Toyota Tacoma years to avoid and best years
Newer Toyota Tacoma years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones. 2016 has the most complaints per year, at 67 (323 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 11 (from 93 complaints), 2012 at 12 (from 295 complaints), and 2022 at 13 (from 58 complaints). The Toyota Tacoma 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, 102 of 323 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2014
2012
2022
2025–26
Toyota Tacoma reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Toyota Tacoma. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 21.8 |
| 2025 → Too early | 49 | 98 | 5 | Structure | 21.8 |
| 2024 → | 50 | 149 | 5 | Powertrain | 21.9 |
| 2023 → | 14 | 54 | 4 | Air bags | 19.7 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 13 | 58 | 3 | Powertrain | 19.7 |
| 2021 → | 14 | 80 | 0 | Service brakes | 19.7 |
| 2020 → | 16 | 87 | 1 | Fuel and propulsion system | 19.7 |
| 2019 → | 48 | 218 | 4 | Fuel and propulsion system | 19.5 |
| 2018 → | 41 | 204 | 3 | Fuel and propulsion system | 19.7 |
| 2017 → | 39 | 239 | 5 | Powertrain | 19.7 |
| 2016 → Most | 67 | 323 | 4 | Powertrain | 19.9 |
| 2015 → | 15 | 101 | 4 | Air bags | 19.1 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 11 | 93 | 4 | Structure | 19.1 |
| 2013 → | 18 | 125 | 6 | Powertrain | 19.3 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 12 | 295 | 7 | Engine | 19.1 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Regular Cab, Access Cab, Double Cab
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.7L 4-cyl); 5W-30 (4.0L V6)
- Tire size
- 245/75R16, 265/65R17, 265/70R16 or 265/60R18 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA recall 14V-054 covers certain 2012 and 2013 Tacomas: increased resistance in the brake actuator’s electrical component can illuminate VSC, ABS, and traction-control warnings and leave those systems inoperative, reducing directional control assistance. Toyota dealers update the skid-control ECU software at no charge. Separately, Toyota settled a U.S. class action over frame corrosion on 2005–2010 model years in that generation, agreeing to inspect and repair or replace rust-perforated frames (or buy back affected trucks under the settlement terms).
- Body styles
- Access Cab, Double Cab
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.7L 4-cyl and 3.5L V6)
- Tire size
- 245/70R17, 265/70R17, 265/65R18 or 265/70R18 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Early third-generation production drew several Toyota safety recalls. NHTSA campaign 17V-285 (Toyota H0G) covers certain 2016-2017 Tacomas where oil may leak from the rear differential carrier joint; low oil can seize the differential and cause a loss of control. Campaign 17V-356 (Toyota H0H) covers certain 2016-2017 six-cylinder Tacomas whose crank position sensor may fail and stall the engine. NHTSA campaign 15V-656 (Toyota F0T) covers a small batch of 2016 Tacomas built in August-September 2015 with incorrect bolts on the driver knee air bag module, which can affect air bag performance in a crash.
- Body styles
- XtraCab, Double Cab
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.4L turbo) · 5.6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/70R17, 265/70R17, 265/65R18 or 265/70R18 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA recall 25V-058 (Toyota 25TB04/25TA04) covers certain 2024-2025 Tacoma 4-wheel-drive trucks whose rear brake hoses can be damaged when mud and dirt build up inside the rear wheels, leading to a brake fluid leak and reduced braking. NHTSA recall 26V-514 (Toyota 26TB14/26TA14) covers certain 2024 Tacoma Hybrid and 2024-2025 Tacoma models whose front and rear shock absorber flanges may corrode and fail, allowing the external oil reservoir to detach and create a road hazard.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Tacoma years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 11 (from 93 complaints), 2012 at 12 (from 295 complaints), and 2022 at 13 (from 58 complaints).
Which Toyota Tacoma year has the most owner complaints?
2016 has the most complaints per year, at 67 (323 complaints). On the 2016 Toyota Tacoma, 102 of 323 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Toyota Tacoma owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Toyota Tacoma years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones.
Which Toyota Tacoma years are too early to compare?
The Toyota Tacoma 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is the 2020 Toyota Tacoma?
3rd generation (2016-2023).
How much can a Toyota Tacoma tow?
Published maximums vary by generation, cab, engine, and equipment; many recent U.S. specs list up to 6,500 lb when properly equipped.
When did the 4th-generation Tacoma start?
The 2024 model year (4th generation) followed the 2016-2023 3rd generation in the U.S. lineup.