Reliability
Toyota

Tacoma (N300)

2016-2023 · Midsize Truck · 3 engines
1,267 NHTSA Complaints
15 Recalls
12 Fire Reports
65 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Toyota Tacoma → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

7.9 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar midsize trucks

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 598 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize truck fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 883.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall598 complaints against about 883 for similar vehicles
7.9
Last three years103 complaints against about 463 for similar vehicles
9.4
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced29 complaints against about 170 for similar vehicles
9.6
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating13 complaints against about 39 for similar vehicles
9.0

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20166.0
  • 20178.0
  • 20187.5
  • 20197.4
  • 20208.8
  • 20219.2
  • 20229.4
  • 20239.3

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

By engine

3.5L 6-cyl 7.8/10
About 85% more powertrain complaints than the 2.7L 4-cyl, per vehicle built. (523 complaints, about 1,664,000 built)
2.7L 4-cyl 8.8/10
About 45% fewer powertrain complaints than the 3.5L 6-cyl, per vehicle built. (51 complaints, about 291,000 built)

A complaint counts toward an engine only when its VIN names the engine. Each score is that engine on its own against similar vehicles, worked out the same way as the score above.

On the record · from NHTSA's files, not reviewed by hand

Recall17V285
Power Train, Driveline, Differential Unit · 227,732 vehicles (12% of those built)

Complaints by Engine Code

2GR-FKS

3.5L 6-cyl / 278 hp
1,119 complaints 139.8 per year Gasoline
12 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

2TR-FE

2.7L 4-cyl / 159 hp
104 complaints 13.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
32
fuel system
19
other
14
brakes
13
electrical
12

Toyota Tacoma Unidentified Engine

44 complaints 6.3 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
18
brakes
8
engine
7
electrical
4
other
4

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Tacoma, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Transmission: 319 owner complaints
Fuel System: 219 owner complaints
Brakes: 192 owner complaints
Engine: 181 owner complaints
Electrical System: 130 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma

On a used 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (319), the fuel system (219) and the brakes (192). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 319 owner complaints on the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
  2. Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 219 owner complaints on the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma about the fuel system, all engines combined.
  3. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 192 owner complaints on the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma about the brakes.
  4. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 181 owner complaints on the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma about the engine, all engines combined.
  5. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 130 owner complaints on the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma about the electrical system.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma

Recalls (15)

25V040000Jan 29, 2025serious
Steering

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

24V152000Feb 27, 2024serious
Powertrain

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. The axle shaft sub-assembly may separate from the axle housing due to debris causing improperly secured fasteners.

23V480000Jul 12, 2023serious
Steering

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

22V520000Jul 21, 2022serious
Child Seat

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles. One or more of the individual welds in the upper child seat anchors may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."

22V310000May 6, 2022serious
Equipment

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Show 10 older recalls
20V682000Nov 4, 2020serious
Fuel System

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

20V012000Jan 13, 2020serious
Fuel System

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

19V244000Mar 27, 2019serious
Equipment

Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

18V888000Dec 13, 2018serious
Service Brakes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Improper machining of the brake master cylinder may result in internal damage of one of the seals, affecting brake performance.

18V211000Apr 3, 2018serious
Service Brakes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.

17V831000Dec 20, 2017serious
Equipment

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

17V425000Jul 3, 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.

17V356000Jun 1, 2017serious
Engine

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles equipped with a six-cylinder engine. The affected vehicles have a crank position sensor that may malfunction, potentially resulting in an engine stall.

17V285000Apr 27, 2017serious
Powertrain

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tacoma vehicles. Oil may leak from the area where the rear differential carrier is assembled to rear axle housing.

15V656000Oct 14, 2015serious
Air Bags

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tacoma trucks manufactured August 20, 2015, to September 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, incorrect bolts were used to install the driver's knee air bag module.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (14.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Alternatives in Midsize Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma complaints?

Owners have filed 1,267 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the fuel system and the brakes.

Is the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,267 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma have?

NHTSA has 1,267 owner complaints on file for the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma?

NHTSA lists 15 recalls covering some 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota Tacoma?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the fuel system and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Tacoma?

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (19.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,267 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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