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (617 complaints)
Transmission Issues (288 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ Glc (2021-2021)MERCEDES-BENZ GLC-Class (2016-2022)TOYOTA FJ Cruiser (2006-2006)MAZDA CX-7 (2007-2012)TOYOTA Toyota Truck (2003-2003)TOYOTA Highlander (2001-2007)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)TOYOTA Tacoma (2000-2004) +19 more

2TR-FE

2.7L 4-cyl / 159 hp
Avoid (1.0)
865 complaints 78.4 per year Gasoline
11 fire reports 3 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
185
suspension
153
other
130
safety systems
89
transmission
87

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (185 complaints)
Suspension Issues (153 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (89 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Highlander (2008-2013)TOYOTA 4Runner (2010-2024)NISSAN Pathfinder (2013-2020)TOYOTA Tacoma (2016-2023)TOYOTA Tacoma (2005-2015)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Toyota Tacoma regardless of engine variant.

Suspension Issues (960 complaints)
suspension critical
Body/Trim Issues (828 complaints)
body critical
Transmission Issues (388 complaints)
transmission critical
Steering Issues (308 complaints)
steering critical
Engine Issues (231 complaints)
engine critical

Recalls (27)

17V425000Mar 6, 2017serious
Structure

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.

16V396000Feb 5, 2016serious
Seats

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

15V099000Feb 22, 2015serious
Tires

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Tacoma pickup trucks manufactured August 7, 2014, to December 22, 2014. The affected vehicles may have had their tires and wheels changed to TRD PRO accessory tires and wheels, causing the inflation information on the tire placard to be incorrect which may result in the tire being improperly inflated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."

14V828000Dec 29, 2014serious
Equipment

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.

14V604000Sep 28, 2014serious
Suspension

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.

14V663000Oct 21, 2014serious
Equipment

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain model year 2015 Toyota Tacoma vehicles manufactured September 2, 2014, to October 15, 2014. The affected vehicles may contain an incorrect Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

14V743000Nov 18, 2014serious
Seats

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.

14V054000Dec 1, 2014serious
Service Brakes

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.

14V168000Sep 3, 2014serious
Air Bags

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

14V475000Apr 7, 2014serious
Equipment

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."

13V494000Oct 16, 2013serious
Tires

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels. In the affected vehicles, the spare tire requires the use of a different style of lug nut to attach it to the vehicle than the other wheels use. These lug nuts were not provided with the vehicle.

13V014000Jan 15, 2013serious
Air Bags

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

13V123000Sep 3, 2013serious
Equipment

Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

13V557000Jul 10, 2013serious
Engine

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Tacoma vehicles manufactured July 1, 2013, through October 11, 2013. The engines of the affected vehicles contain valve springs that may break over time.

13V337000Jul 7, 2013serious
Seat Belts

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.

12V158000Oct 3, 2012serious
Equipment

GULF STATES TOYOTA (GST) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TACOMA TRUCKS. THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION PLACARD ON EACH VEHICLE CONTAINS INACCURATE SPARE TIRE SIZE AND COLD INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110,”TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.”

12V092000Jul 2, 2012serious
Air Bags

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TACOMA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2004, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2008. OVER TIME, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION MAY DAMAGE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING) THAT POWERS THE DRIVER’S AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED.

11V148000Apr 2, 2011serious
Tires

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.

10V035000Mar 1, 2010cosmetic
Equipment

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

10V036000Mar 1, 2010serious
Equipment

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

09V223000Jun 14, 2009serious
Equipment

TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

09V388000May 9, 2009critical
Vehicle Speed Control

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

07V324000Jul 25, 2007serious
Powertrain

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, A SECTION OF THE REAR PROPELLER SHAFT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY CAST.

06V096000Mar 3, 2006serious
Air Bags

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.

06V061000Feb 2, 2006serious
Tires

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE BEAD OF THE TIRE MAY BE DAMAGED DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TIRES ONTO THE WHEELS.

05V302000Jun 27, 2005serious
Air Bags

ON CERTAIN REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A BENCH SEAT, THE SEAT POSITION AND SEAT BELT BUCKLE SENSOR CONNECTOR PINS ARE INCORRECTLY POSITIONED DUE TO A WIRE HARNESS MANUFACTURING PROCESS ERROR.

05V050000Nov 1, 2005serious
Parking Brake

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL CABLE LOCK NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION. IN THIS CONDITION, THE LOCK NUT MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, WHICH WILL REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARKING BRAKE.

Alternatives in Midsize Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma problems?

The 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma has accumulated 4,630 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Suspension, Body/Trim, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Toyota Tacoma engine is most reliable?

The 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma was offered with 9 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma a good used car?

The 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 4,630 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma have?

The 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma has 4,630 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma?

There are 27 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota Tacoma?

Before buying a used Toyota Tacoma, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Suspension, Body/Trim, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 4,630 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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